Category: NSW News

Liberal candidate for Kiama Serena Copley welcomed the commitment by NSW Liberal Leader Mark Speakman that a NSW Liberal Government will deliver a lifesaving helipad for the new $780 million Shellharbour Hospital.
 
Ms Copley said she has been listening to the local community and health workers, who have very clearly said that a helipad at Shellharbour Hospital is vital to saving lives.
 
“In an emergency, every minute matters and a helipad for the growing Shellharbour population is essential. The current hospital has one and the new hospital should have one too.
 
“People on the South Coast have been ignored by the Labor Government, but we deserve access to healthcare services that we need – and only the Liberals have the proven record of delivering infrastructure and services for Kiama,” said Ms Copley. “Labor should not be rewarded for neglecting our region.”
 
“The former NSW Liberal Government had a strong track record of delivering for the Illawarra and South Coast, while the last Labor government neglected the region for 16 years.
 
“That’s why the former Liberal Government invested $780 million to build the new Shellharbour Hospital and $440 million for the Shoalhaven Hospital redevelopment.
 
“While the Labor Government is refusing to commit to building a helipad that the community has been crying out for – a Liberal Government will deliver it.”

A further 28 projects have been declared as State Significant Development following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

Of these proposals, 25 are in metropolitan Sydney and 3 in regional NSW.

If lodged and approved, this could create more than 8,877 homes, including affordable housing across New South Wales.

To date, 215 proposals amounting to more than 79,094 potential homes have been declared state significant.

Since the formation of the HDA in January this year, 71 projects have had Secretary Environmental Assessment Requirements issued and 5 Development Applications have been lodged.

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration.

This is part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

The Ministerial Order can be found here.

The National Reconstruction Fund (NRF), Bradfield Development Authority (BDA) and the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) announced a strategic partnership aimed at significantly strengthening Australia’s sovereign industrial capability.

The collaboration will help accelerate the development of new and emerging manufacturing firms, drive growth and productivity, and create skilled, well-paid jobs.

Bradfield will build an innovation cluster for emerging manufacturing firms, with the partnership building a pipeline of referrals between AMRF and NRF. This will help businesses looking to build out their supply chain from pre to postproduction, including R&D, design, logistics, production, distribution, sales and more.

With New South Wales contributing 30% of the nation’s manufacturing output and accounting for 37% of the proposals received by the NRF to date, this facility is well-positioned to deliver meaningful impact by aligning the AMRF with the NRF to create maximum impact.

This partnership reflects the Federal and State Governments’ joint commitment to investing in sectors where Australia has a competitive opportunity.  

By combining national and state-level expertise, this collaboration sets a new standard for how policy and industry can work together to support innovation and investment. This is a united effort to strengthen Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector creating skilled jobs, boosting exports, and enhancing global competitiveness.

Partnerships like this are central to the NRF in delivering impact and driving a Future Made in Australia. 

Federal Minister for Industry, Innovation & Science Tim Ayres:

“NRFC’s partnership with the AMRF will help to build out Australia’s industrial capability and create highly skilled jobs in the manufacturing industry.

“The innovation ecosystem being established at Bradfield brings significant opportunity for industry to thrive.

“With AMRF’s technical expertise being available to support NRF investment decision making, this partnership will deliver impact and drive a Future Made in Australia.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

“As Australia’s first new city in 100 years located on the doorstep of the Western Sydney International Airport, Bradfield presents a significant opportunity to establish a global hub of industry innovation in Western Sydney.  

“We’re focused on creating high value jobs and a place for advanced industries to thrive.

“The AMRF, while based in Western Sydney, is very much an asset of national strategic importance – businesses around the country are already doing projects with the AMRF.

“The Minns Government’s commitment to building NSW manufacturing capacity.”

NSW Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong:

“This is a practical demonstration of the Minns Labor Government’s NSW Industry Policy, with investment in initiatives that will transform the future industrial landscape.

“The AMRF will offer technical advice and assistance to ensure businesses better prepare themselves to attract private capital.

“Partnering with NRF will help grow and develop the state’s innovation ecosystem and industry even further. 

“Alongside the existing agreements the AMRF has with 11 NSW and ACT universities, this will support the entire manufacturing supply chain from R&D through to full scale commercialisation. 

“The NSW Government is committed to developing the future focused manufacturing capability that will be critical in building a more secure, resilient and prosperous Australia.”

Experts from mining industry groups, unions and universities have taken part in the first Critical Minerals Ministerial Advisory Committee meeting with Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos.

The establishment of the Critical Minerals Advisory Committee is an important part of delivering the NSW Government’s Critical Minerals and High-tech Metals Strategy.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting exploration and mining of critical minerals and high-tech metals across the state, driving jobs and regional economic development. Minerals and metals mined in NSW also play a vital role in the manufacturing of products critical to the net zero future.

The expertise of the committee will help guide the Government’s work as it supports communities to realise the economic opportunities that as many as 2,700 new jobs could bring in the growing NSW critical minerals sector.

The committee includes representatives from the NSW Minerals Council, Critical Minerals Association of Australia, Mining and Energy Union, Australian Workers Union, Association of Mining and Exploration Companies, University of Wollongong, University of Newcastle, and the University of New South Wales.

Since the release of the Strategy in October 2024, the Government has:

• launched the $250 million Critical Minerals Royalty Deferral Scheme to promote and attract investment in the NSW critical minerals industry,
• opened applications for a critical minerals exploration co-investment program to encourage more exploration,
• completed the first stage of the Geological Survey of NSW’s Central Lachlan Seismic Survey, to further our understanding of NSW’s geology and drive more exploration, and
• released the findings of Mine Reuse Project report which found 28 current and historic mine sites which could have critical minerals and high-tech metals deposits hidden in their old waste.

Five critical minerals and high-tech metals projects have recently commenced or are in the process of re-commencing production across the state. This includes the Federation Mine near Cobar, producing zinc, an important ingredient in batteries, and the Hillgrove mine, one of the world’s largest deposits of antimony, crucial in the manufacturing of solar panels.

The Ministerial Advisory Committee will meet on a quarterly basis.

The full Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/criticalminerals.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:

“NSW has a once in a generation opportunity to position itself as a global leader in the critical minerals sector.

“Critical minerals projects can be a big driver of jobs and economic opportunities across regional NSW. We’re reaching out and doing what we can to partner with the sector as it grows over the next decade.

“Extensive consultation informed our strategy, and continuing these discussions as it is implemented means the strategy will continue to be responsive and deliver for the industry, for workers and the broader NSW economy.”

NSW Minerals Council CEO, Stephen Galilee:

“The establishment of the Critical Minerals Ministerial Advisory Committee is a welcome step in ensuring NSW remains competitive in the global race for critical minerals. Industry collaboration will be key to unlocking the full potential of our mineral resources.

“NSW has the geological potential and the skilled workforce to lead in critical minerals development. This committee provides a vital forum to align government and industry efforts to deliver more critical minerals mining in NSW.”

Association of Mining and Exploration Companies Director, Kerry Atkins:

“This committee marks a significant milestone in NSW’s commitment to fostering a thriving critical minerals sector. It’s encouraging to see government, industry and research working together to drive innovation and investment.

“Exploration is the foundation of future mining success. The NSW Government’s support through initiatives like the Exploration Program and Royalty Deferral Scheme sends a strong signal to investors and explorers alike.”

Mining and Energy Union South Western District President, Bob Timbs:

“Critical minerals mining presents a major opportunity for secure, well-paid jobs in regional NSW. We’re pleased to be part of a process that puts workers and communities at the centre of the transition to a net zero economy.

“As the industry evolves, it’s essential that workers have a voice in shaping its future. This committee is an important platform to ensure that safety, training and job quality remain top priorities.”

Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) NSW Assistant Secretary, Ron Cowdrey:

“Unions have a long and proven track record in representing mineworkers and their communities. The AWU, as part of the NSW Mine Workers’ Alliance, looks forward to working with the Government to support the growing critical minerals and transition metals industries, with secure local jobs and thriving communities.

“We welcome the establishment of the Critical Minerals Ministerial Advisory Committee as a vital step in ensuring that workers have a strong voice in shaping the future of this emerging industry.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to build essential school infrastructure in regional NSW, with construction now underway on the redevelopment of Gillieston Public School, which will expand the capacity of the school and include a new co-located public preschool. 

The project will see all 24 demountables at the school replaced with 32 state-of-the-art classrooms and three support classrooms ready for Day 1, Term 1 2027. The upgrade will increase the permanent capacity of the school, which currently has just two permanent classrooms, by more than 650 students.

The Minns Labor Government’s 2024 Enrolment Growth Audit identified Gillieston as a key regional area with rising local school enrolments.

Surging demand for public education in Maitland has seen Gillieston Public School bursting at the seams, with the majority of the school’s students learning in demountables – some of which have been on site for up to 30 years. Far from addressing the problem, the former Liberal National Government added eight more demountables in 2022 alone. 

In addition to replacing all demountables with new modern classrooms, the redeveloped school will have a co-located public preschool, new administration building and library, new hall with a canteen and Outside of School Hours (OOSH) care facilities, covered outdoor learning area (COLA), landscaped outdoor areas, and upgraded sports facilities.

The fee-free public preschool will also be completed for Day 1, Term 1 2027, accommodating up to 120 children per week. The preschool at Gillieston Public School is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $769 million commitment to build 100 public preschools by 2027, the biggest expansion of public preschools in the state’s history.

This major project is part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education and ensure families have access to world class public schools close to home. The 2024-25 Budget includes $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW. 

Projects delivering world class local public schools across the Hunter region include:

• A new primary school and high school for Huntlee
• A new high school for Medowie
• Hunter River High School upgrade
• Newcastle High School upgrade
• Thornton Public School upgrade
• Irrawang High School upgrade (completed April 2025)

This follows the government’s delivery of more teaching in our schools through reducing teacher vacancies by 61 per cent, including a 74 per cent reduction in Maitland alone. 

Gillieston Public School will remain operational during construction. 

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“This much-needed redevelopment is a major investment in the future of public education for families in Maitland and provides local students with the state-of-the-art facilities they deserve.

“For far too long, the Gillieston Public School community was neglected by the former Liberal National government.

“The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car and the tireless advocacy of local MP Jenny Aitchison, have listened to the community, and I am delighted to see works for this long-awaited project begin.

“This redevelopment demonstrates our commitment to continue delivering the vital school infrastructure that Hunter families need.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:

“I am thrilled to celebrate construction starting on this project. This school was in desperate need of an upgrade after years of neglect by the Liberals and Nationals. 

“I have worked side by side with the families of Gillieston Heights to deliver a school they can be proud of, which meets their needs to give local kids the best chance to thrive in a modern learning environment.

“The Gillieston Heights community has been growing extremely rapidly, and this upgrade will ensure the school keeps pace and delivers a legacy of supporting public education in Maitland by the Minns Labor Government.”

Gillieston Public School Principal Lauren Fernando said: 

“Breaking ground is a really exciting moment for our school. It’s the start of a great new chapter that’s going to be beneficial for our students, staff and families. 

“Our whole school community has been looking forward to this project, and we can’t wait to see our future school come to life.” 

Liberal candidate for Kiama Serena Copley welcomed the announcement by NSW Liberal Leader Mark Speakman that a NSW Liberal Government will deliver $26 million for urgently needed upgrades to the Kiama Sports Precinct Complex.

Ms Copley said this $26 million commitment will deliver the first stage of Kiama Council’s masterplan for a modern, fit-for-purpose sporting precinct for Kiama.

This major investment will deliver:

·       New football amenities and changerooms, including dedicated facilities for female players for the first time
·       New netball amenities and changerooms
·       Installation of high-grade lighting for four football fields (including cricket) and the athletics track
·       Resurfacing and reconfiguration of outdoor netball courts and car parking
·       Extensive new drainage and irrigation to weather-proof fields and track
·       Construction of a new synthetic athletics track (replacing the existing grass track)
·       Installation of new CCTV to improve community safety and security

Ms Copley said the local sporting community had been crying out for these upgrades.

“From netball and basketball to football, cricket, athletics and Little A’s, the precinct supports thousands of players every week. This funding will make sure those facilities keep pace with demand and are safe, accessible and ready for the future,” Ms Copley said.

“This announcement is about listening to the needs of local clubs and delivering what matters most, modern amenities, safer playing surfaces, and facilities that encourage participation for all, including women and juniors.”

“I’m proud to be part of the Liberal Team that believes so strongly in Kiama and is willing to invest to ensure we have a better future for generations to come.”

The NSW Waradas have crowned their inspiring campaign at the First Nations Netball Tournament with a thrilling gold medal victory, edging out Queensland 53-51 in extra time. Showcasing resilience and belief under pressure, it was the Warada’s relentless attitude that carried them over the line in a memorable grand final.

Head Coach Colleen Mitchell praised her players for their ability to embrace the challenge of a demanding week, which saw them collectively play close to 10 matches.

“”I’m so proud of this incredible group of athletes. This was a big ask for such a young team, but their resilience and energy were outstanding. They not only held their own against older and more experienced opponents, but also grew stronger with each match.”

Mitchell also highlighted the team’s versatility throughout the tournament.

“We used the week to trial different combinations, and that really helped us adapt to the intensity of finals netball. The players showed real maturity in how they embraced those changes and supported each other on and off the court.”

NSW started strongly, edging ahead by one at the first break before extending their lead to five midway through the second quarter. Relentless defensive pressure from Jaylah Boney combined with the sharp shooting of Charlotte Ryan kept Queensland on the back foot. But as half time approached, Queensland clawed their way back, narrowing the margin to just two goals, with NSW leading 21-19.

The third quarter shifted the momentum. When Acacia Ellers was handed a two-minute penalty, Queensland capitalised, turning a five-goal deficit into a two-goal advantage by the three quarter break. NSW showed their resilience in the last term, fighting back from four goals down to draw level at 40-40, even having a chance to steal the lead in the dying minutes. At full time, the scoreboard read 42-42, sending the contest into extra time.

With the pressure at its peak, the Waradas held their composure. Their determination and grit shone through in the final minutes as they steadied, regrouped, and pushed ahead to claim a famous victory – and the gold medal.

“It was a great dynamic among an amazing group of young athletes – there was lots of determination and grit about them,” Mardi Aplin, Netball NSW General Manager of Performance and Pathways said.

Featuring a dynamic new line-up of athletes aged just 17-21 years, the Waradas impressed across the week with their determination, grit, and ability to adapt. Most of the 10 athletes had previously crossed paths at state tournaments, but this was the first time they united on the national stage as one team.

Across the campaign, the Waradas produced dominant performances, recording victories over Northern Territory (45-19), Yakanarna (43-28), Victoria (48-32), Netball Lutruwita (44-32), Western Australia (55-39), and the ACT (37-23). Their only loss in the preliminary rounds came against the more experienced Queensland side (35-51), setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch in the decider.

A highlight of the First Nations Netball tournament was the cultural immersion day, where athletes came together to experience bush tucker making and combination painting.

“It was great for allowing different mobs from around Australia to come together for a common reason,” Aplin said.

Mitchell added:

“That cultural experience was just as important as what happened on court. It reminded the athletes of the bigger picture – the power of connection, identity, and pride in representing their communities.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence by strengthening the workforce and sector that provides them with crucial support.

The work our domestic and family violence specialist workers do is incredibly challenging, so it’s vital that they feel supported at work through better training, supervision and career opportunities, to avoid burnout.

A strong and robust workforce will be able to continue to provide the best care and support to victim-survivors.

Launching today, “Strengthening the NSW Domestic and Family Violence Sector: Workforce Development Strategy 2025-2035” lays the foundation for long-term reform of the NSW domestic and family violence sector, to support the recruitment and retention of highly skilled workers who help victim-survivors stay safe, heal and recover.

It includes actions such as prioritising workplace safety, health and wellbeing, improving workforce recruitment and renewal, driving workforce diversity, boosting collaboration and supporting skill and capability development.

Backed by $2.5 million in the 2025/26 Budget, this will allow us to begin critical work to make sure workers have access to high-quality supervision, recognise the value of lived experience in the workforce, and investigate models for student recruitment into the sector.

The Strategy was developed in consultation with over 100 organisations in the domestic and family violence sector, including Domestic Violence NSW, Women’s Legal Services, No to Violence, Aboriginal Women’s Advisory Network, and many others.

It is underpinned by significant research and evidence, including an extensive survey of the domestic and family violence specialist workforce.

This is part of the government’s wider effort to secure the future of our domestic and family frontline services, which includes moving to 5-year contracts for most services in the domestic and family violence sector, giving them funding certainty to attract and retain workers.

The specialist domestic and family violence workforce is a vital part of the work the Minns Government is doing to help victim-survivors escape violence and rebuild their lives. They are the frontline workers who provide supports including through the Staying Home Leaving Violence program, Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, Safety Action Meetings and other casework.

The Strategy will help build the sustainability, capacity and capability of the sector, so workers can better support victim survivors, and enhance responses for people using violence.

This is in addition to funding to expand critical support services such as Staying Home Leaving Violence, strengthening our laws to protect victim-survivors and rolling out New South Wales’s first dedicated primary prevention strategy to stop the violence before it starts.

To learn more about the Workforce Strategy, go to: https://dcjnsw.info/DFV_WorkforceStrategy

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

“Eliminating domestic and family violence is a priority for the NSW Government, and we need to do everything we can to support the workforce that is committed to achieving this goal.

“This is long-term work that has been neglected and that the sector has been crying out for.

“Domestic and family violence specialist frontline workers who provide vital support for victim-survivors of abusive relationships are passionate about their work, have deep empathy for the people they work with, and are committed to ending domestic and family violence.

“That is why we must support them. This Strategy is the first step, setting out a 10-year roadmap for us to create a stronger, more robust workforce that feels supported and can attract new people to it.

“A strong and connected workforce will continue to respond to and create safety for families escaping violence.”

NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said:

“Improving responses to domestic and family violence requires a specialist workforce that is well equipped, connected and supported to do this critical work. The specialist sector in NSW has incredible expertise and commitment, but many workers are overstretched and burdened by stress, burnout and vicarious trauma.

“This new workforce strategy has the potential to offer meaningful support to these vital frontline workers and better protect their health and welfare, while also improving their training and career opportunities and increasing pathways into the sector.

“I’m pleased to see the announcement of the workforce strategy and look forward to seeing it implemented across the state.”

Acting CEO Domestic Violence NSW Carolyn Hodge said:

“The specialist domestic and family violence workforce delivers complex, life-saving support to victim-survivors across NSW every day.

“This Strategy is an important opportunity to strengthen and expand this essential workforce, delivering better outcomes for people, families, and communities.

“In implementing this Strategy, we’ll be looking to ensure it’s backed by the sustained funding and resourcing needed to meet its objectives and ultimately enhance NSW’s response to ending domestic and family violence.”

The Adira Centre Casework Lead Dilini De Silva said:

“Domestic, family and sexual violence practitioners drive positive safety outcomes but need to be supported with the same dignity and recognition they offer victim-survivors.

“The new Strategy provides critical opportunities to build, enable and sustain a domestic, family and sexual violence workforce that reflects the diversity of the NSW community and is supported with the skills, knowledge and resources to provide culturally responsive care to improve equity of access and outcomes for all.”

Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services People and Culture Manager Brooke Maggs said:

“This is a positive step to strengthen the domestic and family violence workforce and ensure long-term sustainability.

“The strategy creates a clear roadmap for building and investing in a workforce that is recognised for their expertise and better supported to respond to increasing demand for services.”

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.

The Minns Labor Government is investing in two projects to boost the South Coast’s local economy as part of its plan to drive economic development and support job creation in regional NSW.

The Government’s NSW Regional Development Trust program will fund $5.5 million, and the project’s proponents will invest $4.7 million to deliver much needed training opportunities for groups of vulnerable young people in key growth sectors and upgrading critical infrastructure that will deliver economic benefits.

This funding is part of the Minns Government’s approach to delivering smart investment, with local partners, to ensure there is a focus on priorities that make a real difference to regional communities.

The two South Coast projects receiving Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program funds are as follows:

• $5 million – Upgrade the key South Coast aviation hub – Merimbula Airport
  • The runway extension will allow for larger aircraft to operate at the airport, benefiting essential goods and health services, boosting passenger transport opportunities, strengthening capacity for aeromedical and emergency services, and increasing tourism opportunities.
  • The project will extend the Merimbula Airport runway at both ends, increasing take-off length from 1,602 metres to 1,800 metres.
• $512,000 – Training young people in key horticulture and land management growth sectors
  • Deliver training in Bega in partnership with Kiama Community Colleges for 60 participants for the Grow your Future project where youth aged 15–24 years old, who face barriers to training and employment, will get the chance to develop skills in horticulture, ecosystem and conservation management, and business.
  • In addition, the project will also deliver another program for youth aged 12-17 years to encourage disengaged students to engage in outdoor learning across 8 school terms.
  • In total, 160 young people will participate in skills development for the in-demand sector of regenerative land management and sustainable business practices.

Investments from the Regional Development Trust are reviewed by the Regional Development Advisory Council, an independent body appointed by the Minister for Regional NSW to provide advice to government on investments that must aim to meet the interests of regional communities.

Further announcements on successful projects across NSW from the Regional Development Trust will be made in the coming months.

For more information, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

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

“This smart funding backs regional communities with projects that they have said are a priority and are ready to go, so that benefits can start flowing to those communities as soon as possible.

“The Minns Government is committed to demonstrating a new and better way of funding regional projects so that it involves local partners, meets a priority local need and has been recommended by experts and locals.

“These two South Coast projects in Merimbula and Bega will create jobs and boost local businesses so the benefits flow into those communities.

“The upgrades to Merimbula Airport will help future-proof the region in terms of essential and emergency services and position the South Coast to make the most of future tourism opportunities.

“The Minns Government is also pleased to be investing in regional young people, who are critical to the region’s future. These programs in horticulture, land management and business practices will make a real difference to the those involved, providing opportunities in growing sectors.”

The number of overdue surgeries has been reduced by more than 6,000 since the end of March, and by almost 12,000 since March 2023.

The NSW Government announced funding of $23 million as part of the 2025-26 Budget to further reduce the number of patients with planned surgeries waiting longer than clinically recommended.

This is in addition to the $186 million provided at the end of 2024 for planned surgery, which is already having an easing effect on wait times.

This investment has seen a massive improvement, with around 2,500 overdue surgeries at the end of June this year, a significant reduction from the over 8,500 overdue surgeries at the end of March.

NSW is one of the strongest performing states in Australia for planned surgery with the highest proportion of patients admitted within clinically recommended time at 85.3 per cent in 2023-24, above Queensland (81per cent), Victoria (80 per cent) and Western Australia (80 per cent).

Since the establishment of NSW Surgical Care Governance Taskforce in 2023, a range of innovative statewide strategies have been implemented to cut down wait times as well as improve and maintain access to planned surgery.

This includes the expansion of same-day surgery across NSW. Surgery that can be safely performed on the same day helps to meet the demand for surgery and improves patient experiences by enabling patients to return to the comfort of their home with support, where clinically appropriate.

The Surgical Care Strategic Committee is continuing the work of the Taskforce to ensure public hospital surgical services in NSW are sustainable and patients can continue to access the care they require in clinically recommended timeframes.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This government is absolutely determined to ensure that everyone who needs surgery in NSW gets it as quickly as possible and drive down the overdue surgeries list.

“I want to say a massive thank you to NSW Health staff who have helped us reach this significant milestone, with many working on additional theatre lists on evenings and weekends to allow more procedures to be performed.

“We are going to continue to remain focused on reducing surgery wait times, including increasing the number of same-day surgeries where it’s safe to do so.”