Category: NSW News

Construction of a $41 million upgrade at Bomaderry High School is progressing ahead of schedule, with students set to benefit from a new school building three months earlier than planned as the Minns Labor Government continues to rebuild public education in NSW.

A new Technological and Applied Studies building will open on Day 1 Term 4 this year, and includes three new state-of-the-art classrooms as well as three new workshops for woodwork, metalwork, and food technology.

As well as the new building, other upgrades underway at Bomaderry High School include the refurbishment of 46 existing classrooms and the installation of a new vocational education kitchen.

Refurbishment works to two other buildings, including two new lifts improving accessibility, have already been completed and are being used by students.

The designs and business case for the upgrades were completed by the Minns Labor Government in early 2024, with the contract awarded in July last year.

The former Liberal-National Government neglected schools along the South Coast for over a decade, leaving regional communities without much-needed schools and teachers to work in them.

Despite the Liberals promising an upgrade of Bomaderry High School in 2021, like countless other schools they failed to deliver this upgrade. No contracts or plans were finalised and no work had been started on the site.

Since coming to office in 2023, the Minns Labor Government has been working hard to rebuild school services across the Kiama electorate. We know there is still a lot more work to do, but in the past two years we have:

• Reduced teacher vacancies by 96 per cent, with schools in the Kiama electorate beginning Term 3 2025 with just one permanent teacher vacancy, down from 27 at the same time in 2022 under the former Liberal-National Government.
• Funded and planned a new primary school and public preschool in Calderwood, opening Day 1 Term 1 2028.
• Awarded the contract for a new public preschool to be built at Bomaderry Public School, part of the Minns Labor Government’s 100 public preschools program.
• Delivered a new nature playground at Minnamurra Public School.

These upgrades are being delivered at part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver better schools for NSW students, with the 2025-26 Budget delivering a record $9 billion for school infrastructure, including $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.

This follows the government’s delivery of more teachers. We have reduced teacher vacancies by 61 per cent across the state, resulting in the number of cancelled classes in NSW nearly halving since the Minns Labor Government took office.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We’re delivering more teachers in classrooms while also delivering world class schools right here in the Shoalhaven, so every kid has access to a world class education.

“Despite this project being promised by the former government in 2021, when we were elected not one shovel had been put in the ground, designs hadn’t been finalised, and contracts hadn’t been awarded.

“We know there is more work to be done but we are getting on with the job of delivering on the things that matter for the Kiama region.

“If the community elect Katelin on Saturday I know she will be an unrelenting advocate inside the Minns Labor Government ensuring her community, local schools and students get their fair share.

“As the son of a public-school teacher, I know schools are the lifeblood of regional communities, and we want teachers and students to have access to high quality schools no matter where they learn.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“As a parent and former local student, Katelin understands the importance of our local public schools. Katelin is already advocating for how we can continue to rebuild public education for families along the South Coast.

“The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier Prue Car, is committed to building better communities, and investing in essential infrastructure including our public schools.

“A vote for Katelin tomorrow is a vote for a strong voice inside the Minns Labor Government, ensuring your children continue to learn in world class local public schools.”

Labor candidate for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:

“I grew up in the Shoalhaven and am now raising my young family here so I understand the importance of making sure we provide local students with a high-quality public education.

“The Minns Labor Government has delivered for Kiama since forming government, but I know there is more work to do.

“I will make sure that we continue to deliver the critical infrastructure and services that our community needs and relies on.”

Bomaderry High School Principal Ian Morris said:

“The new building will provide a modern, well-equipped environment where students can develop practical skills and prepare for future study, training and careers.

“It’s exciting to see this level of support for regional education, and our school community looks forward to the building opening at the beginning of Term 4.”

Since its establishment by the Minns Labor Government in February 2025, the NSW Rental Taskforce has recovered more than $166,000 in unlawful fees for more than 2,000 renters, issued more than 200 penalty notices totalling just shy of $240,000, and conducted 300 property inspections to check compliance with minimum standards.

During that time, the Taskforce also commenced more than 300 investigations, with more than 80 currently ongoing and three court proceedings resulting in the successful prosecution of two people for rental bond fraud.

To mark the six months since its inception, the NSW Rental Taskforce is unveiling a new automated compliance monitoring tool which detects unlawful re-letting in near real time.

The system began operating in July and uses advanced data-matching to track more than 950,000 rental properties across NSW, cross-referencing landlord reports, rental listings, bond lodgements and tenant complaints.

It is a crucial tool to enforce the Minns Labor Government’s historic rental reforms which started on 19 May 2025. We have ended ‘no grounds’ evictions by requiring landlords to have a valid reason to end a lease. The reforms are backed by evidence requirements and re-letting exclusion periods to ensure people are doing the right thing.

In its first two months, the tool flagged 21 potential breaches of re-letting exclusion periods which were escalated for further investigation, while more than 2000 properties were added to a watchlist for ongoing compliance monitoring.

The intelligence-led approach ensures resources are focused on the highest-risk cases while reducing the burden on compliant landlords and agents, forming part of a broader suite of data-driven initiatives introduced by NSW Fair Trading to strengthen transparency and accountability in the rental market.

This includes mandatory landlord reporting on reasons they have ended a lease, end-of-tenancy surveys integrated into the bond claim process, and the popular Rent Check website, which has attracted more than 330,000 visits since launching in September 2024.

Education has also been a key focus, with renter awareness of their rights and new laws rising from 33 per cent to 80 per cent during the corresponding education campaign period, bolstered by almost 60 stakeholder events, targeted outreach to Aboriginal and multicultural communities and a surge in website traffic from 35,000 to 330,000 monthly visits.

The Government has invested $8.4 million across four years to strengthen compliance and enforcement in the rental market though the Rental Taskforce in NSW Fair Trading.

Led by the NSW Rental Commissioner, the 21-person multidisciplinary team includes 14 frontline inspectors dedicated to monitoring and enforcing rental laws, improving transparency, and protecting renters.

NSW Fair Trading is committed to protecting renters and ensuring a fair, transparent rental market through strong enforcement and education so to learn more about its compliance and enforcement priorities, please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/fair-trading/compliance-priorities

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The Taskforce’s results in the first six months speak for themselves – from refunding over $166,000 in illegal fees, to issuing nearly $240,000 in fines, to driving 99 per cent compliance on rent bidding and pet advertising, it is delivering real benefits for renters across the state.

“We’re using data and innovation to make compliance easier for honest operators while cracking down on those who break the rules. This is about creating a fairer, more transparent rental market for everyone in NSW.

“This new automated tool ensures landlords and agents follow the law by harnessing technology to detect unlawful re-letting in real time so swift action can be taken to protect renters from unfair practices.”

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said:

“NSW Fair Trading’s intelligence-led approach means the highest-risk breaches are targeted quickly and effectively, rather than relying on complaints alone. This is smarter regulation in action.

“We’ve seen renter awareness jump from 33 to 80 per cent, and that’s critical to making sure people know their rights and where to access help when they need it.

“With more than 2200 properties under active monitoring and only 1.1 per cent requiring investigation, instruments like the re-letting tool mean as regulators we can have a greater focus on problem areas without burdening compliant landlords and agents.”

Millions of people who arrive at Sydney Airport each year will have the confidence they are getting a fair ride to the CBD, with the introduction of a $60 flat rate taxi fare.

The Minns Labor Government is introducing a trial of fixed fares between the airport and the city as part of measures to crackdown on taxi rip-offs that blight the experience of landing in Sydney for many tourists and visitors.

A trial of a flat fare from the airport was recommended by the pricing watchdog, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal, in its report into taxi fares in May.

The NSW taxi industry and the operators of the airport support a flat fare structure.  

The NSW Point to Point Commission has received frequent complaints of taxi drivers taking advantage of first-time arrivals to Sydney, with hotel concierges livid to find out their guests have been slugged wildy-overpriced fares of more than $150 for the 13-kilometre trip.

The practice of overcharging and refusing to use meters has even led to drivers touting for business inside the arrivals hall at the airport.

The Point to Point Commissioner has issued more than 1,100 fines to taxi drivers since the introduction of the Taxi Fare Hotline in November 2022.

Earlier in the year, a Sydney cabbie was fined $2000 for refusing to use the meter and landing an overseas family with a $188.76 fare from the international terminal to a hotel in the CBD.

Flat fares have been introduced in other major cities, including New York’s JFK Airport.

A $60 fixed fare from the airport to the CBD will begin with a 12-month trial from 3 November. The trial will be assessed and made permanent if deemed a success.

A November start date allows for the installation of signage around the airport, a communication campaign to passengers and changes to meters inside cabs.

Road tolls and Sydney Airport ground transport access fees must NOT be passed on to the passenger in addition to the fixed fare.

Up to 5000 taxis a day queue to pick up visitors from the international and domestic terminals and some drivers complain about the wait times.

During consultation interviews, IPART found customer complaints centred around overcharging and refusal to use the meter, as well as a range of unexpected charges added to the fare at the end of the journey.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“As Australians, we pride ourselves on a warm welcome and a fair go. This has not been the experience for many visitors to Sydney once they land in the cab rank.

“One bad experience for tourists can ricochet around the world in 2025 and we must be vigilant about maintaining the good image Sydney has earned over decades.

“It’s time for a fair fare, every time.”

“I want to thank IPART for its work and the support of the NSW Taxi Council and Sydney Airport for helping us make a positive change.”

Point to Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing said:

“This is about building trust in taxi services and delivering a consistent, predictable experience for all passengers – including tourists and travellers on business arriving in Sydney for the first time.

“This trial will help up us stop overcharging before it happens, and will complement the work of my on-street inspectors in helping make sure every ride is a safe ride in NSW”

“I recently called a meeting of taxi companies and meter and payment device providers to work through the trial’s technical details in order to make it as robust as possible. I am pleased that we are able to come together with Government and industry to improve outcomes for NSW passengers”

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said:

“The fixed fare trial puts Sydney on par with cities like New York and Paris and is an important step in improving the passenger experience for travellers to our city.

“More than 40 million people pass through Sydney Airport every year, and, for many, their first experience of Australia is when they get into a taxi.  Knowing how much they will pay to get to the city is a positive step.

“We welcome the leadership of Minister Graham and the NSW Government, and acknowledge the collaboration of the NSW Taxi Council and the Point to Point Transport Commissioner in making this trial possible.”

NSW Taxi Council CEO Nick Abrahimsaid:

“The NSW Taxi Council welcomes this announcement by the NSW Government, and we believe set fares will provide certainty and confidence for passengers when travelling in a taxi from the Airport. 

“Pending the success of the trial, we would like to see the set fares extended to other locations across Sydney, as well as reciprocated for trips coming back to the Airport.

The Minns Labor Government and Inner West Councillors are today announcing an agreement to partner on rezoning along the Parramatta Road corridor that could deliver around 8,000 new homes close to the CBD.

The proposed rezoning would cover the section of Parramatta Road within the Inner West Local Government Area, complementing work already underway with Inner West Council, Burwood and Canada Bay Council.

This transport corridor which is serviced by a significant number of bus, light rail and train routes is close to the Sydney CBD with direct access to major hospitals including Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, a number of local public schools with existing capacity and green space.

Throughout the rezoning process affordable housing, active transport connections, new open space, retail and commercial opportunities, as well as improvements to the public domain will all be examined.

Sydney is the second least affordable city in the world, with house prices having significantly outstripped wage growth over the last two decades and a NSW Productivity Commission report warning that Sydney is at risk of becoming a city without grandchildren as NSW is losing twice as many young people as it gains each year.

The Minns Labor Government has been leading the way with bold plans to deliver more housing for young people and families who have been locked out of desperately needed new homes

This builds on previous work from the Minns Government to increase homes along the Parramatta Road transport corridor including:

• 8 projects along Parramatta Road that have been declared State Significant through the Housing Delivery Authority and the Infill Affordable Housing Bonus which could deliver 3,968 homes, including affordable housing.
• Three sites from the government land audit, which will deliver around 800 homes, including social and key worker housing.
• A Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precinct and state-led rezoning at Homebush and North Burwood which combined will deliver up to 33,000 homes.
• And 11 Low and Mid-Rise sites along the length of the corridor.

This has been further supported by once in a generation reforms introduced by the Minns Labor Government to build more well-located homes for young people and families including the largest rezoning in NSW history and delivering the largest investment in social and affordable housing in the state’s history at $6.6 billion.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will work with council and the relevant State government agencies to progress the rezoning. There are no compulsory acquisitions proposed as part of this plan.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns:

“Parramatta Road has been talked about for decades with little result. It’s time to stop talking and start building.  What will transform this major corridor is more homes for people to revitalise this area. That’s what’s needed to deliver more vibrancy to one of our city’s most important corridors.

“We know Sydney is facing a housing crisis. That’s why my Government is working with councils like the Inner West to get homes built faster, and in places with existing services and infrastructure.

“We’re not just planning for more homes, we’re planning for better communities, with more affordable housing, better streetscapes and public spaces, and access to jobs and transport.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

“Parramatta Road needs more homes and jobs in vibrant communities. It’s a major transport corridor that connects so many communities to the city but it can be so much than a tired thoroughfare.

“By working closely with Inner West Council, we’ll make sure planning reflects the needs of local communities while providing the new homes Sydney so desperately needs.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“For too long Parramatta Road has been a missed opportunity to deliver more homes for young people and families.

“Today we are making real changes to deliver housing solutions that reflect our values—affordability, sustainability, and liveability, on a key transport link with buses to the city every 1-5 minutes in the peak.

“This partnership shows what’s possible when councils and government collaborate to tackle Sydney’s housing crisis head-on.”

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said:

“Our Inner West community wants to see more desperately needed new homes delivered and local people are telling us that the Parramatta Road corridor is the right location for higher residential densities.

“By partnering with the Government to build more homes on Parramatta Road we can give more of our young people and essential workers a place to live in the Inner West, and make sure that increased density is distributed fairly across our whole community.

The Suicide Prevention Bill 2025 has passed New South Wales Parliament. This legislation was committed to prior to the 2023 election and is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to deliver better support for communities across the state.

The passing of this legislation coincides with R U OK? Day and World Suicide Prevention Day  yesterday. These important days serve as reminders of the importance of conversations and checking in on others.

This is the first time in NSW history that suicide prevention has been written into law. NSW now joins a handful of countries around the world in adopting a world-leading legislative model that makes every arm of government accountable for preventing suicide.

In 2024, 951 people in NSW were lost to suicide making it the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 44.

The Suicide Prevention Bill 2025 is one of the most significant reforms ever undertaken in mental health, placing suicide prevention at the centre of government decision making and embedding accountability across agencies.

The bills includes:

• A Statewide strategy: A mandatory suicide prevention plan led by the NSW Mental Health Commission and shaped by lived experience.
• Agency action plans: Every government department, including NSW Police, will be required to develop their own suicide prevention plan with rollout from 2027.
• Advisory councils: Two new advisory bodies, the NSW Suicide Prevention Council and the NSW Aboriginal Suicide Prevention Council, bringing together lived-experience voices, Aboriginal leaders, experts and government.
• Monitoring system: The NSW Suicide Monitoring System enshrined in law, ensuring transparent and ongoing reporting of suspected and confirmed suicides to inform policy and funding.

The New South Wales Government understands there is much more work to be done, but this is a key step in building a better New South Wales and preventing suicide and its widespread impact on our community.

RUOK? Day resources can be found here.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“This is historic. For the first time, NSW has suicide prevention written into law, making every part of government accountable for saving lives. It is a world-leading approach and one of the most significant reforms in our history.”

“Every life lost to suicide is one too many. This legislation delivers a united, evidence-based response that puts lived experience and Aboriginal voices at the centre of prevention.”

“By passing this Bill we are honouring our election commitment and driving a cultural shift across government. No longer can suicide prevention be left to the health system alone. It is now everyone’s responsibility.”

“Today marks R U OK? Day I urge people to check in with their loved ones. A simple conversation can be life changing. It might be the connection someone needs to feel seen, supported and safe.”

Mental Health Commissioner of New South Wales Jennifer Black:

“The Commission welcomes the passage of this landmark legislation, which strengthens NSW’s whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention.

“The new functions for the Commission – leading statewide plans and supporting new advisory councils – underline that suicide prevention is a key priority for government, and highlight the importance of coordinated action across government and the community to save lives.

“The Commission is committed to delivering on these additional responsibilities with focus, diligence and collaboration.”

CEO of Suicide Prevention Australia Nieves Murray:

“This is a huge step forward for New South Wales and sets the standard for suicide prevention nationally.  For the first time, suicide prevention is embedded in law in this state, making it clear that saving lives is a responsibility shared across every part of government.

“This legislation enshrines the whole-of-government approach we have long called for. Suicide prevention is not just a health issue — it is shaped by housing, education, employment, justice, and many other factors. By making every agency accountable, the NSW Government is showing real leadership and driving the kind of systemic change that will make a lasting difference.

“We commend Minister Jackson and the NSW Government for this landmark reform and urge other states and territories to follow their lead. This is exactly the type of action we need to reduce distress, save lives and build a safer future for our communities”

mental health advocate and media personality Renee Gartner

“I can’t go back and change my younger self. But by not choosing silence, I’ve created a future full of possibilities, and now, through this Bill, we’re building a system that makes that future possible for others too.”

“This legislation takes us from awareness to action suicide prevention is now everyone’s responsibility”

If life is in danger, call Triple Zero. If you or someone you know needs specialist mental health care, please call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. It is a free service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week staffed by trained mental health professionals.

We encourage NSW residents affected by suicide to call StandBy: Support After Suicide on 1300 727 247 at any time for support – irrespective of how much time has passed since the tragedy occurred. This state-wide service provides a range of practical and emotional support to anyone who has been bereaved or impacted by suicide. For more information, visit:

https://standbysupport.com.au/find-support/nswpss.

For further information on NSW Health’s suicide prevention programs visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/towardszerosuicides/Pages/default.aspx

The Minns Labor Government is delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Chan AM as the new chair of the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board.

Mr Chan has been a valued member of the Advisory Board since 2018 and is one of its longest serving members. His breadth of experience spans the arts, cultural, business and community sectors.

Announcing the appointment at the board’s most recent meeting, Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper cited Mr Chan’s vast experience, community work, wise counsel and bipartisanship as some of the factors behind the move, among others.

In addition to his role on the Advisory Board, Mr Chan serves as president of the Chinese Australian Forum, director on the board of Sydney Festival and chair of the VisAsia Committee at the Art Gallery of NSW.

He is also a member of the Federal Government’s Australian Multicultural Council, director of the Australian National Maritime Museum Foundation and member of the NSW Government Geographical Names Board.

Mr Chan is also the founder and director of Art Atrium, a contemporary art gallery in Sydney that focuses on cross-cultural collaboration and expression as a reflection of our multicultural society.

Mr Chan has officially taken the reins from previous chair Nick Kaldas APM.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Simon has been an outstanding contributor to the Advisory Board for many years, and his experience, advocacy and community work made him an obvious candidate to take on this important role.

“A multiculturalism champion, Simon has done incredible work supporting and uplifting NSW’s diverse communities, with a track record of success.

“He leads with inclusivity and brings a depth of experience across diverse sectors. I look forward to working alongside Simon as he continues to serve our vibrant multicultural society.”

Multicultural NSW Advisory Board Chair Simon Chan AM said:

“I am honoured to be appointed chair of the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the Minister for Multiculturalism and our Advisory Board members to maintain social cohesion in the current challenging community environment.

“I want to see everyone in our multicultural society feel a strong sense of belonging as Australians.”

Multicultural NSW CEO Joseph La Posta said:

“Simon’s longstanding commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive and united multicultural community in NSW will serve us well as he takes on this important role.

“Simon has been a dedicated and passionate member of our Advisory Board.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge, lived experience and leadership to the role, and I look forward to working closely with him to continue advancing social cohesion and harmony across our state.”

The Newcastle community will be safer this bushfire season thanks to ongoing Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulance (HARA) training for specialist paramedics in the region.

This regular HARA training includes off-road, beach driving and operating the various safety features, and ensures our highly trained special operations paramedics are prepared to act in the toughest environments.

The fleet of eight new HARAs was launched by Minister for Health Ryan Park in October 2024 as part of a $14.8 million package to further build the state’s flood rescue capabilities.

The HARAs are designed to drive through flood waters up to 1.2 metres and were used to access patients during Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the NSW mid-north coast floods earlier this year.

Equipped with safety features for operation in hazardous environments, including around fire grounds, the HARAs are equipped with a burn-over crew protection system which sprays water over and around the vehicle to keep it cool.

NSW Ambulance carefully planned and modified the vehicles with enhanced safety features to ensure they can withstand harsh environments.

External flammable components were replaced with fire-resistant materials and critical vehicle infrastructure has been wrapped in fire-retardant material so they will not melt or burn in a bushfire situation.

The exoskeleton of the vehicle has been reinforced to protect paramedics and patients from falling trees.

The all-terrain vehicles were carefully designed by the NSW Ambulance team with a range of specific features, making them world-first vehicles that optimise response capabilities in hazardous areas, such as floods and bushfires.

The rear of the vehicle is a fully operational ambulance, with a specially designed stretcher loading system to assist paramedics in patient handling and for patient comfort. 

The HARAs are strategically stationed at NSW Ambulance heavy rescue stations based in Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra, Wagga Wagga and Bomaderry, as well as special operation team locations in Point Clare and Sydney.

Minister for Health Ryan Park: 

“NSW Ambulance HARAs are top of the line and the first of their kind in the world, enabling our paramedics to access patients in difficult terrains, including during natural disasters like fires and floods.

“The highly skilled paramedics who operate these vehicles receive regular training to ensure both their safety – and that of their patients – remains the main priority.

“As we head into summer it’s important to plan ahead for emergencies, and that includes residents undertaking their own bushfire risk assessment and preparing a survival plan to save our emergency services for those who need it most.

“The Minns Government is committed to ensuring our frontline emergency services are equipped and ready to help our communities when they need it most.”

Member for Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“Our region deserves strong, reliable frontline care, and while we’re fortunate to have incredible paramedics delivering it, we must make sure they are equipped with everything they need to get the job done.

“We are fortunate to have these specialist vehicles at our disposal which will help get community members the help they need at times when they are most vulnerable.

“Our region has faced its fair share of natural disasters in recent years and it is a comfort to know that help is at hand when we need it most.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“NSW Ambulance is leading the way when it comes to innovative assets and these vehicles are a massive investment in the organisation’s capability.

“The HARAs are equipped with the latest technology including a multi-agency communication system improving the organisation’s capability to deliver the very best outcomes for patients.

“With the official 2025/26 bushfire season set to commence on October 1, 2025, NSW Ambulance – along with other emergency services – is working hard to ensure staff have the training and resources at hand to deal with emergencies as they arise.”

Tough illicit tobacco laws, first proposed by the Coalition in June, have yesterday passed the NSW Lower House.
 
These new laws will crack down on the dodgy tobacconists popping up on every high street in NSW. New powers will allow NSW Health to close stores found selling illicit tobacco for up to 90 days, or 12 months with a court order. Penalties for the sale and possession of commercial quantities of illicit tobacco will see people face up to 7 years imprisonment or a $1.5 million fine.
 
Leader of the Opposition, Mark Speakman welcomed the Government supporting the Coalition’s proposals to crack down on illicit tobacco and organised crime.
 
“Organised crime gangs cannot run NSW. These laws will shut down their illegal tobacco stores, cut off a money stream that funds their illegal activities and put them behind bars.”
“With the passage of these new laws, the job now falls to the Government to ensure they are enforced. The community expects nothing less than to start seeing these stores closed down,” said Mr Speakman.
 
Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens said these laws will better protect communities across NSW from harmful tobacco and organised crime on our streets.
 
“Every community across NSW has seen a rise in illegal tobacco stores on their street corners. Chris Minns’ Government has allowed organised crime to establish a presence in our local communities.”
 
Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said the passage of these laws sent a clear message to criminals engaged in the illicit tobacco trade, and they will help protect young people against the harms of tobacco and vaping.
 
“These stores trade in addiction. They target kids with cheap, dangerous products, and the result is more lives lost, and more hospital beds filled.”
“Passing laws is only the beginning. The real test will be whether the Government backs this up with ongoing enforcement and a broader health plan to reduce smoking rates.”
 
Shadow Minister for Regional Health, Gurmesh Singh said regional NSW was facing the brunt of criminals fighting for control of the illegal tobacco trade.
 
“Regional communities throughout NSW are seeing these stores pop up every day and fear the violence that comes along with them like firebombings and intimidation.”
“It is time to see these stores closed and the criminals face harsh penalties and that is what these tough new laws will do.”

The Minns Labor Government is openly divided over its plan to bulldoze Carnarvon Golf Course and turn it into a new cemetery.
 
On one side, the local Labor MP for Auburn, Lynda Voltz, has told Parliament this evening Sydney has no cemetery crisis, pointing to more than 163,000 burial plots at Macarthur Memorial Park and Nepean Memorial Gardens, enough to last until 2058.
 
On the other, the Minister for Crown Lands, Steve Kamper, claims the issue is one of urgency, demanding action in just a matter of years
 
Both can’t be right. Either Lynda Voltz doesn’t believe her Premier and his Minister, or the Premier’s own frontbench is misleading the public.
 
This is not just a policy split; it is a caucus at war. The government’s left hand doesn’t know what its right hand is doing. Labor MPs are contradicting each other in Parliament, in the media, and in their own electorates.
 
Families deserve transparency. Instead, they are watching Labor fight itself while their green space is under threat.
 
NSW Leader of the Opposition, Mark Speakman said Steve Kamper says this is urgent and running out in a matter of years.
 
“Lynda Voltz says Sydney has cemetery land until 2058. Who in the Labor caucus is telling the truth?”, Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Crown Lands, Steph Cooke said one Labor MP says there’s no crisis for over 30 years.
 
“A Labor Minister says it’s urgent. That’s not consultation, that’s division at the heart of the Labor caucus.” Ms Cooke said.

NSW Liberal Shadow Minister for the Environment, James Griffin MP, has slammed the Minns Labor Government for announcing the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) without any concrete details or legislation to back it up. 
 
“After two and a half years of delay and inaction, all this Labor Government can produce is a media statement. No legislation, no details, no explanation of funding, and no certainty,” Mr Griffin said. 
 
“To make such a significant announcement whilst providing almost no detail is deeply disappointing. It is more than reasonable and fair to ask, why announce something but have no legislation to back it up?.”
 
Concerningly, the Minns Labor Government has revealed that the final creation of the proposed park is dependent on the successful registration of a carbon project under the Improved Native Forest Management (INFM) Method, which is currently under review by the Federal Government.
 
Yesterday, NSW Premier Chris Minns conceded that while he expects the Federal Government to ‘come through’, this is ultimately a decision outside of his control, stating that the NSW Government will have to look at ways of creating the Great Koala National Park based on the Federal Government’s decision.
 
“There is a total absence of legislation and funding details and a government apparently hedging its bets, and the hopes of conservation groups, on approval from the Federal Government,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“That means the very shape of the legislation, and even whether it proceeds at all, will be determined not in NSW, but in Canberra.”
 
If the Federal Government refuses to provide carbon credits, serious questions arise about how the legislation and plans for the GKNP will change, including whether the proposed boundaries will be altered. Until the Minns Labor Government provides the necessary details and introduces clear legislation to back up this announcement, the NSW Liberals will continue to hold Premier Chris Minns to account.
 
The Former Coalition Government had a proud and strong record on Koala conservation, which included establishing the updated NSW Koala Strategy, which delivered $190 million over five years to support the overarching goal of doubling NSW’s koala numbers by 2050. As part of this, the former NSW Coalition committed:

• $107.1 million to fund the protection, restoration and improved management of 47,000 hectares of koala habitat, to meet key conservation targets of 22,000 ha of koala habitat protected and 25,000 ha of koala habitat restored by 2026.
• $19.6 million to fund partnerships across NSW
• $23.2 million to remove threats, improve health and rehabilitation, and establish a translocation program
• $43.4 million to fill knowledge gaps and better understand NSW koala populations

Under this Labor Government, those key targets are not being met, with the 2023-24 NSW Koala Strategy Annual Report released in August last month revealing that only 8,353 hectares of koala habitat had been restored.
 
If protecting koalas were genuinely a priority, Chris Minns would have legislated the park immediately and backed the NSW Koala Strategy with real funding. Instead, we’re left with a hollow announcement, no legislation, and a plan that depends on Canberra’s say-so,” Mr Griffin said.