Category: NSW News

The latest Business NSW survey shows small businesses are being squeezed by rising costs, worker shortages and compliance pressures.
 
The survey shows that in NSW it is harder than ever to run a business, with –

• 97 per cent of businesses struggling to lift productivity.
• Rising costs identified by 65 per cent of respondents
• 42 per cent pointing to a lack of skilled labour, and
• 41 per cent saying regulatory demands were holding them back.

The Government’s Economic Reform Roundtable in August put productivity on the agenda, but business leaders say it delivered little more than talk.
 
Despite these warnings, the Minns Labor Government has doubled down on its decision to axe Business Connect. The Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Small Business have all refused to reconsider, even though Treasury’s independent review found the program delivered $1.50 back to the economy for every $1 invested, supporting more than 60,000 businesses and associated with creating over 40,000 jobs.
 
Instead of restoring this proven program, the Minns Labor Government found $7.9 million in June’s Budget to set up a shooter-dominated hunting authority in a deal with the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party.
 
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said this survey confirms what small business has been telling us.
 
“Costs are spiralling, pressures are at record levels, and people are stretched to breaking point – yet the Premier, Treasurer and Small Business Minister have doubled down on cutting a program that kept businesses alive and saved jobs.
 
“At the same time, they found millions for a hunting authority, demonstrating their priorities are all wrong,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said the survey shows businesses are being squeezed by higher costs, worker shortages and red tape.
 
“At the very time businesses need help, the Premier, Treasurer and Small Business Minister have doubled down on cutting Business Connect.
 
“Instead of restoring a program proven to save jobs and support growth, Labor has found $7.9 million to fund a deal with the gun lobby,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James said Business Connect wasn’t theory; it was practical advice that delivered real results.
 
“Fewer closures, more jobs and stronger communities, yet NSW Labor axed it without another thought for a gun lobby deal.
 
“A NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will bring Business Connect back” Mr James said.
 
Shadow Minister for Jobs, Industry and Innovation Mark Coure said small businesses are drowning under costs and red tape, but the Premier, Treasurer and Small Business Minister have refused to act.
 
“Every thriving industry in NSW, from advanced manufacturing to local startups, depends on programs like Business Connect that create jobs and drive economic growth. Instead of backing local industry and job creation, Labor chose to fund political deals and leave businesses to fend for themselves,” Mr Coure said.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $100 million to help community preschools expand their hours and cater for more children, giving working families better access to quality early education.

This next stage of the Government’s early learning reforms will lift the quality of childcare by supporting not-for-profit providers to open longer and serve more families.

It forms part of the Government’s commitment to rebalance a sector increasingly dominated by for-profit providers, which have grown by 90 per cent in the past decade and now account for 58 per cent of NSW’s 6,300 services.

Community preschools will be encouraged to extend their operating hours, open more days, and expand the age range of children they serve, making it easier for working families to access trusted, quality care.

With strong community roots, and an excellent record of quality service, these not-for-profits are widely regarded as among the best providers in NSW.

Through the new Expanding Quality Access program, community preschools will be supported to extend beyond current 9am–3pm hours and cater for children from birth through to school age. A strong uptake could see thousands of children gain access to services prioritising early learning.

This announcement follows the Government’s landmark legislation introduced last week to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and restore parents’ trust in early childhood education and care. The bill delivers 30 reforms to the Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Act 2010, including:

• Enshrining in law the principle that the rights and best interests of children come first.
• A 300 per cent increase in fines for non-compliant services, and a 900 per cent increase for large providers operating 25 or more services.
• A new requirement for providers to display their compliance history and details of any current investigations.

Together, these initiatives build on the Minns Labor Government’s record investment in early education, including the commitment to build 100 new public preschools — the largest ever by a state government. This will double the number of public preschools in NSW and deliver up to 9,000 new preschool places.

The $100 million investment will support eligible preschools over two years to upgrade their facilities, improve IT and administration, and build workforce capability to support expanded services. Applications for the Expanding Quality Access program open today, with providers encouraged to apply.

The community preschool sector has been arguing for increased funding and while the NSW Government doesn’t fund wages in the sector, we do provide program funding, and this is a substantial uplift for the sector that can be accessed with an application to the Expanding Quality Access Program.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government understands the value of early education — it’s central to our commitment to universal preschool for our littlest learners. That’s why we’re backing the community preschool sector to provide more services for families who already value their fantastic, high-quality services.

“We believe every child should have access to the best possible education, regardless of their age, and this investment will help community preschools deliver that.

“We want more families to access quality early education close to home and at hours that suit them. The community preschool sector’s credentials are trusted by so many families, so it makes perfect sense to support them to grow and reach more.”

The NSW Government will today introduce legislation allowing Local Court magistrates to be known as judges to better reflect the importance of work done in this jurisdiction.

Amendments to the Local Court Act 2007 will change the title of judicial officers including Chief Magistrate, Deputy Chief Magistrate, Children’s Magistrate, Chief Industrial Magistrate, Industrial Magistrate and Acting Magistrate.

This change reflects the nature and volume of work done by the Local Court which is Australia’s busiest court.

Last year, more than 388,000 criminal matters commenced in the Local Court, a 34% increase since 2014. There were also more than 67,800 civil matters commenced, up 31% since 2022.

The title of ‘magistrate’ stems from an era where judicial officers were appointed from the ranks of public servants and sat in the Court of Petty Sessions.

Since 1955, NSW magistrates have been required to hold legal qualifications.

The bill will also amend the Judicial Officers Act 1986 to reflect the new titles while amendments to the Constitution Act 1902 will ensure protections to safeguard the independence and integrity of magistrates continue to apply.

NSW will join the Northern Territory’s Local Court and Federal Circuit Court of Australia where the title of magistrate has been changed to judge.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“This important change is not just about a name.

“It’s about ensuring the skill and contributions of judicial officers in the Local Court are properly recognised.

“The Local Court is Australia’s busiest jurisdiction.

“It makes more than 90 per cent of all judicial decisions in NSW and the nature of its work is becoming increasingly complex.”

The communities of Deniliquin and Finley will soon benefit from new Key Health Worker Accommodation, which will help attract and retain more healthcare workers to the region.

Deniliquin and Finley are just two of the more than 20 Key Health Worker Accommodation projects in rural, regional and remote NSW, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million program.

Finishing touches are underway for the three homes in Deniliquin and two homes in Finley to ensure they will be fit-for-purpose and comfortable for healthcare workers.

Murrumbidgee is one of one of nine local health districts to benefit from the Minns Labor Government’s investment to deliver accommodation for health workers under the Key Health Worker Accommodation Program.

The funding includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters, and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.

This investment builds on the $45.3 million in accommodation for key healthcare workers in the Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, and Far West Local Health Districts, which is now complete with all units delivered and now fully operational.

Investing in Key Health Worker Accommodation is just one part of the work being done by the Minns Labor Government to improve access to care in our regional, rural and remote communities, including:

• $83 million to boost maternity care in the bush;
• doubling rural health incentives for our hardest to fill roles;
• delivering study subsidies for regional health workers;
• boosting doctors in our regional GP surgeries as well as hospitals through the single employer model; and
• delivering an extra 500 regional paramedics.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“We’re committed to strengthening our regional, rural and remote workforce and this project is vital because we know that affordable, accessible accommodation is critical to attracting staff in regional and rural areas.

“The NSW Government recognises our healthcare workers are the backbone of our regional and rural communities, which is why we’re heavily investing in dedicated accommodation to support them in these areas.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton:

“It is critical we attract and keep health workers in western New South Wales, in this case Deniliquin and Finley. A boost to accommodation facilities will hopefully encourage more key health workers to relocate to remote and rural locations, and those already here to stay.

“It is essential that health in rural and remote NSW is not neglected. It is welcome news that the government is investing in the welfare of rural and remote communities. It is critical to attract and retain more healthcare workers to these communities in order for them to grow.

“These new accommodation units will provide an opportunity to fill vacant health care positions and support communities that are currently in desperate need of quality care.”

A tunnel borer has smashed into what will become Westmead Station, marking the completion of tunnelling at the western end of the Sydney Metro West line.

The tunnel will enable a future Metro service of just 22-minutes between Westmead and the Sydney CBD.

Once complete, the city-shaping Metro West will link the Westmead to the Sydney CBD through Parramatta, Olympic Park and Five Dock in a  22-minute trip – doubling the rail capacity between those two centres.

Tunnel Boring Machine Betty worked around the clock for 2 years at a progress rate of about 200 metres a week to build the nine-kilometre tunnel from Sydney Olympic Park.

During that time, it chewed through 790,000 tonnes of earth – enough to fill 130 Olympic swimming pools – and lined the tunnel walls with 30,000 concrete segments along the way.

Fittingly, it was Betty – which is named after Olympic sprint champion Betty Cuthbert – that reached the finish line at Westmead – with TBM Dorothy about a kilometre behind and due to arrive in coming weeks.

At the other end of the Metro West line, the first of two tunnel boring machines has started cutting its way underneath Darling Harbour to complete the final section of the eastern end of the future Sydney Metro West.

Sydney Metro West has a target open date of 2032.

The project will slash current travel times to:

• Westmead – Parramatta in 2 minutes
• Westmead – Five Dock 14 minutes
• Westmead – Pyrmont in 20 minutes
• Westmead – Hunter Street in 22 minutes

New metro rail at Westmead will support the movement of millions of visitors and workers who each day access the area’s four major hospitals, five world-leading medical research institutes and two university campuses.

Westmead Station will be withing walking distance of the health and education facilities and integrate seamlessly with existing nearby transport options including T1 and T5 line trains at nearby Westmead Station, Parramatta Light Rail, the T-way and local buses.

Betty will now be dismantled before it is lifted out of the station box piece by piece over the next seven weeks.

A crew of up to 150 workers at a time have spent three years building the 500-metre underground cavern at Westmead. It is the deepest station on the Metro West line, at up to 39 metres below ground.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“This is an exciting milestone in the delivery of the Sydney Metro West project.

“With this breakthrough at what will become Westmead station, we are well on the way with this city shaping piece of transport infrastructure.

“20 minutes from the centre of the city to the heart of Parramatta – this will change the way Sydney grows and works into the future.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Seeing the first tunnel reach the end of the line, and the project’s furthest point west, is a moment to celebrate as the community here in the heart of western Sydney looks forward to its own Metro line.

“Westmead Station is going to be so important in plugging the health district into the rest of Sydney, with a two minute journey to Parramatta and then just 20 minutes to the Sydney CBD.

“This line will deliver more than just passengers, it will bring jobs and economic activity.”

Businesses and investors are encouraged to get their Expressions of Interest (EOIs) ready with the first round of the Investment Delivery Authority (IDA) to open within weeks.

Announced today by NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey at the National Tech Summit, the first round of EOIs will accelerate approvals for major projects aligned with government priorities, focusing on advanced technology and energy, including data centres, renewable energy and energy security projects, as well as hotel developments critical to visitor economy growth.

As the new front door to major investment, the IDA will break down barriers to large-scale private investment in NSW, by cutting red tape, coordinating across government and encouraging large projects across the state. 

The IDA, modelled off the successful Housing Delivery Authority, is expected to assist around 30 large projects per year, bringing forward up to $50 billion of investment into NSW – boosting innovation, jobs and productivity.

The EOI process will open internationally and comes just weeks after the NSW Treasurer took part in the National Economic Reform Roundtable, where boosting investment and confidence in the business sector was identified as a key factor in driving productivity. 

Eligibility criteria for the IDA include:

• A major project must be valued at $1 billion or more, be primarily non-residential, and related to data centres and technology, renewable energy and energy security
• Hotel developments must meet a $200 million threshold, supporting the delivery of the Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which outlined the need for more diverse, high-quality accommodation
• Applicants must demonstrate a capability to commence development quickly, and
• Identify where government can play a role in resolving barriers

Future EOI rounds will be expanded across other industries.

Projects recommended by the IDA will receive fast-track approvals for key initiatives, and support from a dedicated planning assessment team and multi-agency Investment Taskforce based in the Premier’s Department.

The Investment Delivery Authority was announced in the 2025-26 NSW Budget with $17.7 million to support its work to drive investment, innovation and growth.

Comprised of the Secretary of the Premier’s Department, the Treasury Secretary, the Secretary of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and the Chief Executive of Infrastructure NSW, the IDA will make recommendations to the Treasurer, the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and the Minister for Industry and Trade.

Further information on eligibility criteria for the IDA is available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/investment-nsw/investment-delivery-authority.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“17 of Australia’s tech unicorns – billion-dollar companies – are based here in NSW. These businesses are the engines of jobs and growth.

“Supporting innovative businesses to scale is one of the greatest opportunities we have to improve the productivity and sustainability of the NSW economy.

“The Investment Delivery Authority is the vehicle to foster that growth – cutting red tape to boost productivity and jobs.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We want to attract major investment to NSW, so we have created this new mechanism to systematically identify major projects and their associated land use before they enter the planning system.

“Just as we created the HDA to fast-track housing, we are now reforming the process for major new investment projects, so their needs are identified early, and the right resources and infrastructure are planned for and brought to bear. 

“As part of the IDA, we will establish a dedicated planning assessments team within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, because we know the important role planning can play speeding up and in coordinating resources investment approvals.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government have set an ambitious target to grow our visitor economy to $91 billion by 2035, to achieve this, we need to deliver more than 40,000 new hotel rooms in NSW.

“By including a pathway for hotels in the new Investment Delivery Authority, we are unlocking the private capital that will help turbocharge our states visitor economy.”

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“We have heard the frustrations of businesses loud and clear – it’s taking far too long to get major projects off the ground.

“To secure our position in the future economy NSW needs to get the right infrastructure in place.  That means things like data centres and renewable energy. And that’s why the first IDA EOI round will call for projects in these areas, along with hotels critical to the visitor economy.

“The IDA will help move these projects from concept to construction faster accelerating productivity along the way.”

Tech Council of Australia CEO, Damian Kassabgi said:

“Collaboration between government and industry, including through targeted initiatives like this, is such an important driver of tech sector growth and the benefits that will deliver for this State.

“Fast and centralised approvals for digital infrastructure will be vital to making the most of the AI opportunity for Australia.”

Netball NSW has launched its statewide Spring is Here campaign, encouraging players of all ages, genders, and abilities to get back on court this spring. With the campaign slogan Sign Up, Bib Up, the initiative showcases the fun, flexible and inclusive competitions run by Associations right across the state.

Spring netball offers something for everyone – from fast-paced social formats with music and power plays, to Walking Netball and NetSetGO for the youngest participants. Associations are leading the way with innovative competitions that keep the community connected and highlight netball as a game for life.

Netball NSW Executive General Manager for Strategy Tim Fava said spring is the perfect season to give netball a go.

“We’re seeing Associations across NSW bring fresh ideas and exciting new formats to the court – from two-point shots, dads & daughter competitions to food trucks and walking netball. It’s about making the game accessible, inclusive and fun. Whether you’re five or 75, anyone can round up some friends, throw on a bib and take the court,” Fava said.

“Last year, our spring competition grew by 20%, and we’re expecting similar growth again in 2025. Our mixed competitions have been a fantastic entry point for males to get involved in the game, and this is where we’ve seen the strongest increase in boys and men participating. We’ve also seen incredible growth in the female game, with the number of teams for girls aged 14-17 doubling last season – all made up of new participants.”

From Orange to Woolgoolga, Baulkham Hills to Cootamundra, local Associations are showcasing the diversity of the sport:

• Orange is introducing Walking Netball for older players alongside NetSetGO for beginners, creating a true intergenerational competition.
• Cootamundra is reviving the sport with thriving mixed competitions and new NetSetGO programs.
• Woolgoolga is attracting families with its Twilight Hi-Score comp, played with a three point shot, music, relaxed rules and a social atmosphere.
• Baulkham Hills is leading metro growth with traditional and social comps, plus a fun Super Shot in the final minutes of each quarter.

Netball NSW is calling on communities to embrace the fun this spring and register through their local Association.

For more information on how to get involved and to find a competition near you, visit netballnsw.com.au

Netball Central at Sydney Olympic Park came alive on Sunday as the 2025 DOOLEYS Metro League Grand Finals delivered a showcase of netball talent, determination and community pride, with six champions crowned across the competitions.

Stacy Harding, Netball NSW General Manager of Competitions, praised the quality of netball and the breadth of stories across the Grand Final series.

“The DOOLEYS Metro League continues to highlight the incredible depth and talent we have in netball in New South Wales. We saw underdogs like Manly Warringah take the long road to a Division 1 title, powerhouse clubs like Randwick secure two trophies, and Hunter Netball show that regional teams can go all the way,” Harding said.

In the marquee Division 1 decider, Manly Warringah completed their fairytale run to the title, defeating minor premiers Eastwood Ryde 55-41. Entering the finals from third position, Manly battled their way through an Elimination Final thriller against Northern Suburbs (51-50) and overcame Hills District in the Preliminary Final (59-51), before toppling Eastwood Ryde – who had set the competition benchmark all season.

“Manly Warringah’s Division 1 win is a fantastic underdog story – they worked their way through the hardest possible finals path to defeat the season’s benchmark team. It’s a true testament to resilience, teamwork and belief,” Harding said.

In Division 2, Liverpool City broke a three-year Grand Final drought to edge out Sutherland Shire 34-32 in a tight contest, while Eastwood Ryde 2 secured the Division 3 crown with a strong 45-28 victory over Blacktown City. Randwick claimed a double celebration, lifting both the Division 4 (57-39 over Ku-Ring-Gai) and Development Series titles (50-41 over Illawarra District).

Regional pride was on full display in Division 5, with Hunter Netball stunning Eastwood Ryde 50-36 to secure the championship and underline the depth of talent beyond Sydney’s metropolitan base.

“Beyond the results, what makes Metro League so special is the community spirit. From players and coaches to umpires and administrators, everyone contributes to a competition that has been a launching pad for so many of our state’s top athletes.”

The DOOLEYS Metro League is one of New South Wales’ premier netball competitions, featuring 68 teams across six divisions. Played on Wangal Country at Sydney Olympic Park, it remains a crucial stepping stone in the Netball NSW pathway, with many athletes progressing to Premier League and ultimately Suncorp Super Netball with the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball.

DOOLEYS Catholic Club in Lidcombe has proudly supported the competition for the past 18 years – 10 years as Metro League and eight years previously as State League – reflecting their deep commitment to community, participation and excellence in netball.

RESULTS
Division 1: Manly Warringah defeated Eastwood Ryde 55 – 41
Division 2: Liverpool City defeated Sutherland Shire, 34 – 32
Division 3: Eastwood Ryde 2 defeated Blacktown City, 45 – 28
Division 4: Randwick defeated Ku-Ring-Gai 57 – 39
Division 5: Hunter Netball defeated Eastwood Ryde 50 – 36
Development Series: Randwick defeated Illawarra District 50 – 41

The Minns Labor Government is releasing the next batch of flood-affected homes for sale across the Northern Rivers, following an overwhelming community response to the first three home relocation auctions.

To date, 70 flood-affected properties, bought by the Government, through the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, have been sold and will be relocated to flood-free land by the new owner.

Most buyers to date have been locals, with purchase prices ranging from $347 to $200,000.

This next release includes an additional 10 buyback homes from South and North Lismore and Girards Hill going to auction at the Lismore Heights Sports Club from 5.30pm on 17 September 2025.  A further 12 buyback homes will go to auction on 7 October 2025.

There is no reserve price on these houses, meaning bidding can start and end at $1, making it one of the most accessible housing opportunities in Australia. Successful bidders will have 12 months to relocate the houses to flood-free land.

As Australia’s largest climate adaptation initiative, the jointly funded Resilient Homes Program is creating safer communities by removing flood-prone homes from the floodplain.

Around 1600 homeowners in the flood-prone areas of the Northern Rivers may be eligible to raise, retrofit or have their home voluntarily bought back under the Program.

The Minns Labor Government remains firmly committed to reusing and relocating as many flood-affected homes as possible.

More details on the homes up for auction, including photos can be found at:  https://www.walmurray.com.au/pages/real-estate/ra-auction-houses

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
“The demand from the public is there, and we want to make as many homes as possible available, so people can relocate them to a safer area.

“For some people, this is the ultimate renovation project. For others, it’s the ultimate reset: a fresh start for the house and a fresh start for the person who takes it on.

“This is about making the most of existing housing infrastructure – and it helps preserve the unique character of our region while helping people move to safer places.

“We are steamrolling the selling of these houses as we want to get houses off the flood plains and give them a new lease of life in a different, safer location.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:
“The Resilient Homes Program is one of the most ambitious initiatives undertaken after a disaster in Australia.

“Through the buyback process, we’re removing homes from the floodplain and creating new opportunities by making some of these available for relocation.

“These auctions are helping to give homes a second life while contributing to a safer, stronger and more resilient Northern River.”