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The Minns Labor Government is acting to crackdown on illegal catches of the state’s precious seafoods such as abalone, lobster and mud crab by bolstering the compliance powers for NSW’s Fisheries Officers.

The Minns Government’s reforms will strengthen the ability of Fisheries Officers to respond to illegal fishing, disrupt black market seafood supply chains, and tackle aquatic habitat offences that threaten the long-term sustainability of NSW’s fisheries.

The Fisheries Management Amendment (Enforcement) Bill 2026 is being introduced to Parliament this week and represent the most significant modernisation of powers in some time.

The Minns Government’s reforms are critical for ensuring Fisheries Officers have the tools they need to do their jobs more effectively and safely.

The community expects that NSW has the regulatory powers required to protect our natural aquatic resources and remain fit for purpose to deter or investigate criminal activities.

After the Bill passes the new provisions will allow Fisheries Officers to:

• Act against people knowingly buying fish from illegal sellers, this will have a direct impact on dampening black-market sales
• Identify and question boat owners when their boat has been suspected to have been involved in illegal activities such a vessel observed by a fisheries drone undertaking illegal fishing
• Make it harder for illegal fishers to evade fisheries officers and empower Fisheries Officers to demand the identity of suspected offenders
• Proactively check that seafood being transported and sold by mobile seafood vendors has been sourced legally.

Along with the boosting of compliance powers the Minns Government is ensuring there are boots on the ground to protect our fisheries.

Eight Supervising and District Fisheries Officers are being recruited and a recruitment drive for a new cohort of up to 11 First Year Fisheries Officers to be stationed right across the state is underway.

The Government’s Bill will deliver the following outcomes:

• Enhance powers to address the risks posed by black market fish sales to the sustainability of fisheries resources and enhance traceability through the seafood supply chain
• Increased penalties of up to $44,000 to deter would-be offenders from stealing aquaculture stock for black market sale or damaging aquaculture infrastructure
• Improved enforcement powers and tools so Fisheries Officers can operate safely and effectively, in line with community expectations of modern natural resource regulators.

The NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty commissioned a review of the Part 9 of the Fisheries Management Act, that covers compliance and investigation powers, in response to the recommendations of an independent review of fisheries compliance powers.

The independent review was initiated in response to concerns from Fisheries Officers about their powers in relation to safety.

These new powers will enable the state to better protect the aquaculture sector which has recorded a farm gate value of $107 million, contributed almost a quarter of a billion dollars to the state economy, and supports around 2,200 jobs along our coastline.

In a separate regulation change, the Government will soon introduce of a ‘fit and proper person’ test for commercial fishing licences in line with community standards, including the completion of a National Police Check.

The fit and proper person test will allow the refusal, suspension or cancellation of a licence where an applicant or licensee has been convicted of serious indictable offences, including assaulting or intimidating a public officer, serious violence offences, fraud, offences involving criminal groups, or serious offences related to fishing activities.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“With these reforms to compliance powers we are protecting the livelihood of hard working and honest commercial fishers and ensuring the sustainability of our resources for future generations.

“The Minns Government is putting in place a stronger and better way of protecting our valuable fisheries resources such as abalone, lobster and mud crabs.

“Fisheries Officers undertake important work protecting our state’s aquatic environments and fisheries resources on the water, at the beach, at wharves and on the road, and they need modernised powers to better do their job.

“Like all workers in NSW, we are committed to ensuring that Fisheries Officers are able to feel safe and appropriately empowered to do their job and public service everyday across the state.”

“The introduction of the new ‘fit and proper person’ standard for commercial fishing licenses aims to protect the working environment of Fisheries Officers and for ensuring our natural resources are better protected from fraud or criminal interests.”

NSW statewide NAPLAN results released in today’s 2026 National Report reveal promising signs of improvement amid the state’s explicit teaching push, while there is more for schools in all sectors to do in areas needing targeted support.

NSW continues to exceed the national averages in all year groups and domains, with more than two thirds of results either strong or exceeding for most year groups and domains.

Signs of growth continue to emerge following the Minns Labor Government’s sustained and targeted investment in teaching quality, curriculum reforms and tailored student support, driving meaningful improvements in literacy and numeracy across NSW schools.

That work includes investing in early literacy and numeracy checks, targeted intervention, ambitious learning targets and evidence-based support for teachers rolling out the new NSW Curriculum, so more students can build strong foundations and move into higher levels of achievement.

While NSW results are relatively stable overall, there is growth in the proportion of students in Years 5 and 7 exceeding in spelling, grammar punctuation, and numeracy, compared to their previous NAPLAN results. This suggests that phonics, explicit teaching and early intervention are making a difference. Examples of this improvement include:

• Year 5 grammar and punctuation is up 8.9 percentage points in strong and exceeding compared to the same cohort’s Year 3 results in 2024.
• Year 5 spelling is up 8.6 percentage points in strong and exceeding compared to the same cohort’s Year 3 results in 2024.
• Year 5 numeracy is up 6.8 percentage points in strong and exceeding compared to the same cohort’s Year 3 results in 2024.
• Year 7 spelling is up 4.9 percentage points in strong and exceeding compared to the same cohort’s Year 5 results in 2024.

These results are consistent with the upward trends reported in 2025 and reflect steady and sustained progress in foundational skills vital for long-term academic success.

The results also reinforce the need to remain focussed on delivering targeted support to students who are still developing proficiency in one or more key learning areas. This includes writing for Years 5, 7 and 9 and grammar and punctuation for Years 7 and 9.

NSW will also take steps to address a concerning national trend of declining writing results, including the delivery of professional learning focussed on strengthening writing across the curriculum for all NSW public schools at the start of next year.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in evidence-based programs and quality teaching to improve learning outcomes, with a comprehensive suite of initiatives reaching tens of thousands of public school students across NSW including:

• The Year 1 Number Screening Check introduced statewide in 2026 to assess 60,000 Year 1 students and identify gaps in their number skills, so targeted support can be provided.
• The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check supporting foundational literacy, complemented by an expanded targeted phonics program for students and schools where it is needed.
• The Small Group Tuition Program, rolled out to every NSW public school, is delivering targeted literacy and numeracy support for students needing targeted support.
• New curriculum resources and professional learning supporting teachers to deliver explicit, knowledge-rich K-12 English and Mathematics syllabuses, with mandatory writing professional development for all NSW public schools in 2027.

The full 2026 NAPLAN National Report is available from ACARA’s website.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“This year’s results show NSW students are continuing to perform at a high level while demonstrating growth in key literacy and numeracy skills.

“The performance of NSW students reflects the commitment of our teachers, alongside the Minns Labor Government’s investment in targeted programs like small group tuition and Year 1 phonics and number screening checks, to ensure every student can reach their potential.

“While this year’s results are largely stable, they also show there is more to do, and highlight where schools need to continue to focus their efforts with evidence-based teaching and targeted programs.

“With mandatory professional development in teaching writing next year, and further initiatives in the pipeline, we are laying the groundwork to further lift literacy outcomes.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring every student has access to a world-class public education with strong teaching, a high-quality curriculum and the support needed to build essential literacy and numeracy skills.”

The Minns Labor Government must allow its dangerous three strikes drug driving bill to be properly examined by a Parliamentary Committee before allowing cannabis users onto our roads. 
 
The NSW Liberals and Nationals are calling for the Road Transport Legislation Amendment (Medical Cannabis and Driving Offences) Bill 2026 to the NSW Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Road Safety (STAYSAFE), should Labor continue to refuse to abandon it altogether.
 
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said the Premier should not ask Parliament to approve such significant reforms without first allowing them to be independently examined by Australia’s oldest and most respected parliamentary road safety committee.
 
“STAYSAFE helped shape reforms including random breath testing, graduated licensing, stronger drink-driving laws, school zone safety and fatigue countermeasures. It exists so that Parliament can hear from scientists, police, medical experts, road safety specialists and victims before major changes to road safety laws are made,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“This Bill has profound implications for every family that uses our roads and it should be properly examined in a transparent way.”
 
“If the Minns Labor Government is confident these changes are supported by the evidence, he should have no hesitation referring the Bill to STAYSAFE for independent scrutiny.”
 
Shadow Minister for Roads Mark Coure said STAYSAFE was created specifically to investigate complex road safety issues and has played a pivotal role in many of New South Wales’ most significant road safety reforms over the past four decades.
 
“This is precisely why STAYSAFE was established.  Its role is to investigate road safety issues, hear evidence and provide Parliament with independent recommendations before decisions are made that could affect the safety of every road user,” Mr Coure said.
 
“Every family expects road safety to come before politics. Chris Minns should refer this Bill to STAYSAFE before asking Parliament to weaken NSW’s drug-driving laws,” Mr Coure said.
 
“Chris Minns now has a simple choice – allow independent scrutiny or explain to the people of New South Wales why he knows better than the parliament’s expert Committee deliberately set up to examine issues such as this”.
 
The Opposition is calling on the Premier to allow STAYSAFE to receive evidence from:
·        road safety experts
·        medical specialists
·        police
·        trauma surgeons
·        victim support organisations
·        industry representatives; and
·        other key experts before the Bill proceeds.

Eleven community organisations will deliver projects across NSW aimed at creating more opportunities for young people to connect in person through sport, mentoring, creative activities and community programs.

The Minns Labor Government is investing more than $2 million in grassroots programs across the state to help young people connect face-to-face and build healthy relationships offline.

The Connect IRL program is the direct result of feedback from young people at the world-first social media summit, who asked for more government support to find a sense of community and belonging.

Through the Connect IRL program, 11 not-for-profit organisations will deliver community lead projects from Sydney to Boggabilla, creating more opportunities for young people to get off their phones and engage with people in their communities.

The programs cover a range from sports training, creative workshops and structured mentoring to appeal to a broad mix of young people.  

In Sydney, projects will run in Lakemba, Mount Druitt, Newtown and Parramatta, while regional communities across the Central West, Riverina, Shoalhaven, North Coast, Northern NSW, and regional and remote Western NSW will also benefit.  

For example, young people in Mount Druitt will be able to join the new leadership development stream into the long-standing Savannah Pride program, providing consistent after school basketball training, mentoring and educational support.

Initiatives in Newtown, Parramatta, Lismore and Newcastle will involve a series of in person, safer spaces programs, designed for LGBTIQA+ youth.

Across the Murrumbidgee region, a new peer connection program will help combat isolation, helping them foster new friendships and encouraging young people to seek support early when they need it.

It’s part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to better support young people in New South Wales, led by the newly-established Office for Youth.

For more than a decade, the NSW Liberal-National Government silenced the voices of young people in this state, and young people have since called for genuine influence in shaping policy.  

The NSW Government is leading the nation in advocating for reforms to better support young people and building a future where young people feel like they are seen and heard by government.  

With nationwide social media age delays for children under 16 introduced in 2025, it is vital to provide opportunities for young people to connect in person.

Connect IRL is helping create a generation of young people who feel connected, supported and part of their community by bringing friendship, belonging and connection back into physical spaces.

The Connect IRL Grants Program is administered by the Premier’s Department, co-funded by the NSW Office for Youth.

More information on the program as well as a full list of recipients is available online at Connect IRL Grants. 

Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:

“We’ve seen the research. We know that high social media usage is linked with loneliness and distress in young people and every parent knows that our kids are spending more time online.

“With nationwide social media restrictions now in place, we need to make sure we’re filling that void with meaningful connection, ensuring they have opportunities to connect in-person.

“That’s why we’re backing grassroots organisations right across NSW to give young people more opportunities to connect outside of school and to feel part of their community.

“This program has been designed with young people, for young people. It’s exactly the kind of practical investment that helps young people thrive and I can’t wait to see these projects in action.”

NSW Advocate for Children and Young People Katherine McKernan said:

“Every young person should feel connected, included and actively involved in their community. Programs like Connect IRL are important because they create safe, welcoming spaces where young people can build friendships, develop confidence and participate in activities that strengthen their sense of belonging.”

“We consistently hear from young people that face-to-face connection matters. Whether through sport, creative programs, mentoring or cultural activities, these initiatives give young people opportunities to engage with their communities in meaningful ways and build healthy relationships offline.”

“The Connect IRL program recognises that strong communities are built when young people are supported to participate, connect and have access to activities that reflect their interests and experiences. The Office for Youth looks forward to building relationships with the grantees and supporting the delivery of the projects over the next 2 years to help ensure young people feel valued, connected and empowered within their local communities.”

BackTrack CEO Marcus Watson said:  

“We know that when young people feel safe, value and connected, they are more likely to thrive and give back to the communities they live in.  

“Through this project young people who are engaged with BackTrack will have regular opportunities to connect in device-free spaces that are grounded in real life – from group conversations about things that matter to them, to boots-on-the-ground activities on country.

“This connection is the foundation from which young people can build confidence, independence and a sense of real belonging.”

CEO of Milk Crate Theatre Jodie Wainwright said:

“Milk Crate Theatre is thrilled to receive support through the NSW Premier’s Connect IRL program, which will empower young people across New South Wales to connect, create and share their stories through the arts. At a time when many young people are experiencing increasing isolation, these projects will provide meaningful opportunities to build confidence, develop creative skills and form lasting connections within their communities. We’re incredibly grateful to the NSW Government for investing in the power of youth creativity and community connection.”  

CEO of Mounty Aboriginal Youth & Community Services Ltd. Daniel Daylight said:

“This project will mean a lot for our young people in Mount Druitt. It gives us more ways to build a space that is youth-led and shaped by what young people actually want and need. For us, it is about backing young people to connect, be creative, have a go, lead in their own community and be proud of who they are and where they come from.”  

CEO of headspace Wagga Wagga’s lead agency, Relationships Australia Canberra & Regions Lauren Anthes said:  

“The Connect IRL Grant is giving headspace Wagga Wagga the chance to co-create a program with those with young people that directly responds to their needs. Young people in the Riverina have told us clearly: they don’t want more screens; they want more reasons to leave the house and connect.”  

“We’re excited to work with young people in our community to create meaningful in-person connection opportunities, utilising their lived experiences to drive the program’s direction.” 

Motorists will benefit from toll reductions on several Sydney motorways, alongside broader reforms designed to make the toll network more consistent, affordable and easier to navigate.

Toll prices will be lower across large sections of the Sydney motorway network as a result of the Minns Labor Government completing direct deal negotiations with the private toll road owners.  

The agreement delivers the first ever toll price reductions on the existing motorway network. While the discounts are modest, they build on a broader set of reforms designed to make Sydney’s toll network simpler, fairer and more consistent.

In addition to lower prices, toll reform has already delivered a permanent toll cap – currently $50 per week, the removal of toll notice administration fees, digital toll notifications, the NSW Tollway Ombudsman and the establishment of NSW Motorways.

This marks a clear break from 12 years of Liberal-National privatisation where road by road, contract by contract, motorists were left with different prices, different rules and different operators.  

In contrast, the Minns Labor Government is delivering a long term plan for a fairer, more consistent network that delivers practical cost-of-living relief for motorists.

Price discounts

The direct deal with the private motorway owners will deliver the following discounts:  

• 10% reduction on the Lane Cove Tunnel from 1 July 2027.
• 10% reduction on the M2 for longer journeys (80% of trips) from 1 July 2027.
• 10% reduction in the M7 distance cap from 1 January 2028 – subject to the widening decision (see below).
• 20% reduction on the Cross City Tunnel when the Western Harbour Tunnel opens in 2028.
• 50% reduction for motorcyclists on all motorways progressively from 1 July 2027.  

In addition to the direct deal, the Government has reduced future toll increases for the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel to 3.25%, lower than the 4% planned by the former Government from 1 July 2027.

A fairer and more consistent network

The agreement will also deliver broader changes across Sydney’s motorway network.

Private operators to contribute to toll relief

As part of the agreement, private toll road owners will contribute $75 million over five years towards the weekly toll cap, recognising the benefits of toll relief for motorists and increased use of the motorway network due to induced demand.

Heavy vehicle and motorcycle reform  

Under a new more coordinated price structure, heavy vehicles will pay 3.15 times the light vehicle toll across the network (except on the Lane Cove Tunnel) progressively from 1 July 2027. This will support the introduction of two new heavy vehicle toll relief schemes which will be piloted for two years after consultation with the heavy vehicle industry.

This reform is part of broader and comprehensive enforcement and support policy, aimed at shifting heavy vehicles off local roads and onto the motorway network, and improving freight efficiency and safety.  

It will include a scheme to reduce truck movements along the Stoney Creek Road corridor, which will be announced in the coming months.

Motorcycle riders using toll roads will pay a reduced 0.5 times the light vehicle toll, representing the lower impact these vehicles have on road assets.

Two-way tolling on the Eastern Distributor

The Eastern Distributor will be tolled both directions when the Western Harbour Tunnel opens in 2028. Rather than paying the full toll in one direction, motorists will pay a lower toll each way.  

The price in both directions will be set at 53% of the northbound toll. This completes two-way tolling across all toll roads improving consistency, equity and reducing diversions onto local roads.  

Pathway for M7 and M2 widening  

The agreement also creates a pathway to widen the remaining two-lane sections of the M7 and the M2 between Richmond Road and Windsor Road, without extending the existing private concession beyond 2051 or increasing tolls.

The project would also deliver a 10% reduction in the M7 distance cap.

The widening of the M7 and M2 is subject to a final business case and investment decision by the Government.  

Long term reform

In addition to the price reductions, the Minns Labor Government’s toll reforms make the motorway network fairer overall for the drivers of Western Sydney through the permanent weekly toll cap and continuation of the M5 Cashback Scheme.  

To support the long-term sustainability of the permanent weekly toll cap, the Government has already announced two-way tolling on the Harbour crossings. This continues the direction set under the former Liberal-National Government while helping fund ongoing toll relief for the motorists.

The Government has also established NSW Motorways to manage government-owned motorways, future motorways and private toll roads as they return to public ownership when their concessions expire.

These reforms build on the recommendations of the 2024 Independent Toll Review which included reducing the toll burden, commencing direct deal negotiations, removal of administration fees, changing heavy vehicle incentives, reclassifying motorcycles, consistent multipliers, consistent two-way tolling, IPART oversight, the establishment of an independent ombudsman and the establishment of a Government motorways entity.

WestConnex is part of the network reforms, but not the price changes because the government and the toll road owners could not come to an agreement at this time that would have been good value for both motorists and taxpayers in the timeframe required.  

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Sydney motorists have been paying more and more in tolls for years. This agreement means a modest reduction in tolls for motorists, builds on the permanent weekly toll cap and is another step towards a fairer toll network.

“We know people in Western Sydney and across Sydney rely on toll roads every day to get to work, school and home. Every dollar saved makes a difference.

“Families are used to hearing about prices going up. Today we’re announcing something that’s going the other way.

“The former Liberal-National Government sold Sydney’s motorways and locked motorists into decades of complex private contracts. We can’t undo that overnight, but we’re making the system fairer step by step.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is focussed on helping working families with the cost of living, and these reforms will provide relief where it is needed most.  

“For too long families in Western Sydney have carried the burden of an increasingly complex and costly toll system. These changes build on our permanent weekly toll cap to make the system simpler and fairer.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:  

“We acknowledge these reductions are modest, these were tough negotiations, made even tougher by the contracts signed when the Liberal government privatised motorway after motorway.  

“Toll prices have only ever gone up. We are putting them down.  

“We’ve fought for these reductions without paying billions in compensation, ripping up contracts or extending the toll road concessions further into the future.  

“For too long Western Sydney motorists were getting a raw deal, now we’ve levelled the playing field with the price reductions and a toll cap that means regular users won’t spend more than $50 a week on tolls.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This hard-fought deal will see private toll road owners lower prices and contribute to toll relief. Few people believed that was possible.  

“We promised to deliver a better outcome for motorists and that’s what this deal achieves.”

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“These reductions will provide cost of living relief by putting money back in the pockets of motorists, while also building on key reforms like the $50 toll cap and the removal of unfair toll notice fees.  

“The Minns Labor Government is continuing to make Sydney’s toll network fairer and more affordable for the thousands of people who use it every day.”

Interim Chief Executive of NSW Motorways Camilla Drover said:  

“Reaching this agreement is a significant milestone and reflects the willingness of all parties to work through complex issues in the interests of NSW motorists.

“I would like to thank the concessionaires, the entire State team and our advisers for their constructive engagement and collaboration throughout the negotiations.

“This reform strikes an important balance, delivering a better deal for motorists while ensuring value for money for taxpayers and helping to optimise the long-term performance of Sydney’s motorway network and its investment to date.

“These reforms position the network to better meet the needs of customers today while creating a foundation for future improvements across the broader transport system.” 

The 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government will recognise outstanding women and councils driving leadership, gender equity and positive change across the sector.

Nominations have opened for the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government, recognising the outstanding women whose leadership, service and commitment are strengthening communities across New South Wales.

Now in their 19th year, the Awards recognise women working and serving in councils whose enduring contributions have helped build stronger communities across the state.

The Awards will be presented by Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison at Parliament House on 22 October 2026.

This year, two new award categories have been introduced – Excellence in Mentoring and Sponsorship and Emerging Councillor Leadership. Together with the existing awards, they recognise women whose leadership, innovation and service are helping shape the future of local government.

Nominations are open in the following categories for both metropolitan and rural/regional councils:

1. Rising Star Award – recognises an outstanding female employee aged 25 or under (including apprentices, trainees and cadets) who demonstrates strong performance and initiative early in her career.

2. Champion of Change Award – recognises a general manager or senior leader who has driven meaningful cultural or structural change to advance gender equity in local government.

3. Breaking Barriers Award – recognises a woman in local government who has challenged traditional career pathways and helped break down gender barriers and stereotypes.

4. Excellence in Gender Equity Award – recognises a council that is creating inclusive workplaces and supporting women’s participation, progression and leadership.

5. Woman of Distinction Award – recognises a woman who has demonstrated excellence, integrity and leadership, and who is a positive role model within her organisation, community or the sector.

6. Excellence in Councillor Leadership Award – recognises a female councillor who has strengthened the presence, voice and impact of elected women in local government.

7. Excellence in Mentoring and Sponsorship Award – recognises a woman who has supported, mentored, sponsored or championed the development and progression of women in local government.

8. Emerging Councillor Leadership Award – recognises a first-term female councillor who has demonstrated strong early leadership, commitment to public service and contribution to her council or community.

Nominations for the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government close on 28 August 2026 and can be made via the Office of Local Government website.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Throughout my years in local government, I’ve worked with many outstanding women who have given an enormous amount to their communities. They’ve served as councillors, managers, engineers, planners, community workers and across every part of local government. Their contribution deserves to be recognised.

“These awards acknowledge women whose leadership, judgement and commitment have made a real difference in their councils and in the communities they serve.

“It’s encouraging to see more women stepping forward to serve their communities, with women now making up 40 per cent of elected councillors in New South Wales following the last local government elections. That’s significant progress, but we should continue working towards councils that reflect the diversity of the communities they represent.

“I know there are remarkable women making a difference in councils across New South Wales every day. I encourage councils, colleagues and community members to nominate someone whose contribution deserves to be recognised.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The dedication and leadership I’ve witnessed from women in local government over the years has been truly inspiring, and these Awards continue to be a wonderful celebration of their achievements.

“Whether they’re serving as mayors, councillors, executives or staff, women are making a lasting difference in all of our councils – championing better services and local priorities, and creating opportunities for new generations to follow in their footsteps.

“These Awards recognise not only individual excellence, but the powerful impact that women in local government have on the decisions and actions that shape our communities.” 

The Albanese Labor Government’s Free TAFE Construction program has nailed its target, with almost 25,000 TAFE enrolments in just 15 months, easily surpassing the 20,000-enrolment target set for the end of 2026.

New data shows 24,616 enrolments were recorded in construction courses and pre-apprenticeship training between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2026.

It’s a welcome sign as the Government prioritises bolstering the pipeline of skilled tradies to build more homes for Australians.

The Albanese Government is providing $86.4 million to the states and territories in targeted funding to help train the next generation of tradies and construction workers, in addition to the existing Free TAFE program.

In New South Wales, the Minns Labor Government has soared past its target by more than 20 per cent. 15 months into the two-year program, Free Construction enrolments in the state sit at 7,607.

In the wider Free TAFE program, New South Wales has seen the strongest growth of Free TAFE Construction sector enrolments of any state or territory in the latest quarter.

Free Construction is available nationally through TAFEs and eligible RTOs, offering courses that equip Australians with the skills they need to build a career in construction.  

22-year-old Lucas Felstead from Sydney recently finished his bricklaying apprenticeship and is encouraging more Australians to make the jump into a construction trade, saying “Bricklaying is such a niche trade and that means there are a lot of opportunities to make good money and have a long career.”

“My TAFE NSW studies gave me the skills and knowledge to really thrive in my trade.”

Lucas is proud of his work and the homes he’s helping build, saying “it’s satisfying to know the homes I build will stand long after I’m gone.”

The Free Construction program will continue throughout 2026.

Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“Free TAFE is delivering exactly what it was designed to do – getting more Australians into the training pipeline for careers in our most important industries, including the construction trades.

“In just 15 months of our targeted Free Construction program, we’ve not only met our target, we’ve exceeded it – more than 24,000 enrolments by aspiring tradies who have taken the opportunity to gain skills for rewarding and secure careers in construction.

“We need more skilled workers on the tools and on worksites to build the homes that we need for Australians. That’s exactly what Free TAFE is helping deliver.”

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

“We can’t build more homes without more tradies. That’s why the Minns Labor Government is working with the Albanese Government to roll out more Free TAFE places across New South Wales, including in trades courses.

“Tradies like Lucas – who last year was awarded Apprentice of the Year at the Bricklayer Contractors Australia Annual Awards – are an example to people across NSW of the opportunity a trade provides to get great skills and build a career for life.

“Labor is the party of TAFE. Our Government will continue backing in TAFE and building Free TAFE for our state’s future.”

BACKGROUND

Free Construction complements existing apprenticeship supports by providing funding for courses that support pathways into apprenticeships and skills development beyond them.

Popular courses under Free TAFE Construction include entry-level qualifications such as the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start), which has attracted 2,569 enrolments, and advanced qualifications including the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) with 1,734 enrolments.

The program supports qualifications linked to licensing requirements, including the Certificate IV in Building and Construction, which has recorded 3,755 enrolments, and critical enabling qualifications such as the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, which has attracted 1,415 enrolments.

Within the broader Free TAFE program construction sector courses are the second-largest category and now represent the fastest growing Free TAFE sector. There have been 73,220 enrolments nationally, including the 24,616 enrolments supported through the Free TAFE Construction program.