Category: NSW News

The NSW Opposition has welcomed the passage of the Planning System Reform Bill 2025, recognising the need for a modern, faster and fairer planning system to help address the housing crisis that continues to put pressure on families, renters and first home buyers across the state. 
 
To improve the legislation the Coalition worked constructively with the Government to move and support amendments in response to concerns from the community about transparency, community consultation and the assessment of large-scale non-residential projects. 
 
While cost of living remains the biggest challenge for households under Labor, both federally and at a state level, the housing crisis is just as urgent. It affects young people trying to buy their first home, families looking to upgrade, and renters struggling to find a place they can afford. 
 
This reform began when the Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman, Leader of the NSW Nationals Dugald Saunders, and Shadow Minister for Planning Scott Farlow wrote to the Premier and the Minister for Planning in December 2024 offering bipartisanship and cooperation to get meaningful reform done. 
 
The NSW Liberals and Nationals first tried to deliver changes like these back in 2013, when the Coalition’s Planning Bill 2013, introduced by then Minister for Planning Brad Hazzard, sought to simplify planning approvals, speed up housing supply, and create a more transparent system.  
 
That reform was blocked in the Upper House by Labor, the Greens and the Shooters Party, who teamed up to frustrate progress and run scare campaigns about overdevelopment.  
 
The NSW Opposition welcomes this Bill 12 years later because housing supply matters, but it’s not enough to pass legislation. The real test will be delivering affordable homes in the right places, backed by schools, roads and public transport, with urgent addressing of record state government taxes and charges and ramping up the supply of skilled labour. 
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said this is a reform that should have happened years ago.  
 
“We offered bipartisanship last December because housing is too important for politics. Our priority is to make it easier for anyone to find a home, not harder through more red tape or delay,” Mr Speakman said.  
 
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said regional areas need fast-tracked solutions to help deliver on the demand they are seeing. 
 
“Housing is in short supply across regional NSW and we need a system that supports the growth and prosperity of our towns and cities, along with the infrastructure to match,” Mr Saunders said.  
 
Shadow Minister for Planning Scott Farlow said the Coalition first tried to fix this system in 2013.  
 
“We welcome the passage of the Bill, but the real measure will be delivery, homes on the ground, not headlines in a press release,” Mr Farlow said.  
 
Between now and the 2027 election, the NSW Liberals and Nationals will continue to unveil a series of new housing, infrastructure and planning policies to get NSW moving again, making home ownership achievable, making renting fairer, and helping every generation to find a place to call home. 

The Minns Labor Government has today chosen politics over public safety. When the NSW Opposition moved to suspend standing orders to debate stronger protest laws, Labor teamed up with the Greens to shut it down. 
 
This was a chance to act on laws that would have stopped extremist and repeat protests, protected families and businesses, and backed our police. Instead, Labor has once again taken the easy option. 
 
The Minns Labor Government is on the go-slow train. They are tired, small target, and running out of steam. Like Thomas the Tank Engine, they are full of smiles for the cameras but going nowhere fast. 
 
They said they were reviewing protest laws. They said they would act. Yet in less than six months, we have seen a second neo-Nazi protest outside Australia’s oldest parliament while Labor sits on its hands. Today’s performance from the Leader of the House, Ron Hoenig, looked more like his TikTok content than serious leadership.  
 
After the vote was lost, Labor’s Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali, brushed it off as an “interruption”. That “interruption” was a plan to give police the power to order masked protesters to unmask or leave, to stop extremists using disguises to avoid accountability, and to make repeat protest organisers contribute to policing costs. 
 
It says everything about how out of touch this government has become. When issues hit too close to home, their instinct is to ignore the substance, attack the messenger and pretend the problem doesn’t exist.  
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Minns Labor Government is asleep at the wheel while extremists and repeat protesters march through Sydney.  
 
“Twice in six months we’ve seen neo-Nazis take front up at Parliament and still Labor does nothing. NSW needs a government that stands up for the public, not one that hides behind the Greens,” Mr Speakman said.  
 
Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens said it’s time that the Minns Labor Government stopped sitting on its hands. They should support our laws which would stop this terrible community division being played out on our streets. 
 
“Our bill would give police the power to unmask violent protesters and to stop repeat offenders from hijacking our streets. Labor blocked these changes being advanced through the Parliament. That says it all,” Mr Henskens said. 
 
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said this government had a choice today.  
 
“They could back the police or back the Greens. They chose the Greens. NSW deserves leadership, not excuses,” Mr Coure said.  
 
Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said Labor had a chance to show they stand with the men and women who keep this state safe, and they blew it. 
 
“When you side with the Greens instead of the police, you show exactly where your priorities are, and it’s not with the people of NSW,” Mr Toole said.  

The NSW Parliamentary Liberal Party has supported and continues to support a target of net zero emissions by 2050, with a sensible path to affordable, reliable and clean energy for businesses and households.
 
The Minns Labor Government is bungling the rollout of the electricity infrastructure roadmap to get there, leaving regional communities frustrated and forgotten and everyone paying skyrocketing energy prices.
 
The Parliamentary Liberal Party will continue to work, including with our NSW Nationals colleagues, on policies that deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy for businesses and households across NSW. 

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build momentum in the sale and relocation of buyback homes across the Northern Rivers, following an overwhelming community response to the first six auctions.

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build momentum in the sale and relocation of buyback homes across the Northern Rivers, following an overwhelming community response to the first six auctions.

An additional 21 houses have been released to the market in two auctions being held in Murwillumbah and Lismore in November. 

To date, 106 flood-affected properties, bought by the Government through the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, have been offered for sale to be relocated off the high-risk floodplain by the new owner.

The next release of homes is part of the commitment to reuse and relocate as many flood-affected homes as possible.

First National Real Estate Murwillumbah will auction 11 houses at the Murwillumbah RSL Club, starting at 6pm on November 11. This will be followed by a PRD Northern Rivers auction of 10 houses at the Lismore Workers Sports Club at Goonellabah on November 17 from 5.30pm.

Among the Tweed homes being auctioned are several properties that had been renovated by their previous owners, retaining their period charm, including stained glass windows, timber flooring and high ceilings.

There is no reserve price on these houses, meaning bidding can start and end at $1, making it one of the most accessible housing opportunities in Australia. Successful bidders will have 12 months to relocate the houses.

As Australia’s largest climate adaptation initiative, the jointly funded Resilient Homes Program is creating safer communities by removing flood-prone homes from the floodplain and helping other homeowners to undertake resilience works to protect and mitigate the impact on their properties from future flood events.

Under the program, more than 930 offers have been made to buyback homes in the highest risk areas, with over 720 settled to date. A further 620 homeowners in the Northern Rivers have received tailored home assessments to improve their homes’ flood resilience. Our target is to complete 1500 of these assessments by mid-2026.

The program plays a critical role in reducing the number of people living in harm’s way by permanently moving families out of the most flood-prone areas. This not only protects lives and property but also supports the long-term sustainability of Northern Rivers towns by rebuilding in safer locations.

A full list of the houses for auction is found below and more details on the November 11 auction, including photos can be found at NSW Reconstruction Authority Homes released for purchase.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“These auctions are a powerful sign of progress, proof that our region is rebuilding with heart and hope.

“Every home that’s relocated represents a family starting fresh in a safer place and a piece of our community’s story being preserved for the future.

“This program is not just about moving homes, it’s about honouring the past, supporting renewal, and building a stronger, safer Northern Rivers for generations to come.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Northern Rivers Adaptation Division Kristie Clarke said:

“The strong turnout at these auctions shows how much the community values the chance to give these homes a second life.

“We’re proud to continue this momentum and will keep releasing homes while community interest remains strong.”

Communities along the Hawkesbury River and Central Coast are one step closer to safer and more reliable travel, with the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments confirming an extra $8.99 million for critical repair and resilience works on Wisemans Ferry Road at Greengrove.

The road, which was badly damaged by floods and storms in recent years, has been the focus of extensive landslip remediation since 2024. This new funding brings the total joint investment to $37.35 million, under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The investment includes:

• $28.89 million to restore the road and embankments damaged by floods and landslips.
• $8.46 million from the Regional Roads Transport Recovery Package to strengthen the road so it is more resilient to future natural disasters.

Central Coast Council is delivering the works, with contractors already active across more than 40 landslip sites between Spencer and Gunderman.

Works at Greengrove will begin in 2026, with full completion expected by late 2026, weather permitting.

This latest funding will ensure the road, a vital link for local residents, businesses, tourists and freight, can better withstand the impacts of severe weather and keep communities connected.

Further project information can be found on Central Coast Council’s website.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:

“The Albanese Government is partnering with state and local governments to not only repair roads damaged in natural disasters, but to build them back better and more resilient to future events.

“This additional funding will help to ensure Wisemans Ferry Road provides safer and more reliable journeys for locals and visitors to this area in the years to come.

“We are committed to ensuring Australia’s regional communities have roads they can rely on, which is why these projects are so important.”

the Member for Robertson, Dr. Gordon Reid:

“Wisemans Ferry Road is a critical local artery for communities along the Hawkesbury River, linking them to jobs and educational opportunities, and providing access to other goods and services.

“The additional $8.99 million being announced today together with the initial funding will help Central Coast Council ensure the road is not just restored to its former state but is better able to withstand future challenges.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“Repeated severe weather events have clearly shown how important it is to make sure our key regional roads are not just fit for purpose, but resilient to inevitable future natural disasters.

“Wisemans Ferry Road provides essential connections for communities in the region, and this additional funding will allow Central Coast Council to go even further in ensuring the road can better cope with landslips and significant rain events.”

NSW Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris:

“Thousands of residents and visitors to the region rely on Wisemans Ferry Road every day

“This work will enable them to feel confident the road will be safer and can deal with bad weather better than before.

“I am pleased at the level of commitment from all levels of government in this investment and work to improve conditions for all users of a crucial artery of our growing region.”

NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin:

“It’s great to see the three levels of government working together to build back better on the Central Coast.

“Roads connect communities to each other and essential services. We need to ensure they are fit for purpose now and into the future and this boost in funding will do just that.”

Gosford MP Liesl Tesch:

“With the increasing threat of significant weather events, we know Wisemans Ferry Road is likely to face increasing weather-related challenges in the future.

“It is so important to invest not only in restoring the road, but in improving it so that when natural disasters do occur, our critical infrastructure can cope, and normal life can resume more quickly.

“I welcome this additional funding on behalf of our local community who I know have long been advocating for this work.”

Central Coast Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna:

“Wisemans Ferry Road is a vital connection for many of our river communities and we know how tough it’s been with all the damage from storms and floods.

“This extra $8.99 million in funding is a big win – it means we can keep pushing ahead with repairs and make the road stronger and safer for the future.

We’re working hard to get things back on track and we really appreciate the community’s patience while we get the job done.”

Firefighters who are diagnosed with ten cancers will be able to access support more quickly through the workers compensation system under reforms to be introduced by the Minns Labor Government.

The NSW Government will expand the number of cancers where firefighters are presumed to qualify for workers compensation, in recognition of the occupational hazards they are exposed to as first responders.

This removes the worker’s usual burden to prove causation, which can be difficult due to the nature of how these cancers are contracted and firefighting work.

The additional cancers include primary site lung, pancreatic, thyroid and skin cancers, as well as female and male reproductive cancers including cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulval and penile.

This will bring NSW into line with other states, while making NSW the first state to recognise two female reproductive cancers (vulval and vaginal) as presumptive cancers for firefighters. This is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to provide equity for male and female first responders.

Under the Workers Compensation Act 1987, qualifying firefighters are already presumed to be eligible where they are diagnosed with other primary cancers including leukemia, brain, bladder and kidney cancer, as well as breast, testicular and prostate cancer. The list of existing presumptive cancers also covers non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, esophageal, colorectal and ureter cancer.

All firefighters must serve qualifying periods to be entitled to the presumption. Under the changes, an expert panel will be established to review volunteers’ claims for the additional cancers against a requirement for the firefighter to have regularly engaged in frontline firefighting activity.

The changes will enhance access for volunteer and paid firefighters with the NSW Rural Fire Service as well as firefighters employed by Fire and Rescue NSW, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Forestry Corporation and other NSW agencies.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“This is a significant milestone to ensure that people who put themselves in harm’s way for the safety of the community are supported in their time of need. Firefighters work in difficult conditions protecting the community and this reform provides recognition by delivering on our commitment to support frontline workers.

“We know a cancer diagnosis can be devastating for a firefighter and their family, as well as their colleagues and employer. These changes mean these firefighters will be able to easily and quickly access compensation entitlements through the presumptive cancer provisions. 

“In developing this reform, we met with firefighters, the union and volunteer firefighter associations and considered work in other jurisdictions to determine how we could best support first responders.

“We are providing a better safety net for frontline firefighters in this state while at the same time reforming workers compensation to make it more sustainable so it can continue to support injured workers, including our emergency service workers.

“I urge the Parliament to support these measures as a priority to ensure these benefits can be provided as quickly as possible.”  

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Minns Labor Government has been working tirelessly towards this historic announcement to ensure those who serve and protect the community have access to compensation entitlements through the presumptive cancer provisions.

“We have been working closely with the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union (FBEU) and the Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) and thank their members and families for their ongoing strong advocacy.

“At present, eligible firefighters in New South Wales are entitled to a presumption to workers compensation if they have a diagnosis of any of the 12 primary site cancers listed in the workers compensation legislation. This legislation will also impact National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Forestry Corporation workers who are AWU members.

“By including additional cancers, we are acknowledging the occupational exposure to risks that firefighters regularly face and the long latency periods for certain cancers.”

Secretary of the FBEU, Leighton Drury said:

“Professional firefighters have worked hard for this result and we are pleased to see our employer, and the NSW Government, recognise the additional risks of our profession.

“FBEU members keep our communities safe every day and it’s important that our safety at work is recognised in this legislation.”

Scott Campbell AFSM, President of the RFSA said:

“Volunteer firefighters work at the frontline to keep the community safe from a range of incidents, from bushfires to vehicle and structure fires.

“We know that bushfire smoke is a threat to the health of volunteer firefighters. This reform means volunteers who unfortunately suffer cancer as a result of their service will be properly covered.”

The NSW Government congratulates the NSW Australian of the Year recipients for 2026: NSW Australian of the Year, Dr Alison Thompson OAM, NSW Senior Australian of the Year, Professor Henry Brodaty AO, NSW Young Australian of the Year, Nedd Brockmann and NSW Local Hero, Theresa Mitchell.

The recipients were announced at a ceremony tonight at The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

The Australian of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate the contributions made by the people in our communities every day.

All 17 nominees have made extraordinary efforts worthy of recognition.

From leading critical research to protecting our coral reefs, to work supporting vulnerable members of our community who need a safe place to stay or someone to talk to in times of need, from passionate advocacy, to keeping kids connected to culture and learning.

The NSW recipients will join the recipients from other states and territories at the national Australian of the Year Awards ceremony in Canberra on Sunday, 25 January 2026.

For more information visit Australian of the Year Awards.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“Congratulations to all of tonight’s nominees and award recipients.”

“Each has a personal story and motivation that drives the work they do, and it’s clear how much passion and dedication they bring to it.

“They should all be proud of what they have achieved.

“It’s a real privilege to recognise Dr Alison Thompson OAM as the 2026 NSW Australian of the Year.

“Her commitment to volunteering and helping others in times of crisis shows the incredible difference one person can make.

“Her leadership and compassion are an inspiration to so many.”

The 2026 Australians of the Year

NSW Australian of the Year – Dr Alison Thompson OAM (Sutherland Shire)

Dr Alison Thompson has deployed over 30,000 volunteers to the world’s worst disaster zones – bringing humanitarian assistance and medical aid to over 18 million people.

It started on September 11, 2001, when as an investment banker, Alison rushed to New York’s World Trade Centre with her first aid kit. She stayed nine months, offering disaster relief arm-in-arm with ordinary, like-minded people.

Galvanising grassroots momentum, Alison founded Third Wave Volunteers – a global movement of first responder volunteers who bring relief to the world’s disaster and war zones, including Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. Following the 2004 tsunami, she set up the first Tsunami Early-Warning Centre and education museum, which continues to thrive.

By mobilising everyday people, 61-year-old Alison is building resilience in local communities through sustainable, locally driven disaster prevention and recovery. Drawing from her upbringing as a pastor’s child, Alison believes that each person’s small skills add up to drive big changes.

NSW Senior Australian of the Year – Professor Henry Brodaty AO (Double Bay)

Professor Henry Brodaty is transforming the diagnosis, care and prevention of dementia – improving countless lives, both in Australia and around the world.

In 1972, Henry’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at just 52 years old. At that time, dementia was poorly understood and often ignored. People living with dementia and carers had little support and no pathway forward. His father’s experience catalysed a lifetime of work that not only revolutionised Henry’s own field of psychiatry, but also the lives of people living with dementia and their families.

In 2012, Henry co-founded the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing and led internationally significant research that enhanced the world’s understanding of risk and prevention. His large Maintain Your Brain trial demonstrated that straightforward, cost-effective, targeted interventions can profoundly delay onset and even prevent dementia.

Henry, 78, is a leader who has reshaped dementia care from every angle as he navigates toward a future where dementia is better treated and prevented.

NSW Young Australian of the Year – Nedd Brockmann (Randwick)

Nedd Brockmann, a then 23-year-old electrician from Forbes, had a goal – to run across Australia and inspire people to do more for themselves and the homeless.

Nedd’s concern for homelessness was sparked by his journey into TAFE every week where he saw too many people sleeping rough on Sydney’s Eddy Avenue. He wanted to do something to highlight homelessness, its complexities and prove that it’s solvable.

So, in 2022, he ran from Perth’s Cottesloe Beach to Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, completing a 3,952km journey over 46 days, and becoming the fastest ever Australian to do so. Nedd, 26, raised over $2.6 million from over 37,000 individual contributors.

He went on to start Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge in 2024, and with his team, has raised over $8 million for those experiencing homelessness. He also raises funds for his charity partner, Mobilise, to change lives through innovative programs to reduce the number of people sleeping rough.

NSW Local Hero – Theresa Mitchell (Banora Point)

Theresa Mitchell cares for people who are homeless or in crisis, providing a compassionate lifeline for people who’ve fallen through the gaps.

Opening its doors in 2009, Agape Outreach Inc began when Theresa found she couldn’t walk past homeless people on the street anymore. So, she handed out meals she cooked in her own kitchen.

Today, Agape operates throughout the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast with the support of more than 300 volunteers. Together they provide over 1,500 hot meals every week to vulnerable people on the streets and offer capability-building services such as back-to-work programs, psychology and basic life skills.

With kindness, compassion and practical care, 51-year-old Theresa has changed countless lives in the last 16 years. As well as advocating for the homeless and disadvantaged, Theresa has fostered 37 children.

Agape means ‘unconditional love’ – a sacrificial love that transcends and persists, regardless of circumstance. This is Theresa’s gift to her community.

The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are building a better future for the Central Coast, with planning for the long-awaited upgrade of Avoca Drive in full swing and the first stage of the project now prioritised for delivery.

A joint $130 million investment, including $100 million from the Federal Government and $30 million from the NSW Government, will upgrade one of the Coast’s most congested corridors, improving safety and travel times for the thousands of motorists who rely on it each day.

The priority first stage will focus on a one-kilometre section of Avoca Drive between Bungoona Road/Carrak Road and Joalah Road/Killuna Road in Kincumber, easing traffic and delivering safer access for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

The project will see Avoca Drive widened to two lanes in each direction, upgrade key intersections, and include new shared pathways and bus stop improvements to make it easier for locals to walk, ride and catch public transport.

Community feedback will continue to shape the project, with the concept design and environmental assessment expected to be displayed for comment in early 2026.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Catherine King said:

“This is a great day for the Central Coast. The upgrade of Avoca Drive has been talked about for years, and now it’s happening.

“This is about building safer, more reliable connections for the 26,000 motorists who travel this route every day, as well as the parents, students and local businesses who depend on it.

“The Albanese Government is proud to partner with the Minns Government to deliver the infrastructure Central Coast communities have been waiting for.”

Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid said:

“The Central Coast is growing fast, and our infrastructure needs to keep up.

“The Avoca Drive upgrade will not only ease congestion but also support active transport and public transport connections, making it easier and safer to move around our community.

“I’m proud to see all levels of Labor Government working together to deliver this vital project for our region.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivery – building safer, better and fairer transport connections right across NSW.

“Avoca Drive is one of the Coast’s most important east–west links, and this upgrade will help people get where they need to go faster and more safely.

“This is another example of our commitment to improving everyday journeys through better infrastructure.”

NSW Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said:

“This upgrade has been at the top of the list for locals for a long time, and we’re getting on with the job.

“By working hand-in-hand with the community, we’re making sure the Avoca Drive upgrade delivers real benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.”

NSW Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said:

“This is fantastic news for Kincumber and the surrounding community. Locals have been calling for this upgrade for years, and today’s announcement shows our government is listening and delivering.

“The improvements to safety, congestion and access will make a real difference for families, schools and small businesses.”

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong has taken decisive action to strengthen staff safety at correctional facilities across New South Wales.

At the Minister’s direction, the Commissioner of Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) has commenced a review of the way CSNSW classifies inmates across the state’s correctional system.

Classification is the process whereby inmates are designated a security rating – maximum, medium or minimum – that determines the custodial location and conditions in which they are to be managed.

The way inmates are classified is an important component of staff safety because it impacts the level of security needed to allocate resources, administer supervision, assess risks and maintain the prison’s order.

CSNSW is required to review an inmate’s classification and placement at least every 12 months. A review of an inmate’s classification may also occur if the inmate has been involved in a serious incident.

Classification of an inmate takes several factors into account including the seriousness of their offence, length of sentence, and their attitude, conduct and program participation while in custody.

This comprehensive review will assess the effectiveness of CSNSW’s classification, placement and case management processes. It will also ensure an inmate’s record of behaviour in custody carries appropriate weight when decisions are being made about an inmate’s classification. CSNSW will conduct the review in consultation with staff, the Public Service Association and other stakeholders.

The review forms an important part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing efforts to improve the safety of correction officers, an issue highlighted by the serious assault of four correctional officers at Cessnock Correctional Centre by an inmate in February 2025.

At the Minister’s direction, the Corrective Services NSW Commissioner submitted an urgent application to the State Parole Authority formally opposing the inmate’s release. The matter has now been stood over to a public hearing on Friday, 9 December 2025.

With the Minister’s full support, the Commissioner of CSNSW also wrote to the NSW Police Commissioner and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) requesting that an appeal of the inmate’s sentence be lodged with the District Court.

On Thursday, 6 November 2025, the ODPP confirmed it will appeal the sentence. The sentencing appeal is currently listed on Thursday, 27 November 2025.

The NSW Government has also recently introduced legislation into the NSW Parliament to improve accountability in inmate misconduct proceedings. The Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment (Standard of Proof) Bill 2025 is set to change the standard of proof for determining correctional centre offences from the criminal standard of ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ to the civil standard of ‘the balance of probabilities.’ 

These changes will bring NSW in line with most other Australian states and territories and will enhance safety in our correctional facilities and better protect officers.  

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said: 

“Community safety remains the Minns Labor Government’s top priority.

“Working in a prison is a tough job at the best of times and correctional officers put themselves at risk to keep us all safe. They deserve our gratitude, and they deserve to be safe on the job.

“This review of inmate classification is just one initiative this Government is prioritising to strengthen staff safety across our state’s prisons.

“I will continue to talk directly with correctional officers and the Public Service Association to achieve our shared goal of keeping our correctional centres safe for staff.”

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM said: 

“Corrective Services NSW takes a zero-tolerance approach to assaults on staff and fully supports the criminal prosecution of offenders to ensure they face the full force of the law.

“Every staff member has the right to work in a safe environment.

“We are working closely with the Public Service Association to ensure staff voices are heard and make a difference in how we strengthen safety for all.”

The Minns Labor Government is unveiling its largest Christmas celebrations yet with the Harbour city set to launch the 2025 Festive Season and a range of new and expanded events, cementing Sydney as the ultimate Summer Christmas and New Year’s destination.  

Locals and visitors alike will be invited to experience the city’s unique, vibrant summer holiday spirit, with Sydney set to sparkle with a packed calendar of dazzling events, cultural showcases, and community celebrations.

The 2025 Sydney Festive Season will deliver the city’s largest Christmas celebrations with an expanded program of major events and activations across the city that will officially begin on 27 November with Santa’s Sydney Sleigh Ride and the lighting of the Martin Place Christmas Tree, presented by the City of Sydney.

• Tumbalong Park at Darling Harbour will play host to a major expanded Christmas Festival for 2025 with an even bigger free family concert, expanded children’s entertainment zones and the return of Santa’s grand arrival. Expect a larger main stage program featuring combined school choirs alongside headline performers. Schools can submit their interest in performing on the big stage here www.darlingharbour.com/competitions/call-for-choirs-perform-at-the-darling-harbour-chr
• Christmas at the Cathedral will be more than double the size in 2025. The nightly forecourt market will feature exciting new food and gift stall options, new lighting and projection installations will bring the Cathedral façade to life, and an expanded program of choirs and live performances. Visitors can gather for nine nights of food, music and community celebration in the lead-up to Christmas.
• The Rocks Markets: Christmas Edition returns with additional festive night trading sessions and more stallholders specialising in handmade gifts, local design and seasonal treats. The precinct will also be buzzing with an enhanced summer music program and relaxed picnic-style spaces overlooking the harbour.
• The inaugural Cockle Bay Christmas Spectacular will launch with a water performance featuring stunt elements plus a pre-show program of live music and roving performers.  
• A White Bay Christmas will transform the White Bay Power Station, offering festive orchestral concerts and an expanded artisan market in the Boiler House and Turbine Hall. Visitors can explore stalls featuring local makers and enjoy performances by the Sydney Youth Orchestra in one of Sydney’s most atmospheric heritage settings.

Importantly for families, all events are free to attend.

Sydney’s unique festive period is a key, high-profile holiday season that the city is known for offering a warm, Australian twist on traditional celebrations. Barangaroo and The Rocks will be getting a Christmas makeover, with wreaths, bells and Christmas trees set to fill the public domains.

These new and improved events will be supported by Christmas classics including The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain, and the Martin Place Tree.

A bumper Christmas crowd will be followed by a summer of major events, ensuring Sydney remains the place to be throughout the holiday season.

Key NSW Government-supported events include:

• Back to the Future: The Musical  
• Sydney International Art Series – Data Dreams: Art in the Age of AI at the Museum of Contemporary Art (21 Nov 2025 – 26 Apr 2026) and Ron Mueck at the Art Gallery of NSW (6 Dec 2025 – 12 Apr 2026)
• Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
• United Cup (3–11 Jan 2026)
• Sydney New Year’s Test Match (4–8 Jan 2026)
• Sydney Festival (8–25 Jan 2026)

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Sydney’s Christmas celebrations just keep getting bigger and better. This year we’re unwrapping our most exciting festive season yet with more events, more lights, and more free ways for families to celebrate together.

“Only in Sydney can you celebrate Christmas under the stars, by the harbour, and on the beach. Our expanded summer program captures that unique spirit while driving even more visitors into our city.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“No one does Christmas quite like Australia, and there is no better place to experience a classic Aussie Christmas than Sydney.

“We are bringing back the festive spirit to make sure our Christmas celebrations are bigger and better than years before.  

“We want to see our city humming with local and international visitors and to do that we need to give them a reason to travel.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:  

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as our iconic Harbour precincts prepare to put on a bumper schedule of events filled with plenty of free festive cheer.  

“Whether you’re looking for free family fun like live entertainment or to find unique Christmas gifts to put under the tree we’ve got you covered.  

“I look forward to seeing merrymakers coming together this holiday season to enjoy our great open spaces and the free Christmas bonanza.”

CBD & Darling Harbour

• Sydney Christmas and Martin Place Tree Lighting – Martin Place – 27 November
• Floating Christmas Tree – 21 November
• Cockle Bay Christmas Spectacular – 6 December
• Christmas Festival at Tumbalong Park, featuring the combined school choir – 13 December
• Christmas Fireworks – 6, 13 and 20 December  
• Christmas at the Cathedral Markets – 17 – 25 December
• The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain – The Domain – 20 December

The Rocks

• Homegrown Concerts – Tallawoladah Lawn, The Rocks – 6–7 December
• The Rocks Markets: Christmas Edition every weekend from 6 to 21 December
• Laneway Cinema on 3, 10 and 17 December

Barangaroo

• The Pier Social (Festive Season Sessions) – Pier Pavilion, Barangaroo – From 21 November
• Barangaroo Markets – Third Friday of each month from 21 November to February
• Movin’ Bed Cinema – from 28 November

Balmain/White Bay Power Station

• Christmas in Balmain with Free Santa Photos – Balmain village – 3 November–25 December
• Sydney Youth Orchestra: Lied Der Nacht – White Bay Power Station – 6 December
• Sydney Youth Orchestra: White Bay Christmas Concert – White Bay Power Station – 7 December
• Balmain Village Markets – 7 December
• The Makers and Shakers Christmas Gift Market – White Bay Cruise Terminal – 13–14 December

Opportunities are also available for community choirs to perform and share their festive spirit in Darling Harbour – submission information can be found at Darling Harbour Community Christmas Performances.