Category: Australian News

One of the largest hospital projects to be delivered in Greater Western Sydney has reached a major milestone, with construction of the new seven storey building at Nepean Hospital reaching its highest point.

The more than $1 billion Nepean Hospital redevelopment celebrated the construction milestone with a traditional topping out ceremony at the new clinical building.

The Stage 2 redevelopment will deliver a major expansion and upgrade of health services and facilities for Nepean and Blue Mountains communities, and will feature: 

• a new adult intensive care unit
• additional inpatient beds
• medical imaging and nuclear medicine services
• clinical support services including pharmacy and in-centre renal dialysis services
• staff education and training facilities.

The new hospital building will also feature a welcoming new main entry and seamlessly connect to the existing 14 storey hospital tower delivered as part of Stage 1, enhancing access to health services for patients, visitors and staff. 

A new Aboriginal Mudyin (Family) Centre, the first of its kind in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, will be located near the main entry of the new building and provide a dedicated and culturally safe space for Aboriginal consumers, carers and their families.

The top level of the building will include a new, purpose-built palliative care unit, delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $93 million World Class End of Life Care program. The new palliative care unit will offer more privacy, comfort, and dignity to support people in their final stages of life and ensure they receive the highest quality of care.

Extensive consultation with staff and the local community has shaped the design of the new Stage 2 building to ensure it meets the future health needs of local communities in the Nepean and Blue Mountains region. 

With the concrete structure now complete, work will progress on the formwork, internal fit-out, services installation and building exterior. 

Construction for the Stage 2 building is expected to be completed in late 2026, and will open to patients, staff and visitors following an operational commissioning period. 

The project is being delivered by Health Infrastructure, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, with CPB Contractors as the principal contractor.

The Nepean Hospital Stage 2 redevelopment is just one part of the Government’s health infrastructure pipeline across Western Sydney, which includes:

• $2 billion for the new Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital;
• $790 million for the new Rouse Hill Hospital plus $120 million from the Federal Government;
• $550 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment;
• $350 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment; and
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

For more information about the project, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/nepeanredevelopment  

Minister for Health Ryan Park: 

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering better health services and facilities for those living in the Nepean and Blue Mountains region. 

“The new Stage 2 building being delivered as part of the more than $1 billion Nepean Hospital Redevelopment will provide the local community with access to world class care. 

“We are one step closer in ensuring local patients and their families have a modern and state-of-the-art facility right at their doorstep.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown:

“It is exciting to see the structure of the Nepean Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2 building rise from the ground and reach its highest point.

“When it opens, it will provide Nepean and Blue Mountains communities with enhanced health facilities, closer to home, ensuring our hospital meets the future health needs of our growing region, now and into the future.

“The project is also providing a boost to the local economy during construction, with around 270 workers inducted on the site, to date. It’s also creating opportunities for local suppliers and subcontractors, providing valuable skills and training opportunities for more than 20 apprentices.”

Patients across Kiama and the South Coast are waiting the longest time on record for elective surgery – legacy of Labor’s cuts to the health budget.
 
Independent Bureau of Health Information data shows that in the January-March 2025 quarter, only about half of patients (52.6%) at Shellharbour Hospital were having their surgery on time, compared to 87.6% of patients when the Coalition left office in the Jan-March quarter in 2023.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said Shoalhaven Hospital was also performing poorly, with just 61.5% of surgeries performed on time under Labor.
 
“This data shows the impact that the Labor Government’s neglect of Kiama has had,” said Ms Sloane. “The numbers of elective surgeries performed in Shellharbour has been in freefall, dropping 32.3% on the previous year. This is an alarming trend under Labor.”
 
“These are not just statistics; they are real people waiting for life-changing surgery to restore their quality of life.
 
“Whether it’s people in Shellharbour who are forced to wait for overdue cataract surgeries, or huge delays for knee and hip replacement surgeries in Shoalhaven – locals have had enough.”
 
“This region should not be taken for granted, and only the Liberals have the track record of delivering services and support for this community. Labor should not be rewarded for ignoring Kiama and its needs.”

I am pleased to announce I intend to recommend to the Governor-General that she appoint Mr Matt Yannopoulos PSM as Secretary of the Department of Finance.

Mr Yannopoulos returns to the Department of Finance, after serving as the Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence since October 2021.

Prior to joining the Department of Defence, Mr Yannopoulos was Deputy Secretary Budget and Financial Reporting at the Department of Finance. In this position, he provided policy and financial advice to the Australian Government on expenditure and non-taxation revenue policy issues.

As an experienced senior leader within the Australian Public Service, Mr Yannopoulos brings diverse experience to the position.

In January 2019, Mr Yannopoulos was awarded a Public Service Medal for his substantial achievements as Deputy Secretary, Senior Responsible Officer for the Child Care Reform Implementation at the Department of Education.

Mr Yannopoulos’ term will commence on 29 September 2025 for a five-year period.

I would like to thank Mr Richard Windeyer for acting as Secretary of the Department of Finance since June 2025. Mr Windeyer will return to his position of Deputy Secretary of Commercial Group at the department.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Vanuatu and Solomon Islands from 9 to 11 September 2025.

On 9 September Prime Minister Albanese will meet the Prime Minister of Vanuatu the Hon Jotham Napat and make a courtesy call on the President of Vanuatu His Excellency Nikenike Vurobaravu in Port Vila.

The Prime Ministers will then join other Pacific Leaders in Solomon Islands for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting.

Australia is a founding member of the Pacific Islands Forum, the Pacific’s pinnacle regional institution. Leaders will discuss the full range of issues important to the Pacific including climate change, economic resilience and peace and security.

This will be the Prime Minister’s first visit to Vanuatu and Solomon Islands as Prime Minister and his fourth PIF Leaders’ Meeting.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“It is crucial for Pacific Leaders to come together to pursue our shared vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

“I look forward to visiting Vanuatu to discuss further elevating the bilateral relationship between our countries.

“Australia will continue to work together with all Forum members to back in Pacific-led solutions to the region’s challenges, and explore new ways to integrate our economies and people.

“I thank Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele for hosting the 54th Leaders’ Meeting. In a changing and increasingly challenging world, Pacific unity is critical to achieving the future we want for our region.”

I am pleased to announce I intend to recommend to the Governor-General that she appoint Mr Matt Yannopoulos PSM as Secretary of the Department of Finance.

Mr Yannopoulos returns to the Department of Finance, after serving as the Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence since October 2021.

Prior to joining the Department of Defence, Mr Yannopoulos was Deputy Secretary Budget and Financial Reporting at the Department of Finance. In this position, he provided policy and financial advice to the Australian Government on expenditure and non-taxation revenue policy issues.

As an experienced senior leader within the Australian Public Service, Mr Yannopoulos brings diverse experience to the position.

In January 2019, Mr Yannopoulos was awarded a Public Service Medal for his substantial achievements as Deputy Secretary, Senior Responsible Officer for the Child Care Reform Implementation at the Department of Education.

Mr Yannopoulos’ term will commence on 29 September 2025 for a five-year period.

I would like to thank Mr Richard Windeyer for acting as Secretary of the Department of Finance since June 2025. Mr Windeyer will return to his position of Deputy Secretary of Commercial Group at the department.

From cutting-edge vaccine technology to life-saving antivenoms, the Albanese Government is backing Australian-led research to transform health outcomes across our nation and our region.

Through the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) grant scheme, 24 research leaders and their teams will be supported with $72 million to undertake research to tackle some of the toughest medical challenges and turn world-class research into real solutions.

Professor Katherine Andrews from Griffith University will lead a multidisciplinary team within the Vaccine Adjuvant Discovery and Development (Vaccine-ADD) CRE, to address research gaps and improve vaccine development.

Adjuvants exist in many vaccines to improve their effectiveness and longevity. However, there are limited adjuvants currently in use, restricting the development of vaccines, including for people with reduced responsiveness.

The CRE scheme supports researchers in capacity building activities including in specific areas of need identified by NHMRC. This year, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade partnered with NHMRC to co-fund CRE grants in One Health research, supporting collaboration and transdisciplinary action between human health, animal health, and ecosystems to address challenges that affect the Pacific and/or Southeast Asia.

Professor Joshua Francis from the Menzies School of Health Research will lead Research Excellence and Surveillance to promote One Health Solutions for Timor-Leste and the region (RESPOSTA).

REPOSTA will strengthen One Health research partnerships across Timor-Leste, Australia and Indonesia by responding to challenges that are regional priorities.
  
Full details of the researchers and projects funded are available to download on NHMRC’s outcomes of funding rounds page.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“A strong, healthy region benefits us all – these new research partnerships will help to strengthen expertise, deliver innovation and create practical solutions to our region’s shared health challenges.

“We are supporting our nation’s brightest minds to turn their research into breakthroughs that could save lives and keep Australians safe.”

Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler:

“The Albanese Government is investing in Australia’s world-class researchers to solve some of the hardest problems in health.

“We are fortunate to be living through a supercharged period of discovery and the 24 researcher driven projects are more proof of that fact.”

Minister for International Development, the Hon Dr Anne Aly:

“Australia is committed to supporting resilient, equitable and inclusive health systems across our region.”

“We are working with Indo-Pacific partners to enhance health expertise, strengthening our collective abilities to prevent the spread of future pandemics.”

NHMRC CEO Professor Steve Wesselingh:

“Since 2010, NHMRC’s CRE scheme has provided support for research teams to pursue collaborative research and develop capacity in clinical, health services and public health research, as well as in basic science research since 2024.

“At its core, this scheme promotes the effective translation of research into knowledge, policy and practice, effectively building workforce capability within the sector.

“This investment is a commitment to the health of all Australians and into the future of our national health system– congratulations to all successful chief investigators and their teams receiving funding today.”

Making the switch to renewable energy at home will become easier and more affordable for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland residents following the launch of a new council-led program this month.

The Solar Neighbourhoods initiative is designed to remove barriers that have held back solar and home battery uptake in the region.

City of Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, Maitland Councillor Warrick Penfold and Lake Macquarie Deputy Mayor Jack Antcliff celebrate the upcoming launch of the Solar Neighbourhoods program later this month. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said the councils were leading the way on sustainability with the introduction of this collaborative program, which is the first of its kind in the region and responds to community feedback.

“We’ve heard from residents across the three council areas that they want solar and batteries for their homes, but are overwhelmed by the choice, upfront cost and complexity of buying solar systems,” Cr Pull said.

“Through an extensive tender and due diligence process we’ve identified a range of high-quality systems, delivered by our program partner and local installers.

“Households installing a new solar and battery system could save up to 90 per cent of a typical family electricity bill, which is why we’re committed to providing an easy, accessible pathway to solar and home batteries for our community.

“This program also aligns with a key priority in our Newcastle Environment Strategy, which is to support the transition of the Newcastle LGA to net zero emissions through an accelerated uptake of onsite solar and batteries.”

Residents across the three council areas will be able to access quality solar, batteries and electric vehicle chargers from program partner 1KOMMA5 Australia and their network of local installers. 

Upfront payments or affordable options to pay the system off over time will be available, as well as an exclusive program discount and government rebates.

Lake Macquarie Deputy Mayor Jack Antcliff said the initiative will enable residents to take meaningful climate action through practical, community-led solutions.

“We’re proud to support programs that help households lower their electricity bills and contribute to a more sustainable future,” Cr Antcliff said.

“This partnership reflects a united regional approach to reducing emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy, an outcome that benefits individuals, their neighbourhoods and the Hunter as a whole.”

Maitland Councillor Warrick Penfold said more than one third of homes across the Maitland LGA currently have solar installed. 

“We hope that this program opens up accessible and affordable options for even more Maitland residents that are looking to make the switch,” Cr Penfold said.

“Forging strong partnerships with neighbouring councils and other agencies to drive solar uptake across Maitland, and in turn underlining the environmental, economic and social benefits for our residents, is just one of the ways that Maitland City Council is showing leadership and working to shape a more sustainable Maitland.”

Join the waitlist to be the first to know when the program launches later this month at:  https://solarneighbourhoods.com.au/ 

The world’s current largest industrial land transformation project has taken a major step forward, with a rezoning proposal released today to revitalise 200 hectares of land at BlueScope’s Port Kembla site.

Now on public exhibition, the proposal outlines plans to rezone 200 hectares of underutilised land on the southern edge of the Port Kembla Steelworks. This paves the way for a future-focused hub that will support up to 30,000 local jobs and drive the Illawarra’s economic growth for decades to come.

The proposed precinct will rezone the existing industrial land to attract new industries across advanced manufacturing, clean and renewable energy, education, and data and logistics which will help position the Illawarra as a leader in next-generation industries.

Several historic buildings will be preserved and repurposed, maintaining the site’s industrial legacy alongside its transformation into a modern and innovative precinct.

The ongoing operations of the steelworks and the port will continue uninterrupted, with existing infrastructure and transport connections at the site to support new development.

The NSW Government is fast-tracking the rezoning through a State Assessed Rezoning Proposal process, recognising its strategic importance for the region and the state.

A Cabinet-endorsed Working Group, led by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully MP, is overseeing the strategic coordination of the project.

The group brings together representatives from NSW Government agencies, Wollongong City Council and BlueScope.

Community members and stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the proposal, which includes a draft master plan, technical studies, and an Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE). Submissions are open until Thursday, 5 October 2025.

For more information visit www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/port-kembla

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This site has the potential to make the most significant difference to the Illawarra’s industrial landscape since steelmaking commenced nearly 100 years ago and the biggest change to our local economy since the University of Wollongong became an independent institution 50 years ago.

“This site is about the same size as Monaco and has the potential to transform the local economy and create 30,000 jobs.

“The Port Kembla Steelworks has been at the heart of Wollongong for nearly a century, shaping our city, our economy and our identity.

“This transformation is about honouring the site’s industrial history while building a precinct that brings new industries and new jobs to the Illawarra.

“BlueScope currently contributes around 1 per cent of NSW’s Gross State Product from its Port Kembla site, the proposed masterplan could support an additional 30,000 jobs and could double this economic contribution.

“This will support thousands of new jobs in fast growing industries like advanced manufacturing, education, tech, and renewable energy that will sustain our region for generations.”

BlueScope Head of Property Development Michael Yiend said:

“The public exhibition represents a significant milestone in the Port Kembla Land Transformation Project—an opportunity to unlock 200 hectares of previously heavy industrial operational land and deliver enduring benefits to the Illawarra region and beyond.

“This transformation will complement existing and future steelmaking operations while attracting emerging industries to the site, creating a multi-decade pipeline of investment, economic growth, and new local career opportunities. We are proud to work alongside the NSW Government, Wollongong City Council, and the community to realise this vision and reinforce the Illawarra’s key role in Australian industry, driving sustainable growth for decades to come.”

Cabonne Shire has commenced much needed disaster recovery works to rebuild and strengthen transport infrastructure impacted by the 2022 floods, which caused widespread damage across the Central West LGAs.

Work is now underway to improve the drainage capacity and efficacy of causeways along key roads in the shire, with planning and design being prepared for improvements to a number of bridges across the shire.

These two transport infrastructure upgrade packages are made possible through the Regional Transport Resilience Fund (RTRF) provided jointly by the NSW and Australian governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Disaster recovery funding of up to $3.8 million will cover the installation of concrete floodways, table drains, box culverts, pipe culverts, headwalls and concrete decks at various locations across the Cabonne LGA.

A further $5.3 million in disaster recovery funding will enable a package of bridge work, which will involve:

• raising the bridge deck at Canomodine Lane Bridge, Canowindra
• culvert upgrades on Edward Street, Cudal
• replacing the Baghdad Road Bridge, Cargo
• raising the bridge deck at Ophir Road Bridge, Ophir
• replacing the Kiewa Street footbridge, Manildra.

Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes LGAs also received betterment funding for infrastructure upgrades to improve resilience.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“The DRFA supported RTRF allows these Central West communities to continue to rebuild following the devastating floods in 2022.

“Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes LGAs were all invited to apply for project-specific funding to carry out upgrades on damaged local roads and bridges and to help better prepare for future severe weather events with nine projects receiving funding.

“These Central West councils will share in more than $30 million of disaster relief funding as their communities continue to rebuild from floods while also doing whatever can be done to improve future flood resilience using clever design.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison:

“The Central West Regional Transport Resilience Funding (RTRF) forms part of the $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience Package.

“Importantly, this package focuses on building back better to ensure communities across the Central West are better prepared in the face of future disasters.

“The aim is to ensure local road and bridge infrastructure is built back to better withstand disasters and to improved standards.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:

“The impact of the 2022 floods was felt across 11,000 kilometres of the Central West, with some areas remaining underwater for extended periods of time, causing significant impact on the transport network and community connectivity.

“It is because of the advocacy of these Councils and their commitment to community restoration that this funding has been able to be secured.

“This work starting in Cabonne is a huge step forward for community recovery in this region.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato:

“The 2022 floods caused significant damage across Cabonne Shire, and this funding is a crucial step in helping our communities recover and build back stronger. These upgrades will improve the safety and resilience of key transport routes that locals, farmers and businesses rely on every day.

“I am pleased to see all levels of government working together to deliver real outcomes for our region. This is about ensuring our infrastructure can better withstand future weather events and keep our communities connected.”

Cabonne Shire Council Deputy General Manager Infrastructure Matthew Christensen:

“Access to this funding stream and acknowledgement by both the Australian and NSW governments that local councils just do not have capacity to fund the repairs required after a natural disaster, let alone consider how to rebuild important infrastructure to withstand future events.

“It is vital that council’s roads, bridges, culverts and footpaths are maintained to support Cabonne’s agriculture industry, encourage tourism, and ensure that all road users are able to travel safely.”

The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) has voted to accept the NSW Government’s offer of a 3 per cent interim wage increase and enhancements to working conditions.

The agreement provides an interim 3 per cent pay increase for public sector nurses and midwives, paid retrospectively from 1 July 2025, plus 0.5 per cent in superannuation.

Nurses and Midwives will also see an increase to their Night Shift Penalty rate from 15 to 20 per cent, effective from 1 July 2025, with this issue no longer part of future arbitration proceedings.

Nurses and midwives will also see improvements to their working conditions and work-life balance, including:

• Two consecutive days off
• No night shifts before annual leave unless requested
• No changes on published roster without consultation

The offer gives public sector nurses and midwives a pay rise now, while still allowing a pathway for the remaining matters to be determined by the independent Industrial Relations Commission.

The Minns Labor Government re-empowered the independent industrial umpire to make a decision free of a wages cap.

This improvement to night shift loadings and interim pay rise follows an 8 per cent increase to pay (inclusive of a 1 per cent increase to superannuation) for nurses over the first two years of the Minns Labor Government.

After 12 years of wage suppression and neglect of the health system, the Minns Labor Government abolished the wages cap and is working to rebuild the health workforce.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“This interim deal on pay, nightshift penalties and improvements to conditions is an important step towards the long-term repair of healthcare across NSW.

“We have delivered wage agreements for 81 per cent of public sector workers – investing in the teachers, paramedics, health workers and police who provide essential services.  This would not be possible under the Coalition’s wage cap.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“When we came to office, NSW was facing a health workforce crisis – our nurses, our paramedics, our hospital workers were leaving. We are turning things around.

“This vote is a major step to addressing the chronic shortage of nurses in our hospitals but there is more to do.

“We have an independent process underway to determine what we need to do to ensure NSW nurses have the pay and conditions needed, including to address the gender pay gap that exists.

“This was opposed by the Liberals – only Labor can keep getting on with the job of improving our hospitals and recruiting more health workers.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis: 

“This agreement is long overdue recognition for nurses and midwives who have been campaigning for a long time. We are proud to support those who care for our communities day and night.

“The Minns Labor Government continues the work of rebuilding the state’s essential services and reforming the industrial relations system.

“That work began with the scrapping of the Coalition’s wages cap which was in place for 12 years, introducing a fairer, modern bargaining framework, setting up an Industrial court and amending the Industrial Relations Act to include a new Object to achieve gender equality in the workplace.

“Our agreement to a historic increase in night shift penalties and improved working conditions for nurses and midwives reflects our commitment to valuing frontline workers.”