Category: NSW News

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff who lost their lives protecting the community and the environment have been remembered at a service in the Blue Mountains.

The 11 names on the NPWS Honour Roll were read in front of family, friends and colleagues at the NPWS memorial at George Phillips Lookout, near Govett’s Leap in Blue Mountains National Park.

Special mention was made of the 25^th anniversary of a hazard reduction burn in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which claimed the lives of four staff members, seriously injured three others, and changed the way NPWS undertakes fire management.

World Ranger Day, held each year on 31 July, honours the people who dedicate their life’s work to protecting our environment for future generations.

This year’s theme – Rangers, Powering Transformative Conservation – highlights the role rangers play as protectors of nature as well as partners in community-led conservation.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“Our dedicated NPWS staff show courage and commitment every day, protecting and defending our natural environment and cultural heritage on behalf of the people of NSW.

“We honour those who have lost their lives in this pursuit and thank them for their service. We also acknowledge those injured at work, as well as those who mourn the loss of their friends and colleagues.

“Twenty-five years on from the tragedy at Mt Ku-ring-gai, we especially remember those staff, families and friends who were affected.”

The Minns Labor Government is marking a major milestone in the transition to cleaner, quieter and more sustainable transport and proving that Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) are ready for all terrains and regions.

An electric bus trial in Tweed Heads has not only delivered standout results, but the data collected is offering valuable insights to support the statewide rollout of ZEBs.

After more than a year in operation, the two electric buses trialled in Tweed Heads have:

• completed 42,000 passenger journeys
• travelled over 56,000 kilometres
• accumulated more than 50,000 kilograms of potential tail pipe emissions reductions.

And to top it all off, the trial has achieved a remarkable 93% passenger satisfaction rate.

The results are part of the Minns Government’s 18-month Zero Emission Bus trials across five regional centres, giving planners and policymakers the critical data they need to support the broader decarbonisation of the NSW bus fleet.

These real-world trials are testing how electric buses perform over long distances, in varied terrain and regional conditions, helping to future-proof public transport in every corner of the state.

Passengers in Tweed Heads have embraced the new technology, praising the whisper quiet ride, smooth handling and enhanced travel experience.

The NSW Government has made decarbonising the transport sector a key focus of its forthcoming Net Zero Plan.

Bus operator Kinetic has managed the Tweed Heads trial, which is part of a 12-bus trial program also underway in Armidale, Queanbeyan, Deniliquin and Narrabri.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“These regional trials are helping us understand how electric buses can work across NSW – not just in cities, but in the regional communities that also rely on public transport every day.

“These insights will guide our transition to a cleaner bus fleet, helping us decarbonise transport and deliver quieter streets and better journeys.

“Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with passengers reporting a noticeably more comfortable journey. We’re excited to be working with local operators to help shape the future of sustainable public transport in NSW.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Tweed Heads and other regional communities are helping to shape the future of public transport in NSW.

“Regional NSW is not just participating in this transition, it’s leading it.

“These trials are giving us the confidence and evidence we need to expand Zero Emission Buses right across the state.

“Passengers are voting with their feet. They are clearly enjoying the benefits of a quieter, smoother and more sustainable ride.

“In places like Armidale, Tweed Heads, Queanbeyan, Narrabri and Deniliquin, we’re seeing electric buses perform reliably over long distances, tough terrain, and in challenging weather. This is giving us valuable insights into how we can scale this technology across regional NSW.”

Government spokesperson for Tweed Emily Suvaal said:

“It’s great to see the Tweed region playing such an important role in shaping the future of transport in NSW. These trial results show just how ready the region is to lead the charge on clean, quiet and reliable public transport.

“The Minns Labor Government know regional areas face unique challenges and this trial shows electric buses can meet that test.

“The Minns Government is delivering a transport future that’s better for passengers and the planet.”

The Minns Labor Government has today officially opened the newly upgraded Blayney Police Station, following a $2.05 million investment to modernise the facility and support frontline officers with fit-for-purpose infrastructure to continue their important work keeping the community safe.

Originally built in 1975, the Blayney Police Station has now been brought into the 21st century with substantial internal refurbishments, improved security features and enhanced amenities for officers working in the region.

Key features of the completed upgrade include:

• A new secure gun storage and cleaning room;
• Upgraded security system and new front security gates;
• Refurbished muster room, interview room, and public-facing foyer; and
• Improved bathroom and kitchenette facilities.

The modernisation works began in March 2025 and have now been finalised.

The station is home to general duties police and rural crime investigators and is a resource for other specialist police when required. The NSW Police Force Rural Crime Prevention Team was created to prevent, disrupt, and respond to crimes that impact specifically on the agricultural, pastoral and aquaculture industries.

When not based at the station, officers are out in the field in vehicles, on patrol and ready to respond quickly to calls for assistance.

This investment builds on the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to deliver better frontline services, support the NSWPF 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 per cent;
• 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; and
• 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:

“This $2 million upgrade is about giving Blayney’s police the facilities they need to do their job well and to meet the demands of modern policing.”

“Officers working in regional communities like Blayney face unique pressures and they deserve infrastructure that supports them, not holds them back.”

“Our police show up every day to protect and serve, often in challenging and unpredictable situations. The Minns Labor Government is backing them with the resources, technology and support they need to do their job and keep our communities safe.”

“We’ve introduced paid training, delivered a historic pay rise, and created new career pathways – and it’s working. Applications to join the NSW Police Force are up by 70 per cent, and we’re continuing to build momentum.”

Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland APM, Western Region Commander said:

“The upgrades to the police station will help police as they serve the Blayney and surrounding community.”

“These refurbishments have modernised this regional police station, making it fit-for-purpose for policing requirements in Blayney.”

“Enhancements include an upgraded security system, refurbished muster room, amenities and foyer, as well as a new gun storage facility.”

“The station is will now operate as a central regional point for general duties, rural crime investigators and, when required, for other specialist resources.”

The Minns Labor Government will next week introduce legislation into Parliament to strengthen Working with Children Checks (WWCC) to better protect children from harm.

The reforms will ensure that only the independent child safety regulator – the Office of the Children’s Guardian – will be responsible for reviewing WWCC decisions, removing external appeal pathways through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).

Currently, even people with serious convictions – including for sexual assault – can appeal a WWCC refusal to NCAT.

In some cases, this has resulted in the granting of ‘enabling orders’ that allow individuals previously deemed ineligible or disqualified to work with children.

Under these new laws, the Office of the Children’s Guardian will become the sole decision-maker and reviewer of WWCC applications, ensuring that child safety remains in the hands of the specialist regulator best equipped to assess risk.

These changes will also move NDIS Worker Checks appeals to the OCG, who issue NDIS Worker Checks and have expertise in safety for people with disability.

To strengthen protections nationally, the NSW Government will also lead calls at National Cabinet for a searchable national register of WWCC holders, so parents can be confident that individuals working with children have been properly cleared – no matter which state or territory they’ve previously worked in.

NSW will work with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions to integrate WWCC systems and close information gaps that offenders may exploit by moving interstate.

This legislation builds on the Minns Labor Government’s broader reform agenda to improve child safety in early education and care, including:

• Higher fines for service breaches;
• A new, standalone regulator with stronger enforcement powers;
• Greater transparency for families on the safety record of providers;
• A CCTV trial to improve oversight of underperforming services.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Keeping children safe — whether they’re in a classroom, an early learning centre or the care of adults in any setting must be a national priority.

“These reforms send a clear message that the safety of children comes first.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“NSW is pressing ahead with reforms we announced in June. Our Government is prepared to lead the way when it comes to reforming the sector.

“The Liberals and Nationals took a back seat on regulation, allowing for-profit providers to grow to two-thirds of the sector without proper oversight.

“Reforming early childhood education and care regulation across the country is a matter of urgency and I will be meeting with Education Ministers in the coming weeks to push for progress on these reforms.”

Minister for Families and Communities, and Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:

“We’re strengthening the system so it works as intended – to keep children safe.

“Our message to convicted sex offenders is clear. Don’t bother applying for a Working with Children Check, because you won’t be getting one.”

It’s all come down to this. After a season of thrilling clashes, fierce rivalries and showstopping performances, the 2025 Netball NSW Premier League Grand Finals are set to light up Ken Rosewall Arena this Sunday 3 August 2025. The Open division final is a battle of titans, as ladder leaders North Shore United take on second-placed Manly Warringah Sapphires in a rematch that has all the makings of a classic. These two sides split their regular season meetings—with the Sapphires claiming a narrow 48–46 win in Round 11 and North Shore United edging them out by just one goal in the semi-final. With only a single point separating the teams on the final ladder, the Grand Final is anyone’s game. For North Shore United, this Grand Final is more than just a shot at silverware—it’s a celebration of consistency, commitment, and culture. Sarah Corfield has been with the franchise since its Premier League inception, proudly marking 10 years of service in 2025, while captains Eliza Burton and Charlotte Raleigh have been members for eight years.

“Making a grand final is always a privilege but also a testament to the hard work we have put in,” said North Shore United Captain Eliza Burton. “I think this year was extra challenging given we had a lot of people in and out with other representative honours which makes getting into a grand final extra special. Now in its 10th year, the competition has reached new heights—testing our limits and showcasing the resilience, dedication, and unity that define NSU.” United have been tested this season. From a tight Round 8 win over South Coast Blaze to a 49–46 loss against eventual minor premiers South West Mounties MAGIC in Round 10, the road has been far from smooth. But their ability to respond under pressure and share responsibility across a dynamic team of 12 has been their trademark. “We are all really excited and feeling positive heading into the grand final,” Burton added. “We are lucky that we have a strong team of 12, that each person brings something different which has been a real asset to us this season and I think this is a strength of ours for the final. At North Shore United, when one commits, we all do—because above all, we are a team.”

As for their opponents, the Manly Warringah Sapphires bring with them not just form, but legacy. Premiers in both 2017 and 2023, and finalists in almost every season since the league’s inception, the Sapphires are one of Premier League’s most consistent forces. The team began their 2025 campaign by winning the HeartKids Cup, setting the tone for a confident and composed season. Sapphires Head Coach Mel Clarke credits her team’s resilience as a driving force. “I think that the belief has certainly been present within the team from the beginning, and the challenges we have overcome together throughout the season have contributed to the resilience and positive mindset that has driven our momentum leading into the finals series, giving us the confidence to play our best netball on Sunday.” As the pressure of Grand Final week intensifies, Clarke is keeping her team grounded. “Leading into the grand final we have focused on the importance of trusting the work we have done throughout the season and the things we can control. It is about confidence in our preparation and in each other, so we can enjoy the occasion and perform at our best.” A last-round draw saw them finish the season just one point behind NSU, before an extra-time thriller in the preliminary final helped them avenge their Round 11 loss to Sutherland Stingrays and earn another shot at glory. “Strong fan support from MWNA junior teams helps energise our senior squads, often travelling to home and away matches to cheer on their local stars within the MW Sapphires,” said Sapphires Captain Latika Tombs. “Reaching the Grand Final represents the culmination of years’ worth of hard work within our local pathways and is deeply meaningful for our Manly Warringah community.” 2025 is particularly special for three Sapphires stalwarts—Latika Tombs, NSW Swifts player Teigan O’Shannassy and Manager Lisa Eady—who are all celebrating 10 years with the franchise. Tombs, alongside Coach Mel Clarke and Eady, has been part of both championship-winning teams and is now eyeing a third title. In the 23U division, it’s a showdown between top-placed Panthers and second-ranked GWS Fury—two sides who have been neck and neck all season. GWS Fury took the direct route to the final, securing a heart-stopping one-goal win over Panthers in the semi-final to book their ticket. Panthers, the minor premiers, responded with a dominant preliminary final performance to secure their spot and set up a third meeting with the Fury. The teams split their regular season results—Panthers winning the first clash by 3, and Fury responding in Round 9 with a thrilling one-goal win, sealed with just seconds on the clock. With history, rivalry and redemption on the line, the 23U Grand Final promises to be just as gripping as the main event. Don’t miss a minute of the action as the state’s best athletes compete for Premier League glory. Grand Final night will be a celebration of talent, tenacity, and the future of netball in NSW. Tickets are available to purchase here. And if you can’t watch in person, watch the livestream at Netball NSW TV.

Sydney’s largest koala population will now enjoy greater protection thanks to the state’s newest national park that winds along the Georges River in the city’s south-west.

Warranmadhaa (Georges River Koala National Park), located between Long Point and Appin, covers 962 hectares. Work is already underway to grow the park with more land transfers planned into the National Park system which will protect up to 1,830 hectares of habitat.

Koalas require large, connected areas of habitat so they can eat, move and breed.

Warranmadhaa National Park will safeguard the most important corridor in the area, facilitating the safe movement of koalas between Campbelltown and the Southern Highlands.

When fully established, the reserve will further protect Cumberland Plain Woodland and Shale Sandstone Transition Forest, which are both listed as critically endangered ecological communities in NSW.

Warranmadhaa National Park delivers on the NSW Government’s commitment to establish a koala national park along Georges River under the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan.

The Plan supports the delivery of approximately 73,000 homes in Western Sydney and will minimise the impacts of development on threatened plants and animals at a landscape scale while creating protected suburban green spaces.

The name Warranmadhaa refers to the geography in the southern areas of the reserve and was chosen in close consultation with Traditional Custodians, the Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council and the local Aboriginal community.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has started the process to prepare a plan of management for Warranmadhaa National Park.

This will provide opportunity for people to have their say to help shape how the park will be managed to preserve its values and how it will be accessed and used by the community.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“This new national park is one of the most important in the state for koala conservation, protecting almost 1,000 hectares of vital koala habitat in south-west Sydney and delivering on our promise to safeguard this iconic species.

“$48.2 million has been committed to establish and manage this park, ensuring long-term protection for the south-west Sydney’s koalas.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully:

“It is great to see this land in southern western Sydney transferred into the national park system to protect koala habitat in perpetuity.

“There is even more great news, in the longer term with plans to almost double the size of the park through future land acquisitions in the Georges River area under the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan.

“This is a strategic approach which aims to balance urban development with the protection of important biodiversity including threatened plants and animals.”

Member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren:

“I welcome this important step towards koala conservation in our region.

“Our community has an expectation that wildlife in our region, particularly our koalas, are protected and safeguarded. This commitment is a step towards ensuring that this community expectation is not just met, but exceeded.”

People living with mental illness in Northern NSW are set to benefit from better access to essential clothing and supplies to support their wellbeing, thanks to the expansion of Keith’s Closet to Lismore Mental Health Services.

Minister for Health Ryan Park, Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin officially opened the service, made possible thanks to an investment of $185,000 by the NSW Government to open additional Keith’s Closets across NSW, including at the Lismore Base Hospital campus.

The Lismore outlet is the sixth Keith’s Closet to open since the not-for-profit charity began operating in 2019, and the first outside of Sydney and the Illawarra.

Keith’s Closet is a walk-in wardrobe which helps to clothe and support vulnerable clients with everyday essentials and is co-located at Tallowwood Adult Mental Health Inpatient Unit at Lismore Mental Health Services.

It is open to people who have an arranged ‘shopping visit’ with their assigned nurse where they can select outfits, footwear and toiletries from the donated wardrobe of goods inside.

Pioneered by Keith Donnelly, former Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist in the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, the program has been running since 2019.

For more information on Keith’s Closet, visit www.keithscloset.org

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Keith’s Closet has been supporting mental health consumers to access essential supplies to support their wellbeing since its establishment in 2019.

“Focused on fostering dignity and respect, Keith’s Closet is a truly inspiring space.

“When mental health consumers visit Keith’s Closet, they can choose from a range of donated goods like clothes, shoes and toiletries. This helps them feel better about themselves so they can focus on their treatment and recovery.

“I’m so pleased to support the expansion of Keith’s Closet to another NSW site where I am sure it will deliver for mental health consumers.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“Keith’s Closet reflects the kind of mental health care we believe in. It is practical, compassionate and grounded in dignity.

“This is a simple idea that makes a powerful difference. A clean shirt, a pair of shoes, a toothbrush, these are small things that can help someone feel themselves again and focus on their recovery.

“We are working to build a mental health system that supports people as they are. Keith’s Closet does that by meeting people with kindness and giving them what they need.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“The new Keith’s Closet, located at the Lismore Mental Health Service, will provide meaningful support to those in our community living with mental illness.

“This innovative model of care builds on the compassionate care health staff at Lismore Mental Health Services provide each and every day to the most vulnerable in our community.”

Keith’s Closet Founder Keith Donnelly:

“During my time as a student and qualified mental health nurse, I recognised that mental health consumers accessing our services often arrived at hospital with just the clothes on their backs and limited access to alternative clothing, toiletries and accessories.

“This is about swapping the traditional hospital white gown for good quality clothing and accessories, helping to reduce stigma and boost morale and wellbeing.

“It’s exciting to see Keith’s Closet grow and now benefit patients in the Lismore area.

“It’s also really important to acknowledge Keith’s Closet would not be the success it is without the amazing support of our volunteers, our sponsors and the wider community.”

The 2025 NAPLAN National Report released today shows some positive progress, with more still to be done to lift literacy and numeracy outcomes across the state.

This year, students in Years 5, 7 and 9 were the first cohort to complete a second NAPLAN cycle under the new proficiency levels first introduced in 2023.

For NSW schools, results in 2025 are stable compared to previous years, with students showing strengths in areas including:

• Year 5 reading up 4.9 percentage points in strong and exceeding compared to the same cohort’s Year 3 results in 2023
• Year 5 spelling up 6.3 percentage points in strong and exceeding compared to the same cohort’s Year 3 results in 2023
• Year 7 spelling up 3.6 percentage points in strong and exceeding compared to the same 2023 cohort in Year 5
• Year 5 grammar and punctuation up 7.4 percentage points in strong and exceeding compared to the same 2023 cohort in Year 3

Today’s results show positive signs for many students in NSW, which is exceeding the national average in writing, reading, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. The results also show where continued and consistent support is required, particularly in Years 5, 7 and 9 writing and Years 7 and 9 reading.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to the work of rebuilding public education and lifting outcomes across NSW.

Among our most significant reforms has been our work to address the teacher shortage and ensure every classroom in NSW has a dedicated teacher, by lifting wages, improving job security, reducing workload and improving the classroom environment by banning mobile phones and restoring principals’ authority to manage student behaviour. This work has seen teacher vacancies drop 40% to their lowest level in five years and the number of merged and cancelled classes halved.

The Better and Fairer Schools Agreement we signed with the Commonwealth earlier this year ensures every public school is on a path to getting 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard, with the additional funding going directly towards programs and reforms that will lift student outcomes.

Our ongoing work to lift student outcomes includes:

• Introducing a new Year 1 Number Screening Check trial to assess students’ early numeracy skills, with wrap-around early intervention;
• Delivering the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check with targeted support for schools to ensure students obtain foundational literacy skills;
• Introducing system-wide literacy and numeracy targets with ambitious goals to improve student outcomes;
• Boosting the Small Group Tuition Program to provide more targeted literacy and numeracy support;
• Building teachers’ capacity to deliver the new knowledge and skills rich K-12 English and Mathematics syllabuses through explicit teaching;
• The explicit and systematic teaching of writing is a key focus in all new NSW syllabuses to better support all NSW students. 

The full 2025 NAPLAN national results are published on ACARA’s website.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“Congratulations to all of the students across NSW who participated in NAPLAN testing this year, especially those at more than 300 schools in the state’s north who did so in the face of extreme weather conditions.

“Students, families and teachers across NSW should feel proud of these results – and know that where there are gaps, we are focussed on supporting schools and teachers to close them.

“These results show NSW continuing to perform strongly against national benchmarks, and identify areas that require attention.

“We are committed to reforms that will strengthen literacy and numeracy foundations, including the introduction of an early Phonics and Number Check and a knowledge-rich curriculum explicitly taught across all our schools. These will equip NSW public school students with the vital knowledge and skills they need to achieve excellent outcomes.”

The Minns Labor Government has opened the latest in a growing network of government-owned residential homes, ensuring more vulnerable children in out-of-home care (OOHC) are moved from unsuitable emergency accommodation into stable, therapeutic settings.

The Waratah Care Cottage at Blacktown in Western Sydney is the fourth new property designed to keep sibling groups in the OOHC system together, with a sibling group of three already identified to move into the new cottage in the coming weeks.

The cottages support children who were living in High-Cost Emergency Arrangements (HCEAs) who cannot be immediately placed with relatives or foster carers, with the former government’s arrangements often seeing sibling groups split up.  

The Blacktown cottage opening builds on a $49.2 million investment in 44 government-owned homes for children in OOHC with the most complex needs as part of the record $1.2 billion Child Protection Package in the 2025-26 Budget – the largest in NSW history.

The purpose-built and upgraded homes will accommodate up to four children each, providing:

• Trauma-informed care in a stable environment tailored to support recovery and wellbeing
• Improved safety and permanency outcomes
• A reduction in the number of children in High-Cost Emergency Arrangements (HCEAs)
• Greater flexibility for government to respond to placement needs
• Better staffing models that increase visibility and accountability, and reduce service delivery costs

The new homes will be located in metropolitan Sydney and regional areas including the Hunter, using both new construction and upgrades to existing government-owned properties.

This investment reverses the former Liberal and National Government’s complete outsourcing of residential care services, which stripped away public oversight and control, and left vulnerable children without the protections they deserve.

In our first two years, the Minns Labor Government:

• Ended unaccredited emergency accommodation for vulnerable children – meaning no children are living in places like hotels and motels as of April this year
• Reduced the number of children placed in all types of High-Cost Emergency Arrangements (HCEAs) by 35 per cent since November 2023
• Restarted the recruitment of foster carers in the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), a critical program which was disgracefully abandoned by the Liberals and Nationals more than a decade ago
• Recruited more than 240 emergency carers so far, who have kept hundreds of children out of emergency arrangements
• Announced the first real increase in the Foster Care Allowance in 20 years, with $143.9 million budgeted to recognise the critical role of foster carers to keep NSW children safe
• Delivered a record $350 million investment for family preservation programs delivered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
• Invested $191.5 million to recruit more than 200 new caseworkers and retain 2,126 caseworkers with higher pay and more specialised training, as well as 100 new leading caseworker roles
• Redeployed our best and brightest casework specialists back to the frontline. Already this means more than 300 additional vulnerable children have been given support
• Insourced 300 family time workers, directly employing staff to keep children in OOHC connected to their parents
• Released a comprehensive roadmap for reform

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This new cottage builds on our record $1.2 billion investment to protect and support the most vulnerable children in NSW.

“We are building the capacity of the child protection system to provide safer, more stable care — and reversing years of neglect under the former government.

“Every dollar we invest in frontline services and stable homes is an investment in a better future for these children.”

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said:

“These children have experienced the most serious trauma — and they deserve care, stability, and a real chance to heal.

“For too long, too many children with complex needs have been let down by a system that isn’t providing what they need most: a safe and stable home.

“The government’s historic investment will help us change that. It means purpose-built homes, specially trained staff, and a care environment that supports recovery and hope.

“The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding the system from the ground up — putting children’s safety, wellbeing and futures at the centre of everything we do.”

Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali said:

“I’m incredibly proud that this new Waratah Care Cottage will play a critical role in protecting vulnerable children – and keeping siblings together here in Blacktown.

“It’s not just a house – it’s a safe and supportive home where children get the care and stability they deserve.

“This is what real change looks like on the ground, and I’m pleased to see it’s happening right here in Blacktown.”

Shadow Minister for the Environment, James Griffin MP, has slammed the Minns Labor Government for presiding over an environmental catastrophe, following the release of data showing a 40% surge in land clearing across New South Wales in 2023.

According to the 2023 NSW Statewide Landcover and Tree Study (SLATS) released yesterday, 66,498 hectares of native vegetation were cleared last year – a 40% increase from the previous year, and the equivalent of 237 Sydney CBDs or four Royal National Parks lost in 12 months.

Mr Griffin said the Minns Labor Government has betrayed conservation and communities across New South Wales.

“What we’re seeing is environmental vandalism on a scale comparable with palm oil deforestation in Indonesia. This Labor Government came to office promising reform, and two years later they’ve delivered nothing but excuses and inertia,” Mr Griffin said.

“Labor campaigned in 2019 and 2023 on curbing land clearing yet clearing has exploded on their watch. They campaigned on this issue and have delivered absolutely no solutions.”

Mr Griffin said, “The State of the Environment Report earlier this month was a shocker, the Great Koala National Park is a farce, there are no aquatic reserves or marine conservation ideas to speak of, and clearly the environment doesn’t really matter around the Minns Cabinet table”. 

Labor’s inaction contrasts with the forward-looking initiatives of the previous Coalition government – conservation initiatives such as those aimed at: 

• The establishment of NSW’s first Natural Capital State Accounts – a nation-leading framework to measure, value and protect the state’s ecosystems in economic decision-making.
• Major investments in koala habitat corridors and private land conservation agreements.
• Strengthened data systems for land cover monitoring and vegetation mapping.
• And an ambitious push to integrate biodiversity metrics into infrastructure planning.

Authorised by Chris Stone, Liberal Party of Australia, NSW Division, Level 2, 131 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

Donations by individuals to registered political parties of between $2 and $1,500 in a financial year are tax deductible. Phone: 02 8356 0300.

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