Author: admin

From next month, GPs can begin training to diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of the next phase of the Minns Labor Government’s landmark reforms to make it easier, faster and more affordable for families to access care.

Nearly 600 general practitioners have expressed their interest in undertaking training to be able to diagnose and treat ADHD from March.

With a focus on improving access to healthcare in regional, rural and remote areas, GPs working in areas of greatest need will be prioritised for training.

More than 800 GPs have been trained to fill repeat ADHD medication scripts as part of the first phase of reforms. This has enabled ADHD patients to be prescribed essential medication via their GPs saving patients and their families a trip to see a psychiatrist or paediatrician.

Since 1 September 2025, over 5000 patients have benefitted from the new arrangement, with increased access and over 18,000 scripts filled thanks to this important change.

Previously, most people seeking ADHD care had to navigate a costly and overloaded non-GP specialist system, experiencing long wait times and high fees which could delay treatment, particularly for children.

These delays can impact children’s development, such as poorer academic progress, and later impact employment opportunities and mental health.

The Liberals and Nationals originally opposed these groundbreaking reforms, but the Minns Labor Government is making ADHD care more accessible and affordable for people across NSW.

Applications for GPs wishing to enrol in stage two of the reform remain open, however training spots are limited, so those interested are being encouraged to act soon. Training costs will be covered by NSW Health, with a remuneration package available to those who complete the training. A waiting list will also be maintained for future training opportunities.

GPs can also apply to become a continuation prescriber.

GPs will continue to make specialist referrals, and escalate care, as required to ensure patients are receiving the treatment they need, when and where they need it.

More information is available at ADHD care in general practice, and GPs with any questions are encouraged to contact MOH-ADHDreforms@health.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“With nearly 600 GPs already expressing their interest to receive training to diagnose ADHD, and over 800 already trained to prescribe ongoing medication, these reforms are expanding capacity to support the greater health system.

“Accessing ADHD diagnosis services in regional and rural communities is a challenge. As part of this next step, we’re prioritising training of GPs in the bush so families can get the care they need closer to home.

“We know the impact high quality ADHD care can have on family wellbeing, we are deeply committed to ensuring children in metro and regional NSW are not left behind.

“If you’d like to speak to a doctor about ADHD diagnosis, I encourage you to discuss with your regular GP to understand if they will provide this assessment.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“Feedback from everyone involved in these reforms so far has been incredibly positive, with some going as far as saying it’s been life-changing for managing their treatment.

“We’re incredibly excited to move to the next stage where GPs can undertake training to actually diagnose ADHD. It’s the next step in building a system where ADHD care is based on need, not income.

“We have already worked to reduce long waiting lists just to refill scripts – now we’re helping reduce the stress and anxiety many feel while waiting for an ADHD diagnosis.”

RACGP NSW & ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman:

“The evidence indicates up to 10% of children, and 6% of adults, live with ADHD. This is a common condition that can be diagnosed and managed well by a specialist GP with appropriate training.

“The reforms announced by the NSW Government will make a huge difference to thousands of patients in our state. Access to an ADHD diagnosis and ongoing care is very often lifechanging.

“ADHD affects many aspects of a person’s life and health – their sleep, their education, how they interact with others. GPs are specialists in whole-of-person care, and are well-placed to help patients with ADHD to thrive at school, in university, at work, and at home.”

21-year-old ADHD patient and psychology graduate Lucia Porteus:

“What helped me most to overcome the challenges of ADHD was not just medication, but also the continued access to treatment and support I received from my ADHD coach, my school, my paediatricians, my GPs and my family.

“The support I received helped me to graduate with a Bachelor of Psychological Science from UNSW, and I’m currently looking at completing post-grad or honours to help people with disabilities and mental health issues to succeed, too.

“I know I have been lucky. Many of my peers have struggled to access medication or a diagnosis for ADHD because of costs and long wait lists, but this new policy will remove such barriers for so many people.”

The Minns Labor Government has introduced new reforms to Parliament which will create greener futures for Callan Park, Centennial and Moore Park, Parramatta Park, Western Sydney Parklands and Fernhill Estate.

The legislation will improve services and facilities for park users and support long term financial sustainability of Greater Sydney Parklands, so our city’s green spaces are protected and supported for generations to come.

The Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Amendment (Review) Bill 2026 will update the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Act 2022 and associated Trusts legislation.

These parks are a shared backyard for their communities, providing beloved open green space where people can play, relax, exercise and gather with family and friends.

Modern communities expect a degree of activation in their public spaces and this legislation will enable that across all our parklands so people can enjoy a flat white and banana bread at the park without packing a thermos or stopping elsewhere for a takeaway coffee.

The Bill will reform four key areas to improve the parklands estate for the millions of people who visit them each year.

• Shoring up financial sustainability so parklands can be properly maintained, improved and expanded for generations to come.
• Modernising and streamlining leasing, licensing and tender processes to improve consistency across all our parklands while maintaining transparency for the public.
• Strengthening and aligning the objectives across the various parklands’ legislation.
• Cementing governance frameworks including further clarifying the role of community trustee boards.

Importantly the legislation protects parklands and prevents the sale of any part of the parklands.

This legislation responds directly to recommendations of the Joint Select Committee set up to review the Act and its objectives.

With the number of people living in apartments increasing year on year it’s more important than ever that we protect, enhance and improve our parklands.

The Bill sets up a clear future for both current and future parks under Greater Sydney Parklands management, so when new green space is added to support increasing populations there are clear guidelines for how to protect, activate and manage the parklands.

Minister for Planning and Public Space Paul Scully said:

“This Bill contains a package of practical and sensible reforms needed to protect, improve and sustain our much-loved parks for future generations.

“We’re protecting our parklands without standing in the way of sensible activations like cafes because people should be able to enjoy a flat white and banana bread at the park without always needing to pack a thermos or stop offsite for a takeaway brew.

“It will improve clarity, reduce inconsistency and make sure legislation for our parklands is fit for purpose into the future, for the countless people that use these iconic parks in their everyday life.

“These changes will allow further funding and investment opportunities, increase efficiencies and mean we can continue to make our parks accessible to the community into the future.”

Greater Sydney Parklands Chief Executive Joshua French said:

“The incredible parklands we manage are treasured places for recreation, culture, nature and community life so this Bill is essential for their ongoing improvement, funding and growth.

“This Bill provides the legislative framework that safeguards these spaces while ensuring they remain financially sustainable and responsive to the needs of a growing city.

“It makes sure that our parklands can continue to support Sydney’s population growth, demographic changes, and liveability, building connectivity and resilience but also retain their unique local character which makes them so special and loved by local residents and visitors.”

The Minns Labor Government is taking biosecurity and pest animal management support on the road, delivering a series of workshops across the state’s south east through the Feral Pig and Pest Program 2025-26.

Between February and May, landholders can attend one of eight drop-in sessions throughout the Queanbeyan-Palerang region to speak with Local Land Services biosecurity and veterinary staff about feral pig control options, baiting techniques, livestock health, seasonal conditions and more.

Eligible landholders can also access subsidised grain to assist with baiting programs.

The workshops are a key part in equipping landholders with the skills and knowledge to manage pest animals on their properties, keeping livestock disease-free and getting the most out of their land.

The pest and biosecurity roadshow is part of the NSW Government’s more than $40 million investment over the past three years in initiatives aimed at supporting landholders to control feral pig and pest animal populations.

The roadshow will stop at:

• Carwoola – Friday 20 February, 3pm – 6pm, Carwoola Community Hall
• Mongarlowe / Charleys Forest – Tuesday 3 March, 9:30am – 1pm, Mongarlowe Community Hall
• Krawarree – Friday 20 March, 9am – 12pm, Gundillion Hall
• Burra – Thursday 26 March, 3pm – 6pm, Burra Community Hall
• Majors Creek– Tuesday 14 April, 1pm – 4pm, Majors Creek Recreation Hall
• Bungendore – Thursday 23 April, 10am – 1pm, Bungendore Scout Hall
• Royalla – Tuesday 28 April, 3pm – 6pm, Royalla Common
• Nerriga – Friday 15 May, 3pm – 6pm, Nerriga Hall

The drop-in format allows landholders to choose a time that suits them to discuss management options tailored to their property.

Bookings are recommended. Register online.

For more information, landholders can contact their nearest Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to addressing biosecurity threats posed by pest animals such as feral pigs as part of the Government’s more than $billion biosecurity budget.

“The South East Local Land Services pest and biosecurity roadshow is a practical and convenient way we’re providing landholders with practical advice and support on managing feral pigs on their properties.

“These sessions can help landholders develop a holistic understanding of how to manage pest animals, from baiting techniques to how seasonal conditions impact populations.”

Applications are open for the NSW Government’s Youth Development Scholarship program, offering 1500 high school and tertiary students living in social housing $1000 grants to help cover their education expenses.  

Now in its tenth year, the program reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to supporting the academic and career aspirations of young people living across public, community or Aboriginal housing.  

Since 2017, the Youth Development Scholarship program has invested more than $13 million to support over 5,700 students, easing the costs associated with education and helping young people to thrive in school, complete their studies and move confidently into the workforce.  

The grants are available to high school students in years 10 to 12, students at TAFE NSW or university, as well as those completing an apprenticeship or traineeship. 

This year, 1,500 scholarships are on offer and will be awarded to 1,000 new students and 500 returning students.  

To be eligible, applicants must be either:

• Receiving a private rental subsidy from the Department of Communities and Justice.
• Living in community housing/Aboriginal community housing 
• Living in housing provided by a Local Aboriginal Land Council 
• Living in supported, crisis or temporary accommodation 
• Living in statutory, supported, or voluntary out-of-home care.  

The $1000 grants can be used to fund study-related expenses such as laptops, textbooks, and internet access.  

The Minns Labor Government is building a fairer New South Wales where young people from all backgrounds have access to education and the resources they need to succeed. 

Applications for high school students will close at 5pm on Friday, 13 February 2026. 

Applications for tertiary students will close at 5pm on Friday, 6 March 2026.  

More information on how to apply can be found at: https://dcjnsw.info/scholarships  

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“With the cost of living continuing to bite, back-to-school expenses are placing real pressure on family budgets across NSW, especially for families in social housing. 

“No young person should have to choose between buying a textbook and putting food on the table, or between the tools they need for an apprenticeship and paying the rent. 

“A $1,000 scholarship can be the difference between falling behind and getting ahead, helping students pay for textbooks, laptops, internet access and other essentials they need to succeed at school, TAFE or university. 

“This program is about fairness and opportunity, making sure young people in social housing have the support they need to stay engaged in education, reach their potential and build a better future.” 

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said: 

“We already know that over the next ten years, around 92% of our jobs will require post-school training or study. Thanks to this program, 1,500 young people across the state will have the extra support they need to continue their education or apprenticeship, giving students a leg up while boosting a critical workforce for NSW.  

“For students learning at TAFE NSW or our universities, the cost of study can be a real barrier. These scholarships help cover essentials like laptops and equipment so young people can focus on building practical skills that lead directly to jobs. 

“TAFE NSW is a powerful pathway into secure work, and we want more young people to be able to access it. This support helps students stay enrolled, complete their training and take the next step into the workforce.” 

Youth Development Scholarship recipient, Caitlyn Laws said:

“Growing up in a single-parent household in a low socioeconomic area presented ongoing financial and social challenges that could have limited my educational opportunities.  

“The Homes Youth Development Scholarship provided essential academic, financial, and mentoring support throughout High School and my Bachelor of Nursing, enabling me to remain focused, engaged, and resilient in my studies.  

“This support played a pivotal role in my academic success and in fostering my commitment to pursuing higher education and professional achievement.” 

A new dedicated Biosecurity Compliance and Investigation Unit has been set up by the Minns Labor Government to strengthen biosecurity, tackle high-risk threats, and safeguard market access and trade.

The new unit, in the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Compliance Branch, will employ six full-time staff to focus on biosecurity issues threatening the State’s $25 billion primary industries sector.   

With more than 340 weed species and 40 pest animal species costing NSW at least $1.9 billion annually, the specialised unit will support and strengthen the work of all agencies responsible for biosecurity compliance and enforcement across the state.

The creation of the unit was a key recommendation of the Natural Resources Commission Invasive Species Management review and supports recommendations by the former Independent Biosecurity Commissioner.

The unit will

• respond to biosecurity risks and support on-ground surveillance activities across the state and at state borders for threats such as red imported fire ant and cattle tick.
• work with other agencies including Local Land Services and Local Control Authorities to expand compliance and enforcement capabilities for pest and weed management, including feral pigs and deer.
• undertake compliance operations to support the National eID program critical to maintaining access to the state’s domestic and international livestock markets.  

The dedicated Biosecurity Compliance and Investigation Unit follows the government’s release of the NSW Biosecurity Action Plan 2025-2026, which outlined six focus areas to improve the biosecurity framework in NSW.

This new unit will help deliver key commitments in the action plan, including the delivery of a new regulatory policy for biosecurity compliance in NSW, and regulatory guidance to ensure landholders, industry and community understand their biosecurity responsibilities.

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

“This is about strengthening our biosecurity response and protecting our multi-billion-dollar primary industries export and international markets.

“This sends a clear message, if you breach biosecurity protocols and laws then there will be a price to pay.

“With this new specialised team, the NSW Government is taking strong action to protect our state from invasive species and other major biosecurity threats.

“We are strengthening our compliance and enforcement providing the resources needed to keep NSW safe and secure. Biosecurity is critical, and this team will ensure we stay ahead of the risks facing our communities, industries and environment.”

The Minns Labor Government has walked back its promise to deliver 30 additional beds at Blacktown Hospital in 2026.
 
Reading from a pre-prepared answer in Question Time yesterday, Health Minister Ryan Park revealed the new beds would now be delivered at the back end of this year “…or early next year.”
 
A Minns Labor Government media release dated 21 January 2026 said the additional beds at Blacktown Hospital were being fast tracked and would be delivered in 2026.
 
In the space of just 21 days the Minns Labor Government has walked back this promise.
 
Shadow Minister for Health, Sarah Mitchell, said the Premier needs to be honest with Western Sydney communities about when these extra beds will be delivered.
 
“The latest BHI data confirms what Western Sydney residents already knew – that they are being left behind when it comes to health services,” Mrs Mitchell said.
 
“After three years in government, Chris Minns has delivered none of the 600 additional hospital beds he promised for Western Sydney.”
 
Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Monica Tudehope said this is yet another reason why an urgent inquiry into the provision of health services in the Western Sydney Local Health District is needed
 
“Whether it is patients waiting for days in EDs, giving birth on couches, or being forced to sleep on the floor, an inquiry will help find answers and come up with solutions for the systemic issues Western Sydney hospitals are experiencing,” Ms Tudehope said.