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Changes to tax reform legislation

The Greens are continuing discussions with the government on its tax package.

“We are pleased that Labor will amend the sweeping ministerial powers after we raised them in discussions,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“But the absurdly generous grandfathering provisions make this legislation a major missed opportunity.”

“There is $33 billion a year just in negative gearing handouts for people with two or more properties – this is money that could directly fund cost of living relief for renters and mortgage holders.”

“We are yet to see Labor’s amendments, but we are continuing discussions and look forward to seeing them soon.”

“Despite the changes, Labor’s lack of ambition means the housing crisis will remain more harmful and long lasting than it needs to be.”

Community and councillors give green light to Climate Action Plan

City of Newcastle will charge towards a goal of net zero emissions by 2030 with a roadmap featuring 77 actions that address the root causes of climate change.

Councillors voted last night to endorse the Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026 – 2030, ensuring climate action will be considered across all City of Newcastle operations, including maintaining a 100% renewable electricity supply, expanding our battery network, and transitioning our fleet, plant and equipment to electric or low emission alternatives.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said achieving meaningful emission reductions requires rapid, transformative change.

“To achieve net zero emissions in our operations, we’ll need to invest an additional $42 million over the next five years,” Ms Kikken said.

“We’ll be seeking at least 50% of this through state and federal grants, commercial partnerships and other funding mechanisms.

“City of Newcastle has already secured $5 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to deliver a battery deployment program, including a 10MWh battery at the Summerhill solar farm, and another 3.8MWh in 11 batteries across our facilities.

“If the Climate Action Plan can be fully implemented, it’s estimated City of Newcastle would see a return of between $3.5 million to $4 million per year from 2030 thanks to revenue from the Community Energy Precinct, savings from solar and Battery energy storage systems, fuel savings and gas to electric savings.”

“The plan not only outlines City of Newcastle’s pathway to net zero emissions by 2030, but also supports a Newcastle wide transition to net zero by 2040, in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

“The Climate Action Plan adopts a holistic approach to addressing climate change with a focus on creating flourishing lives for all Novocastrians. Climate action is not only about reducing emissions and managing risks, but also about supporting a healthy, resilient, inclusive and liveable city.”

The plan was developed using economic modelling, scientific research, cost-benefit analysis and extensive community consultation.

“Our community needs to see the Climate Action Plan as credible and deliverable so we’ve made amendments to the plan based on their feedback,” Ms Kikken said.

“A total of 239 submissions were received during public exhibition, with almost 80% agreeing climate action is a high priority, and 83% supportive of nature-based solutions, such as urban greening, tree planting and ecosystem restoration.

“Public feedback showed more than 70% of respondents agreed with the science-based targets contained in the plan.

“City of Newcastle is also conducting a feasibility study for a Community Energy Precinct at the Astra Street landfill site at Sandgate, which was supported by the community.”

The 60-hectare site operated from 1974 to 1995 before City of Newcastle started extensive environmental remediation to safeguard the water quality of surrounding wetlands, increase biodiversity and promote long-term native plant growth.

The proposed Astra Street Community Energy Precinct resonated strongly with respondents as a tangible project that brings together several priorities supported by the community including renewable energy, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and smart repurposing of underutilised land.

For more information about the adopted Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026 – 2030 visit our website.

Financial sustainability balances Budget to benefit every Novocastrian

City of Newcastle will invest a record $458 million into projects and services across the local government area next year under a Budget driven by community benefits and financial sustainability. 

Councillors unanimously voted Tuesday night to adopt the 2026/27 Budget, which includes more than $128 million to maintain and deliver infrastructure across Newcastle to meet the needs of the growing population.

Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said a modest forecast operating surplus of $450,000 in 2026/27 will keep City of Newcastle well positioned to deal with potential unexpected costs as they arise.

“The current environment and growing cost of living pressures are challenging,” Mr Bath said.

“Maintaining an annual surplus in the past has allowed us to react when the community has needed us in situations like Wickham wool sheds fire, the Lambton landslip, and the recent Mayfield fire, without sending us into the red.

“This is a continuation of our responsible financial budgeting over the past decade, with City of Newcastle last year ranked ninth in the state for financial sustainability and the only local council in the top 20 ranked councils in NSW.

“We have a duty to be responsible with ratepayer funds, especially in a challenging economic environment where everyone is feeling the pinch of rising costs, and this Budget reflects our commitment to sound financial management and sustainability.” 

City of Newcastle’s Acting Chief Financial Officer Scott Moore said this Budget reflects the thoughtful and constructive feedback provided by the community, with 100 submissions received during its recent public exhibition.

“We had a record number of submissions this year, which reinforced the need for us to continue balancing our investment in services and infrastructure with careful financial management,” Mr Moore said.

“Key themes included a desire to see us focus on cost-of-living pressures, the impact of fees and charges on community groups and organisations, and equitable allocation of spending.

“This Budget meets those expectations, from providing everyday benefits in areas such as road renewal, cycleways, and footpaths, and delivering congestion relief for those who travel through our city’s Western Corridor, to continuing the ongoing renewal and maintenance of our assets across the city.

“In setting our fees and charges for the next financial year we’ve reaffirmed our commitments to equity, inclusion and access, with targeted concessions for charities and not-for-profit organisations who use facilities across Newcastle.”

City of Newcastle continues to provide highly subsidised access to Crown Land, with rent capped at $625 per year to enable groups like Surf Life Saving Clubs, Scouts, Girl Guides, Men’s Sheds and sporting clubs to focus on delivering important services to the community.

Further support is provided through fee reductions at Summerhill Waste Management Centre for charitable organisations while funding will be provided in rates assistance relief for eligible customers experiencing financial hardship.

Council also voted last night for the continuation of the $2 entry fee at its inland pools at Beresfield, Wallsend, Mayfield and Stockton, and the implementation of a $2 entry fee for all concession card holders at Lambton Park War Memorial Swim Centre. 

The Council will seek to identify how the cost of these subsidised entry fees can be absorbed into the 2026/27 Budget as part of its September quarterly review.

New hemp plan opens doors to opportunities for industry and the environment

The Minns Labor Government’s new Hemp Industry Development Plan is set to unlock new opportunities for NSW businesses and add value to the state’s low-THC hemp industry, which is forecast to become a $100 million Australian industry by 2032.

The plan, available at NSW Hemp Industry Development Plan, outlines a roadmap for industry growth through targeted research and development, stronger supply chains, market expansion and a supportive policy and regulatory framework.

The Hemp Industry Plan will focus on:

  • Identifying opportunities to grow the hemp industry by attracting private investment, improving access to processing and value-adding facilities, and supporting Aboriginal businesses to participate in the industry.
  • Improving the NSW hemp licensing system and reviewing legislation to make it easier for the industry to operate and grow.
  • Strengthening research partnerships and providing hemp businesses with better information and advice on growing, production, biosecurity, and business development.
  • Working with other states and the Australian Government to create a more consistent approach to hemp regulation across Australia.

Developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, the plan sets a vision for hemp to become a mainstream crop of the future, creating new opportunities for farmers, manufacturers and regional communities across NSW.

Industrial hemp has huge potential for use as a fibre for textiles, rope, composites and building materials with additional environmental benefits in providing biomass for soil improvement and carbon capture.

Hemp seeds can be used to produce oils, food ingredients, protein powder and cosmetics.

Globally, it is estimated that hemp is used in more than 25,000 products spanning nine sub-markets, including agriculture, building materials and textiles.

Collaboration between industry, stakeholders and government will be critical to delivering the plan with the NSW Hemp Industry Taskforce reinstated to monitor the progress of the plan’s delivery. 

The plan focuses on areas where government, industry and stakeholders can collaborate to address local needs and position the NSW industrial hemp industry to capitalise on the potential global and domestic growth of this emerging industry. 

NSW Government amendments are planned to enhance the regulatory framework for hemp licence holders in NSW. 

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

“The Minns Labor Government is backing industrial hemp as a new growth industry for regional NSW — creating jobs, attracting investment and supporting sustainable regional development.”

“The Hemp Industry Development Plan is a game changer, positioning NSW to build a modern, innovative and profitable hemp sector.”

“This plan will unlock new investment and opportunity in regional NSW, strengthening the state’s emerging industrial hemp industry for the future.”

“We’re working closely with the NSW Hemp Industry Taskforce to turn this vision into action and deliver a strong, sustainable future for the hemp industry.”

Minns Labor Government backs the growing Hunter with over 100 new bus services

The Minns Labor Government is delivering a major boost to public transport in the Hunter, with more than 100 additional bus services every week set to transform how people move around one of the fastest growing regions in NSW. 

Part of the Minns Government’s $150 million Bus Service Uplift Program, the investment will provide frequent, reliable and accessible public transport options for thousands of residents across the Hunter.

The addition of these new services means that more than 650 new bus services – both school and regular route – have been introduced by into the Hunter by the Minns Labor Government since March 2023.

In regional communities across the Hunter, buses are a critical part of everyday life. They make it possible to get to work, attend school, access healthcare, support local businesses and stay connected to the rest of their community. More services mean more flexibility and more opportunities to participate in their community.

The additional services will deliver more night-time and weekend travel options for communities including Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Singleton, Maitland, North Rothbury, Huntlee, Branxton, Greta, Lochinvar and Windella.

Importantly, the improved timetable will strengthen connections with other public transport services across Greater Newcastle, making journeys smoother and reducing reliance on private vehicles.

From 28 June, Route 164 between Cessnock and Maitland via Kurri Kurri, will receive an additional 32 services each week. Services will run hourly, seven days a week, providing improved access for the rapidly growing communities of Gillieston Heights, Cliftleigh and Heddon Greta.

From 19 July, Route 179 between North Rothbury and Green Hills Shopping Centre via Maitland, will receive an additional 70 services each week. For the first time, the route will operate on Sundays and public holidays, providing greater flexibility and accessibility for residents across the growing Huntlee and North Rothbury areas.

The service expansion is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering the services needed to support a growing Hunter, ensuring local communities remain connected, accessible and great places to live, work and raise a family.

For a summary of changes coming into effect from Sunday 28 June please visit: https://transportnsw.info/news/2026/hunter-bus-changes-from-sunday-28-june

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley: 

“The Hunter is one of the fastest growing places in New South Wales, and we’re making sure our region gets the services to match.

“Strong communities are built on strong connections, and these extra services are just one part of our plan to keep workers, students, and families moving.

“This is about better connecting the people who call the Hunter home and the many more choosing to come here.”

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison: 

“In regional communities across the Hunter, the distance between where people, live, work and access services can be significant.

“Rolling out over 100 new bus services for the Hunter recognises this reality, as well as the incredible growth we’re seeing across the region.

“These additional services will give people more options and more freedom – to get to appointments, pop down to the shops, visit family and friends, and stay connected to their community. Importantly, it will make everyday life that little bit easier.

“This investment by the Minns Labor Government reflects what local communities already know – the Hunter is booming, and we’re committed to making sure services keep pace with that growth.”

Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr:

“These extra bus services are a big win for local residents, especially in growing communities like Cessnock, North Rothbury and Heddon Greta.

“I know how important public transport services are for our community, and this will make it easier for people to get where they need to go. More services -particularly in the evenings and on weekends—mean better connectivity, more convenience and stronger links to jobs, education and shopping across the region”

$600 million boost fast-tracks major western Sydney road upgrades

The Minns Labor Government is investing an additional $300 million in the 2026-27 NSW Budget to fast-track critical upgrades to Elizabeth Drive and Fifteenth Avenue, accelerating delivery of two of Western Sydney’s most important road projects.

The NSW Government’s investment will be matched by the Albanese Labor Government, delivering a combined $600 million boost to get these critical projects underway sooner.

As Western Sydney continues to grow, so does the demand on its road network.

This major investment will expand the scope of the projects and bring construction forward, with work on both projects set to begin in late 2026, a year earlier than planned.

This will ease congestion, improve safety and strengthen connections to the new Western Sydney International Airport.

The Fifteenth Avenue Upgrade will receive an additional $400 million, with the Australian and NSW Governments each contributing $200 million, bringing total project funding to $1.4 billion.

The Elizabeth Drive Upgrade will receive an additional $200 million, with the Australian and NSW Governments each contributing $100 million, bringing total project funding to $1 billion.

Together, these projects represent a $2.4 billion investment in Western Sydney’s future, delivering the roads and transport connections needed to support growing communities, unlock new housing and jobs, and ensure residents can benefit sooner from the opportunities created by Western Sydney International Airport.

Fifteenth Avenue Upgrade

The additional funding has enabled key design improvements in response to community and council feedback, including:

  • improved bus infrastructure and better integration with future public transport needs; and
  • enhanced road connections and access to surrounding residential and industrial estates, including an extension of Edmondson Avenue into the project scope.

The upgrade between Cowpasture Road and Devonshire Road will deliver two lanes in each direction, improve connections to surrounding local roads, enhance access to Western Sydney Parklands and provide safer crossings for local wildlife.

Planning will also continue for a future dedicated bus corridor along Fifteenth Avenue, supporting the region’s long-term public transport needs.

Elizabeth Drive Upgrade

The additional investment comes in response to community and industry feedback and will deliver extra scope including:

  • 1.5 kilometres of additional road duplication from South Creek to the M12 interchange with Western Sydney International Airport; and
  • A major upgrade of the Elizabeth Drive and Martin Road intersection, completing a key connection to the airport, surrounding industrial estates and supporting the growing Aerotropolis.

The project has also been refined to deliver safer and more efficient intersections at key locations along the corridor including a new, signalised intersection at Clifton Avenue, improved bridge connections across Badgerys Creek and South Creek and reduce impacts on local business and community facilities.

This investment builds on more than $7.4 billion the NSW Minns Labor Government has funded for Western Sydney roads since 2023 and is part of our plan to build the infrastructure growing communities need now, for a better future.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“These are welcome investments that will help us deliver the roads Western Sydney needs, sooner.

“With airport operations ramping up over the coming months, Western Sydney’s upgraded road networks will soon be put to the test.

“These additional upgrades, now jointly-funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments, will mean people and goods can continue travelling in and out of the airport efficiently as traffic volumes increase.”

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to upgrading roads across Western Sydney so families can spend less time in traffic and more time together.

“This investment delivers what the former Liberal National government failed to do when they allowed development to run rampant across South West Sydney without the essential roads and infrastructure needed.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“The Minns Labor Government knows Western Sydney deserves better, and this additional $600 million investment in the NSW Budget makes sure that happens. Better roads, less time stuck in traffic and infrastructure that finally matches the ambition of this extraordinary region.

“Western Sydney is one of the most exciting places to live, work and raise a family. Cranes are on the skyline, new businesses are opening their doors, and a brand-new international airport is putting this region on the world map.

“But this doesn’t change the reality of locals who are feeling the impact. Due to the lack of any investment in Fifteenth Avenue by the former Liberal Government, daily commutes that should take 20 minutes are taking an hour. People are staying late at work to avoid gridlock traffic. That time should be spent with family.

“Over $7.4 billion has been invested by the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments since we came to office to get Western Sydney moving again. Local MPs have been advocating for years and finally have a Minns Labor Government building better communities right across Western Sydney.”

Federal Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley:

“Western Sydney is home to one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and these investments ensure its infrastructure keeps up.

“By bringing forward delivery of Elizabeth Drive and Fifteenth Avenue, we’re supporting jobs, industry and better connections to Western Sydney International Airport.”

NSW Member for Leppington, Nathan Hagarty:

“For too long, locals have told me about being stuck in traffic just trying to do the everyday things – getting to work, dropping the kids off or getting home.

“This investment means easier, quicker and safer trips for the people who live and work here”.

NSW Government advances M6 completion while protecting taxpayers

The NSW Government and Transport for NSW have reached an agreement with the M6 Stage 1 consortium, CGU, for it to recommence work and deliver this important project for local communities.

The consortium CGU (CPB/Ghella/UGL) was awarded a Design and Construct contract by the former Liberal-National Government in May 2021 and construction commenced in February 2022.

Following two subsidence events in March 2024, tunnelling works ceased in that area, and all significant underground works ceased on the project in early 2025.

Transport for NSW has been negotiating with the consortium in good faith for more than two years to get this project back on track and protect the interests of NSW taxpayers.  

An agreement has now been reached with CGU, and under this agreement, they will immediately resume all activities required to complete the project, under the terms of the original Design and Construct contract.

Importantly, this agreement is at no extra cost to NSW taxpayers.

The agreement also means Transport and CGU have reached a consensus that there are viable technical solutions to complete the remainder of the project.

Around 90 per cent of tunnelling and close to half of the tunnel fit-out has been completed for M6 Stage 1. Only 250 metres of excavation of the main tunnel remains.

Under the agreement, CGU has also agreed not to pursue contractual claims against Transport or the NSW Government for costs related to the two subsidence events in 2024, and will work to rectify this area.

Transport will provide an update on the expected completion timeline in due course. The contractors have agreed to seek to optimise this delivery further as they remobilise to site over coming weeks.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“We have secured an agreement that gets the M6 Stage 1 project moving again and delivers the best value for NSW taxpayers.

“This agreement means construction will resume immediately under the original contract. This agreement is at no additional cost to the NSW Government – protecting taxpayers just like we promised.

“Our priority has always been to complete this project under the existing contract.

“With 90 per cent of tunnelling already complete, we now have a clear path to finishing the job.

“The former government entered into this contract, and when push came to shove, NSW taxpayers were left in the lurch. Unlike the Liberals, we will not hand out blank cheques when contractors try to take NSW taxpayers for a ride.

“We’ve spent every day since coming into government working to secure the best deal for taxpayers.

“That’s exactly what this agreement provides.”

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“Transport for NSW has negotiated fairly and in good faith with CGU to achieve the result we are announcing today.

“CGU will now work to rectify the subsidence issues that originally paused the contract.

“While there has been a regrettable delay, the contract for the M6 Stage 1 has clear dispute resolution processes and these will be used – ending the threat of walk-offs and the need for termination – with a deed putting the interests of taxpayers, motorists and residents first.”

NSW Motorways CEO Camilla Drover said:

“We have always pursued the best interests of the NSW taxpayer and this agreement reflects that.

“We welcome CGU’s decision to resume delivery of the project as per the terms of the contract.

“CGU will resume work on the project immediately and we will provide an updated timeline for expected completion once we have it.

‘We now turn our attention to building a collaborative relationship with our contractor to complete the project.”

South west Sydney parents supported through upgraded health and parenting services

Families across south west Sydney are benefitting from improved access to enhanced health and parenting support services, following the official opening of the new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub.

The redevelopment of Karitane’s Carramar site to become the Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub has been supported by the Minns Government’s investment of $6.5 million. The Paul Ramsay Foundation also provided Karitane a $6.5 million grant towards operational costs for the Hub.

The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub integrates parenting support, child and family health services, and community-based care, in one single location, strengthening access for Fairfield and surround communities. The Hub will also deliver virtual services to families across the state, and complement the child and family services offered by South Western Sydney Local Health District.

The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub will include:

  • Parenting Centre
  • Toddler Clinic
  • Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Services
  • Community Programs
  • Service Navigation and coordinated support

Alongside Karitane services, families can access a range of health, parenting and family support services delivered by partner organisations. By bringing services together in one location, the Hub makes it easier for families to connect with the support they need, when they need it.

After years of neglect from the previous Liberal government, Labor is delivering meaningful improvements for south west Sydney, delivering long-term investments into essential health services for the growing community.

The $6.5 million investment in the Hub is part of the Minns Government’s $130.9 million Family Start Package, building on our ongoing commitment to improving access to health and parenting support services. The initiative supports families during the critical First 2000 Days of a child’s life,  with early intervention and prevention programs ensuring families have access to the health and support services they rely on.

Karitane also provides a range of holistic and wrap-around parenting support services across the state.

Services include virtual home visiting and telephone support services, early parenting centres, virtual and residential parenting services, perinatal and infant mental health services, toddler clinic and a range of community programs which complement child and family services offered by local health districts.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“We know just how important it is to support parents early, so they have access to the tools and resources to ensure children are given the best possible start in life.

“The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub represents a significant step forward in enhancing access to support services for local families with young children.

“By integrating parenting support, child and family health services, and community‑based care services, local families are able to seek advice and support from a diverse range of skilled professionals all under the one roof.”

Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson:

“Having a baby can be one of the most joyful times in life, but for many parents it can also be one of the hardest. No mum should feel like they have to struggle alone, and no family should have to wait until things reach crisis point before getting help.

“This investment means more support for mums, babies and families when they need it most – because looking after a baby’s wellbeing starts with looking after their parents too.”

Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison:

“Today’s opening of the Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub is an investment in the future of our children and families.

“We want to make sure children in Sydney’s south west get the best start in life and their families are supported with wraparound care.

“The Minns Government is supporting women’s health and wellbeing, so that their families can build stronger futures.”

Member for Fairfield, David Saliba:

“As someone who was born and raised in Fairfield, I’m proud to see this significant investment in local families delivered right here in the heart of our community.

“The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub will make it easier for parents and carers to access the support they need, close to home and at the time they need it most.”

Member for Prospect, Hugh McDermott:

“Families across Prospect deserve access to trusted health, parenting and early childhood support close to home.”

“The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub will help give local children the best start in life, while supporting parents and carers when they need it most.”

Member for Cabramatta, Tri Vo:

“As a father whose three children were born locally, I understand the importance of Karitane’s Carramar site. This centre will provide valuable help and support to parents, carers, and children.”

Grainne O’Loughlin, Chief Executive Officer, Karitane:

“Every child deserves the best start in life and every family deserves the opportunity to feel confident, connected and supported as they navigate the early years of parenting.

“The Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub is more than a building or a collection of services. It is a welcoming community space where families can build relationships, access trusted support, connect with their community and find help when and how they need it.

“Designed with families, for families, this Hub reflects what is possible when government, philanthropy, community organisations and families come together around a shared commitment to helping children grow, learn and thrive.”

All aboard: Tweed and Murwillumbah locals welcome 175 new bus services

More buses, better connections and earlier starts are coming to Tweed and Murwillumbah, with 175 additional weekly services hitting the road from 29 June.

Home to growing communities and one of the state’s most popular coastal destinations, Tweed and Murwillumbah are seeing more people choose to live, work and visit the region than ever before.

These additional services will help ensure the public transport network keeps pace with that growth.

Part of the Minns Government’s $150 million Bus Service Uplift Program, the changes deliver an 11 per cent increase in services, double the services on the critical longer-distance Route 605, and responds directly to community feedback.

This is about buses that better fit people’s lives – earlier starts, later finishes, and more services where people need them most. Extended evening and weekend services will also support the region’s growing night-time economy, making it easier for workers, locals and visitors to travel safely and conveniently.

For the first time, residents in the fast-growing Kings Forest community will be connected by regular public transport, with buses operating every 30 minutes linking residents directly to the Tweed Valley Hospital, TAFE NSW Kingscliff and surrounding communities.

One of the biggest wins is on Route 605, where services between Murwillumbah and Tweed Mall will double, with an additional 111 weekly services. Faster, more direct trips will cut travel times by up to six minutes, making every day journeys to work, appointments, education and shopping simpler and quicker.

The service uplift will also benefit healthcare workers, with additional evening and weekend services to the Tweed Valley Hospital better aligned with shift times, providing greater flexibility for staff and improved access for patients and visitors.

The changes include eight additional weekly services between Pottsville and Tweed Heads, extended operating hours for services in Pottsville and improved connections from Pottsville, Fingal Head and surrounding communities, making it easier for passengers to connect at Tweed Mall and travel onwards into Queensland.

The expansion will also create seven additional bus driver jobs and ensure public transport keeps pace with a rapidly growing North Coast.

As the region continues to grow, the Minns Labor Government is delivering the services communities asked for—keeping people connected, supporting local jobs, and ensuring Tweed and Murwillumbah remain great places to live, work and raise a family.

For a summary of changes from Monday 29 June please visit: https://transportnsw.info/news/2026/tweed-bus-changes-from-monday-29-june

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:

“This is fantastic news for Tweed and Murwillumbah and the benefits will ripple right across both communities. With families putting down roots, new neighbourhoods growing, and more visitors discovering what makes this region special, 175 extra bus services every week will make a real difference to everyday life.

“The Minns Labor Government believes regional communities deserve the same investment and attention as anywhere else, and that means services built around how people actually live.

“This is about choice. Beach trip with a stop at the shops on the way home? That should be easy. Now it will be.”

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin:

“We have listened and are delivering the reliable, frequent and connected bus services our North Coast communities want, need and deserve.

“By doubling services on critical longer-distance routes like Route 605 and unlocking regular public transport for Kings Forest, we are providing more seats and creating more connections across our communities.

“Whether it’s healthcare workers getting to shift changes to help serve our community or locals accessing those essential services and shops, we are making sure our transport network grows as we grow.”   

Labor Spokesperson for Tweed, Emily Suvaal:

“Tweed is a special part of NSW – beautiful beaches, a relaxed lifestyle, and communities that are genuinely growing. People are choosing to move here and visitors keep coming back, meaning public transport needs to be up to par.

“For a lot of families and workers here, the bus isn’t a backup option – it’s how they get to work, reach their GP, drop the kids to school and get home at the end of the day. New weekly services means more people can get where they need to go, without it being a struggle.

“This is about making everyday life on the North Coast even better, and ensuring the buses actually work around the way people here live.”

Inaugural SafeWork Advisory Council launched

The NSW Government has now appointed the inaugural SafeWork Advisory Council, a key component of the Minns Labor Government’s reforms establishing SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator.

The Council was created through changes to the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Standalone Regulator) Act 2025 to strengthen SafeWork NSW’s governance framework and ensure the regulator has access to diverse strategic advice on work health and safety risks, priorities and emerging issues.

The Council is chaired by Emeritus Professor Michael Quinlan, a WHS Expert with over 40 years’ experience.

The tripartite Advisory Council brings together representatives of workers, employers, workplace safety experts and families with lived experience of losing a loved one to a workplace fatality to provide strategic advice to SafeWork NSW and the NSW Government.

Among its lived experience members is Debra Pascall, who tragically lost her son in a workplace incident in 2018 and has since become a passionate advocate for improving workplace safety and preventing future tragedies

The role of the Advisory Council is to:

  • monitor emerging risks and trends in the field of work health and safety
  • advise the SafeWork Commissioner on the strategic direction and priorities of SafeWork NSW
  • advise the SafeWork Commissioner or the Minister on any matters referred to the Advisory Council by the SafeWork Commissioner or the Minister, and
  • perform any other functions conferred on the Advisory Council by or under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 or the regulations, or another law.

The commencement of the Advisory Council will support SafeWork NSW in its regulatory efforts to prevent fatalities, serious injuries and illness.

Under the Act, the SafeWork Commissioner is required to consider the Council’s advice when setting the regulator’s strategic direction and priorities.

In 2025 there were 60 fatalities in NSW workplaces, with most of these occurring in the construction, transport and warehousing, and agriculture sectors.

The formal commencement of the SafeWork NSW Advisory Council brings to a close the work of the SafeWork NSW Interim Tripartite Reference Group. The group served as an interim measure prior to the establishment the Advisory Council. 

The Interim Tripartite Reference Group played an important role in ensuring the perspectives of employers, unions, workers and government informed SafeWork NSW’s reform agenda and broader regulatory initiatives during the transition to a standalone regulator and we thank them for their service.

It also supported consideration of practical measures to strengthen work health and safety outcomes while formal governance and consultation arrangements were being established.

More details on the Advisory Council can be found on the SafeWork NSW website at https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/about-us/safework-nsw-advisory-council.

In line with SafeWork NSW’s reporting requirements, a summary of actions taken in response to advice from the SafeWork Advisory Council will be publicly reported.

Minister for Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“This is an historic day. This Advisory Council has been a long time coming and marks an important step in strengthening workplace safety in NSW.

“When we came to government, we committed to creating safer workplaces. We established SafeWork as a standalone regulator to strengthen accountability, transparency and its focus on keeping workers safe.

“To create safer workplaces, we need real-world insight. The Council’s tripartite model ensures workers, employers and experts help inform SafeWork’s strategic direction and regulatory decisions.

“By bringing diverse voices to the table, including business, industry, unions and lived experience representatives, we are ensuring workplace safety decisions are informed by practical expertise and emerging risks.”

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

“The primary objective of the Advisory Council is to ensure that SafeWork NSW considers the diverse perspectives of workers and their representatives, industry, subject matter experts and individuals with lived experience when setting its strategic direction and priorities.

“Their input and partnership will support SafeWork NSW in securing safer and healthier workplaces in NSW.”

Advisory Council Chair, Emeritus Professor Michael Quinlan said: 

“It’s an honour to be chair of the SafeWork Advisory Council which is dedicated to improving safety outcomes for workplaces and families in New South Wales.

“The tripartite basis ensures that industry, unions and government get to work together, and we do it as a voice of expertise and lived experience.

“The model demonstrates best practice and provides the opportunity to have input and feedback on emerging issues warranting more attention.”

TWU Assistant Secretary Marija Marsic said:

“These lived experiences come to us from the coal face every single day.

“It’s so important for workers to have that representation from unions so we can advocate on their behalf in a way that is meaningful to policy and change.”

Business NSW Senior Project Manager Liz Greenwood said:

“It’s important to consider the perspectives of the many different voices on this council and to have those robust discussions before decisions that impact the safety of workers are made.”

Debra Pascall, Lived Experience Member said:

“I am honoured to have been appointed to the NSW SafeWork Advisory Council.

For me, safety is deeply personal after losing my son in a tragic, completely preventable workplace incident. Lived experience ensures the human impact of workplace harm remains at the centre of decision-making, reminding us that every policy and every regulation is ultimately about protecting people.

Every worker deserves to come home safely, and I hope my involvement in the advisory council contributes to this.”