Category: NSW News

An important milestone has been reached towards restoring fish passage in the Menindee lakes and Lower Darling-Baaka River, with the lead design consultant contract awarded to 3Rivers.

3Rivers (a joint venture between Jacobs and GHD) will lead the Menindee and Lower Darling-Baaka Fish Passage Business Case a part of the permanent works, they will provide technical expertise to design and cost solutions to restore fish passage.

The NSW Government and Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) are collaborating on the project to allow native fish like Golden Perch and Murray Cod to migrate freely to feed, breed and access new habitat. This vital work will support native fish recovery and ecological resilience, and provide long-term, system-wide improvements to river health.

With a combined investment of $16 million to investigate fish passage solutions in the region, the Australian Government, MDBA and NSW Government are taking the first decisive steps to address the long-standing challenges in connectivity and ecological restoration in this part of the Basin.

This includes:

• Combined Commonwealth funding of $3.56 million for MDBA to prepare a business case to address permanent fish passage at the Lake Wetherell outlet regulator.
• NSW Government’s funding of $12.5 million to complete both a detailed holistic business case for fish passage solutions across the Menindee Lakes and Lower Darling-Baaka River and the Fishheart temporary passage.

The business case development includes: initial investigations, stakeholder consultation with the local community including Barkandji Traditional Owners and other First Nations groups, concept designs, environmental assessments, and cost-benefit analysis.

With a focus on critical regulator and weir sites in the Menindee and Lower Darling-Baaka, between Lake Wetherell and Pooncarie Weir. If implemented, this would lead to the restoration of 518 kilometres of connectivity between the northern and southern Murray–Darling Basin.

While work is ongoing, the New South Wales Government has funded a 3-year trial of a temporary fish passage technology called Fishheart, at the Lake Wetherell outlet regulator to help manage the risk of native fish getting stuck in the Menindee town weir pool.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said:

“Today’s announcement is a positive step towards mitigating future mass fish deaths and giving our native fish a better chance of survival. It’s an important piece of work that will ensure the necessary information is available to Basin governments to make an informed investment decision.

“This project is focused on long-term, permanent solutions, not just band-aid fixes. It will support native fish recovery, river connectivity and healthier river systems for the environment and communities.”

Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional New South Wales, and Minister for Western New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:

“This is a key component of the Minns Labor Government’s priority $25 million Restoring the Darling-Baaka Program after the 2023 mass fish kill at Menindee.

“Already, Fishheart is using innovative science, data and infrastructure to reduce the short-term risk of fish kills, however, this permanent fix will have a long-term impact for restoring our native fish.

“Our regional communities depend on us to get this right so that hopefully, in the future, our native fish can migrate the entire length of the Basin.”

Minister for Water, Rose Jackson said:

“This is another important step in the Restoring the Darling-Baaka Program. We’ve made good progress implementing the recommendations of the NSW Chief Scientist with expanded water quality monitoring, improved response triggers and additional resources.

“But we know enduring fish passage and river health is the ultimate aim and we’re getting on with that job.”

MDBA’s Chief Executive Andrew McConville said:

“We’re delighted to have 3Rivers on board to provide their valuable technical expertise to this vital project and we look forward to working closely with them.

“Community collaboration will be a critical part of 3Rivers developing the right designs to enable fish passage through the Lakes and the Baaka, and to ensure the business case is thorough and clear.

“The Barkandji people, the Traditional Owners, along with other First Nations groups and communities will play a key role in shaping the design and cost-benefit analysis, to ensure local and cultural knowledge is incorporated into the final recommendations.”

John Laws was the voice that shaped a nation. He dominated Australian radio for decades, setting the standard for talkback and challenging politics, culture and public debate like no one else.

He took on governments, held politicians to account and spoke up for ordinary Australians when others wouldn’t.

From the golden microphone to the Valvoline ads, he became part of our national identity.

He stood for common sense, free speech and pride in this country.
.
Farewell John Laws, a giant of broadcasting.

The Albanese and Minns Governments have launched a $2.5 million mobile training fleet at TAFE NSW Wollongong, bringing hands-on clean energy training to communities across New South Wales.

The initiative includes two mobile trucks, and two dual-purpose shipping containers customised to deliver renewable energy training, demonstrations, and engagement programs in solar, wind, and electric vehicle technologies. 

The mobile units are part of the Energy Futures Skills Centre collaboration between TAFE NSW and the University of Wollongong, ensuring students, jobseekers, and regional communities gain the skills to participate in Australia’s clean energy transition. 

The Albanese Government is investing $2.5 million in this project, through the TAFE Technology Fund. The fleet includes: 

• a mobile community engagement truck featuring virtual reality experiences and interactive displays that showcase renewable energy concepts and career pathways
• a mobile training truck providing hands-on experience with wind turbine, solar, and electric vehicle components aligned to existing qualifications
• two dual-purpose shipping containers that double as mobile classrooms, fitted with renewable energy systems, battery storage, and interactive learning tools. 

One container is stationed in Wollongong, servicing the south and southwest renewable energy zones. The second will be based in Tamworth and travel to renewable energy zones and schools across that region. 

The Albanese Government’s $50 million TAFE Technology Fund is supporting TAFEs nationwide to modernise and expand their facilities, including upgrades to laboratories, workshops, and IT infrastructure.

Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles: 

“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to be working with the Minns Labor Government to ensure people across NSW can get the skills to enable the clean energy transition to realise our net zero aspirations.

“What’s fantastic about this announcement is we’re meeting students where they are – literally.

“This mobile training fleet builds on our Free TAFE program, which has seen more than 287,000 enrolments in New South Wales.

“We’re bringing clean energy skills to the streets, the schools, and the regions, making sure no one gets left behind in Australia’s energy future.”

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan: 

“These trucks and containers are effectively TAFE NSW classrooms on wheels, designed to take hands-on renewable energy training to where it’s needed most.”

“The fleet brings learning to life, giving students and jobseekers the chance to experience renewable technologies up close, and to see the exciting careers that come with them. 

“It’s another example of TAFE NSW leading the way in providing practical, industry-aligned training that supports local economies and the clean energy transition.” 

Federal Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes:

“I am so excited to see one of the first outputs of TAFE’s collaboration with the Energy Futures Skills Centre – something I have been fighting hard for.

“Our region needs the skills to embrace the job opportunities of the clean energy future and local young people know the value this training can provide. Ensuring people in the regions are well-positioned to access the jobs of the future is absolutely vital. 

“The Illawarra is a true innovator of renewable energy, and I am proud of the work the Albanese Government is doing to support our energy and economic transition.”

Minister for Illawarra and the South Coast and, Member for Keira, Ryan Park:
“The Illawarra is at the heart of the state’s clean energy future, with the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone set to play a major role in delivering new jobs, investment and innovation for our region.

“This new mobile training fleet will ensure local people have the skills needed to take part in that transformation.”

Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully MP:

“The Minns Government is investing in training the workforce of the future and these mobile training options provides hands-on clean energy training opportunities to more people in more parts of NSW to support the renewable energy roll-out.

“This investment in Wollongong TAFE, in partnership with the University of Wollongong, compliments other investments including the Illawarra Heavy Industry Manufacturing Centre of Excellence.”

The Minns Labor Government is delivering more than $23 million in targeted funding to address youth crime and improve community safety across regional New South Wales.

The new investment focuses on two key priorities: breaking the cycle of reoffending among young people on bail and preventing at-risk youth from entering the justice system in the first place.

It bolsters support in high-priority regional communities for bail supervision, intensive case management, and early intervention and diversion.

Since April 2024, the NSW Government has rolled out targeted strategies like NSW Police Operation Soteria, tougher bail laws, and pilot interventions in Moree, Riverina and Western Sydney.

While there is still work to do, we are seeing encouraging signs. The June 2025 BOCSAR quarterly update on NSW Recorded Crime Statistics revealed that, in the two years to June 2025, young people proceeded against to court declined significantly by 12.3 per cent in regional NSW.

Despite progress, regional communities in NSW still face higher crime rates than cities. Moree, Tamworth and Kempsey in particular continue to experience higher than average rates of youth crime, and those towns receive targeted funding in this package.

The funding package includes:

$12 million to continue place-based responses in Moree and expand responses in Tamworth and Kempsey

The NSW Government will work beside the local communities to identify local services and mechanisms that help young people engaging, or at risk of engaging, in crime.

The funding will enable local leaders and service providers to co-design prevention and diversion programs that work for their communities such as youth hubs, after-hours activities, intensive family supports, intervention programs and alternative education pathways.

This will provide a vital intervention point for the most vulnerable young offenders, offering residential supervision and programs delivered by local partnerships.

These towns have strong communities and appetite to support their young people and tackle youth crime – the place-based NSW Government funding will look to capitalise on this.

$6.3 million to provide intensive bail supervision and support for young people

The NSW Government will invest $6.3 million to go towards intensive bail supervision and support, including:

• Five caseworkers – continuation of one based in Moree, and an additional two based in Tamworth and two in Kempsey to support young people on bail to prevent persistent offending and better understand their legal orders.
• More regular check-ins with young people on bail, helping young kids comply with their bail conditions and connect them to positive supports to reduce the risk of them falling back into the same situations and patterns of behaviour.
• Completion of the Moree Bail Accommodation Service— a safe, supervised facility to remove vulnerable young people from high-risk situations and provide structured programs and guidance.

A site for the Bail Accommodation Program in Moree has been secured, and Youth Justice is due to take possession next month.

We have already increased bail support and after-hours services in Moree while this work continues.

$5 million for a new Community Safety Investment Fund

A further $5 million will establish a new Community Safety Investment Fund, open to community and non-government organisations across NSW.

The fund will back innovative and potentially scalable local initiatives that prevent or respond to youth offending, strengthen families, and build safer, more cohesive communities.

The fund recognises many communities need support, particularly in regional areas.

This fund is open to organisations across NSW and will prioritise applications targeting areas with the highest demonstrated needs and service gaps. 

Building safer regional communities

Everyone deserves to be safe in their home, in their communities, including in our regional towns.

When serious crimes occur, there must be consequences. But we also want to give young people every chance to turn their lives around — by supporting them, their families, and the communities that shape them.

We know there’s still more to do. This funding package builds on the strong steps the NSW Government has already taken, including:

• tougher bail laws for repeat offenders;
• a ‘post and boast’ offence targeting online glorification of crime;
• $13.4 million for Moree’s targeted response;
• $5.5 million for youth diversion and violence reduction programs;
• paid police recruits to boost frontline numbers;
• stronger knife laws under Jack’s Law; and
• the release of the Doli Incapax review to guide future reform.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“This package is about giving local people the tools they need to turn things around for their young people.”

“These are complex issues that won’t be solved overnight, but we are in this for the long haul.”

“What we don’t want to see is young people wrapped up in the justice system again and again, which is why this package is a balance of intervention, prevention and wrap around support measures.”

NSW Minister for Police, Yasmin Catley said:

“The NSW Police are working day in, day out to address youth crime and steer kids towards making better choices – they are doing everything the police can do.

“We know we can’t arrest our way out of this which is why the Government is working to help break the cycle by implementing targeted diversionary programs and addressing the root drivers of this offending.

“I’ve visited regional towns right across NSW and the message is clear – everyone wants to feel safe in their community and for kids to have the best possible chance at a good life and the Minns Labor Government will continue to work hard to deliver exactly that.”

NSW Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib said:

“We have said before that serious offending needs to have consequences, but this government also wants to support young people to fulfil their potential – this means supporting their families and communities as well, often at a local level.

“This funding package reflects how we are working to help young people not to commit a crime in the first place, by funding locally based programs co-developed with local people, that can make a real difference by offering viable alternative pathways within communities.”

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The NSW Government is investing in measures to reduce crime and the drivers of crime. We have already undertaken significant legislative reform to help keep our communities safe.

“This includes targeting ‘post and boast’ offenders, strengthening knife laws, and raising the bail threshold for young people accused of repeat car theft and break and enter offences.

“But we know there is more to do, which is why we’re continuing to consider a review of doli incapax which presumes children under 14 cannot be held criminally responsible.”

The NSW Government will update the regulatory framework for small-scale mining titles to deliver a safe and strong opal industry for miners, farmers and the local community.

The NSW Government will update the regulatory framework for small-scale mining titles to deliver a safe and strong opal industry for miners, farmers and the local community.

The measures come as part of the NSW Government’s response to the Independent Review into the Statutory Framework for Small-Scale Titles. The Government’s response supports 74 of the Review’s 81 recommendations and outlines a clear action plan to strengthen and modernise the opal mining industry.  

Opal mining has served as an important industry within NSW for more than a century and continues to drive economic benefits in tourism, export revenue and job creation.

The response sets out an action plan focused on:

• Improving the confidence and certainty for landholders and miners.
• Strengthening the framework to deliver better land rehabilitation outcomes.
• Implementing a modern, digital-based approach for the administration of opal mining.

The response has been informed by extensive stakeholder engagement, including a working group chaired by the Hon. Stephen Lawrence MLC, and recognises the important role of opal mining and agriculture in the Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs communities.

A detailed review of relevant legislation (including to the Mining Act 1992) will take place. Following this review, the NSW Government will propose any necessary amendments to support these reforms and ensure the framework is fit for purpose.

A suite of initiatives consistent with the key recommendations from the Independent Review have already been implemented including:

• Modernising renewal and other applications by allowing them to be made electronically.
• A high-visibility compliance education campaign in Lightning Ridge during May 2025.
• Continuing the temporary prohibition of mining in Opal Prospecting Area 4.
• Improvements to stakeholder information materials and customer experience with the NSW Resources website, fact sheets and guidance material, including a biosecurity factsheet.

In addition to the action plan, an ongoing program of safety works to assess and remediate high risk legacy opal mining sites is underway in Lightning Ridge.

These works are being delivered in consultation with local stakeholders, including the Opal Area Reserve Crown Land Manager, landholders, opal miners and the local council.

The Independent Review provided recommendations on key areas affecting opal industry stakeholders including access to land, rehabilitation, landholder compensation and the suitability of the current framework.

Seven of the Review’s recommendations have not been supported, as they would have unintended impacts on broader stakeholders and legislative frameworks.

The action plan for the opal industry will be implemented through a phased approach over the next two years, with ongoing consultation to ensure the reforms are practical and effective.

The NSW Government response is available on the NSW Resources website.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:

“This is a significant step forward for the opal industry. We’ve listened carefully to miners, landholders and local communities to deliver a balanced and commonsense response.

“Our action plan provides greater certainty for stakeholders and lays the foundation for a modern, well-regulated opal mining sector that can sustainably co-exist alongside agriculture and other industries.

“During my visits to Lightning Ridge and the Far West I have heard directly from miners, farmers and the community. Their insights have shaped our response, and we’ll continue working closely with them as we implement these reforms.

“I want to thank Stephen Lawrence and Roy Butler for their ongoing work. Their deep knowledge and connections in the community have been crucial in developing the Government’s response.

“We’re committed to ensuring the opal industry remains a strong and sustainable part of regional NSW’s future.”

the Hon. Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“I know how keenly awaited this response has been. The opal industry is an important one, particularly for communities in western NSW, and the backbone of Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs.

“I would like to praise the strong engagement from the many stakeholders who have taken part during the review process. I am very confident the government has gotten the balance right in its response to the review.

“This response is the first step in continued consultation to ensure our opal industry can continue and flourish long into the future.

“I look forward to seeing improved confidence and certainty for landholders and miners, improved rehabilitation outcomes and much needed modernisation of the way people interact with the department.”

The Minns Labor Government is leading a rezoning to deliver 9,350 new homes in Cherrybrook in Northwest Sydney close to transport, open space, shops and services.

The proposed state led rezoning aims to transform the area into an urban community with a new town centre, library, community facilities, cafes and shops a short walk from the metro station.

The Cherrybrook precinct will support the area’s growing and diverse population offering a range of homes with a minimum of 5 per cent of all new homes to be affordable housing, increasing to up to 10 per cent within the new town centre.

The plan will focus larger apartment buildings in the town centre, with mid-rise apartments and terraces to be spread around green neighbourhoods.

It will also feature new walkable streets, bike paths and connections between new local parks, making it easier for residents to move around the precinct and access the metro station. 

Importantly the significant Blue Gum High Forest indigenous vegetation found in the area will be preserved and the total tree canopy coverage will increase by 14 per cent thanks to development controls.

The Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning Proposal is expected to create around 210 new jobs alongside the 9,350 new homes which will be delivered gradually over 36 years.

The vision for the precinct is another example of the Minns Labor Government giving people more choice in where they want to live, and in the types of homes they can build and buy. 

The rezoning proposal is currently on exhibition for public feedback until Friday, 5 December 2025. To have your say on the Cherrybrook Precinct Rezoning Proposal, visit the NSW Planning Portal.

For more information visit NSW Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: 

“This proposal will unlock hundreds of jobs and thousands of new homes in Cherrybrook alongside more open space and a new town centre to create a vibrant, leafy precinct just steps away from the metro.

“Developments like this are crucial as we look to restore housing choice in Sydney so people are no longer forced out of the city and can live and within the community they choose.

“Cherrybrook is an ideal location for more homes in a high-demand area, close to transport, jobs and services.”

Two stores in St Leonards are the first illicit tobacco stores to be closed under the Minns Labor Government’s tough new laws targeting illicit tobacco and illegal vaping.

These stores have been shut down immediately for 90 days under the laws targeting illicit tobacco and illegal vaping.

NSW Health now has substantial powers to make a short-term closure orders of up to 90 days for premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods, or selling tobacco without a licence.

The Local Court may, on application by the NSW Health Secretary, make a long-term closure order of up to 12 months if satisfied a relevant breach has occurred.

NSW Health inspectors are being supported by NSW police to carry out raids and issue closure orders on offending businesses.

NSW Health inspectors found and seized 3,860 illicit cigarettes and 224 illegal vapes while implementing the Closure Order at two premises and during inspections of a further two premises. Further investigations will follow and further enforcement action including prosecution may take place. 

In addition to the tough new closure powers, the Minns Labor Government’s changes to the Public Health (Tobacco) Act increased the maximum penalties for anyone caught selling products without a valid licence to $660,000 for individuals, and $880,000 for a corporation.

The Act also increased penalties for sale of illicit tobacco and introduced a new offence for the commercial possession of illicit tobacco, with these offences now carrying maximum penalties of up to $1.54 million, 7 years imprisonment, or both.

From 1 Jan 2025 to 27 October 2025, NSW Health Inspectors conducted around 1,260 retailer inspections and seized more than 11.8 million cigarettes, over 2,000kg of other illicit tobacco products and around 170,000 illegal vaping goods with a combined estimated street value of around $18.9 million

In the period 1 January to 27 October 2025, the NSW Ministry of Health has finalised 17 prosecutions with the courts imposing a total of $597,200 in fines related to e-cigarette and tobacco offences. There are currently 28 prosecutions inclusive of the District Court appeal before the Courts.

NSW retailers and wholesalers are now required to hold a valid licence to sell tobacco or non-tobacco smoking products as part of the new NSW Tobacco Licensing Scheme.

Businesses can apply for a licence online using their MyServiceNSW account via the Service NSW website.

Applicants are required to complete an annual online application, provide a recent criminal records check and pay the licence fee.

Businesses can get support to submit their licence application by calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.

More information on closure orders and penalties can be found on the NSW Health website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/tobacco-retailing-laws.aspx

More information on the new Tobacco Licensing Scheme including how retailers and wholesalers can apply for a licence can be found on the NSW Health website: NSW tobacco licensing scheme.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I can confirm that today we have begun raiding and temporarily shutting down a number of shopfronts suspected of not complying with our tough new tobacco and vaping laws.

“To be sure, this will take some time as we ramp up our closure activities, but this is just the beginning. More will follow in the coming days, weeks and months. 

“If you’re doing the wrong thing, sooner or later we will come for you.”

Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant:

“The new penalties and closure powers are an important step forward in reducing the appeal and availability of these products.

“Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in our community. The new closure powers are another key tool to ensure we act swiftly and gain stronger oversight of the illicit tobacco and illegal trade to help protect public health.” 

The Kiama community is set to benefit from new infill housing, close to the beach, shops, and public transport under a new rezoning proposal for the Kiama Depot site.

The Kiama Depot rezoning proposal will transform the two-hectare former gasworks site, currently owned by Kiama Municipal Council, into a vibrant residential community unlocking up to 450 homes.

Highlights of the Kiama Depot rezoning proposal include:

• new buildings ranging between 6 and 8 storeys in height,
• at least 10 per cent affordable housing,
• approximately 600 parking spaces for residents and visitors and
• opportunities for active transport options, such as walking and cycling paths. 

The NSW Government is seeking feedback on the draft proposal, which would reclassify the site from industrial to residential to enable new homes and better use of public land.

The proposal is on public exhibition until Wednesday, 3 December and the community is encouraged to attend a local drop-in session and provide their feedback.

The NSW Government has worked closely with Kiama council to develop this proposal.

For more information, visit NSW Planning.  The rezoning is expected to be finalised in 2026.

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Kiama Depot Rezoning proposal is an exciting opportunity to unlock up to 450 homes close to jobs, the beach, shops and transport, helping boost housing supply to give key workers and families a choice in where they live.

“The proposal also prioritises affordable housing, setting out a 10 per cent minimum to make sure it will boost both the number of homes in the region and the diversity of the housing offer.

“This is another great example of the Minns Labor Government increasing the housing pipeline to address the state’s housing challenges.”

Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

“We are fortunate to be living in one of the most beautiful parts of regional NSW but, even here, finding a home, particularly one that suits their needs and is well located, is a barrier for many.

“Rezonings like this are crucial to provide diverse housing options in our community.

“It is particularly exciting when NSW Government and Council can collaborate to unlock the potential for additional, much-needed homes through infill development on underutilised land in town.

“This development will enable current residents greater choice and options to downsize, supports essential workers into affordable housing options and allows the next generation to stay in the community where they grew up.”

Mayor of Kiama Cameron McDonald said:

“This proposal will help us to realise the potential of this council owned land at the Kiama depot site, enabling us to deliver more homes in the heart of Kiama.

“Council strategically acquired land in this precinct and identified the precinct as a catalyst site in its adopted Local Housing Strategy.

“We’ve worked closely with the NSW Government to deliver the plan and I encourage the community to come along to one of the pop-up sessions and have their say.”

The Minns Labor Government is taking another important step to protect workers against dust diseases, by strengthening the safety code of practice for tunnel construction.

Tunnelling can be a vital part of building public transport infrastructure yet poses risks to workers including silica dust exposure from the rock and sandstone being tunnelled through. It is vital that workers are protected.

The existing Tunnels Under Construction Code of Practice hasn’t been reviewed since 2006.The NSW Government is opening consultation on a new code of practice via the Have Your Say website, with industry and union stakeholders invited to make submissions until 28 November 2025.

Since January 2024 to present, SafeWork NSW has conducted over 100 site inspections in tunnelling sites in the Sydney metro area.

Tragically, there have been 516 cases of silicosis and 36 deaths due to the disease in NSW since 2017.

The draft updated code of practice has been developed in consultation with an industry and social partners working group and covers many aspects of tunnel construction. Proposed updates to the code include:  

• Managing silica risks using appropriate controls with a strong focus on the use engineering controls including adequate ventilation.
• The inclusion of ventilation officers and certified occupational hygienists in tunnelling as best practice measures. This inclusion is consistent with recommendations from the 2024 Review of the Dust Diseases scheme.
• Managing psychosocial hazards such as remote working which is often a feature of tunnelling.
• Tunnel boring machine content to account for changing industry practice and the move away from using explosives to tunnel.  

The Minns Labor Government will analyse Have Your Say contributions and continue to consult with industry and unions before finalising the new code.

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Government. Other initiatives include:

• Leading the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing one per cent or greater crystalline silica. This included a national ban on its importation from January 1, 2025.
• Establishing the Silica Worker Register to monitor and track the health of workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).
• Establishment of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce to help address silica related health risks in tunnelling projects. The Taskforce is made up of Government, medical, industry and union representatives and provides expert guidance on the prevention of silica and other dust-related diseases, associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.
• The establishment of a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW which includes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce strengthened regulations, including proactive visits to sites conducting high-risk CSS processing.
• Committed $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust. The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).
• Committed $2.5 million for a state-of-the-art Lung Bus which is currently travelling NSW to protect workers from dust diseases. The icare Lung mobile lung clinic provides specialised lung health assessments to current and retired workers who are at risk of developing a workplace dust disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or silicosis.

To make a submission, and for more information on the “Health and safety risk management of tunnels and shafts in construction code of practice”, visit:

haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/tunnels-in-construction

Any worker who wishes to raise concerns about workplace safety is encouraged to contact SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The NSW Government is committed to addressing health and safety risks in the workplace, especially relating to silica dust. This consultation opportunity is a chance to ensure everybody has a say in making sure we get it right.

“The Have Your Say consultation gives everybody a seat at the table. This is a way to come together and discuss the safety of tunnel construction workers, because when it comes to worker safety, it impacts more than just the people on the job but also families, friends and communities.

“The reviewed “Health and safety risk management of tunnels and shafts in construction code of practice” builds on the NSW Government’s strong record of tackling high-crystalline silica processing risks, which includes banning engineered stone, establishing the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce and launching the silica worker register.”

SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

“SafeWork NSW is always open to consulting with anyone who can provide insight into work health and safety and is committed to maintaining leading practices which protect the workers of this State against the dangers of silica dust and other hazards in tunnel construction.

“Addressing the dangers of silica and protecting workers building the infrastructure of our future is a priority for SafeWork NSW and ensuring our codes of practices are updated and reflect best practice is crucial in making that happen.”

Minister for Veterans David Harris has launched a powerful new art exhibition at the Anzac Memorial featuring works by 2025 Veteran Artist in Residence Hugh Semple that explore stories of post-service life through watercolour.

The exhibition, Beyond Service: Veterans’ New Journeys, presents eight evocative watercolour paintings that illuminate the personal and transformative journeys of Australian military veterans as they navigate life after service.

Each artwork captures a veteran’s chosen path, whether through art, music, storytelling, or cultural practice, revealing the renewed sense of purpose and identity these pursuits inspire.

Hugh Semple, a veteran of the Royal Australian Corps of Transport, first turned to painting as a therapeutic outlet following his medical discharge from the Army. What began as a means of healing has since evolved into a full-time artistic career. His deeply personal works reflect not only his own journey but also those of fellow veterans who have found strength and meaning in creative expression.

In June Hugh was named as one of two 2025 Anzac Memorial Veteran Artists in Residence and awarded a $10,000 grant to develop this significant body of work. Over recent months, the Anzac Memorial has served as both an inspiring backdrop and creative workspace for his artistic practice.

This year, the residency program was supported with funding from Veterans Benevolent Fund, supported by RSL & Clubs Services.

Launched in 2019, the Veteran Artist in Residence program supports current veterans in their development as artists and the use of the creative process in their healing journeys. The program also recognises the strong historic connection between art and military experience.

Beyond Service is on display at the Anzac Memorial which is open to the public daily from 9am to 5pm – entry is free. Visitors will also have a chance to meet Hugh and discover the stories behind the artworks during exclusive artist drop-in sessions.

More information is available here: https://www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/event/beyond-service-veterans-new-journeys

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“Hugh has created an extraordinary and deeply moving collection that not only shares the personal journeys of our veterans beyond service, but also celebrates the passions that now define their lives. His work is a tribute to resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of those who have served.

“We’re deeply grateful to Hugh for his generosity, and to the veterans whose stories he brings to life through each painting. Their willingness to share these personal journeys offers the broader community a rare and meaningful insight into life beyond service.

“The Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence program is a valuable opportunity to support veteran artists in their creative and healing journeys as they navigate life post service and honours their stories in a way that resonates deeply with the broader community.”

2025 Veteran Artist in Residence Hugh Semple said:

“Life after service does not end the journey. It reshapes it. These artworks honour the courage it takes to rediscover purpose and build a new identity beyond the uniform.

“The residency has given me a unique space to process my past, explore my present, and imagine my future. Exhibiting at the Anzac Memorial has made my art, and my story, feel truly valued.

“Art has been a lifeline in my journey after leaving the Army. It has given me a way to process the experiences, challenges, and emotions that often feel impossible to express.

“Through creating, I have found a path to understanding myself, rebuilding my sense of purpose, and transforming the struggles of my past into something meaningful. Art has not only been a tool for healing, it has become a way to connect with others, to share my story, and embrace life beyond the uniform.”