New Independent Biosecurity Commissioner tasked with examining state’s cattle tick program

The Minns Labor Government has announced Dr Katherine Clift as the state’s new Independent Biosecurity Commissioner as part of the Government’s ongoing work to build a better New South Wales safeguarding the state’s economy against biosecurity threats.

Committed to during the 2023 election, the Minns Government established the role of Biosecurity Commissioner to provide independent, expert advice, which informs the government’s biosecurity protection, detection and response program.

In this year’s budget our Government has invested a historic $1.05 billion to protect the state’s primary industries to boost the economic growth of the sector.

Having held senior leadership positions for biosecurity in Victoria, Western Australia and overseas, Dr Clift brings valuable expertise to support the continued improvement of NSW’s biosecurity systems and programs.

The appointment of Dr Clift follows on from the incumbent Dr Marion Healy needing to finish her term early as Commissioner due to personal reasons.

Dr Clift will continue Dr Healy’s work in strengthening the NSW biosecurity framework, with a focus on improving the effectiveness and transparency of pest and weed management across the state.

One of Dr Clift’s first priorities will be to provide advice on the state’s Cattle Tick Program, which has been ongoing for more than 100 years with the aim to protect the state’s livestock operations along the border with Queensland from where cattle tick is an established pest.

The NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty has requested that the Commissioner determine the most effective approach for the future management of cattle tick in NSW.

In developing their advice, Dr Clift will undertake the following:

  • work with stakeholders in the beef industry and north-east communities
  • review the present program
  • recommend opportunities to improve the program for more effective biosecurity outcomes.

Dr Clift’s appointment reflects her proven leadership, technical expertise, and deep commitment to Australia’s biosecurity and animal welfare systems, while building public trust through strong partnerships and innovation.

Dr Clift’s appointment as Independent Biosecurity Commissioner is for a three-year term and will commence on 1 September 2025.

The NSW Government thanks Dr. Healy for her work, which saw her provide two important reports to government, that are presently being considered, covering the following:

  • an examination of governance structures to optimise the management of pests and weeds in NSW
  • opportunities to improve compliance and enforcement approaches to invasive species management in NSW.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“I would like to congratulate Dr Katherine Clift on her appointment to the role of NSW Independent Biosecurity Commissioner and look forward to the application of her career’s impressive experience in biosecurity and public sector leadership to our priority projects.

“There is important work to progress so that our farmers and regional communities can continue their work with the confidence that our Government is taking biosecurity seriously.

“The NSW Government extends its gratitude to Dr Healy for her work in the inaugural statutory role of Biosecurity Commissioner, and I thank her for the important contribution she has made to the role and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

“I look forward to Dr Clift’s advice on the state’s Cattle Tick Program, so that the NSW Government can continue to build a better program for our north-eastern cattle industry.

“The current program receives more than $4 million per year in funding and I want to ensure we keep on delivering what is best for industry, the community and government.”

NSW Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, Dr Katherine Clift said:

“It is an honour to accept the position of Independent Biosecurity Commissioner for NSW.

“My career has been grounded in a commitment to working closely with rural and regional communities, industry stakeholders, and across government to build practical, effective, and trusted systems.

“I understand the critical role strong partnerships and local capability play in achieving biosecurity outcomes and I am a passionate advocate for collaborative and community-informed approaches.

“Dr Healy’s work has been integral in building public trust, promoting accountability and transparency, and supporting better biosecurity outcomes for our communities and natural environment – I look forward to continuing this important work.”

Background for Dr Katherine Clift

Dr Katherine Clift is a nationally and internationally respected leader in biosecurity, animal welfare, and regulatory reform.

Dr Clift has a lifelong connection to primary industries, having grown up on a farm in South Australia before beginning her career as a rural veterinarian. Plus has a Master of Veterinary Public Health Management, is an Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate, and Executive Fellow of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government.

Dr Clift recently held the role of Commonwealth Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports, where she provided independent oversight of the Commonwealth livestock export regulatory system.

Her previous roles include Executive Director of Biosecurity Victoria, where she secured major investment in biosecurity preparedness, delivered major improvements in regulatory capability, modernisation of service delivery and developed the state’s Biosecurity Strategy.

She has represented both Australia and New Zealand on the global stage, including as Counsellor in Brussels, representing the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries across Europe.

Construction begins: Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink to get cool new makeover with $17.9m NSW Government upgrade

The NSW Government has today announced a $17.9 million upgrade to Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink, a major community and sporting facility that will deliver a world-class ice sports venue in the heart of Western Sydney.

The new facility is expected to be completed in 2026 and will support the return of ice sports and community skating to Canterbury, with the upgraded infrastructure paving the way for state and national level events.

The redevelopment will see significant improvements made to the site, including:

  • Five multipurpose/change rooms
  • New skate hire facilities with storage for 600 pairs of skates, seating and lockers
  • A new concrete ice floor and barrier system
  • Upgraded spectator seating areas
  • A new roof structure fitted with solar panels

The NSW Government is contributing $17.7 million and an additional $200,000 coming from co-contributions.

The Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink has long been a much-loved community asset, and the upgrades will ensure that it continues to serve the region for generations to come.

The project has already completed site disconnection works from the neighbouring aquatic centre, held stakeholder and community consultation sessions, appointed consultants, and submitted a development application to Canterbury-Bankstown Council.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink will once again be a place where the community can come together, whether it’s to train, to learn, or to support local and elite athletes.

“This upgrade is about creating a vibrant, modern space that reflects the energy and growth of Western Sydney.”

Chair of Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink Alex Allan said:

“When we reopen, this will be one of only two Olympic-sized rinks in Sydney — and the only rink run by a not-for-profit cooperative.

“This upgrade will keep ice sports alive, grow our community, and inspire the next generation of skaters.”

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:

“This is another huge milestone in the journey to get this wonderful facility up and running again.

“Canterbury locals have been calling for this upgrade and today’s announcement shows that we’re listening and delivering. This is about building modern infrastructure that reflects the energy and potential of our area.

“This ice rink has always been a special part of our community. It’s a place where kids have learned to skate, teams have trained, and families have come together. I’m proud to see this investment delivering the future our local community deserves.”

“It is vital south-west Sydney has ice skating facilities available so that more athletes can have the opportunity to chase their Olympic dream.”

Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-Sen Li said:

“Canterbury Ice Rink is an important, greatly loved facility for residents in my community, including local schools, skaters and ice-hockey players, and those who just want to have fun on the ice.

“It is also a facility that has given those who experience mental or physical challenges a place where they can be themselves. We are delighted to be able to save this critical piece of sport and community infrastructure.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson said:

“I’m delighted to see progress being made towards the reopening of the Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink.

“I grew up learning to skate at this rink, so it’s wonderful to see the NSW Government investing in much-needed upgrades.

“Now, my grandchildren will get to enjoy the same hours of fun on the ice that I did as a child, and it’s great to know the rink will continue to nurture Australian talent for generations to come.”

New Sydney Fish Market roof lights up the harbour

The latest icon of the Sydney Harbour has showcased its latest feature, with a sneak peek of its roof lighting system, offering a glimpse of what the 200-metre-long floating roof will look like when on full display.

This impressive installation features over 400 individual light fixtures and more than four kilometres of cabling, with the test performance recently lit up the night sky and demonstrates how over 400 roof cassettes can be individually lit to achieve multi-coloured and moving displays.

The 200-metre-long floating roof canopy is already the iconic building’s crowning glory and the lighting serves to enhance the market’s iconic silhouette.

The lighting display will be able to be activated to mark special events and could also be included as part of the much-loved Vivid Sydney festival or upcoming World Cups. 

Additional public domain lighting will create a welcoming and vibrant environment for the 6 million visitors expected to visit the new Sydney Fish Market every year.

With the unique and spectacular Sydney Fish Market on full display, we can see how Sydney’s skyline will be forever changed, as it was when the Opera House was built in 1973.   

Under the spectacular lighting display, the roof is an engineering marvel, comprised of more than 400 roof cassettes, and weighing a staggering 2,500 tonnes.

The building is a testament to cutting-edge engineering and environmental sustainability, utilising sunlight to illuminate upper levels during the day, collecting rainwater for recycling, and generating solar energy for the building’s energy consumption.

The new Sydney Fish Market being delivered by Infrastructure NSW and construction partner Multiplex will offer mix of retail and dining, including a fresh seafood market, restaurants and a seafood school, and is expected to open this year.

For more information about the new Sydney Fish Market visit: new Sydney Fish Market

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Excitement is already building around the spectacular new Sydney Fish market, and this lighting is just a taste of what’s to come with this iconic destination.

“The roof with its magnificent wave-like form and fish-scale design is a sight to behold during the day, and even more spectacular at night when it is lit up.

“We are now well and truly on the home stretch and we look forward to the new Sydney Fish Market being completed by the end of the year.”

Sydney Fish Market CEO Daniel Jarosch said:

“The new Sydney Fish Market is set to become a world-class destination — blending fresh seafood, vibrant retail, diverse dining, and unforgettable entertainment all under one iconic roof.

“We’re proud to bring this bold vision to life, celebrating the heart of NSW’s seafood industry and invigorating our tourism future.”

Major construction begins on 60 much needed new build to rent homes in Bomaderry

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing that major construction has begun to deliver 60 new build to rent homes in Bomaderry, providing much needed long term, affordable housing on the South Coast.

Housing is the single largest cost of living pressure facing the people of NSW and this is particularly acute on the South Coast where in Bomaderry and Nowra, almost half of all households are experiencing rental stress.

This Build to Rent project that was first promised at the 2023 election by the then Labor Opposition, will deliver a variety of apartment sizes to suit the needs, lifestyles and budgets of local families, workers and residents looking to rent.

The project at 4 Bienda St, Bomaderry includes 48 homes for long term rental at market value and 12 which will be set aside for households on very low to moderate incomes.

The apartments are conveniently located for future residents, situated close to Bomaderry railway station, with easy access to shops, open space and other amenities.

South Coast based Zauner Construction has been contracted by the government to deliver these homes, creating more local jobs, with keys in doors expected by late next year.

This project has been funded through a $65 million investment by the Minns Labor Government to deliver secure rental housing on the NSW South Coast and in the Northern Rivers.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to deliver homes where they are needed, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live on the South Coast.

For more information about the project visit Bomaderry | Landcom

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“These homes will be life changing, delivering secure and affordable homes for young people and families to rent.

“From new and upgraded schools and hospitals to this build to rent project – we’re building the infrastructure that the electorate of Kiama needs.”

“The cost of housing is one of the biggest cost of living pressures in our state right now – these much needed new homes will help address this while also creating local jobs on the South Coast.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“More than a third of households rent in the Nowra-Bomaderry area, so Build to Rent projects like this are vital to increase supply and provide better long-term housing choice in areas like Bomaderry that are already well-connected to shops, transport, open space and other amenities.

“Projects like this are a prime example of the Minns Labor Government delivering a more affordable housing future for New South Wales.

Labor Candidate for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

“We live in the most beautiful part of the world but it’s getting harder and harder for the next generation to have the same chance we had to grow up here and now raise our family here.

“Projects like this that respect our pristine natural environment while providing much needed affordable housing are critical if we want to continue to be able to deliver the new world class services the Minns Labor Government are delivering like new and upgraded schools and hospitals.”

$2.6 million to boost police housing in Coonamble

Coonamble, in the state’s Central Western Plains, is the latest region to receive new key worker housing with the completion of three brand-new police homes.

The $2.6 million project contains three spacious four-bedroom homes, all with a separate kitchen, dining and living room, as well as a rumpus, laundry and private backyard with two-car garage and fitted with solar panels.

Some of the biggest barriers in maintaining rural and regional police numbers is the lack of suitable and available housing.

These new homes have already provided an incentive to serving police to transfer to the region, with all three homes now filled by officers and their families.

It’s part of the NSW Government’s Key Worker Housing Program committing $146.3 million over four years to deliver 271 homes for police and teachers across the state.

To date, the Program has delivered 178 teacher and police homes in regional NSW using a mix of traditional building, modern methods of construction and land and home packages.

The four-year program will create around 700 jobs across the state, helping to strengthen local economies.

The Minns Labor Government acknowledges the housing crisis across the state, and the need to build more homes, which is why we are delivering unprecedented investment in providing more social, affordable and key worker housing.

This investment in police housing also builds on the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to deliver better frontline services, support the NSW Police Force and keep the community safe.

The former Liberal-National Government had no plan for police recruitment, no plan for police retention and sent wages backwards for 12 years. As a result, thousands of experienced officers left the force.

We know we have a long way to go, but we are working hard to turn that around by:

  • securing a historic pay rise for officers
  • paying recruits to train, resulting in applications to join the NSWPF soaring by 70%
  • creating a pathway for recruits to serve in or near their hometown after attesting at the Goulburn Police Academy
  • establishing the Professional Mobility Program for serving officers across Australia and New Zealand to join the NSWPF and keep their equivalent rank up to Senior Constable
  • introducing the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Command to better look after the mental and physical health of officers.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“You can’t keep a community safe without police, and you can’t keep police without housing. These new homes in Coonamble are a game changer for recruiting and keeping the officers we need in the Central West.

“Three new homes and three police families already in place – that’s how quickly the right investment delivers results for communities.

“We’re not just talking about supporting our police – we’re doing it. New homes, paid training, better pay and conditions, and real pathways to serve close to home are all part of rebuilding the NSW Police Force.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson said:

“Regional communities like Coonamble are crying out for key workers, but you can’t recruit police officers and teachers if there’s nowhere for them to live. That’s why initiatives like these are so vital for Regional NSW.

“We’re helping to combat the key worker shortage in regional NSW by delivering over 270 police and teacher housing across the state by the end of 2026.

“By building more homes for teachers and police in regional NSW we can help attract more essential workers to the areas who desperately need them. It’s beneficial on both a service front and for the regional economy.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler said:

“Without investment in key worker housing like this, many regional and rural towns struggle to attract skilled and essential workers.

“Suitable housing makes it much easier. We are facing a staff shortage at police stations in Barwon. These three four-bedroom homes hold significant value for places like Coonamble; they make communities safer, increase the local population, and boost the economy.

“I thank the NSW Government for this investment.”

Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland APM, Western Region Commander said:

“This is an important initiative aimed at attracting and retaining police in regional areas.

“These new homes are vital in encouraging police officers and their families to move to this area and build a connection to the community.

“We know that some of the biggest barriers in maintaining police numbers in regional parts of NSW is a lack of suitable housing, and these new homes mean we can attract police to regional communities, where they’re most needed.”

NSW Government welcomes pay certainty for firefighters after independent umpire determination

The Industrial Relations Commission of NSW (IRC) has handed down its decision on the Awards covering Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters.

NSW firefighters will receive a 14 per cent wage increase over three years, backdated to February 2024.

This includes a one-off reset of two per cent spread over the life of the three-year Awards, which the IRC found was needed due to cost of living pressures after the former government’s wage decisions artificially repressed pay for the State’s almost 7,000 firefighters.

The Minns Labor Government was elected with a mandate to scrap the Coalition’s unfair wages cap for essential workers and reestablish the Industrial Relations Commission as an independent umpire.

The decision will deliver a four per cent pay rise backdated to February 2024, four per cent from February 2025 and three per cent in the final year from February 2026.

The IRC has also awarded an additional three per cent increase from 2026 to recognise firefighters’ competency in road crash rescue work. The Commission found road crash rescue is now a core function of the role, mandating its payment to all firefighters in recognition of the scope of work of modern firefighters.

This decision of the IRC reflects the vital role all firefighters can now play in responding to motor vehicle accidents, saving lives by extracting people from crashes sooner.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring a fair, modern and sustainable wages policy for all workers, consistent with our Fair Pay and Bargaining Policy.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“I welcome today’s IRC decision delivering wage certainty for our firefighters, including an important recognition of the work they do in road crash rescues.

“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, and strengthening the Industrial Relations Commission’s ability to ensure there is continued fairness in our public sector workplaces and that services are delivered to the NSW community.

“We were elected on a mandate to fix the recruitment and retention crisis in essential services and that is what we are doing.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“After more than a decade of an unfair wages cap we are delivering pay increases for frontline firefighters that recognise their work and commitment to our communities.

“This offer increases wages and improves benefits for firefighters across NSW and demonstrates we are delivering a fairer workplace bargaining system.

“Our firefighters provide vital assistance in times of need and the Minns Government continues to support the people who protect and defend NSW communities.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said:

“This outcome recognises the critical work our firefighters to every day to keep NSW communities safe.

“It also provides certainty as we work with the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union to implement the decision and support firefighters across the state.”

Minns Government announces $1m to address impacts of Islamophobia

The Minns Labor Government has today announced $1 million in funding to help tackle Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate in NSW.

The grant, which is funded by the Premier’s Department and Multicultural NSW, will support the Action Against Islamophobia initiative.

The initiative aims to provide support for people affected by Islamophobia. The Minns Labor Government’s contribution will fund:

  • a Report Islamophobia Support Line
  • case management and support services for people impacted by Islamophobia
  • advocacy and building awareness of how to report incidents
  • community education, and training for police and other front-line services on how to respond to incidents.

This announcement comes as community organisations have reported an increase in Islamophobia in Australia in recent years.

This is despite waves of migration, including from Muslim communities, contributing immensely to the social fabric and growth of our state.

Research by the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute has found that negative attitudes toward Muslims have remained at concerningly high levels across the last 10 years, with a particular rise since 2024.

The Action Against Islamophobia program is run by the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) and aims to both combat Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate while supporting those who are subject to it.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Naked racism and Islamophobia have no place in our state or our country and it is abhorrent that people perpetuate this sort of behaviour.

“Anecdotal evidence presented to me indicates that Islamophobia is far higher than what is reported, we don’t want Australians suffering in silence or enduring racism without help or support.

“We are proud to be partnering with the Australian National Imams Council to support those dealing with the trauma that Islamophobia causes.

“This program will play a critical role in providing support to those who have been affected by this hatred while also spreading awareness of the importance of rejecting racism in all its forms.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“NSW is one of the world’s most successful multicultural success stories and we need to call out racism when we see it.

“To safeguard our vibrant multiculturalism, we must ensure we’re putting the plans in place to stamp out hatred, like that faced by our Muslim community.

“Greater visibility and a broader understanding of this issue is extremely important – helping inform how we work towards eliminating this sort of bigotry.”

Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) President Imam Shadi Alsuleiman said:

“This rise in anti-Muslim hate has left many Muslims anxious about engaging in their daily religious activities, such as praying in mosques or leaving the house wearing the hijab.

“Islamophobia manifests itself in the community in several different ways, and we’ve seen an increase in micro aggressions that are often brushed off as ignorance or rude behaviour.

“Understanding how Muslims experience Islamophobia will help guide our approach to combatting the issue on a holistic level.”

Four Sydney Venues Locked In for Netball NSW State Titles

Netball NSW has confirmed four major netball hubs across Greater Sydney will host the HART Senior and Junior State Titles until 2027, continuing the proud tradition of one of the state’s biggest grassroots sporting events.

“Netball NSW is delighted to partner with four local governments and four netball associations to deliver the annual State Titles. Since 1969 this event has grown into one of the largest sport competitions and stands as a true celebration of grassroots sport and the Netball NSW pathway,” Tracey Scott, CEO of Netball NSW said.

The HART Senior State Titles will take place from Saturday 6 to Monday 8 June in 2026 and is being co-hosted by the Baulkham Hills Shire Netball Association and the Penrith District Netball Association. The matches will be staged at Kellyville Netball Courts in The Hills Shire Council area and at Jamison Park Netball Complex in the Penrith City Council area.

This year, more than 3,500 registered players and officials competed across the 15U, 17U and Opens divisions and the event attracted around 7,000 spectators over three days. The event also demonstrated the growth in men’s netball with six male 17U teams competing and five All Abilities teams in the State Challenge.

“Over 10,000 participants, families and visitors swell the local area, which is really valuable not just for the economy, but for the whole netball ecosystem. Local businesses, restaurants and accommodation benefit from increased foot traffic and local juniors get to see high-level athletes in action, inspiring greater participation in our sport,” Stacy Harding, General Manager of Competitions at Netball NSW said.

The HART Junior State Titles will follow from Saturday 4 to Monday 6 July 2026. They will be co-hosted by the Camden District and Campbelltown Netball Associations at the Narellan Sports Hub in Camden and the Campbelltown Netball Complex. This premier development event in the Netball NSW pathway showcases players aged 12-14 years across four divisions, including the 14U Male Championship.

The 2025 tournament set a new record with 240 teams and 2,500 athletes from across NSW taking part. It was three action-packed days of elite junior competition, community spirit and netball magic, with more than 50,000 goals scored across 2,206 games.

Beyond the action on court, the State Titles deliver a significant tourism and economic boost for the host regions. Thousands of visitors fill hotels, dine in local cafes, shop in retail centres, and explore nearby attractions, injecting valuable revenue into local economies.

The event also fosters strong community connections, with local volunteers, businesses, and councils working together to create a welcoming and memorable experience for players, families, and fans from across the state.

Record surge in youth detention exposes Minns Government’s failed bail laws

The latest custody figures from BOCSAR reveal the Minns Labor Government’s controversial bail law changes are driving a crisis in youth detention, with the number of young people in custody surging by 34% in just two years.

As of June 2025, 234 young people were in detention, up from 175 in June 2023, and more than 70% of them are being held on remand without having been found guilty of anything. Almost one in four are detained for a break and enter offence.

The figures also expose the ongoing over-incarceration of Aboriginal young people. In June 2025, 140 Aboriginal children were in detention, making up almost 60% of the youth prison population.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Justice Sue Higginson said “Premier Chris Minns’ youth bail laws are doing exactly what he designed them to do, locking up more children and young people, for longer, before they have even been found guilty of anything. This is not justice, it is demonic political theatre at the expense of vulnerable young people.”

“We warned that these laws would disproportionately target First Nations young people and fuel a surge in youth imprisonment, and the data confirms it. Nearly 60% of the young people in detention are First Nations, and most are being held on remand. That means they are being torn away from family, community and Country before they have been found guilty or convicted of charges.”

“This is a devastating and predictable outcome. We know that locking up kids is the most criminogenic thing we can do to them, it increases the likelihood of reoffending, entrenches disadvantage and drives higher crime rates. The Minns Government has ignored the evidence and the advice of health and social science experts, youth advocates, legal experts, the Aboriginal Legal Service, the NSW Bar Association and the Law Society, and instead they have doubled down on a failed tough on crime agenda.”

“The only way to make our communities safer is to invest in diversion, prevention, and community-led programs, not more prison beds for kids. Every dollar spent on detaining a child, which is currently over $1 million per year to keep a young person, is a dollar stolen from the services that could keep them out of the criminal justice system in the first place.” Ms Higginson said.

$658 million redevelopment of Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick and Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre now complete

Construction of the $658 million Sydney Children’s Hospital Stage One and Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre project has reached completion. This marks a major milestone in the hospital’s redevelopment, transforming paediatric care for children and their families across the state.

Minister for Health Ryan Park joined the Member for Coogee Dr Marjorie O’Neill to visit the new 12-storey building delivered as part of a more than $1.5 billion investment in health infrastructure within the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct.

The new building brings together leading clinicians, researchers and educators under one roof, with contemporary health facilities and spaces for families to connect while navigating their healthcare needs.

The new building will welcome patients and their families from late 2025, following an operational commissioning period.

The $658 million project includes:

  • A new and enhanced children’s intensive care unit
  • A new and larger children’s emergency department  
  • Co-located laboratories to support the Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre’s research, education and training  
  • A new medical short stay unit 
  • A new neurosciences centre 
  • A new virtual care centre and hospital command centre – KidsHQ
  • Inpatient units for medical, surgical and sleep studies
  • A day oncology centre and inpatient units, along with a dedicated bone marrow transplant unit
  • A new children’s hospital pharmacy
  • Improved family amenities, including single patient bedrooms with a carer bed and ensuite
  • Indoor and outdoor recreational spaces for families to take a break from clinical settings
  • Education, training and clinical simulation spaces.
  • New playground and pet visiting space

In a first for Australia, childhood cancer research and the clinical care of children with cancer will integrate into one paediatric facility, accelerating the translation of research discovery into improved clinical practice.

The Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre will be housed within the new hospital building and adjacent UNSW Health Translation Hub.

The Centre will include advanced laboratory spaces and deliver integrated, specialist cancer treatment, education and research programs, with this aim to transform childhood cancer treatment and become one of the world’s leading paediatric cancer centres.

The new building will also enable significant enhancement of paediatric neurology services, with the top floor dedicated to a new Neuroscience Comprehensive Care and Research Centre, providing integrated specialist services to improve the care and treatment of children with a range of neurological conditions. 

This project has been delivered by NSW Health Infrastructure in partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and Children’s Cancer Institute, with John Holland as principal contractor.  

Almost 1.95 million construction hours have been worked throughout the life of the project, which will also enable a pipeline for 500 roles within paediatrics across the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct.

The 2025-26 Budget confirmed a $12.4 billion investment over four years for health infrastructure to continue building a modern, resilient health system that meets both current needs and future demand. This includes the NSW Government’s announcement of $11.25 million to support the planning of upgrades to the Royal Hospital for Women, further investing in the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct.

For more information on the new children’s hospital and research centre and other Randwick Campus Redevelopment projects, visit www.nsw.gov.au/randwick-campus-redevelopment.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I’m delighted to see first-hand the completion of this state-of-the-art paediatric health facility designed to transform children’s care in this state for generations to come.

“The new building will bring together clinicians, researchers and educators in one place, which will significantly improve health outcomes for children and their families.

“The upgraded health facilities will attract clinicians, professionals and academics, support employment, drive innovation and productivity, and support to generate strong economic benefits for the community.”

Member for Coogee:

“I’m proud to be part of a government which is strengthening paediatric health care, research and innovation, which will be a game-changer for the local community and beyond.

“The new paediatric hospital has been designed to support families during their toughest times, including more single-patient rooms, family-friendly zones, play areas, and a pet-friendly zone to provide a welcoming environment and promote healing.

“It has been so exciting to watch the new children’s hospital and research centre come to life, which has involved more than 1,000 children, parents, carers and staff providing input throughout the planning of the new building, shaping the design of welcoming, home-like spaces that promote health and wellbeing, family togetherness, and patient-centred care.”

Cathryn Cox PSM, Chief Executive, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network:  

“Since 2020, we have been planning with our staff, families and community to reimagine our hospital environment.

“The modern facilities, technology and equipment will give us room to grow, tailor care to improve health outcomes, and respond to the state’s evolving paediatric healthcare needs.

“This is an exciting moment for our Network, as we move into a facility that matches the world class care our clinicians provide every day to some of the sickest children in the state.”