Category: NSW News

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Scott Farlow, has called on the Minns Labor Government to work with the community on planning and housing matters.

“So far we’ve seen the Labor Government tell communities to ‘get out of the way’, and a reluctance to stand up to Canberra, meaning vital infrastructure projects necessary for growing communities are under threat from Labor cuts,” Mr Farlow said.

“New South Wales needs to build more homes, but we need to ensure we bring communities with us on this journey, providing the necessary health, education and transport infrastructure while preserving public space and local amenity.”

“Minister Jackson said she is ‘very motivated to just push through’ with medium and high-density developments, which shows Labor aren’t prepared to hear the views and concerns of residents in communities right across NSW.”

“Labor’s plans to drop more development into Sydney, without addressing congestion, green space and other infrastructure needs, while ignoring genuine concerns and abandoning community consultation, is just wrong.”

Mr Farlow stressed the importance of infrastructure planning, service delivery and maintaining and enhancing public spaces as priorities in any new push to address housing supply.

“The Premier has ordered his ministers to urgently find vacant blocks of public land to rezone for housing. Given comment from his Housing Minister, telling communities to ‘get out of the way’, the government needs to be upfront with what land they’re targeting, and have a plan to address legitimate community concerns such as access to transport and services,” Mr Farlow said.

“It’s hard to plan for a growing city when you have a government hell bent on cancelling vital infrastructure projects, like the Sydney Metro.”

As households across NSW struggle under higher energy prices and increased cost of living pressures, Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change James Griffin says it’s clear that Labor don’t understand the issues impacting communities.

“In Parliament this week, I asked Labor two very simple questions, on behalf of families, seniors and households across our state,” Mr Griffin said:

1) “Federal budget papers confirm that the average household’s energy bill will increase by $380 next financial year. The New South Wales Coalition proposed $250 energy bill relief for every household in New South Wales. How many New South Wales households will be hit by this price increase because of your Government’s decision to limit energy bill relief?”

2) “Following up from your inability to answer the question yesterday. What will be the average increase in electricity bills in the next financial year, for families who will not be eligible for the limited bill relief provided by NSW and Federal Labor Governments, given they will not receive the $250 off energy bills for all families announced by the NSW Coalition?”

“Labor couldn’t answer either question, taking the first question on notice, and not knowing that the average household’s energy bill will increase by $380.”

“If Labor can’t tell us how many households will be hit by the rise in power bills, how can anyone expect them to reduce the cost of living for the residents of NSW?”

Before the election Labor admitted it would take seven years for their energy policies to lower power bills. In contrast the Coalition committed to providing $250 energy relief for every household in the state.

“Households and businesses can’t wait seven years. People rightly expect their government to be taking action now. This is yet another demonstration that Labor don’t understand the cost of living pressures across our community, that they aren’t across the detail, and that they’re not up to scratch,” Mr Griffin concluded.

To support the work of the shadow cabinet, NSW Liberal Leader Mark Speakman and NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders today announced shadow assistant ministers (sitting outside the shadow cabinet).

“The people of NSW expect us as an opposition to be constructive, to represent their interests and to hold the government to account. Today’s announcement builds on the shadow ministerial team and strengthens our commitment to the areas of policy vital to the success of our state,” Mr Speakman said.

“We are committed to fighting for the needs and concerns of the people of NSW, and our shadow assistant ministers will play an important role in engaging with communities across our state, hearing concerns and ideas, and developing practical solutions that benefit households and businesses.”

Mr Saunders said that the Labor Government has already dropped the ball by failing to detail its policies or explain how it will pay for anything.

“From addressing increasing cost of living pressures, to ensuring investment in infrastructure in our cities and regions, this government is already out of puff and ideas.”

“We will spend every day focused on the needs of people across this state, and our experience and record of delivery will put us in good stead to present a strong alternative government at the 2027 election,” Mr Saunders concluded.

Coalition Shadow Assistant Ministers Tanya Davies MP	Shadow Assistant Minister for Jobs and Small Business
Wes Fang MLC	Shadow Assistant Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Susan Carter MLC	Shadow Assistant Attorney General Shadow Assistant Special Minister of State Shadow Assistant Minister for Corrections
Mark Hodges MP	Shadow Assistant Minister for Western Sydney
Dave Layzell MP	Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional NSW Shadow Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Natural Resources
Rory Amon MP	Shadow Assistant Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Shadow Assistant Minister for Housing Shadow Assistant Minister for Youth
Tanya Thompson MP	Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health Shadow Assistant Minister for Trade Shadow Assistant Minister for Seniors
Matt Cross MP	Shadow Assistant Minister for Transport and Roads Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure
Jordan Lane MP	Shadow Assistant Minister for Multiculturalism Shadow Assistant Minister for Health

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and Shadow Sport Minister Eleni Petinos today launched a campaign to Save Active Kids, inviting people to visit www.saveactivekids.com.au to show their support.

Active Kids has been a very popular and successful measure implemented by the Coalition Government, giving kids, who may have otherwise missed out, an opportunity to participate in sport and helping with their physical and mental health. This great program is now under threat due to Labor cuts.

“The Labor Government needs to come clean. It needs to tell kids and parents why it’s looking to cancel vouchers and increase cost-of-living pressures on them at the worst possible time,” Mr Speakman said.

“At the 2019 election NSW Labor was upfront about its plans to cancel Active Kids, but it said nothing at this election,” said Mr Speakman. “If it was planning to scrap the program, it should have been honest with NSW families.

“We want to see this program continue for NSW families, helping to take the pressure of family budgets and helping our kids get active.”

At the start of this year more than 4.85 million vouchers had been redeemed, saving families $481 million.

Shadow Sport Minister Eleni Petinos said that the program not only helps to reduce the pressure on household budgets, but also encourages healthy and active lifestyles for our children.

“The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states that 70% of children fail to meet physical activity guidelines. This can lead to poorer academic outcomes and increased childhood obesity rates,” Ms Petinos said.

“Chris Minns must come clean and tell us if he’s cutting these important vouchers. The Coalition will fight every day for families, sporting clubs and small businesses to ensure that these and other important cost-of-living relief aren’t cut at a time when families can least afford it.”

NSW Liberal Leader Mark Speakman and NSW Nationals Leader Paul Toole today announced the first tranche of shadow ministry appointments:

• Mark Speakman as Opposition Leader and Leader of the Liberals
• Paul Toole as Shadow Minister for Police, Shadow Minister for Regional NSW and Leader of the NSW Nationals
• Bronnie Taylor as Shadow Minister for Regional Health, Shadow Minister for Trade, Shadow Minister for Seniors and Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals
• Damien Tudehope as Shadow Treasurer and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council
• Sarah Mitchell as Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning, Shadow Minister for Western NSW and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council
• Natalie Ward as Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads
• Alister Henskens as Shadow Attorney General and Manager of Opposition Business in the Legislative Assembly
• Matt Kean as Shadow Minister for Health

Mr Speakman said appointments in these key portfolios demonstrate the Coalition’s commitment to holding the Labor government to account and fighting for the interests of the people of NSW.

“We will continue to fight for NSW families and businesses, to ensure they have the economic settings and support to succeed and prosper, and weather the current cost-of-living challenges,” Mr Speakman said. “We will make sure that the Labor Government is held to account and doesn’t compromise our economic security to satisfy the demands of union bosses.”

NSW Nationals Leader Paul Toole said the Coalition will utilise our experience in government, our strong record of economic management and investment in infrastructure as well as service delivery, to ensure that NSW remains strong and prosperous.

“Our shadow ministers have the experience to deliver the ideas for a strong economy and job creation and support world-class health, education and transport.” 

The NSW Liberals are calling on the Labor Government to come clean with NSW families.

Liberal Leader Mark Speakman said the Government should tell kids and parents why it’s looking to cancel vouchers and increase cost-of-living pressures on them at the worst possible time.

“At the previous election NSW Labor was upfront about its plans to cancel Active Kids, but they said nothing at this election,” said Mr Speakman. “If they were planning to scrap the program, they should have been honest with NSW families.”

Active Kids has been a very popular and successful measure implemented by the Coalition Government, giving kids who may have otherwise missed out an opportunity to participate in sport and helping with their physical and mental health.

At the start of this year more than 4.85 million vouchers had been redeemed, saving families $481 million.

“We want to see this program continue for NSW families, helping to take the pressure of family budgets and helping our kids get active.

“While kids in other states get to enjoy similar programs, it seems that in order to pay for the demands of union bosses the NSW Government will make families and businesses foot the bill.”

Following the withdrawal of The Capital Spirit from the Premier League Competition for Season 2023, Netball NSW (NNSW) confirms that it will seek expressions of interest from potential licensees to join the competition for Season 2024 and beyond.

Subject to the right licensee being identified, NNSW’s current position is that a 10-team competition is the optimal competition structure when considering NNSW’s 2023 to 2025 Strategic Plan. Accordingly, it is intended that the organisation will add one licensee to the competition.

“Premier League is the pinnacle netball competition in NSW, showcasing the best current and emerging talent within NSW,” Netball NSW Competitions Manager Claire Dale said.

“It offers a local, pre-elite performance environment for players, coaches, officials, and administrators, providing bridging opportunities into the Australian Netball Championships (ANC) and subsequently, Suncorp Super Netball.

“In addition to creating a sustainable competition, the NNSW Premier League aims to enhance the profile of the game across the State through increased media and promotional opportunities. 

“NNSW is committed to enhancing the reputation of netball in the community and increasing the engagement of fans and current and future participants.

“In providing an initial notice, we are hoping this encourages potential licensees to think about partnerships, community connection and future growth opportunities prior to our request for EOI.”

Premier League is contested across two divisions – Opens and Under 23s – with currently nine teams in each division facing off in the competition. 

NNSW’s strategic objectives aim to create a seamless pathway for developing players, coaches, officials, and administrators throughout NSW, with a focus on increasing the depth and quality at the elite level of the game in NSW.

To ensure the purpose and pathway linkages between Metro League, Premier League and State/National Programs are clearly articulated and designed for player growth and retention, NNSW is seeking expressions of interest from parties who share the organisation’s strategic objectives and are committed to contributing to the development of the netball community across the ecosystem.

Expression of Interest Process

Prior to opening the expression of interest (EOI) process, NNSW is providing the opportunity for parties who may have an interest in being a part of the competition, to engage in conversation to assist it in determining their suitability to submit an application during the EOI process. 

To read more about this please CLICK HERE

Mark Speakman has been elected as the new leader of the NSW Liberal Parliamentary
Party and will lead the Party to the 2027 NSW election.

Mark grew up in Caringbah, in the Cronulla electorate he has represented since 2011 and
where he has lived most of his adult life. He has two children, Kate and Matt, with Caroline.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (first class honours and the university medal) and a Bachelor of
Economics from Sydney University as well as a Master of Law (first class honours) from
Cambridge University. Mark was appointed Senior Counsel after a successful legal career
before entering NSW Parliament.

In the previous Coalition Government, Mark served as Attorney General, Minister for the
Environment and Heritage, and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence. As
AG he led major legal reforms in domestic and sexual violence (including sexual consent law
and coercive control law), improving community safety and modernised defamation law. As
Environment Minister he led NSW’s early adoption of net zero by 2050, as well as container
deposit scheme legislation. He also served as Leader of the House.

“The NSW Liberals have delivered more than a decade of unprecedented economic success
and investment for our state. Our government left NSW with two triple-A credit ratings, low
unemployment and strong economic management that allowed us to support for families,
businesses and the wider community,” Mark said.

“From vouchers that have been helping family budgets, to programs that have helped small
businesses survive repeated economic shocks, to transformation of infrastructure and
frontline services, the Coalition government left NSW stronger and more prosperous than it
was in 2011.

“In challenging times we will continue to work hard for the people of NSW and keep fighting
for the needs of communities from Albury to Port Macquarie, and from Vaucluse to Broken
Hill.

“After 12 years in opposition, Labor have only been able to achieve minority government on
an extraordinarily narrow platform. We intend to operate as a constructive opposition –
offering support where it is warranted, and holding the Government to account where they
fail the community.”

Damian Tudehope and Natalie Ward have been elected as the Leader and Deputy Leader in
the Legislative Council.

Netball NSW is delighted to announce the launch of an interactive Cultural Competency and Reflections E-Learning course entitled C.A.R.E.

The course aims to empower and support the netball community to unite and take action to create positive change for First Nations participants in the game. It will give the NSW netball community a vital toolkit to help create culturally safe and inclusive environments for First Nations peoples who love our game.

C.A.R.E is now free for all netball participants, Clubs and Associations across the State. Importantly, it’s the first course of its kind to be launched by an Australian sporting organisation, and has been designed in close consultation with Netball NSW’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group.

It encourages participants to challenge coaching, officiating, selection and leadership policies and practices within their sphere of influence, given these policies and practices can often exclude or discriminate against Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples. The C.A.R.E package then encourages participants to reflect and advocate for positive alternatives.

Work started on the project in 2018 and Netball NSW General Manager of Performance & Pathways Mardi Aplin said C.A.R.E was the fulfilment of a huge body of work by many stakeholders within the game.

“Education is one of the most important tools to help us build a better future for all, and netball can only fully reach its potential when we provide a safe environment for everyone,” she said.

“The C.A.R.E course is a fantastic achievement, and we are exceptionally proud to be launching a product that provides our netball community with a brilliant resource to ensure ignorance is no longer an excuse when it comes to cultural awareness.  

“The course asks our netball community to put themselves, or their child, in the shoes of the speakers, and to explore their reactions and feelings.

“It is important to acknowledge that to grow, to listen and to learn as a sport, we must be comfortable with being uncomfortable when taking the course. By taking part, our participants are helping to build towards a much better, shared netball experience for everyone.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our RAP Working Group for their wisdom, energy, passion and patience while collaborating with us on this vital education course.”

Alison Tucker-Munro of the NNSW RAP Working Group said the launch of the C.A.R.E course was a very welcome development.

“As Mardi said, education is vital when it comes to Reconciliation, and this online resource is just one step in a bigger journey that our sport must take if we want to work and walk together towards ensuring our sport is genuinely inclusive to all,” she said.

“The course really does highlight the critical role we all play in providing culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal people across NSW. We must strive to be a sport of choice for all Australians, and specifically our First Australians.

“It has taken a very long time to bring this to fruition, but these projects require a lot of time and proper consultation to ensure they can deliver what they are set up to do.
“The Information modules are designed to build knowledge and confidence to enable Associations and Clubs to create culturally safe and inclusive spaces for Aboriginal players, coaches, umpires, selectors and administrators.

“Together, with the help of the netball community we will find a way to stand against racism, because we, and our sport, will all be the better for it.”

To learn more about C.A.R.E, and to take the course, please CLICK HERE

Central to our future prosperity is the growth of a NSW economy that works in the interests of people – not the other way around.

The Liberals and Nationals have sold off over $90 billion worth of public assets but failed to set our economy up for the future. Since they came to office 12 years ago, the number of people in NSW finishing apprenticeships each year has more than halved; the state has lost 42,000 manufacturing jobs; and NSW gross debt has increased by five times to over $128 billion.

And by selling off so many public assets, our budget has lost billions of dollars in dividends that were previously reinvested back into essential services like schools and hospitals.

Labor’s Fresh Start Plan will build a strong economy for the future and provide jobs growth and skills to fulfill the ambitions of the people of NSW.

We’ll halt the privatisation of public assets, back local manufacturing – starting by building the Tangara replacement trains right here, back local businesses with a NSW Jobs First Commission, and address the skills gap through TAFE Manufacturing Centres of Excellence.