Category: NSW News

Councillors accused of significant misconduct will have proceedings commenced against them in the Land and Environment Court under planned changes by the Minns Labor Government as part of the overhaul of the broken councillor conduct framework.

The proposed reforms will cut through red tape, enable quicker action and stronger penalties against misbehaving councillors which has been sorely missing under current processes.

Currently, councillor misconduct matters are heard by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). This involves a slow statutory and bureaucratic process which historically can take years to resolve matters that need to be dealt with quickly to preserve public trust in local government.

The proposed move to the Land and Environment Court would provide a more streamlined process to deal with rogue councillors whose behaviour presents a risk to other councillors, council staff and the community.

The Land and Environment Court is a Superior Court, has substantial expertise in local government matters and already deals with most of the Local Government Act litigation.

The Government’s proposed changes include that:

• A Minister or a government body, or any other person with leave of the Court can commence proceedings alleging misconduct. If, after hearing the matter, the Court may determine misconduct has been established. Should misconduct be established, and it is in the public interest to do so, the Court may disqualify the councillor for a period of up to 5 years, suspend the councillor, fine the councillor and order restitution.
• The Court will have the power to immediately suspend a councillor pending final hearing of the proceedings, if the Court considers it to be in the public interest.
• The Court will have the power to order costs including indemnity costs, should proceedings be commenced vexatiously.

The change of jurisdiction complements a suite of changes, including:

• A new Model Code of Meeting Practice to increase transparency and accountability within council meetings and strengthen the powers of mayors to take action against bad behaviour.
• An updated Code of Conduct that is designed to be an easier and simpler code, with a separate Code of Conduct for council staff.
• A new regulation which will be an expansion of the interests that councillors need to declare, similar to the new regulations that will govern NSW Members of Parliament.
• Free speech guidance for councils to support fair and open debate.
• Significant ongoing investment in the Office of Local Government to increase its capacity and ability to fulfil its role a regulator of the sector.

Legislation to enable the change of jurisdiction to the Land and Environment Court will be introduced to Parliament in this parliamentary session. 

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“The process for holding councillors to account for serious misconduct is too weak and is hamstrung by procedural complexity.

“Currently, a councillor can only be suspended after a bureaucrat in the Office of Local Government has written a report. The system is long, slow, and ineffective.

“I believe that elected councillors who have committed serious misconduct should only be suspended from office by a judge of a superior court who has heard from both sides.

“Preventing and delaying action to address misconduct in councils has eroded public trust in local government.

“The Court will deal with serious matters, ending the misuse of the code of conduct framework as a means to settle political squabbles.

“I have consulted with the Attorney General and Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court, and further consultation will be undertaken with key stakeholders on the legislation to amend the Local Government Act.

“Misbehaviour that threatens the safety of councillors, council staff and the community has no place in local government and will not be tolerated.”

The NSW Government has completed a robust review into the management of water at Toorale Station, allowing critical environmental water to resume flowing to the Western Floodplain in Toorale National Park.

A comprehensive evaluation of the station’s water licencing arrangements began in late 2024 to ensure all flows were being properly accounted for.

As a result of the review, we have made changes requiring all water diverted to the Western Floodplain at Toorale, via Boera Dam and its levee and regulating structures, to be debited against a corresponding water access licence.

This locks in certainty for all water users in the region, bringing Toorale into line with legislative requirements and providing more clarity and transparency around water management decisions with improved mandatory public reporting.

Thanks to this update, a Stop Work Order issued by the independent Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) on 6 August 2025 is no longer in effect.

The ongoing Toorale NRAR investigation is separate to the recently announced pause on some environmental water in NSW by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder which the NSW Government is working to address as quickly as possible.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“This is positive news for local communities and the environment. The NSW Government has worked quickly to resolve the Stop Work Order so we can get on with the job of delivering vital flows to the Western Floodplain which is home to hundreds of native plants and animals.

“We have delivered a comprehensive review to ensure all environmental water being diverted from Boera Dam at Toorale is properly accounted for, ensuring management decisions can be made with certainty.

“Getting water management right is a complex task and one we take very seriously which is why we want to continue getting the balance right and being open and transparent about the decisions we make.”

Under changes introduced by the Minns Labor Government that begin today, victim-survivors of serious offenders will receive mandatory notifications about NSW Victims’ Registers, including the information and services they can receive if they chose to register.

Victims of serious offenders will also be provided with assistance to register.

The reforms, which were passed by the NSW Parliament in May this year, will bolster support for victim-survivors of serious crimes through what is often the most difficult time of their lives.

The reforms apply to the three NSW Victims’ Registers: the Corrective Services NSW Victims’ Register, Youth Justice Victims’ Register, and the Specialist Victims’ Register for victims of forensic patients. 

The changes have been introduced following extensive consultation with victim-survivors, victim advocates, and victim support services, to ensure that they reflect the views of the people the Register serves. 

All eligible victims will now receive a notification about the Register and their eligibility to opt-in, or will have the option to be contacted at a later date, to discuss the benefits of registration and re-consider whether they would like to be registered.

Those who opt-in will receive timely, accurate, and trauma-informed updates regarding their perpetrator’s progress through the justice system. 

This includes details about the offender’s location while in custody, sentence, location while in custody, parole eligibility, and any changes that may affect the victim’s safety and well-being.  

The reforms will be complemented by a suite of public engagement measures to promote greater awareness for victims, including public education sessions and social media campaigns.  

Education on the Registers will also be provided to frontline professionals across the justice system, including NSW Police, the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and other relevant service providers.  

This will ensure that those staff who engage with victims at all stages of the justice system are aware of the Registers and their purpose, and can share this information to better support victims.

There is also work being done to make the Registers’ sign-up process simpler, with fewer technological or communication barriers for non-English speakers. 

The Minns Labor Government acknowledges the adverse impacts for people directly or indirectly exposed to crime, and we acknowledge that a person who has experienced personal violence can suffer long-lasting trauma and the feeling that their safety and security are constantly under threat.  

These changes are fundamental in supporting victims through this reality.   

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“No-one chooses to become the victim of violent crime.  

“One of our top priorities as a government is to ensure we are doing all we can to support victim-survivors in the aftermath of a crime.

“These reforms will empower victim-survivors of the most heinous of crimes perpetrated in NSW, with the choice to access vital information that has a direct impact on their lives – such as opposing the perpetrator’s parole, and being informed if and when they are going to be released from prison.  

“Victim-survivors of serious crimes deserve to be given the knowledge and agency to engage with the justice system in a manner that reflects their needs, including making an informed choice about whether they would like to be supported by a Victims’ Register.” 

Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib said: 

“Mandatory notifications help victim-survivors stay up to date with information about a young person’s sentence, providing the justice, reassurance and protection needed to build a safer community. 

“These reforms are an important step in giving victim-survivors back the power they lose when they experience a violent crime, without compromising the safety and security of young offenders.” 

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said: 

“We know that victim-survivors of serious crimes often experience severe mental injury, emotional suffering, grief, and trauma. 

“By allowing them to opt-in to trauma-informed updates about a perpetrator’s progress through the justice system, these reforms to the Victims’ Registers empower victim-survivors through their healing journeys.  

“Furthermore, the Specialist Victims’ Register also allows victim-survivors to receive important information about certain changes concerning a forensic patient and their reviews before the Mental Health Review Tribunal. 

“This is just one way we can provide victim-survivors with the mental health support they may need to feel safer in our communities.” 

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM: 

“Corrective Services NSW is committed to supporting victim-survivors through the CSNSW Victims’ Register.  

“Our committed, dedicated staff are trauma-informed, and understand the vital role that clear, compassionate communication plays in the healing process. 

“From the moment an offender enters custody, we provide registered victims with timely updates on key developments in the offender’s sentence that may affect the victims’ lives.

“We also help ensure that victims have the opportunity to be heard when critical decisions are being made about an offender’s release, which we hope will help restore a sense of control and empowerment to those affected by crime.

“Having access to key information, especially regarding an offender’s potential release, can offer victims the confidence that they deserve.” 

Victims Advocate Howard Brown OAM said: 

“Knowing that these significant reforms to the Victims’ Registers are now in place and actively working, provides victim-survivors of serious crimes the reassurance that they will be provided with the information they need to stay informed and updated on the details of their perpetrator’s progress through the justice system.  

“The Victims’ Registers provide the kind of timely, accurate, and trauma-sensitive information that victim-survivors may feel that they need to be able to take back control of their lives and well-being, sometimes many years after a serious crime has been committed against them.

“Maximising free and full access to such a vital resource like the Victims’ Registers is a major step toward healing for victim-survivors of violent crimes.”

CEO of the Homicide Victims’ Support Group & Acting CEO of The Road Trauma Support Group NSW Martha Jabour OAM said: 

“Family members of homicide can never reclaim what has been stolen from them through the devastating impact of homicide, just as families grieving the sudden and violent death of a loved one due to serious fatal road crime endure profound and lasting pain.  

“However, having the choice to access meaningful information through the Victims’ Registers about their offender – should they wish to – represents a vital step in their journey towards healing.

“These reforms to the Victims’ Registers mark an important step toward acknowledging the enduring impact of serious crimes, whether through homicide or fatal road crashes, ensuring that victims and survivors are not left to navigate their grief alone.” 

The NSW Coalition supports Kiama Municipal Council’s call on the Minns Labor Government to lift a restrictive covenant over the Council’s extensive Spring Creek land holdings, which would mean an enormous boost in the Council’s ability to limit rate rises and to fund local infrastructure.
 
NSW Liberal Leader Mark Speakman said when the Council entered into a Deed of Agreement in 1991 with the then-State Rail Authority (now Transport Asset Manager), the covenant prohibited urban development around the quarry until quarrying activities cease or until 30 June 2006, whichever is the last to occur.
 
“We understand that those quarrying activities are now nearing completion,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“The Minns Labor Government needs to come to the table and lift the restrictive covenant on Spring Creek immediately and take up the Council’s offer of an easement instead.”.
 
The same covenant was recently extinguished over land at Glennbrook Drive, replaced by an easement which notified all future owners of quarrying activities and reducing liability on the operators of the quarry.
 
“This would give Kiama Municipal Council the ability to put this land to use for the benefit of its community,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“If a NSW Coalition Government is elected and the covenant is still in place we would quickly move to lift it. Of course, any future use of the Spring Creek land holdings would be best determined by Council working in consultation with its community.”
 
Liberal for Kiama Serena Copley said that freeing up this land would allow the Kiama Council to deliver many tens of millions of infrastructure projects that benefit the community while easing the burden on ratepayers.
 
“As has been the case multiple times across NSW, the only thing standing in the way of progress in our state is the Minns Labor Government,” Ms Copley said.

New figures obtained by the Opposition reveal NSW train drivers ran through red lights 224 times in 2024–25 – an average of four times every single week – raising fresh questions about the culture and priorities inside Transport for NSW following the generous new pay deal with the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU).
 
The data, compiled by Shadow Assistant Minister for Government Accountability Matt Cross, shows:

• 224 total red light breaches in FY2024–25 – equal to 19 per month
• 115 separate stations/locations recorded incidents, with an average of 2 per site
• Top lines for breaches included Central Coast & Newcastle, Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra, T9 Northern and the South Coast line.

The poor performance follows ongoing poor service reliability in August with one in four trains late servicing the intercity line and one in every ten trains late on Sydney’s suburban line.
 
For regional commuters from the South Coast and Central Coast travelling on the intercity lines, nearly 40 per cent of services have been late in 2025. For suburban services across Greater Sydney, it’s just as bad with almost two in every five trains running behind schedule.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said commuter concerns are being ignored by this sleepy Government.
 
“Getting the trains to run safely and on-time is basic service delivery, and this Labor Government can’t even do that,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the findings prove Labor has the wrong priorities and focus.
“Commuters are left stranded by delays and cancellations while drivers are running red lights four times a week,” Ms Ward said.
 
Shadow Assistant Minister for Government Accountability Matt Cross said commuters expect safety to be at the very centre of service delivery.
 
“It shouldn’t take the Opposition to uncover these damning statistics before the Government acts,” Mr Cross said.

Liberal for Kiama Serena Copley has welcomed today’s announcement that a Liberal government would deliver $200,000 to upgrade lighting at Michael Cronin Oval in Gerringong. 

“The NSW Liberals are backing regional sporting clubs like the Gerringong Junior Lions because they promote healthy and active lifestyles and give our kids the chance to thrive,” Ms Copley said. 

“The Gerringong Junior Lions are such an important part of this community, with mums, dads and volunteers working tirelessly to keep the club strong. This commitment is about backing their efforts and ensuring the facilities meet the needs of players and families today.” 

The funding will allow upgrades to the lighting at Michael Cronin Oval, replacing the light poles that are at the end of their life and put up new LED lighting, and bringing the ground up to current standards. This upgrade will mean Lions’ players will be able to train and compete safely in the evening. 

“It’s a simple but important step that will make a real difference for local sport. This investment will improve the Oval for everyone – players, volunteers and spectators – and provide more opportunities for our young people to get involved in sport,” Ms Copley said. 

“The club has done its fair share of work raising funds and improving the ground over the years. This announcement recognises their dedication and delivers the support they deserve.” 

“Only the NSW Liberals have a record of delivering for our region, and today’s announcement builds on our commitment to the Kiama electorate.” 

Gerringong Rugby League Football Club Committee Member, Jodie Egan, said the lighting upgrade would allow them to host Friday and Saturday night games, creating many more home game opportunities and in turn increasing the numbers of participants. 

“To receive the promise of $200,000 towards a LED Lighting upgrade for Michael Cronin Oval would be “Club-Changing” for us!” 

“Improved lighting will mean night games and also increase the night training opportunities,” said Ms Egan. “We currently have 22 teams and approximately 500 people that need to use the one oval for training and game day – so access during daylight hours is currently extremely limited. However, upgraded LED Lighting would change all of this.” 

The Minns Labor Government has extended its support for another 12 months for subsidising commercial flights to and from some of Western NSW’s most remote communities as part of its plan to better connect people and businesses across regional NSW.

The subsidies are funded from a $2 million investment from the Minns Government’s Regional Development Trust, and will connect Dubbo to Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge operated by Air Link, and from Sydney to Cobar operated by Fly Pelican.

Extending the subsidy to November 2026 will keep these flights moving for the remote communities who rely on them for transporting essential workers, services and trades.

Under the subsidy agreement, Fly Pelican operate six return flights each week between Sydney and Cobar, and Air Link operate eight return routes each week servicing Bourke, Walgett, and Lightning Ridge.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This funding from the Minns Government’s Regional Development Trust is designed to support flights for the communities in Bourke, Cobar, Lightning Ridge and Walgett so that they can access regular and reliable services.

“Regional communities rely on air travel for its convenience and speed, to ensure they can get to health care or business appointments or bringing in visitors and workers.

“The NSW Government is building better services for our regional communities in smart and appropriate ways.”

Far North West Joint Organisation Chair and Mayor of Cobar Shire Council Jarrod Marsden said:

“Cobar to Sydney flights have provided significant benefits to the region, and this extension will help our community maintain connection while delivering significant economic and social benefits.

“We appreciate the ongoing support from the NSW Government for the Western Air Services subsidy, which is vital to the ongoing sustainability of the region.”

Mayor of Bourke Shire Council Lachlan Ford said:

“Regular air services are extremely beneficial to the residents of Bourke Shire and surrounding communities which often do not have ready access to many services and facilities like residents in bigger regional towns or metro areas.

“The extension to this subsidy means many local residents will continue to benefit from these air services either by travelling to regional centres, or from visiting service providers who travel into the region to conduct work.”

Mayor of Walgett Shire Council Jasen Ramien said:

“It is great news that the services will continue until late 2026 as regional communities continue to navigate the lack of access to some services which is brought about by isolation and distance.

“The Far North West Joint Organisation covers some of the most remote and economically and socially disadvantaged communities of the state and the availability of regular air services has had a positive impact on reducing this disadvantage.”

Residents of Eden are encouraged to share their experiences of primary health care through a community survey which opens on Monday, 1 September.

The community survey will help identify local health priorities and any barriers people may be facing accessing primary and community health services in the area. 

Primary health care is the ongoing care that people receive from their local health practitioners. This includes general practitioners, allied health and community health and wellbeing services. This ongoing care supports a person’s physical, mental and social wellbeing throughout their lifetime.

The Collaborative Care program is a community-centred approach to address primary health care needs in rural NSW. The program, developed by Rural Doctors Network, has been tested throughout regional NSW working in partnership with local community and health stakeholders.

The program has expanded this year to include Eden. This expansion will provide the support needed to identify new and innovative solutions to address the health and wellbeing needs of the Eden community.

The survey is being conducted by the Eden Collaborative Care Working Group and supported by Bega Valley Shire Council, Coordinaire, Katungul Aboriginal Corporation, NSW Ambulance, Rural Doctors Network, and Southern NSW Local Health District.

It is fully anonymous and open to all residents over the age of 15. For more information and to access the online survey visit: https://collaborativecare.au/Eden

Printed survey forms will also be available from Eden Library.

The community survey will be open until Sunday 28 September 2025.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“It’s important we hear from the Eden community about their experience of primary healthcare to help us gain a firsthand understanding of local healthcare needs.

“The survey is open to all Eden residents and seeks to capture a broad range of perspectives from people of all ages and backgrounds.

“This is a crucial step in the Collaborative Care process and ensures that the voices of Eden residents are at the forefront of shaping future health initiatives.

“We’ve expanded on the program to bring more Collaborative Care projects to the communities that need them the most.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health and Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:

“Eden deserves a strong, accessible primary healthcare system that meets the needs of every resident. This survey gives the community a real opportunity to share their experiences and have their voices heard.

“By listening directly to local people, we can better understand where the gaps are and where services need to be strengthened.

“I encourage everyone in Eden to take part – your feedback will help us work with healthcare providers, council, and community organisations to deliver practical improvements in access to GPs, allied health and preventive services.

“Together, we can build a healthier future for Eden.”

Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain:

“Collaborative Care is designed to empower local communities to have a say in the healthcare they receive.

“We believe local communities are the experts in their own needs. This survey is an important step in understanding the healthcare needs of local people in Eden.”

Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick:

“We welcome the opportunity to improve local health services and collaboration.

“This survey is about listening to Eden residents’ experiences with local health providers and making sure healthcare reflects what people really need.

“Every response will help shape improvements that benefit the whole community and ensure health services are better coordinated and more responsive to local needs, now and into the future.

“We thank the NSW Government for its investment in the project and are delighted to have the Rural Doctors Network facilitating the process.”

Regional workers and students will benefit from nearly $3 million in training, jobs and inclusive opportunities across the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) thanks to a new skills initiative from the Minns Labor Government.

The Renewable Energy Skills Legacy Programwill deliver accredited training, apprenticeships and career pathways to ensure local communities are first in line for thousands of jobs created through the transformation of the NSW energy grid.

The program run by EnergyCo and the Department of Educationwill deliver four major initiatives in the Central-West Orana REZ:

• Industry School Partnerships: school-based collaborations, careers learning and trade readiness courses (including the Girls Can Too program).
• Local Skills Coordinators: locally-based coordinators to connect training providers, employers and jobseekers to employment opportunities.
• Supporting Apprenticeships and Traineeships: increase uptake of apprenticeships and traineeships with local employers.
• Women in Renewables: expand programs such as Women in Construction Taster Program.

The Central-West Orana REZ is expected to create around 5,000 construction jobs at its peak, and ongoing employment for decades. It is the first of five renewable energy zones that will deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy for NSW households and businesses.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe:

“The Central-West Orana REZ is not just about keeping the lights on for NSW homes and businesses – it’s about building a skilled local workforce, a thriving regional economy and opportunities for locals.

“The Renewable Energy Skills Legacy Program will help ensure the NSW energy transformation delivers real jobs and long-term benefits for regional communities.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan:

“This announcement during National Skills Week highlights the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to preparing workers for the future.

“These are the jobs of the future, and we want to make sure local people have the chance to benefit.”

Major upgrades are now underway at Kogarah Public School, as the Minns Labor Government continues to deliver better schools and more teachers across NSW.

Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 at Kogarah Public School will benefit from upgrades including 24 new modern air-conditioned classrooms, the school’s first new school hall in 155 years, as well as new play areas, new outdoor spaces and a weather-protected outdoor learning area.

The upgrades will more than double the permanent capacity at this school while removing all temporary demountable classrooms on site.

In total, 12 demountables will be removed from the school once upgrades are complete, providing more critical playground space for students.

In addition to these upgrades several maintenance and refurbishment projects have been undertaken on site.

All work at Kogarah Public School is set to be completed by Day 1, Term 1, 2027.

The upgrades are being delivered as part of the Minns Government’s plan to deliver better schools for our students, with the 2025-26 Budget delivering a record $9 billion for school infrastructure.

This follows the government’s delivery of more teachers by reducing teacher vacancies by 61 per cent, resulting in the number of cancelled classes recorded in NSW nearly halving since the Minns Government took office.

The former Liberal-National Government neglected schools in Sydney’s south for 12 years, leaving communities without the infrastructure needed to manage growth and leaving temporary classrooms clogging up school playgrounds.

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to deliver for growing NSW communities, school build projects are underway across Sydney’s south, including:

• Bayside High School (provisional name) – upgrade to support co-education
• Heathcote High School – new multipurpose school hall
• J J Cahill Memorial High School – High Potential and Gifted Education upgrade
• Kingsgrove Public Preschool – new preschool co-located with Kingsgrove Public School
• Sutherland Public School – new multipurpose school hall

Premier of NSW and Member for Kogarah Chris Minns said:

“Our community has been waiting a long time for improvements to Kogarah Public School, and I’m thrilled we’re delivering on our promise, particularly as we replace demountables with permanent classrooms.  

“We’ve banned phones in NSW schools giving our kids more time to play and spend time outside which is why I’m so pleased to also see green space and play space expanded through this upgrade.

“We’re delivering better schools and more teachers ensuring that no matter where you live in our state, you have access to world-class public schools.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“Upgrades at Kogarah Public School are not just an infrastructure investment, they’re part of the Minns Labor Government’s investment in the future of students in Sydney’s south.

“We’re replacing old demountables with modern fit-for-purpose classrooms, and providing better access to free, high-quality education for families.”

Principal of Kogarah Public School Nitsa Comninos said:

“These new classrooms will enhance student wellbeing and create a better learning environment to improve educational outcomes.

“The new school hall will be able to host assemblies, performances, and community events, promoting school spirit and engagement among students, staff, and families.”