Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is on track to deliver an election commitment to employ an extra 1,000 apprentices and trainees in NSW government departments with applications for the final round of positions now open.

Funding for 432 additional roles across 73 agencies has been approved with positions for 215 apprenticeship roles and 217 trainees across the state, taking the total jobs offered under the program above the original 1,000 target.

The $93.5 million program has been an overwhelming success with 651 apprentices and trainees placed in roles over the last two years with an almost-even split between regional and metropolitan locations and a 94 per cent retention rate.

Importantly there has been a 94 per cent retention rate of apprentices and trainees funded under the program.

Through the 1,000 NSW Public Sector Apprenticeships and Trainees Program, Trainees are also breaking gender stereotypes, by working in non-traditional roles. Morgan Johnson and Summer Crealy are two trainees working at the Port Authority of NSW, a male dominated industry, with women making up just 5 per cent of the seafarer workforce and 3 per cent of the shore-based maritime workforce, according to the 2020 Maritime Industry Australia Diversity Census.

Agencies offering positions in the third and final round include: National Parks and Wildlife Service, Art Gallery of NSW, NSW Police, NSW Port Authority, Transport for NSW, Sydney Trains, Essential Energy and NSW Health.

The success of the program is just one initiative by the NSW Government to open opportunities for young people in public service and to upskill the state’s workforce.

Other initiatives include:

• 1,000 apprentices to be trained each year in the new Manufacturing Centres of Excellence
• The Fresh Start for Local Government Apprentices, Trainees and Cadets Grants Program injecting $252.2 million to employ new starters over the next six years

The positions will be advertised on 1000 A&T webpage, I work for NSW and generic job search engines.

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

“I am proud to see our election commitment fulfilled with the latest round under the 1,000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program taking us beyond our target.

“Not only does this program show the Minns Labor Government ‘walking the talk’ in offering young people opportunities, it is also ensuring we have a pipeline of skilled workers to continue delivery of essential public services.”

Port Authority of NSW Trainee Morgan Johnson said:

“The 1,000 Apprentices and Traineeships Program is breaking down barriers to entry by intentionally creating space for women to confidently step into traditionally male-dominated industries they’re passionate about.”

“The Port Officer Traineeship Program is allowing me to gain new qualifications and learn from true professionals while exposing me to possible career paths that I never even knew existed.”

Port Authority of NSW Trainee Summer Crealy said:

“I’d spent time working in harbour charter services and boat rental businesses, but finding a clear path to advance my skills was difficult, until I discovered the female traineeship program.”

“Living in a regional area like the South Coast makes it challenging to access the kind of industry experience needed to grow a maritime career.”

“When I heard about the program, I jumped at the opportunity to pursue structured training with unique industry experiences and build those connections within the industry at Port Kembla.”

The success of the program is just one initiative of the NSW Government to open opportunities to young people and rebuild the State’s skilled workforce.

Botanic Gardens of Sydney Trainee Gretta Mountford said:

“I always loved the environment, but I didn’t actually know much about plants.

“I came across this apprenticeship on social media, and it just clicked. I wanted to work outdoors, be hands-on and develop skills that aligned with my interests. The 1,000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program made that possible.”

High-risk domestic violence offenders will be targeted by a new civil protection scheme in effect from today.

The Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Order (SDAPO) scheme allows courts to impose any conditions considered necessary to prevent domestic abuse perpetrators from using violence.

It’s modelled on a scheme to combat organised crime and aims to keep relatives, children, and former, current or potential intimate partners of high-risk offenders safe from abuse and harm.

SDAPOs can last for up to five years and require the person who has the order imposed on them to report to a police station at a particular time, notify police when commencing an intimate partner relationship or of any dating profiles they create or use.

People who breach these orders face up to five years’ imprisonment and/or a $33,000 fine.

These orders can be sought when:

• Someone has been convicted of two or more domestic violence offences with a maximum penalty of at least seven years imprisonment; or
• They have been charged with a ‘serious domestic violence’ offence against a relative or a current or former intimate partner. This applies whether the person has been tried, acquitted, or had their conviction quashed or set aside.
   

The NSW Government is investing $9.3 million to implement the SDAPO scheme created as part of amendments to the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 last year. It builds on the reforms we’ve made to build a safer NSW:

• Making it than ever for alleged domestic violence offenders to get bail and introducing electronic monitoring for those who are bailed, overseen by Corrective Services NSW.
• Bringing in tougher penalties for serious, repeat breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.
   

Attorney General Michael Daley said: 

“Domestic violence offenders are among the state’s most dangerous criminals.

“These tough protection orders provide the strictest possible monitoring and supervision to help keep victim survivors safe from abuse and harm.

“The NSW Government is giving police and the courts every tool possible to hold these perpetrators to account and prevent further offending.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Addressing domestic and family violence requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-community response.

“These new protection orders give police and the courts stronger powers to keep a close watch on the state’s most dangerous domestic violence offenders.

“We make no apologies for holding domestic violence offenders to account. These reforms are about protecting victim-survivors, preventing further harm and building a safer New South Wales.”

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

“This new civil protection order scheme will put serious domestic and family violence offenders under strict monitoring and supervision.

“It’s another crucial element of our work to build a safer News South Wales and support women and children towards a life free from violence and the fear of violence.

“We’re continuing to strengthen protections for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and hold perpetrators to account.”

The NSW Government has taken decisive action to address community concerns about water security in Western NSW, by reviewing the designs of fishways so they have no impact on local weir heights.

The $56.8 million Fish Passage: Reconnecting the Northern Basin Project aims to improve native fish migration and boost river health, supporting a 70 GL reduction in water recovery targets in the Northern Basin under the Basin Plan.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to building a better NSW with safer and more secure water supply, and acknowledges the communities of Louth, Tilpa, Walgett, and Collarenebri are strongly opposed to any reduction in their local weir heights.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has been working closely with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development – Fisheries to finalise a new design for the fishways.

The new design includes a small capping sill across part of the weir crests that will allow the fishways to operate effectively and maintain the current full supply level.

The work will not just install fishways, it will fix the leaks in the weirs to bring water loss down.

This solution enables native fish to migrate and breed, while also safeguarding local water supplies and meeting the needs of local communities.

Technical investigations will be undertaken to confirm this approach and drop-in community sessions to discuss the updated designs will be held in late October 2025, with exact dates and details to be confirmed soon at this website.

The project is funded under the Australian Government’s Northern Basin Toolkit: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/water/policy/mdb/northernbasin/northern-basin-toolkit

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“This is a great example of why getting boots on the ground and taking time to have conversations directly with locals is a critical part of the decision-making process.

“I have attended dozens of meetings with stakeholders to listen and understand the different perspectives. While residents understand the need to improve native fish movement, they have been abundantly clear that it cannot be at the expense of their town water storage.

“That’s why I have stepped in to get this issue sorted. It’s great that we’ve been able to find a potential compromise that suits all parties without reducing the weir height at all and still delivering the fish passage we need.

“While we’ll still need to do the regular checks and balances, we believe we’ve found the answer and we’re looking forward to returning to the community in the coming weeks with this design.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“I’d like to thank Minister Rose Jackson and Federal Minister Murray Watt for hearing the concerns of these communities.

“It’s still fresh in our minds how devastating the drought in 2018 was and it’s understandable these communities were opposed to any reduction in the capacity of the weir pool.

“This new proposal allows for a very important passage of fish but also acknowledges community concerns about water security.”

Planning for the future use of more than 500 blocks of flood buyback properties is underway thanks to a partnership between the Minns Labor Government and Lismore City Council.

Since devastating floods hit Lismore in 2022, the NSW Reconstruction Authority has voluntarily purchased properties at the highest risk of repeated flooding, protecting households and reducing long-term disaster risk.

This amounts to 50 hectares of land in the city that can now be repurposed, with Council and the community having a direct say in its future. 

While the land can no longer be used for housing, a risk-based approach will be used to determine future uses that are compatible with flooding. Planning will consider how the space connects with surrounding areas, supports community needs and complements the CBD and local economy. Making sure that any future use will not increase flooding risks for neighbouring properties is also critical. 

Lismore Centre will be the first precinct plan to be developed from early 2026, followed by North Lismore, South Lismore and East Lismore.

Expressions of interest for planners, engineers and other experts to work on this project will open soon.

Community members will be invited to have their say through a mix of in-person and online engagement opportunities throughout 2026. Details about the timing and format of consultation will be announced later this year.

For more information and to keep up to date go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority/our-work/resilient-homes-program/home-buybacks/future-buyback-land-use

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“The Lismore Precinct Plan is the start of another important journey for Lismore, one more positive step towards a safer and more resilient future.

“The Home Buyback Program has given certainty to hundreds of families and reduced the risk of repeat flooding impacts on residents in some of the most vulnerable areas of Lismore.

“Now we have an opportunity to reimagine this land, creating beautiful neighbourhoods that build community connectiveness and resilience as well as support and grow the local economy.

“Planning for the future use of this land must be carefully and sensitively managed, and the voices of the whole community — those who live, work and own businesses there – will be central to the process.”

Executive Director Reconstruction Graham Kennett said:  

“The buyback program has provided long-term security for more than 500 Lismore households impacted by the 2022 floods. This next stage is about working together with the community to create a shared vision for land that can no longer be residential but can still deliver lasting benefits for the city.

“This is about building a safer, more resilient Lismore for the long term. By carefully planning each precinct and involving the community, we can create spaces that enhance connectivity, provide amenity and support local economic activity.”

“We will be taking a similar approach with other areas of the Northern Rivers working collaboratively with Councils and communities to plan for the use of buyback land.”

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said:

“The Lismore Precinct Plan is a crucial milestone in the recovery of our city and our community as we build in resilience to future weather events.

“Lismore City Council has partnered with the State Government to reimagine Lismore’s future following the buyback program and ensure the views of the community inform that vision.

“It’s about setting Lismore up for the future as a great place to work, invest and raise a family.”

The Minns Labor Government has announced the successful recipients of Round 7 of the Prevention Research Support Program (PRSP), with $12 million in funding awarded to three research groups.

The funding will support the formation of new research streams, or groups of organisations who will collaborate and focus on three key priority areas.

This investment will build the State’s research capacity and will enable the translation of evidence from research into policy and practice to improve health outcomes.

The research will focus on three key priority areas:

Stream 1: Preventive health – Obesity, diabetes and physical activity.

Led by Professor Philayrath Phongsavan from the University of Sydney, the stream will focus on embedding a population health and preventive care approach to obesity and diabetes prevention and management. It will also focus on primary and secondary prevention approaches for adults and children to increase physical activity.

Stream 2: Infectious disease capability, preparedness and response.

Led by Dr Jen Kok, Centre for Infectious Disease and Microbiology – Public Health at Western Sydney Local Health District, the stream will focus on resilient surveillance for respiratory viruses with human pandemic or epidemic potential.

Stream 3: Maternity and the first 2000 days.

Led by Professor Dharmintra Pasupathy from the University of Sydney, the stream will focus on preventive care, management of alcohol and substance use, and service interventions to prevent the primary causes of low birth weight.

Round 7 grants will run from July 2026 to June 2030, with $4 million allocated to each of the research groups over the four-year period.

Each funded stream includes a range of academic organisations and partners who will work closely with NSW Health organisations and other health services in NSW, bringing together a breadth of expertise to ensure research is translated into policy and practice.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We are investing in research to improve preventative healthcare, helping keep people healthy and out of hospital.”

“These grants bring together some of our best and brightest minds from across more than 20 academic, policy, health service and community organisations to help translate research into practice to improve health outcomes and reduce inequities.”

Minister for Research David Harris:

“By bringing together researchers from a diverse range of expertise, this program will help foster the knowledge and evidence needed to influence both policy and practice.

“We are proud to be investing in research in these prevention priority areas, which will improve system and community outcomes in NSW.”

The Minns Labor Government has doubled down on shutting the successful Business Connect program tomorrow, one day before Small Business Month begins this week. 
 
Chris Minns, Janelle Saffin and Daniel Mookhey will spend Small Business Month claiming to celebrate enterprise, spinning out token announcements and blaming everyone but themselves, when the truth is they shut down the one program that delivered real help. 
 
 Business Connect has delivered free, expert advice to more than 60,000 small businesses, supported over 40,000 jobs and returned $1.50 for every $1 invested. In one survey 96% of participants reported satisfaction and 98% said they would recommend the program. 
  
Forecasting shows that if Business Connect had continued, more than 13,500 small businesses a year would have been supported by 2032, with each year almost 7,000 full time jobs backed and more than $5 million in net economic benefit delivered. 
  
Instead of backing small business, Chris Minns, Janelle Saffin and Daniel Mookhey have axed a program with a proven record of growth and survival. At the very time Business Connect ends, according to the latest Business NSW Business Conditions Survey data shows: 
  
97% of businesses are struggling with productivity 
65% are hit by rising costs 
42% face skills shortages 
41% are weighed down by red tape 
  
NSW is now the worst state in the country for business insolvencies, both in total and per head. In 2024-25 a record 7,643 businesses were forced into insolvency – a 26% rise in just one year.
 
NSW Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said small business is the backbone of our economy.
 
“Axing Business Connect the day before Small Business Month insults every mum, dad and young person giving it a go. The Premier found $7.9 million for a political deal for a new taxpayer-funded gun lobby advocacy body, but nothing for small business.” Mr Speakman said.
  
Shadow Treasurer, Damien Tudehope said Business Connect returned more than it cost. For every $1.00 invested, it delivered $1.50 back.
 
“At a time when insolvencies are at record highs, this is exactly the wrong program to axe,” Mr Tudehope said.  
  
Shadow Minister for Small Business, Tim James said Business Connect is practical, personal and proven.
 
“It gives small business owners real advice on planning, finance and resilience. Instead of standing with the people who keep our communities going, Labor has axed a lifeline and left families to fend for themselves,” Mr James said.  
  
Shadow Minister for Jobs, Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, Mark Coure said from start-ups to advanced manufacturing, every thriving industry relies on programs like Business Connect.
 
“Labor has cut jobs, cut growth and chosen politics over people,” Mr Coure said.  
  
The closure comes as the majority of Business Connect clients were micro businesses with fewer than four employees and 60% were women, most seeking advice on business planning, marketing and starting up. 
  
Even in September alone, Business Connect ran practical events across the state, from tender readiness workshops for start-ups, to Aboriginal business procurement for government pitches seminars in the Hunter, to small business planning sessions in Western Sydney and digital marketing workshops for creative professionals. All of that ends on the eve of Small Business Month. 
  
Instead of supporting small business, the Minns Labor Government has found $7.9 million for a deal with the Shooters Party to set up a new gun lobby dominated Conservation Hunting Authority that will be required to promote hunting regardless of evidence. 

The Minns Labor Government has invested $25 million to deliver two brand new, purpose-built training facilities for North Coast students at TAFE NSW Kingscliff, which have now officially opened.

The state-of-the-art facilities simulate real-life workplace environments and include industry-aligned equipment across a range of study areas. These include high-demand construction, electrotechnology, and supply chain logistics courses, aviation and aerospace, animal studies, design and fashion, photography, screen and media, and horticulture.

The new learning and teaching spaces will help to ensure students become familiar with the equipment and workspaces they can expect on the job.

Construction students have access to a gravel pit and piering area, supply chain students learn in a simulated logistics warehouse and forklift training space, while future electricians use wiring bays and industry-grade tools.

Design and fashion students can get creative in a new fashion and textiles workshop complete with sewing machines and other modern design tools, while photography students can enjoy a new photography studio fitted out with cameras and lighting with other creative equipment and screen and media students enjoy modern digital arts equipment.

Animal care veterinary nursing facilities, aviation security and remote pilot (drone) equipment, and a custom-built greenhouse are also among the modern new training facilities now available to students in and around Kingscliff.

This builds on the Minns Labor Government’s record $3.4 Billion investment in Skills and TAFE in the 2025/26 Budget to improve access and quality of vocational education and training for NSW students, including:

• $20.1 million for fee free apprenticeships and traineeships
• $13.8 million Construction Workforce Package
• $121 million to repair TAFE NSW campuses statewide.

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

“This $25 million investment to modernise learning and teaching facilities at Kingscliff will make a huge difference to North Coast students looking to start a new career or upskill to keep pace with evolving industry needs.

“As always, the Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering modern, practical learning spaces that reflect the needs of local industries and students, ensuring we are upskilling the workers for the future.

“This is just more proof of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuilding TAFE NSW as the strong and stable public provider of vocational skills training – this investment is a win for students, employers, and communities in the North Coast and in the Tweed Region.”

Duty MLC for Tweed, Emily Suvaal said:

“These new, purpose-built facilities at Kingscliff are a gamechanger for students right across the North Coast. Whether it’s fashion, aviation, construction or animal care, students now have access to the same kinds of tools and environments they’ll be working with in industry.

“TAFE NSW has always been at the heart of giving people the skills they need to get a good job and build a secure future. This investment shows the Minns Labor Government is serious about supporting local students and creating real opportunities here in our regional communities.

“By providing modern, hands-on training spaces, we’re not only giving students the best start, we’re also supporting local industries to access the skilled workforce they need to grow. This is a big win for the Tweed and for the North Coast.”

TAFE NSW Diploma of Fashion Design and Technology, Rada Campbell said:

“The facilities at TAFE NSW Kingscliff are incredibly well equipped – we train on a wide range of sewing machines used in the fashion industry, which builds our confidence and prepares us for real-world production. It’s an exciting time to be a student at TAFE NSW.”

The Surf Life Saving patrol season will commence following the symbolic raising of the red and yellow flags at Dixon Park Beach in Newcastle.

From 27 September 2025 to 26 April 2026, beachgoers can expect to see Surf Life Saving volunteers patrolling on weekends and public holidays, as well as professional lifeguards, helping to keep people safe during the warmer months.

Over the last 12 months, Surf Life Saving NSW has seen membership rise by 5 percent to a record 83,000. Patrolling membership has increased by 2.6% to more than 21,000, while Nipper numbers grew by 4.5% to almost 30,000.

It is an exciting time of year but also an important reminder for members of the community to think about how they can keep themselves and their families safe on the sand and in the water.

Addressing the number of coastal deaths in unpatrolled and isolated locations is a key priority for the Minns Labor Government.

There were 52 coastal drownings in 2024/25, down from 61 fatalities the previous year. With a warm and dry summer ahead, this season is expected to keep patrolling volunteers busy.

The NSW Government has been driving action to improve water safety and save lives, including key actions identified through the Minister’s coastal water safety roundtable in March 2024. Key initiatives delivered include:

• A record $72 million investment for Surf Life Saving NSW over the four years from 2023-24 to 2026-27.
• Funding has already provided 56 new jet skis from this record investment, with another 11 to be delivered.
• The installation of new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) fitted with flotation devices and enhanced technology like high-definition video live-streaming to support rapid response to emergencies and provide another set of eyes on the beach. Already, 58 out of 64 ERBs have been installed and are operating across our coastline.
• Further initiatives to ensure rapid response to emergencies all year-round, alongside the ERBs, include UAV (drone) technology and AI camera technology trials.
• $5.4 million for NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs for the upgrade, restoration or construction of surf lifesaving facilities following the announcement of recipients in the 2024/25 Surf Club Facility Program.
• The launch of a new online Beach Safety Hub to bring together essential information including tips and guidance to help communities stay informed and safe around the state’s waterways. Water safety resources are available in 24 languages on the Hub at www.beachsafetyhub.org.au

To learn more about how to keep yourself and your family safe please visit www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/visiting-nsw-waterways.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Every summer, the red and yellow flags become a symbol of safety and community across our state. The dedication of thousands of Surf Life Saving volunteers, alongside our professional lifeguards, gives families the confidence to enjoy our world-class beaches.

“Our record investment is supporting the incredible work of our surf life savers and volunteers and delivering cutting-edge technology that is the envy of the world.

We’ve seen too many tragedies in unpatrolled or isolated locations. With a hot summer ahead, I urge everyone to swim between the flags, listen to the advice of lifesavers, and put safety first. These small steps make all the difference.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

“When the red and yellow flags go up in Newcastle, it’s a signal that summer’s here and our community’s safety is in good hands.

“Our coastline is one of the Hunter’s greatest assets, and with new rescue equipment, drones and Emergency Response Beacons, lifesavers have the tools they need to keep locals and visitors safe.

“Our surf club volunteers are everyday heroes. From Newcastle to Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast, your dedication keeps our community safe and makes us proud.”

Acting Minister for Emergency Services, Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“I extend my thanks to every surf life saver and volunteer who is part of this annual effort – you are the backbone of beach safety in our great state.

“The NSW Government is proud to be delivering record funding to ensure our surf life savers have the equipment they need to keep our beaches safer than ever before for everyone to enjoy.

“Ahead of a hot summer where we expect millions to enjoy themselves on the sand and in the water, there has never been a more important time to remind people to be aware and take water safety seriously.”

Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp said:

“Surf life savers are champions of our community who can never receive enough praise.

“Today is a reminder to all to swim between the flags, behave responsibly, and follow the advice of surf life savers. Every life lost in the ocean is one too many.

“I speak on behalf of the whole Newcastle community when I thank our local volunteer surf life saver for keeping our beaches safe for all.”

Surf Life Saving NSW President Peter Agnew AM said:

“We are extremely fortunate to have a volunteer base of 83,000 plus lifesavers who are so excited to be back on the beach and ready for a big season ahead.

“Surf Life Saving is about family, community, and connection. There’s a role for everyone and we’re always looking for new members, whether you can contribute to admin, first aid, teaching our Nippers or even cooking the club BBQ.

“You’ll learn new skills like piloting a drone and driving an inflatable rescue boat, you’ll gain valuable fitness and make friends for life.”

The Minns Labor Government is taking a proactive approach to help save lives in the workplace with SafeWork NSW bringing together a record attendance of 405 participants, including over 350 Health and Safety Representatives (HSR) from across the state for its annual HSR Training Refresher Day.

SafeWork NSW’s regulatory priority areas include falls from heights and mobile plant, vehicles and fixed machinery, managing psychosocial risks at work, harms to workers in the health care and social assistance sector, exposure to hazardous substances.

Falls from heights are one of the most common causes of workplace fatalities. Of the 274 worker fatalities in NSW from 2019 to 2023, 36 workers died from falling from a height. While from July 2024 to June 2025 there were 267 serious injuries as a result of working from heights.

In March of this year, more than 140 improvement notices were issued by SafeWork NSW as part of a statewide targeted compliance operation to reduce injuries caused by mobile plant (including forklifts), fixed machinery and vehicles in the workplace

These workplace incidents highlight the need to train Health and Safety Representatives who can address potential workplace risks and hazards.

An HSR is an individual elected by workers to represent them on health and safety issues in the workplace. They have the power to keep workplaces safe by issuing Provisional Improvement notices.

They play a crucial role in speaking up about workplace safety on behalf of their colleagues and foster effective consultation on Work Health and Safety (WHS) matters to ensure that workers have a voice in decisions that impact them.

Businesses from over 20 industries have demonstrated their commitment to building safer workplaces by actively supporting HSR attendance at this year’s training day. Among those attending will be workers from the Health, Construction, Transport and Manufacturing industries.

The training day featured interactive sessions designed to help HSRs build their capability and confidence in advocating for workplace health and safety. Other sessions covered a range of topics including addressing psychosocial hazards such as bullying, excessive workloads, violence and sexual harassment.

One of the most powerful sessions was from a member with a lived experience, David White who tragically lost his son to a workplace accident.

The NSW Government’s 2025-26 Budget announcement strengthened the state’s work health and safety regulator with a major $127.7 million investment over the next four years to address psychosocial hazards and compliance and enforcement of safe work practices.  

51 inspectors are being recruited, which includes 20 psychosocial-focused inspectors.  

The targeted reform is part of a broader $344 million Workplace Mental Health package, strengthening mental health support and injury prevention strategies in NSW workplaces. 

More information about HSRs can be found here: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/safety-starts-here/consultation-at-work/health-and-safety-representatives

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“This day-long HSR Training refresher not only reinforced the important role of HSRs but also ensured HSRs across metro and regional NSW have the latest information to be able to advocate for safety in their workplaces.  

“Our HSRs are vital to workplace health & safety as they are able to speak out and know the obligations of a work site- because just one fatality at work is one too many.

“I would also like to thank unions, businesses and families involved for their commitment to making our workplaces safer environments.

“Every worker has the right to return home safely at the end of every workday.”

SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

“The WHS community must come together to shift the dial on greater WHS compliance in workplaces, and SafeWork NSW’s recent Health and the Safety Representative Training Refresher Day is a prime example of that change in action.

“HSRs play a frontline role in workplace safety, and their contribution is vital in helping SafeWork NSW shape safer, healthier working environments across the state.

“By building strong relationships between HSRs, regulators, workplaces and unions, we lay the foundation for meaningful change that fosters shared understandings of workplace health and safety and amplifies the impact of safety initiatives across industries.

“SafeWork NSW’s recent Training Refresher Day will be a huge success, and I applaud the 350 HSRs from over 20 industries who will participate for their dedication to improving health and safety in their workplaces.”

Secretary of Unions NSW Mark Morey said:

“Health and Safety Representatives are the backbone of workplace safety across NSW. When unions, government and employers work together we can make serious progress in protecting workers.

“The 350 Health and Safety Representatives who attended this refresher training are returning to their workplaces equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to identify hazards, advocate for their colleagues, and ensure every worker gets home safe each day.

“When HSRs are empowered with the right skills and support, they become powerful advocates for workplace safety culture change.”

TWU NSW State Secretary Richard Olsen said:

“I congratulate all HSRs this year who have put their training into action and demanded reasonable safety improvements at their places of work.

“Everyone deserves the right to go to work and feel safe, and taking steps to raise standards is to be commended every time it happens.

“It takes a lot of work and risk to stand-up for workplace safety, but doing so brings the industry along one case at a time.”