16 News

In just over 24 hours, a fundraiser for Detective Inspector Amy Scott has raised more than $350,000.

The generosity of our community is tremendous and a measure of the enormous regard in which Amy is held by the public of NSW.

On behalf of the NSW Government, I cannot thank everyone who has donated enough. So far more than 6,000 people have joined the effort to support Amy and her family.

Yesterday, it was announced that Amy is battling a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.

This is devastating news for her, her family and her colleagues at the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command and the whole NSW Police family.

Amy is the epitome of the brilliance of the NSW Police Force.

Her bravery at Bondi Junction in 2024 is forever stamped in our minds. She put her life on the line and in doing so saved countless others.

Amy is supported by the entire NSW Police family who are rallying around her as she faces this challenging health battle.

We wish her every strength in the months ahead.

Anyone who wants to show their gratitude for Amy’s extraordinary service and join this outpouring of public support, can support the appeal, facilitated by NSW Police Legacy, here.

The Minns Labor Government has paved a clear pathway for faster, fairer and more effective dispute resolution for irrigation customers in New South Wales by supporting the expansion of powers of the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON).

For the first time, customers of the state’s five statutory irrigation corporations will be able to seek EWON’s free, fair and independent assistance.

The reform gives farmers and irrigators in regional NSW the same protections as other water and energy consumers, helping to strengthen confidence in how water is managed and delivered across NSW.

EWON is a trusted and independent body that has been resolving energy and water complaints for over 25 years, managing nearly 28,000 complaints last year alone.

It will now manage complaints about water supply issues within irrigation corporations including billing, affordability, metering, customer service and land access.

This change delivers on reforms set out in the NSW Government’s Water Management Amendment (Water Access Licence Register Reform) Act 2024, which introduced a requirement for irrigation corporations to be members of a prescribed dispute resolution organisation.

Customers of Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Coleambally Irrigation Co-operative, Jemalong Irrigation, Murray Irrigation, and Western Murray Irrigation will benefit from the reform from July 2026.

The NSW Government and EWON will work closely with the irrigation corporations over the coming months to finalise operational arrangements ahead of the start date.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“This is about fairness and transparency for irrigation customers. For the first time, farmers and landholders connected to these irrigation corporations will have access to an independent, expert body to resolve their water supply complaints.

“EWON’s “no wrong door” approach will simplify the complaints process and ensure all customers are treated consistently across NSW.

“Expanding the Ombudsman’s role will help strengthen trust, accountability and confidence in how water is managed and delivered across regional NSW.”

Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW Janine Young said:

“Expanding our jurisdiction to include irrigation complaints ensures that customers in rural NSW have access to a fair, independent dispute resolution process, reflecting our commitment to improving consumer outcomes across essential services.

“Whether customers are facing billing issues, service complaints, or concerns about water access, affordability or land access, they will be able to come to EWON for trusted and independent advice or dispute resolution to reach a fair and impartial outcome.” 

The Minns Labor Government will invest $900,000 in a NSW Farmers project as part of its commitment to support livestock welfare across agricultural industries and strengthen the operation of the joint government and industry Stock Welfare Panels.

The funding will support the NSW Farmers ‘One Welfare in Action – Improving Stock Welfare Panels in NSW’ project, which recognises animal welfare is intrinsically linked to human and environmental health and wellbeing.

Stock Welfare Panels are joint industry and government advisory bodies that deal with livestock welfare matters.

They include veterinarians and representatives from NSW Farmers, NSW Government Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Local Land Services, and animal welfare organisations.

NSW Farmers will use the funding to develop educational materials to improve skills and knowledge of panel members and farmers, deliver educational and other resources to targeted audiences, consult with people involved in administrating, operating or participating in the panels and streamline the panel process.  

Panels can be established by government agencies when an enforcement agency, such as the RSPCA NSW or Animal Welfare League NSW, find a significant animal welfare issue, such as livestock that have not been provided with appropriate food, water, shelter or veterinary treatment.

The panels can intervene in complex livestock welfare cases by providing a cost-effective and efficient alternative to drawn-out and costly court action. They act to ensure the animal welfare issues are addressed and animals receive the right management.

The NSW Farmers project is designed to enhance livestock welfare and transparency across the sector. The project aims to improve industry awareness of animal welfare obligations, which will ultimately lead to less intervention from the panels.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to maintaining a high level of animal welfare across the state for all livestock.

“Stock Welfare Panels provide an important function and there is always room for improvement. By funding this project, those improvements can be pinpointed and implemented.

“NSW Farmers works across the state with farmers in the livestock industry.

“It makes sense for them to conduct this project, to work with the people who have extensive experience in this area, whether they be livestock farmers, or those who are involved with Stock Welfare Panels.

“By partnering with NSW Farmers, we are ensuring that this program is farmer-led and draws on the deep, on-the-ground expertise of those who know the NSW livestock the best.”

President of NSW Farmers, Xavier Martin said:

“NSW Farmers plays an essential role in the operation of Stock Welfare Panels as part of its broader work to ensure optimal animal welfare outcomes in agriculture.

“It’s vital the right processes are in place to ensure these panels deliver effective, timely decisions to address animal welfare issues, and we welcome the support of the Minns Government to help us ensure this.

“Farmers have the practical knowledge necessary to assist in achieving the best possible animal welfare outcomes through these panels, and we look forward to embarking on this project to ensure that experience is put to good use.”

The Minns Labor Government has today unveiled the nation’s largest Australia Day program, delivering an action-packed, Australia Day celebration that reflects NSW’s shared values and rich diversity.

The Minns Labor Government has today unveiled the nation’s largest Australia Day program, delivering an action-packed, Australia Day celebration that reflects NSW’s shared values and rich diversity.

From sunrise to nightfall, communities across NSW will come together with friends and families to enjoy a program filled with free events curated for all ages, and wrapping up with a special Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House forecourt.

Australia Day Live will feature an all-star Aussie lineup, including Cody Simpson, Kate Ceberano, William Barton and Jude York, alongside supergroup The Fabulous Caprettos, composed of Wendy Matthews, Rai Thistlethwayte, Dave Gleeson and Joe Camilleri.

The concert will include a tribute to the families and communities affected by the terror attack in Bondi last month and a performance by Sydney based band SHIR – Australian Jewish Music Festival, who performed their moving rendition of I Am Australian at the Bondi vigil last month.

The concert will feature a unique fireworks display and a spectacular aerial show over Circular Quay, delivering a memorable celebration for locals and visitors.

Sydney will mark the day with a series of major celebrations across the state, including via the Australia Day Ambassador Program featuring more than 100 inspirational Australians and a series of moving ceremonies in NSW.

From dawn and into the night on 26 January 2026, Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour will be the focal point of activity, with events across land, water and sky, designed for people of all ages.

• The Sydney Opera House sails will be illuminated for the Dawn reflection at sunrise with a striking artwork by Garry Purchase, a proud Aboriginal man, which will be followed by the WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo’s Walumil Lawns .
• The Harbourfest daytime program will be action packed with the Midday Salute honouring the contributions of Australian veterans through a tri-forces display, as well as Maritime Mayhem and the Harbour Parade, with vessels dressing to impress in a colourful display of national spirit, and the Australia Day Regatta.
• Surf Life Saving NSW will host its Fun in the Sun activation at First Fleet Lawn, offering free activities and games where children can engage with volunteers and learn how to stay safe in the water.
• The return of the popular Mega Kidz Zone at the Overseas Passenger Terminal will offer giant games, inflatables and arcade action for families.

Further announcements will be made ahead of Australia Day 2026, with full details available at australiaday.com.au.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“As we approach Australia Day, there is an opportunity to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us – a shared belief in freedom, respect and a fair go.

“This year, we are hosting the largest Australia Day celebration anywhere in the country, with free events from sunrise to nightfall that bring people together across Sydney Harbour and right around NSW.

“Throughout the day, Sydney Harbour will come alive with activities that celebrate the Australian spirit, showcase our vibrant multicultural communities, honour our First Nations history, and provide moments of reflection as we stand with those affected by the vile antisemitic Bondi terror attack.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“Australia Day is an opportunity to celebrate what unites us. Our shared values. Our diversity. The spirit of mateship that defines our nation and what makes us inherently Australian.

“At the end of 2025, we saw that spirit at its strongest, as communities came together to support one another in the wake of the tragic events at Bondi.

“Australia Day 2026 gives us the chance to come together again with care, respect and unity to reflect on who we are and what we stand for.

“The Minns Labor Government has delivered an action-packed program that’s bigger than ever, with free events for all ages across the day, and a special Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House.

“Whether you’re starting the day at Dawn Reflection, or firing up the BBQ, make the most of Australia Day 2026.”

More than 40,000 hospitality workers across NSW have completed the updated Australian-first Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course in the seven months since prevention of sexual harassment and prevention of sexual assault training was added, marking a major milestone to making licensed venues safer for staff and patrons.

The training, introduced by the NSW Government in June 2025, provides practical guidance on preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct at pubs, clubs, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and other venues.

It teaches workers how to recognise warning signs, support patrons who may be at risk and respond appropriately to incidents.

In totally safe settings, staff undergo scenario-based learning in realistic situations they may encounter on the job, such as unwanted touching, inappropriate comments or suspected drink spiking. They are shown strategies to step in safely, whether that involves checking in with a patron, defusing a situation or escalating concerns to security or police.

The course also explains the law and principles of consent and coercion, giving workers the knowledge and tools needed to act appropriately and effectively.

Developed by Liquor & Gaming NSW with international experts Good Night Out, the training is designed to be practical and directly relevant to the challenges hospitality workers may face.

These reforms complement initiatives such as Think Safe to Drink Safe and Ask for Angela, reinforcing the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to a safer and more inclusive night-time economy.

RSA certification is mandatory for anyone serving, supplying or selling alcohol in NSW. The updated training content is included in the full RSA course for workers obtaining their accreditation for the first time.

The RSA Refresher course, which all existing holders must complete every five years to maintain their accreditation, is in the process of being updated to ensure the entire workforce receives the prevention of sexual harassment and prevention of sexual assault training.

Licensee training has also been strengthened to reflect employer obligations under the federal Respect@Work laws, which require businesses to take proactive steps to prevent workplace sexual harassment, including providing relevant education and training.

Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said:

“This is good for patrons and good for staff. We want to have the best venues possible and this is part of the government’s reform program to do this.

“Safety is a critical part of a good night out. I’m pleased to see this training has had a strong uptake.

“As we revive the night-time economy we have to make sure it’s safe. Giving staff the skills to prevent sexual assault on premises is an important step forward in making people safer.”

Minister for Work, Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“Empowering more than 40,000 hospitality workers in just seven months is a powerful step toward creating safer, more respectful spaces for everyone in NSW’s vibrant hospitality industry.

“SafeWork NSW is continuing to implement its four-year Respect at Work Strategy (2023-27).

“The Government has invested $127.7 million in the health and safety regulator over the next four years to address psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Fifty-one inspectors are being recruited including 20 psychosocial-focused inspectors.

“The targeted reform is part of a broader $344 million Workplace Mental Health package, strengthening mental health support and injury prevention strategies in NSW workplaces.

“SafeWork continues to be proactive, launching a compliance program in June which issued 16 improvement notices to 11 hospitality venues across NSW in relation to sexual harassment work health and safety (WHS) hazards.

“In addition, last August SafeWork NSW held a Hospitality Industry Leaders Forum focused on the prevention of workplace sexual harassment.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“Everyone deserves to feel safe and secure when they are out and about enjoying themselves in a pub, club or restaurant.

“This milestone shows we are well on track to ensuring a more vibrant nightlife that is also safer for everyone.

“By embedding prevention of sexual harassment and prevention of sexual assault into the RSA now and updating the Refresher course, we’re making sure the entire industry will have the skills to step in early, support patrons and deal with unacceptable behaviour.”

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

“This is an important milestone, demonstrating that the NSW Government has been working hard to build a safer New South Wales for people by making sure our pubs, clubs and restaurants are safe spaces.

“This training is crucial to ensure venue staff are able to identify, intervene early and respond to incidents of sexual assault on their premises.

“This is part of wider work that includes primary prevention, to change the beliefs and cultures that tolerate or condone violence in places where people live, learn, work, socialise and play.”

AHA NSW Director Policy Chris Gatfield said:

“AHA NSW is committed to ensuring our hotels are safe and welcoming places for both patrons and staff.

“Including more detailed information on preventing sexual harassment and assault in RSA and licensee training means licensees and staff from all hospitality settings receive these valuable tools.”

Fortune of War Hotel Licensee Steven Speed said:

“This information gives my staff a greater understanding of their responsibilities in this area. We want them to know the ground rules and we want them to know how to deal with a complaint or incident when it happens.”

Support: Anyone impacted by sexual violence can contact the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline 24/7 on 1800 424 017.