Category: NSW News

The Sheep and Goat eID Tag Discount Program has been extended to December 31, with an additional $4 million allocated to the program as part of the Minns Government’s plan to support producers in the implementation of mandatory electronic identification tags.

The roll out of the eID program is part of the Minns Government’s more than $1 billion biosecurity plans designed to protect and secure the State’s $20 billion primary industry sector from invasive pests and diseases.

The eID program is essential in strengthening the integrity of the state’s livestock traceability system and represents a significant step forward in biosecurity and livestock management for the NSW sheep and goat industry.

It also helps the NSW Government to respond more effectively to disease outbreaks and ensuring the continued competitiveness of the NSW agricultural industry.

The use of eID tags became mandatory on 1 January 2025 for all sheep and goats born from this date. The additional funding ensures producers will now receive a discount of $0.76 (including GST) for NLIS accredited white 2025 devices up until 31 December 2025, or until funds are exhausted.

The program extension comes following a strong uptake of eID tags, with approximately 9.8 million eID tags purchased since November 2024, more than 800,500 eIDs scanned in saleyards in 2025 so far and approximately 15.5% of the sheep and goats coming through saleyards already equipped with an eID.

Since January 1, NSW saleyards have been required to scan electronic identification devices in sheep and goats and producers have to use eID devices for movements of sheep and goats born from this date.

Processors, saleyards, agents and producers have benefited from a diverse range of support activities from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development eID implementation team.

Since January 2024, extension staff have attended 895 industry events across 204 locations across the state, launched online and in-person training workshops, and developed stories showcasing the real-world application of eID on NSW farms.

For more information on the implementation of eID for sheep and goats in NSW please visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) website and sign up to the NSW sheep and goat eID newsletter.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The eID Roll out is an important plank in the Government’s biosecurity plans.

It is about protecting our export markets, about protecting against exotic disease and it is about protecting the livelihood of famers and their families.

“We are really pleased to see such strong uptake and support for the program since January 1 and this additional funding will ensure more producers are supported during the implementation process.

“This program ensures NSW producers will continue to lead the world in biosecurity safety and maintain their export premiums.

“We will continue working with producers, agents, saleyards and processors to implement eID in their operations.”

The states first dedicated NSW Office for Youth will be launched today as part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to build a fairer New South Wales, where young people are directly involved in the government decision-making process.

This comes as the NSW Government’s 2024 Youth Summit Report shows 76% of young people feel unheard in government decision-making.

The agency will be officially launched this evening at an event in NSW Parliament, alongside the young people who helped build it – including advocates, content creators, and MPs.

For more than a decade, young people in New South Wales have lacked a central point of engagement within government. The former Liberal-National government abolished the youth portfolio in 2011, silencing the voice of young people in executive government.

The new NSW Office for Youth will change that.

Young people made their expectations clear through 12 months of consultation and at the 2024 NSW Youth Summit: consultation without follow-through is no longer acceptable. They called for genuine influence in shaping policy. The Minns Labor Government has listened and is taking action.

The Office for Youth will:

• Engage young people on their terms – in urban and regional areas, online, and through community-based initiatives.
• Embed youth perspectives across government policies and programs from the outset, not as an afterthought.
• Cut through red tape and duplication that currently exists

From climate and housing to justice, mental health, and equity, young people in NSW have consistently shown leadership. The NSW Office for Youth will ensure that leadership is formally recognised, respected, and integrated into decision-making processes across government.

The NSW Government is committed to building a future where young people are not only heard but are active contributors to the decisions that shape their lives.

Also released today key findings of the 2024 Youth Summit Report show:

• 76% of young people say government doesn’t listen.
• Cost of living is the top issue, followed by mental health and vaping.
• 1 in 10 have experienced homelessness.
• 85% voted in 2023 but still feel shut out.

The report can be found here.

Chair of Youth Advisory Council:

“I’m excited to see how the Minster for Youth along with the Advocate, will work together to ensure all that all young people across the state, feel supported, valued and listened to.”

Minister for Youth, Rose Jackson:

“The decisions we make as a government today, will affect generations to come so it is absolutely imperative that they are a part of the conversation. That’s what this is about.

“Young people have been ignored for way too long. Former NSW Liberal/National Government’s have cut the youth portfolio entirely- we’re putting it back, front and centre where it belongs.

“This new Office isn’t just a nameplate on a door- it’s a proper, central place where young people are heard, respected, and actually help steer the ship.

“We’re not here to tick boxes or run another round of pointless consultation. This is about real change. Young people told us what they want and we’re getting on with it.”

Zoë Robinson Advocate for Children and Young People:
“The Office for Youth brings together expertise from across government to continue to engage with and ensure young people’s voices are not just heard but will inform policy and decisions that will impact them today and, in the future.”

Milly Bannister Founder & CEO of ALLKND:

“Young people aren’t just the future, they’re here, now, shaping communities and tackling challenges head‑on. The launch of the Office for Youth is an opportunity to put their voices where they belong – at the heart of decision‑making.

“At ALLKND, we see every day how powerful it is when young people are trusted to co‑design solutions that affect their mental health and wellbeing. This initiative signals a genuine commitment to listening to and learning from the lived experiences of young people across New South Wales, and I’m proud to stand behind it.”

This National Homelessness Week, the Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.

This week, a new modular build refuge in Revesby was assembled onsite.

By adopting this innovative construction method, the new refuge is set to be completed before the end of the year and will be one of the first Core and Cluster refuges to use modular construction. This method of building homes is much faster and more cost-efficient than traditional construction projects.

The NSW Government has invested $2.29 million in this Core and Cluster refuge to be delivered by Women’s Community Shelters. It will comprise four self-contained studio units, a refurbished house containing a two-bedroom unit and a central hub where domestic and family violence support services will be delivered.

The four studio units have been built offsite in a controlled environment, and will be progressively assembled onsite to complete the cluster of accommodation.

Modular construction can improve build quality through factory controlled settings and eliminate delays caused by unexpected events such as extreme weather. It also reduces disruption for neighbours and the community.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which provides victim-survivors with safe and secure accommodation and easy access to counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support. Once completed, a total of 49 refuges will house and support more than an additional 2,900 women and children across the state each year.

Additionally, the NSW Government will deliver an historic $5.1 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half of the new homes prioritised for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.

Providing safe housing for victim-survivors continues to be a critical part of the work the NSW Government is doing to address domestic and family violence in the state. It is also part of a wider effort that includes boosting and supporting our frontline services, strengthening bail laws, earlier intervention, and primary prevention.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“It’s so exciting that construction is underway for one of the first modular projects as part of the Core and Cluster program.

“The NSW Government supports innovative solutions to building more homes faster for people who need it the most.

“Because of the efficiency of modular construction, women and children escaping domestic and family violence in Revesby will very soon have a safe place to stay, and get the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives after experiencing trauma.”

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

“The NSW Government understands the urgent need for emergency housing for women and children fleeing violent homes and abusive relationships across the state.

“We want to get families into safe and secure housing as soon as possible so they can begin healing and recovering from the trauma of violence and abuse.

“I’m excited that, for the first time, a Core and Cluster refuge is going to be built using modular construction, which has proven to be far more efficient than traditional building methods. This will allow Women’s Community Shelters to begin delivering crucial support to women and children much sooner.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson MP said:

“Having been involved in the early establishment of Biyani House, I’ve seen firsthand how vital this kind of support is. I’m thankful for this Core and Cluster expansion in our local area. It means more women and families in our community will have access to the support and secure accommodation they need to rebuild their lives.

“Too often, women escaping domestic violence are left with nowhere to go, facing the choice between staying in danger or becoming homeless.

“The NSW Government’s increased focus on domestic violence has brought vital attention and resources to this issue. Building on recent Core and Cluster announcements in our community, this innovative modular construction is another significant step forward.”

Annabelle Daniel OAM CEO of Women’s Community Shelters said:

“At Women’s Community Shelters we see an ever-increasing number of women seeking safety every night in Sydney as the impacts of the dual crises of homelessness and domestic violence pushes demand for safe beds way beyond capacity.

“The theme of Homelessness Week 2025 is ‘action now’ and that is exactly what we are witnessing today as modular units are lifted by crane into our existing Biyani House crisis shelter to become urgently needed safe havens for women and children.

“Modular units are time-efficient to build, mobilise and make into homes. We applaud the NSW Government for funding this smart and innovative solution, and thank our dedicated community partners Housing All Australians, Shape Builders, DAS Studio, DT Infrastructure and Revesby Workers Club who have gone above and beyond to make this possible.”

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

After a decade of neglect, the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are building better communities in Western Sydney with design work set to begin on the now funded $1 billion upgrade of Fifteenth Avenue in Sydney’s growing south-west.

The Government has awarded a contract for concept design to WSP, a major step forward in this precinct shaping project, which will be an essential link to the Western Sydney International Airport precinct.

The Government can also share with the community for the first time the proposed scope of the long-awaited upgrade. Key features of the design will be:

• A four-lane carriageway, with two traffic lanes in each direction
• New active transport connections and pedestrian paths
• New signalised intersections, including one at Second Avenue, with dedicated turning lanes making it safer for locals
• A land reservation for future expansion, including for a dedicated bus transitway to support future rapid bus services from Liverpool to the Bradfield City Centre and new airport

Concept images, a fly-through video and renders can be viewed here.

The land reservation and future rezoning will ensure that new buildings can no longer be built in the future corridor of this arterial route, after the previous Liberal State and Federal Governments failed to protect the corridor needed for this upgrade, nor allocate any funding for its design and delivery.

Transport for NSW will also begin the process of engaging with property owners about land needed for the upgrade and future expansion.

Whilst there is still some way to go on the design, these discussions are starting early to help provide a level of certainty for affected property owners and ensure the project can be delivered as rapidly as possible.

To ensure construction can commence as soon as possible, the Fifteenth Avenue Upgrade will be delivered in a number of stages. Stage one will be completed in three sections, the first involving duplication between Second Avenue and Cowpasture Road, ahead of works moving onto the second section between Second Avenue and Fourth Avenue.

The third section of stage one will involve duplication between Fourth Avenue and Devonshire Road, while future stages will include the full connection through to the Bradfield City Centre and Aerotropolis precinct, and delivery of the dedicated bus transitway.

This staged approach will help to ensure the fastest and most cost effective delivery of this long overdue upgrade.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments announced a $1 billion injection to expedite this project earlier this year. The NSW Government has expedited the design and planning processes so the project can go to construction tender in 2026, ahead of major construction commencing in 2027.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is an important announcement that indicates the path forward for this essential project.

“We know the local community is experiencing congestion and delays along Fifteenth Avenue and the surrounding roads, with typical average speeds in the peak times around 30 kilometres per hour. This is why we are starting works early and phasing our delivery to focus on the worst pinch points first.

“Traffic counts in 2023 show around 22,000 vehicles use this section of road every day. That number is projected to almost double to 42,000 vehicles by 2036 especially as Bradfield and Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport develop.

“I am pleased that a land reservation included for public transport so that as our area grows, the transport facilities are planned for within the corridor. This is good planning unlike the previous government that failed to protect the corridor to enable road widening.”

Federal Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley said:

“The Albanese Government recognises the importance of investing in South West Sydney. Projects like Fifteenth Avenue, Westlink M7, and the Western Sydney International Airport, will support growth and jobs in Western Sydney.

“These early works mark the beginning of the upgrade. We expect to see major construction work begin in 2027.

“Over the coming months, consultation with the community will inform planning and design before exhibition in 2026.”

State Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“This is welcome news for our community.

“Fifteenth Avenue is a vital corridor for South West Sydney—especially with the new airport and Bradfield City Centre on the way. This announcement gives locals much-needed certainty about what’s next.

“Once complete, the upgrade will ease congestion, improve travel times and reliability for cars, trucks and buses, and make it safer for people walking or using public transport.

“Once complete the upgrade will reduce congestion for cars, trucks and buses, improve journey times and journey time reliability, as well as improving safety for people walking, catching public transport and riding bikes.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to deliver more connected communities, with the opening of the Falcon Street shared user bridge over the Warringah Freeway.

Built as part of the Warringah Freeway Upgrade, the new Falcon Street shared user bridge replaces an older crossing and improves user experience with a wider deck, a shade canopy decorated with Indigenous artwork and improved sight lines.

The 4.8 metre-wide, 187 metre-long bridge gives users more room, reducing conflicts between those on foot and those cycling across the bridge.

The bridge will connect 800 users every single day, crossing over the Warringah Freeway from Falcon Street at North Sydney to Merlin Street at Neutral Bay, providing continuous east-west connectivity across the Warringah Freeway, separated from traffic.

Construction was timed to take advantage of school holidays and to reduce night work closures on the freeway, reducing traffic impacts and night-time noise for the community.

While sections of the old bridge can still be seen, these will be progressively removed over the coming months, which can now be done without impacting users of the new bridge.

For more information about the Warringah Freeway Upgrade project, visit the Warringah Freeway Upgrade website.

Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Roads, said:

“This is the latest milestone on the Warringah Freeway Upgrade on which we see real progress happening from week to week.

“The new bridge will be wider and safer for the hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians expected to use it each day, with better sight lines and a wider deck. It helps to get Sydneysiders moving and active while giving them a safe passage across the freeway.

“It’s exciting to see elements of this critical infrastructure project open up as we motor towards Sydney’s future, and to see cyclists and pedestrians making use of this wonderful new asset.”

Labor Duty MLC for Willoughby, Courtney Houssos said:

“The new Falcon Street Shared user bridge is a fantastic addition for this community, making it safer and easier for locals to walk or cycle between Cammeray, Neutral Bay and North Sydney.

“Projects like this show how investment in infrastructure can deliver real benefits for people every day, improving safety, connectivity and the overall liveability of the local area.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, Dr. Marjorie O’Neill said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in active transport infrastructure like this new shared user bridge.

“By creating safer, more accessible connections for walkers and cyclists, we’re helping people choose healthier, more sustainable ways to get around while easing congestion on our roads.”

In a world-first, the Minns Labor Government and international biotechnology leader, Tiba BioTech, have developed a breakthrough foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine that is fast to produce and will see Australia become one of the few nations with the capacity to produce its own vaccine.

FMD is a highly infectious viral disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. It remains widespread globally and is endemic in many countries, particularly in Africa, Asia and Middle East.

The development of this new vaccine is part of the Minns Government’s $1 billion biosecurity plan to protect the state’s $8 billion livestock industry and Australia’s food security.

Australia is one of the few fortunate countries free of FMD but if a widespread outbreak was to occur it would have a catastrophic impact on meat supply and exports costing the Australian economy up to $80 billion.

The aim of the vaccine is to protect our community from the potential dramatic impact from FMD on the supply of meat, milk or lamb into Australian supermarkets due to reducing domestic livestock, disrupted processing and transport, and potential shortages for consumers.

As a result of the vaccine’s development, Australia is now one of only a handful of countries with the local capacity to produce a FMD vaccine.

Developing this capacity to guard against emergency animal diseases is a critical priority for the Minns Government to protect our agricultural industries and build a better economy.

The vaccine has taken less than 18 months to develop and has cost about $2.5 million. The work is part of a $20 million project funded by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the NSW Government.

This FMD vaccine is an mRNA vaccine which is unique in that it is fully synthetic making it safer and much faster to produce.

Using this technique, the vaccine can be manufactured without the use of infectious material. This is an important consideration for safely managing an outbreak and the overall response.

The vaccine is now undergoing further testing to demonstrate it meets the standards set by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) before it can be approved for use in an emergency if there was a FMD incursion into Australia.

The project is a consortium of local and international partners with the biotechnology leader, Tiba Biotech, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Meat & Livestock Australia, the German Friedrich –Loeffler Institut.   

Local manufacture of mRNA animal vaccines is supported by the University of NSW’s RNA Institute who have a demonstrated capacity to manufacture mRNA vaccines.

In recent overseas trials, vaccinated cattle exposed to the virus did not contract the disease and importantly did not shed the virus to infect others.

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

“The delivery of an FMD vaccine is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to safeguarding livestock from key biosecurity threats and ensuring the state’s agriculture industry can thrive.

“Developing local manufacturing capacity to produce vaccines against emergency animal diseases is a critical priority for the Minns Government so that we can protect Australia’s livestock industries, our economy and our food supply.

“The Minns Government is determined to build a better agricultural sector and grow our livestock industry and that is why we have invested a historic $1.05 billion into biosecurity.

“We have a plan we are implementing to strengthen our research sector and have funded an additional $100 million into modernising the state’s research and development program so it can keep on delivering world class work like this vaccine.

“If diseases like Foot and Mouth were to enter the country it would cause major disruptions to the livestock industry and catastrophic market impacts across rural Australia, so this breakthrough is greatly received.”

Meat & Livestock Australia Managing Director, Michael Crowley, said:

“While we hope an FMD vaccine is never needed, the research is a proactive approach to managing biosecurity risk.

“FMD is present in nearby countries to Australia and is front of mind for industry in terms of potential biosecurity risks.

“Australia is one of a fortunate number of countries with FMD-free status and an incursion would have serious implications for our industry and trade.

“While vaccination may not necessarily be required in the event of an incursion, this research confirms the Australian livestock industry is proactive and prepared.”

Tiba Biotech Chief Financial Officer, Peter McGrath, said:

“We’re proud to contribute to safeguarding Australia’s livestock industry and the future of animal health with this breakthrough next-generation solution.

“Unlike current mRNA technologies, our vaccines can be stored long-term at standard refrigeration temperatures and at room temperature for at least one month – a critical advantage in livestock applications.

“Our focus now shifts to working closely with regulators to ensure the vaccine meets the highest standards of safety and effectiveness for livestock and consumers.

“Livestock mRNA vaccines offer a safe, efficient and effective approach to enhancing animal health, benefiting both the agricultural industry and consumers.”

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Virology Laboratory Manager, Dr Peter Kirkland, said:

“This vaccine research investment plays a vital role in protecting Australia’s multi-billion-dollar livestock industries, safeguarding the communities that depend on them and maintaining access to critical export markets.

“There is no mRNA vaccine currently registered for use in livestock in Australia and delivering the first shows the way for the nation’s research and development sector.

“If this mRNA vaccine now moves to being approved by the APVMA, it would offer biosecurity advantages.

“It would allow Australia the ability to differentiate between vaccinated and infected animals, which could support a speedier return to normal domestic production and international trade in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak.”

Parents, carers and children across NSW will benefit from a new hospital initiative aimed at better supporting parents to raise concerns about their child’s condition if they feel it is getting worse.

The new tool will require healthcare workers to regularly ask families: ‘Are you worried they are getting worse?’ to help capture important changes in their child’s condition.

The question will be embedded in paediatric and neonatal observation charts in emergency department and inpatient units across the state.

The potentially life-saving tool Worried they’re getting worse is based on new research from Monash Health and developed by the Clinical Excellence Commission, and recognises parents, families and carers know their children best.

The question recognises that parents and carers are oftentimes able to detect early changes or deterioration in their child’s behaviour or temperament that could signal a clinical concern.

If parents or caregivers indicate they believe their child is getting worse or deteriorating, it will trigger a review by a senior healthcare worker.

All NSW public hospitals will implement the tool by October 2025 and the program will be extended into maternity and adult wards in early 2026.

The tool was first trialled at Hunter New England Local Health District in March 2025 and began its statewide rollout at Sydney Children’s Hospital Network on 21 July 2025.

Separately, the REACH program is also available for parents and carers when they have concerns their child is becoming seriously unwell. A REACH call prompts an urgent patient review by a senior health worker. This program continues to be accessible in all NSW hospitals with work underway to strengthen this safety net.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park:

“When you bring your child into our hospitals, we know that you know them best.

“Parents and carers can recognise small changes in a child’s condition sometimes before healthcare workers can observe changes in things like heart rate or breathing.

“Feedback from parents and carers is critical in capturing information about a child who is becoming seriously unwell.

“When your doctor or nurse asks: ‘Are you worried they’re getting worse?’ we need you to tell us even if it is something small, because if you’re worried, we’re worried.”

Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill:

“The statewide rollout of this new tool will empower everyone, including parents and caregivers, to speak up when they have a concern about a loved one who is receiving care and is getting worse.

“At any time when a nurse or a doctor asks you this question, rest assured your concerns will be listened to and they will check your child’s clinical condition with the nurse in charge.”

Secretary of NSW Health, Susan Pearce AM:

“We know staff right across the NSW public health system work incredibly hard to deliver the highest quality of care for patients and we need to ensure the right systems are in place that support them to continue to do so.

“Really listening to parents, carers and family members is critical when caring for children in hospital and this new initiative recognises the vital role they play in their child’s care alongside our excellent healthcare professionals.

“By working together, we can strengthen patient safety for children and babies and provide an environment where parents and carers are encouraged and empowered to raise concerns.”

It is with profound sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Father Chris Riley AM, whose visionary work changed the lives of tens of thousands of young people across New South Wales.

In founding Youth Off The Streets in 1991, he turned a single food van in Kings Cross into a lifesaving network of crisis accommodation, counselling and other wrap around support services.

Father Riley believed there is no child born bad, only circumstances to overcome, and he spent over three decades proving that with compassion and opportunity young lives can be transformed.

On behalf of the people of NSW, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Youth Off The Streets community, and the countless young people whose futures he helped build.

Following the announcement in 2023 that the former Feros Care Village in Byron Bay would close, residents of the much loved and vital community asset faced an uncertain future.

Today, the renamed George’s Cottages is thriving under the new management of St Andrews Village Byron Bay Ltd, with a secure 40-year lease and major improvements to its facilities.

The dramatic turnaround followed a coordinated effort by the NSW Government, Crown Lands, Byron Shire Council, Member for Ballina, Member for Richmond and Federal Government, together with passionate residents and community advocates to find a new operator to keep the facility open.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper toured the site today to meet with management and residents and inspect the significant progress that has been made to improve the quality of life for residents.

St Andrews stepped up to deliver a smooth transition and a strong commitment to resident care, delivering $3 million in upgrades to enhance residents’ well-being.

Major refurbishments that have been completed include:

• Upgrades to all 40 resident rooms and shared spaces, enhancing safety and functionality while preserving the familiar cottage-style character
• Full landscaping and revitalisation of four central courtyards, including accessible pathways, seating, and garden features
• Replacement of the fire safety system and comprehensive electrical upgrades to ensure safety, compliance and efficiency.

Works will commence shortly on a $3.5 million upgrade to the George’s Cottages aged care facility, located on Crown land in Byron Bay, to deliver an improved experience for residents.

The $3.5 million grant from the Federal Government will support the redesign and upgrade of all 40 ensuites, address drainage and stormwater issues, improve building exteriors, and deliver further landscaping enhancements.

Work to deliver the further upgrades will begin shortly, with St Andrews to work closely with residents to ensure they are comfortable and supported throughout.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The dedicated management of St Andrews and the significant improvements to the facilities at George’s Cottages have made a real difference to residents’ comfort, accessibility, and security.

“It’s rewarding to see the residents, who advocated so strongly for their homes alongside Crown Lands, council and the Federal Government, experiencing the benefits of those collective efforts.”

St Andrews Chief Executive Officer Todd Yourell said:

“Aged care facilities play a vital role in providing safe housing and essential services, and as a community-based organisation St Andrews is focused on investing in the wellbeing and quality of life of the residents it supports.

“St Andrews has been prioritising the residents of George’s Cottages throughout the delivery of the facility upgrades to ensure both their immediate and long-term comfort.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said:

“After the devastating news that Feros Care would close Byron Bay’s Feros Village, Federal and State Labor Governments worked together with the community in 2023 to find a new provider, St. Andrew’s, to keep the site open for residents.

“I’m proud to have delivered more than $3.5 million in federal funding to support St Andrew’s to continue delivering the very best care and support for our local seniors at George’s Cottages.”

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith said:

“Too often, older voices are sidelined in conversations that affect them most. It has been a privilege to support such a remarkable group, and uplifting to witness these elders step forward and speak out with such determination for the future of their home.”

“It is so powerful to see what can be achieved when a community comes together. We are so pleased to know that the care and support of the residents is now safe in the hands of St Andrews to look after our older people with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

21 experienced officers will officially join the ranks of the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) today after graduating from the Professional Mobility Program (PMP), a recruitment program designed by the Minns Labor Government to address the shortage of police officers and boost community safety.

The graduates are from Queensland (3), Victoria (5), South Australia (1), Northern Territory (1), the Australian Federal Police (4) and New Zealand (7).    

These officers have completed a 12-week training course and will start at their new home stations from Monday.    

The Professional Mobility Program allows current serving police officers from other jurisdictions within Australia and New Zealand to train and become police officers in NSW, while keeping their equivalent rank (up to Senior Constable level six).

Previously, there was no pathway for officers to move to NSW and keep their equivalent rank.

The 21 officers will be stationed across NSW:

• Central Metropolitan Region – 2
• Northwest Region – 2
• Northern Region – 10
• Southwest Metropolitan Region – 3
• Southern Region – 2
• Western Region – 2

Most graduates worked in General Duties at their past policing jurisdictions. Others worked in highway patrol, prosecutions, crash investigation, specialist units and detectives.

They are aged between 28 to 54 years old.

The former Liberal-National Government had no plan for police recruitment, no plan for police retention and drove wages backwards for over a decade. Thousands of experienced officers left the force as a result.

The Minns Labor Government is working hard to turn that around by delivering better frontline services and supporting the NSW Police Force to keep communities safe.

While there is most work to do, we have:

• Delivered a historic pay rise for police officers;
• Started to pay recruits to train, resulting in a 70 per cent increase in applications to join the NSWPF;
• Allowed graduates to serve closer to home via Be a Cop In Your Hometown;
• Fast-tracked experienced officers to transfer to NSW via the Professional Mobility Program;
• Established the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Command to support officers’ physical and mental health.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“This is about rebuilding the essential services that communities across NSW rely on – starting with the people who keep us safe.

“For too long, police stations across NSW were left short-staffed and overstretched. We’re working hard to recruit more police with real reform, better pay, and practical pathways for experienced officers to get to work in NSW.

“These new officers bring a wealth of experience to the job – whether they’ve served in general duties, crash investigation, or specialist units. They’re ready to hit the ground running and make a difference in their communities.

“This is what rebuilding looks like – more officers, better support, and safer communities.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Today’s graduates aren’t just new recruits – they’re seasoned professionals from across Australia and New Zealand who’ve chosen to make NSW their home.

“This is more than a career move – this is a life decision and it speaks volumes about the strength and reputation of the NSW Police Force.

“With paid study, historic pay rises and new pathways to help regional recruits stay close to home, there’s never been a better time to join. We’re proud to welcome these officers to the NSW police family today.”

NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Dean Smith said:

“Today we see 21 PMP recruits graduate in NSW after having started their policing careers at other Australian and New Zealand policing jurisdictions.

“They have completed 12 weeks’ training at the Police Academy, and from today are appointed as probationary constables for a period of 6 months.

“Each of these officers brings invaluable past experience from each of their individual jurisdictions, and we are delighted they have demonstrated a commitment to serve the people of NSW.

“This program is providing a boost to police numbers which will greatly help us best serve our communities.”