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The Minns Labor Government is today launching its landmark strategy to respond to the perpetration of domestic and family violence in New South Wales.

Building Better Responses: NSW Strategy to Respond to the Use of Domestic and Family Violence 2026–2030 is NSW’s first dedicated plan aimed at disrupting domestic and family violence and focusing on those who cause or may cause harm.

The purpose of this strategy is to drive a whole-of-government, coordinated approach to respond to people who perpetrate domestic and family violence and integrates prevention, intervention, response and recovery efforts.

The Minns Government allocated $5 million in the 2024/25 Budget for perpetrator research and effective interventions. Part of that funding was to develop this Strategy, with an Action Plan for implementing it.

New South Wales is only the second state to have a strategy dedicated to addressing the use of violence and holding perpetrators to account, while prioritising victim-survivor safety. 

In 2024, NSW Police recorded more than 100,000 domestic violence–related crimes, and 39 people in New South Wales were killed in domestic violence-related murders.

BOCSAR data reveals that in the last 10 years, domestic violence sexual offences increased by 103 per cent, domestic violence assaults by 31 per cent and breaches of Apprehended Violence Orders increase by 90 per cent.

The strategy focuses on stopping, disrupting and changing perpetrators’ harmful behaviours.

Actions under the strategy will be rolled out over time, including continuing work that is already underway, such as the Men’s Behaviour Change Program, strengthening services, building evidence on effective interventions, improving collaboration between services and evaluating progress.

The government consulted with more than 300 stakeholders, including people with lived experience, service providers, peak bodies, academics and regional communities in developing this strategy, with all calling for stronger, earlier action to prevent the use of violence.

The strategy highlights six priorities to better target the drivers of domestic and family violence:

• Supporting children and young people
• Preventing the use of domestic and family violence
• Strengthening interventions and behaviour-change options
• Ensuring all services and systems work together
• Building the workforce’s skills, resources and capacity to work with or refer people who use violence to appropriate services
• Strengthening data and evidence to guide best practice.

The strategy complements whole-of-government efforts already underway through the NSW Domestic and Family Violence Plan 2022–2027 and Pathways to Prevention Strategy 2024–2028, creating a more holistic and evidence-driven response to domestic violence.

This includes being the first state in Australia to legislate a specific non-parole period for intimate partner homicide and the implementation of NSW’s first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy alongside record investment in crisis support.

To find out more, https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/service-providers/supporting-family-domestic-sexual-violence-services/domestic-family-sexual-violence-plans-and-strategies.html

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“Domestic and family violence demands urgent action on all fronts. As a government we continue to ensure victim-survivors receive the crucial wraparound support they need when escaping violence.

“However, safety should not rest on the shoulders of those who have been harmed. More must be done to keep our communities safe.

“It is essential to prevent violence from happening in the first place, with work having already begun in primary prevention.

“This strategy is the next step. Real change requires addressing the perpetration of violence, to strengthen our responses to people who use domestic and family violence.

“There is no room for domestic and family violence in our community. The NSW Government is working to stop violence at its source so that everyone can live free of fear and violence.”

NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said:

“We need action on multiple fronts to address the shocking rates of domestic and family violence we see in NSW. Policies and programs focused on people who use violence are essential to improve accountability, prevent further violence, and keep women and children safe.

“This new strategy represents an important step towards a more holistic approach to addressing domestic and family violence that includes prevention, early intervention, response and recovery efforts. I welcome this strategy and believe it has the potential to make families and communities safer.”

CEO No to Violence Phillip Ripper said:

“No to Violence welcomes this historic moment in Australia’s efforts to end men’s use of family violence.

“The release of NSW’s first dedicated strategy to stop violence at the source is a landmark achievement by the Minns Government and a significant shift toward genuine prevention.

“By placing responsibility back on the source of harm, the Minns Government is leading the nation. We now call on the Commonwealth and all other states and territories to follow NSW’s lead and develop a coordinated national approach focused on people who use violence.

“We thank Premier Chris Minns, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison, and the NSW Cabinet for their leadership and commitment in delivering this important reform.”

CEO Domestic Violence NSW Delia Donovan said:

“We welcome the state’s first strategy dedicated to addressing people who use violence. It offers a significant opportunity to build a more effective, accountable and holistic approach to preventing and responding to domestic and family violence.

“As the strategy is implemented, it’s essential that the specialist domestic and family violence sector is recognised and engaged as a key expert in designing and embedding programs and responses for people who use violence. Genuine impact will also depend on meaningful and sustained funding to ensure that services are properly resourced to deliver the actions proposed and meet the strategy’s objectives.

“With these essential elements in place, this strategy has the capacity to drive long-term change, strengthen accountability, and ultimately contribute to a safer future for victim-survivors across NSW.”

Support:

For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

The Minns Government is investing more than $6.38 million in two major projects in the New England region to strengthen the local economy and create new jobs, as part of its broader plan to drive economic development across regional NSW.

This funding reflects the Government’s commitment to working with local partners to deliver smart, targeted investments that make a real difference to regional communities.

Through the NSW Regional Development Trust, the Government will contribute $6.38 million, with the two local businesses adding a further $7.16 million — bringing total investment to $13.5 million to support new training, skills development and job creation in the New England region.

The two projects receiving funds are:

• International Flight Training Tamworth – $6.61 million for major upgrades to the Tamworth facility to attract new tenants and investment
• Upgrades will include new lighting, replacing heating, and new ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure the facility meets industry standards.
• The project will bolster the Tamworth Aviation Precinct’s reputation as a leading pilot training hub in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific region, creating new employment opportunities and driving economic growth while meeting critical global demand for Australian-trained pilots.
• The investment will increase pilot training capacity to over 200 pilots annually, creating direct and indirect business and employment opportunities.
• NSW Government will contribute $5 million and the Tamworth Council will contribute $1.61 million to the project
• Medicinal cannabis manufacturing company, ABC CAN – $6.93 million to invest in infrastructure and create 20 jobs at its Armidale facility
• Facility upgrades will include improvements to cultivation areas, processing rooms and secure storage, helping to strengthen efficiency, quality and future export readiness.
• The improvements will see the company significantly increase throughput to meet growing domestic and export demand and create 20 new jobs on top of its existing 80 staff across cultivation, manufacturing, quality and logistics.
• The project will also grow local capability by expanding in-house curriculum and practical training for specialised roles in cultivation and manufacturing, supporting career opportunities in a regional industry with national growth potential.
• NSW Government will contribute $1.38 million and ABC CAN will contribute $5.55 million to the project

Investments through the NSW Government’s Regional Development Trust represent a new approach by the Minns Government to funding shovel-ready regional projects that create jobs and attract fresh investment.

For more information go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This funding is about delivering new jobs and investment for regional communities.

‘Working with two local dynamic and innovative businesses we are supporting projects that create jobs, grow local businesses and improve essential services.

“By investing in infrastructure and innovation, we’re helping communities thrive now and into the future.

“The International Flight Training investment is about securing NSW’s place as a leader in aviation training.

“By upgrading international training facilities we’re helping ensure NSW remains at the forefront of global aviation standards.

“ABC CAN is doing incredible work to provide safe, high-quality medicinal cannabis for patients who need it.

“By supporting this company we are also supporting the New England region in diversification of crops and industries to help grow economic resilience.”

Tamworth Region Mayor, Russell Webb said:

“We are grateful to the NSW Government for this investment in the International Flight Training Tamworth, a facility our community is very proud of.

“With over 300 favourable flying days annually, Tamworth is the ideal setting for cadets looking to take off in their aviation careers.

“Funding infrastructure like this supports regional communities like Tamworth to contribute to the growth and success of the aviation industry locally, and internationally.”

ABC CAN Chief Financial Officer, Max Taylor said:

“We are honoured to be a recipient of this grant, which represents a strong endorsement of our contribution to regional NSW and Australia’s emerging medicinal cannabis industry.

“As Australia’s largest exporter of medicinal cannabis and one of Armidale’s largest employers, we are committed to strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability and advancing the development of a skilled regional workforce.

“This investment will help accelerate sustainable growth, create high-quality jobs and enable the delivery of premium-grade, Australian-grown plant medicine – supporting both local and international demand.”

Bed block in state hospitals has surged by over 50 per cent over the past year.

Despite this, emergency department (ED) treatment times are continuing to show signs of turning around with the state achieving another yearly improvement in T2 emergency treatment times.

Data released today in the latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) MyHospitals update reinforces this improvement, showing that despite having the highest demand for emergency care in the country, NSW hospitals had the shortest emergency care wait times in the country for 2024-25.

T2 emergency treatment times continue to turn around

The latest Bureau of Health Information (BHI) quarterly report shows ED treatment times are turning around during this same period.

NSW hospitals recorded a third consecutive increase in a quarter of the number of T2 emergency patients being treated within ten minutes, when compared to the same quarters in 2024. 

It follows increases in the number of T2 patients being treated within ten minutes in the March 2025 quarter as well as the June 2025 quarter, compared to the same quarters in the previous year.

T2 emergency patients are among the most unwell including those suffering from chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe fractures, serious abdominal pain and sepsis – and need to be treated within ten minutes.

Some of the state’s busiest hospitals saw significant increases in the proportion of T2 emergency patients being treated within ten minutes when compared to the same quarter the previous year:

• Bankstown Hospital – increasing by half (from 31.6 per cent to 47.4 per cent)
• Blacktown Hospital – increasing by over a half (from 22.4 per cent to 35.2 per cent)
• Campbelltown Hospital – more than doubling (from 11.8 per cent to 30.1 per cent)
• Liverpool Hospital – almost doubling (from 33.6 per cent to 61.9 per cent)

It is particularly noteworthy given the July-September quarter is generally regarded as the busiest of the year, as winter illnesses circulate the community.

This improvement is part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader work to rebuild essential health services, by recruiting more health workers, delivering more  beds, expanding urgent care options, and fixing the problems too long ignored.

Improvements in ED performance come as the number of semi-urgent and non-urgent presentations to EDs have decreased by almost 20,000 in the July-September 2025 quarter compared to the same quarter the previous year.

In addition, half a million people called Healthdirect in the year to September 2025 – almost 55 per cent of these or 222,000 were referred to an alternative pathway to an emergency department, which includes GPs, virtual care, urgent care or allied health. This is a direct result of the Minns Labor Government investing into more pathways to care outside the ED through Healthdirect and the expansion of urgent and virtual care.

The Bureau of Health Information also released its survey results for the patients’ experiences in emergency departments in 2024-25. Around one in 10 patients (11%) said they thought their condition ‘definitely’ could have been treated by a GP or other health professional. The most common reasons for not seeing a GP or health professional included that the service was closed or they couldn’t get an appointment within a reasonable time.

The ED performance improvements are a result of over half a billion dollars in major initiatives by the Minns Labor Government to relieve pressure on our hospitals, including:

• Completing the rollout of nurse safe staffing ratios at 18 hospital EDs and recruiting for nurse safe staffing ratios at a further 28 hospital EDs;
• Expanding virtual care across the entire state;
• Establishing more short stay units and expanding hospital in the home; and
• Freeing up more GPs by empowering pharmacists to treat less complex conditions.

The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering the hospitals the community needs and deserves, after the Liberals failed to build Rouse Hill and Bankstown hospitals; and failed to deliver enough beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt.

Commonwealth bed block surges 

The number of patients exceeding their estimated date of discharge in NSW public hospitals because they are waiting to access a Commonwealth aged care or National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) placement increased from 747 to 1,151 in the year to 30 September 2025.

The number of these patients increased by 5.6 per cent in the September quarter alone.

The biggest yearly increases have occurred at some of the state’s largest hospitals:

• Westmead – from 33 to 60
• Wyong – from 28 to 48
• Campbelltown – from 26 to 42
• Calvary Mater – from 6 to 42
• Nepean – from 25 to 41
• Gosford – from 12 to 39
• St George – from 5 to 30
• Blacktown – from 7 to 18
• Shoalhaven – from 6 to 16
• Wollongong – from 5 to 14

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Commonwealth bed block has surged in NSW hospitals by over 50 per cent in just a single year, and this is simply not sustainable. 

“Commonwealth bed block has serious consequences for our state hospitals – from wards, to surgeries that can’t be conducted, to people waiting for beds in the ED.

“Imagine if Westmead and Mount Druitt hospitals were ripped out from our health system, that’s what Commonwealth bed block is doing to NSW right now.

“I want to thank our health workers for delivering another yearly improvement in ED T2 emergency treatment time performance.

“This is a result of fewer people presenting with semi-urgent and non-urgent conditions, thanks to people contacting Healthdirect and receiving treatment through virtual and urgent care.

“I do want to reiterate, if you have less urgent conditions, you can expect longer wait times, and you can spare yourself a wait in an ED by phoning Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, where you can speak to a registered nurse who will advise you of your pathways to care outside of the hospital.

“No one will forget that the Liberals decimated the health system by planning to sack over 1,100 nurses; refusing to implement safe staffing ratios in EDs; failing to build Rouse Hill and Bankstown Hospital; failing to deliver enough beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt; and planning to privatise six acute public hospitals across the state.”

The waste levy has been waived for four Local Government Areas (LGAs) affected by the recent bushfires across NSW.

Until 30 April 2026, residents impacted by bushfires can dispose of damaged items at landfill sites without paying the waste levy fee.

The exemption applies to bushfire-related waste on public and private land, including damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, fallen trees, garden debris and other items.

After Natural Disaster Declarations were made, the Waste Levy Exemption applies to the following LGAs:

• Central Coast
• MidCoast
• Upper Hunter
• Muswellbrook

Landfill operators may still charge their own operational cost to manage waste, also known as a gate or tip fee. Residents should check with their council before visiting their local tip to ensure it can accept waste.

Councils can activate the exemption by contacting the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and nominating which facilities they would like to use to dispose of disaster waste.

The EPA will continue to monitor conditions and consider additional exemptions if required.

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“As people begin to pick up the pieces of their lives after the devastation of the weekend, it’s important we support them in any way we can.

“Lifting of the waste levy fee not only frees up a financial burden, it streamlines the process of clean up for people, which in turn enables them to get on to the rebuild phase.

“Our community is resilient, and we will support each other throughout this disaster and the clean-up and rebuilding process ahead.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“As our community moves to clean-up and rebuild from the devastation of this weekend’s fires the lifting of the waste levy fee is an important way to ease financial pressures on our community.

“The removal of the waste levy fee ensures that damaged material is disposed of quickly and safety, while eliminating some of the stress in such a difficult time.

“Our community has come together in the face of this disaster, and I know that we will also face the clean-up and rebuild process together.”

The Minns Labor Government is delivering for the Mid North Coast, today joining with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council (PMHC) to announce the completion of the long-awaited Ocean Drive Duplication in Port Macquarie.

The $123 million project, jointly funded by the NSW Government and PMHC, has transformed 3.2 kilometres of Ocean Drive into a modern, safe, four-lane corridor that will reduce congestion, improve travel times and better connect a rapidly growing region.

Ocean Drive is one of many projects moving forward along the Coast as part of the Minns Government’s $30 billion-a-year infrastructure program, which is building and improving the essential services and transport links regional communities rely on.

The completion makes it easier for locals and visitors to travel along Ocean Drive, following the duplication of sections between Greenmeadows Drive and Matthew Flinders Drive, and upgrading intersections.

The upgrade of Ocean Drive delivers:

• A new four-lane divided carriageway
• Upgraded intersections to cut bottlenecks and improve reliability
• New shared pedestrian and cycling paths
• Better crossing points and road safety features
• Koala-exclusion fencing and a dedicated fauna underpass
• Major upgrades to water, wastewater and utility infrastructure delivered alongside the road works

These improvements help to future-proof the corridor for growing traffic demands and enhance connections to schools, health services, local businesses and key coastal destinations.

The work also forms part of a broader long-term transport network improvement, including planning for the Lake Road Duplication.

The opening today will be marked with an official ribbon cutting ceremony, with Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, Mayor of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Adam Roberts and other state, local and community representatives in attendance.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government working with the local council to deliver for the Mid North Coast. We know the community has been calling for this upgrade, and today we’re delivering safer, faster and more reliable trips for locals and visitors across the Coast.

“This upgrade responds to strong population growth in this region, providing improved access for residents to local services, including health, schools and small businesses.

“We’re the first government in decades delivering the homes, infrastructure and essential services communities need, all at once, as part of one plan. And that includes long-overdue road upgrades like this one.

“This project shows what happens when State and Local Government roll up their sleeves and get on with the job.”

Mayor of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Adam Roberts said:

“The completion of the Ocean Drive Duplication Project marks a landmark achievement for our region and is Council’s largest investment in road infrastructure to date. 

“This is more than just a road upgrade. Our commitment to meeting current and future water and wastewater infrastructure needs has also been considered, with close to five kilometres of upgraded pipeline network integrated into the delivery of this project. 

“The appointment of Ditchfield Contracting has also created new jobs and boosted the local economic profile of the region. This project shows what can be achieved when we invest in infrastructure that supports growth, enhances liveability and strengthens our regional economy.” 

The Minns Labor Government is one step closer to delivering a new roundabout at the Giinagay Way Intersection with Valla Beach Road, with construction work already underway on the significant safety improvement.

The decision to construct a roundabout was made following strong community calls and extensive investigations by the Centre for Road Safety after a series of crashes and near misses at the site.

The safety upgrades, comprising a roundabout, gateway entry treatments and permanent vehicle activated speed signs will be in place by early 2026.

These safety upgrades follow the introduction of a 60km/h speed limit on a one kilometre stretch of Giinagay Way on either side of the intersection. This change, along with the introduction of temporary Vehicle Activated Speed signs, has seen a significant reduction of crashes at the site.

Work will be paused over the busy holiday period to avoid traffic impacts on visitors to the region and will recommence on Monday, 12 January to ensure the project is completed before the end of school holidays so as not to affect school bus timetables.

Road users should allow additional travel time from 12 January as traffic control will be in place, with single lane, alternate flow both in and out of Valla Beach

Road and a detour via the Nambucca interchange for southbound motorists on Giinagay Way.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government promised to fix this dangerous hotspot, and now we are delivering the safer roads the people of the Mid North Coast deserve.

“I have visited this site on multiple occasions, and I have heard directly from the community. Following extensive investigations, I am pleased to see Transport for NSW and the Centre for Road Safety getting on with the work and delivering a workable solution.

“A roundabout will make the intersection of Valla Beach Road and Giinagay Way much safer for all road users.

“It’s great to see work starting at this location, which has experienced a number of near misses and crashes including a tragic fatal incident earlier this year.”

Labor spokesperson for Oxley, Anthony D’Adam said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring regional communities get the road safety improvements they need.

“This intersection has seen far too many near misses and crashes, and I know how important this upgrade is for local residents.

“It is great to see work now underway on a roundabout that will make travel safer through this part of the Mid North Coast.”

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 Gosford 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 Gosford at the Hylton Moore Oval Car Park on Wattle St, until Thursday 11 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 Central Coast David Harris said:

“We want to make sure that Central Coast people 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 mobile service directly to our Coast 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 Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“It is fantastic to have the icare Lung Bus here in Gosford. 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.”

The Minns Labor Government has released three new draft strategic planning documents which re-align Sydney’s long-term housing and jobs growth planning in line with the state’s landmark reforms and initiatives.

The draft Sydney Plan, new Approach to Strategic Planning Discussion Paper and Statewide Policy for Industrial Lands map out a clear and bright future for Sydney and NSW.

The Draft Sydney Plan once finalised will replace the outdated Greater Sydney Region Plan providing new comprehensive guidance for Sydney’s growth over the next two decades further cementing the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebalance Sydney’s long-term housing growth.

It delivers clear direction on how and where new jobs and homes should be located to make living in the city more affordable while driving the growth of Australia’s largest economy.

Key proposed changes include:

• Better aligning infrastructure to planned growth for both infill and greenfield development.
• Increasing the supply of well-located jobs, by delivering more guidance to councils on employment categories that suit their area.
• Protecting and enhancing the natural environment by bringing contemporary environmental management approaches into the planning process early and delivering more urban greening.
• Making affordable housing contribution scheme’s mandatory for all councils, so every part of Sydney is doing their part to create a more affordable city.

The Draft Sydney Plan is the first of four region plans which will set out the strategic planning directions for all of NSW helping to better enable the Minns Labor Government’s nation leading reforms for a more consistent, coordinated and fit for purpose planning system.

This draft plan underpins our major policy reforms in housing, affordable housing, industrial lands, vibrancy, infrastructure delivery and resilience.

A New Approach to Strategic Planning: Discussion Paperproposes a new simplified, three-tiered framework for strategic plans, aiming to put an end to what is currently an overly complex and often duplicative system.

The new framework would include:

• A State Land Use Plan to set clear statewide priorities.
• Regional plans to guide growth and infrastructure.
• Local Strategic Planning Statements (LSPS) to lead local implementation.

The proposed changes will give councils, agencies, and industry across NSW greater certainty moving forward so their effort can be better directed towards work that will have the biggest benefit.

The Statewide Policy for Industrial lands will improve how we plan, secure and manage industrial land across NSW.

It will categorise industrial land as either state, regionally or locally significant, improving how we coordinate, process and manage industrial lands to support job creation and economic growth in key industries.

This policy supports the implementation of the Industrial Lands Action Plan, released earlier this year to boost industrial land supply across the state.

We are seeking feedback on each of these documents until Friday, 27 February 2026.

For more information and to view the draft plans, visit:

• The draft Sydney Plan
• A New Approach to Strategic Planning: Discussion Paper
• Statewide Policy for Industrial Lands

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor Government is updating the outdated 2018 Greater Sydney Plan setting a new direction for the long-term growth of jobs and housing so more people will be able to live, work and play in Sydney.

“This builds on the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebalance growth and reshape the planning system so it is fit for purpose and ready to meet today’s challenges.

“It continues to drive Sydney’s economic and residential growth, while also enabling a city filled with the kind of vibrancy that attracts international jobs, knowledge and industry.

“The new Statewide Policy for Industrial Lands adds to this supporting more jobs across the state by strengthening how we plan, secure and manage industrial land across NSW.

“The Minns Labor Government inherited a shortage of serviced and available industrial and employment lands, along with a shortage of homes. The industrial lands policy will help to deliver new land for job-creating investments while making sure that employment land around key infrastructure such as ports and airports is retained for the long-term.”

“I encourage people to have their say on these documents which will provide the long-term certainty for residents, councils, businesses and investors.”