Minns labor government spins as the NSW health system falls apart

While patients wait longer for surgery and staff are stretched to breaking point, the Minns Labor Government has once again chosen spin over substance.
 
Instead of owning up to its failures, Labor’s latest press release rewrites history and takes patients for fools, by distorting the truth to distract from a health system under strain.
 
The facts speak for themselves:

  • The backlog of 18,000 overdue elective surgeries came at the end of the global COVID pandemic when NSW operating theatres were shut.
  • The former Coalition Government invested $408 million in the 2022-23 Budget to slash that backlog, and it worked. The number of overdue surgeries plummeted under our plan, continuing into Labor’s first year.
  • Labor failed to reinvest or manage patient flow, which is why we’ve seen a new spike in backlogs under Labor. There have been no COVID shutdowns or lockdowns, just failure.
  • Desperate to play catch up, Labor has thrown $200 million in December 2024, $23 million in June, and now $30 million today.
  • Pre-COVID, overdue surgery lists remained stable and low – never rising above 1,000.

This morning’s so-called announcement isn’t about patients. It’s about politics.
 
Chris Minns and Ryan Park are hiding from scrutiny. Labor refuses to commit to an inquiry into the Western Sydney Local Health District, despite mounting evidence of dysfunction, overworked staff, and unsafe conditions for patients.
 
In Ryan Park, Paul Scully and Anna Watson’s own region, the Illawarra, the results speak for themselves:
 
Only 17.9% of emergency department patients at Wollongong Hospital and 38.2% at Shellharbour Hospital were admitted or transferred within six hours, compared with the target of at least 80%.
Fewer than half of patients at Wollongong Hospital were discharged within four hours.
At Shellharbour, only 71.6% left within four hours.
In Wollongong’s Emergency Short Stay Unit, only 48.7% were treated and admitted within four hours, when the target is at least 60%.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said this morning’s media stunt was a classic Labor distraction.
 
“This is a desperate attempt by Labor to shift blame for their own failures. They’ve had three budgets and two and a half years and still can’t get their act together,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said our hospitals are under pressure, and our nurses, doctors, and paramedics are doing everything they can.
 
“They’re the heroes holding a broken system together while Labor spins. Patients are waiting in pain while Chris Minns and Ryan Park play politics,” Ms Sloane said.
 
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said Ryan Park can’t even fix hospitals in his own backyard, so it’s no surprise he’s ignoring the rest of NSW.
 
“Our hospitals in the regions are running on fumes while Wollongong-based ministers issue press releases. People out here aren’t asking for luxury wards; they just want a doctor who isn’t three towns away and an ambulance that shows up before it’s too late. Labor’s turned its back on regional NSW,” Mr Singh said.

Man charged after alleged shooting – Upper Hunter

A man has been charged following an alleged shooting in the state’s north today.

About 8.50am (Wednesday 8 October 2025), emergency services were called to a property on Rotherwood Road, Cassilis, following reports a man had sustained a gunshot.

Police attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and were told the man allegedly sustained the injury while hunting on the property.

NSW Ambulance paramedics attended the scene and declared the 71-year-old man deceased.

A crime scene was established and Hunter Valley detectives commenced inquiries into the circumstances of the incident.

Following inquiries, a 63-year-old man was arrested and taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where he was charged with manslaughter and fire firearm manner likely injure persons or property.

His bail was refused to appear at Local Bail Division – Court 2 tomorrow (Thursday 9 October 2025).

Greens Statement on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks

On October 7 the Australian Greens mourn those killed on this day two years ago and the hundreds of thousands of people who have been killed since. The Greens continue to call for peace and to end the cycle of violence that both predates and has intensified since October 7. 

The Greens acknowledge the trauma, pain and grief that the whole community has been feeling over the past two years. On this day in particular, we extend our solidarity to the Jewish community impacted by the attacks. 

The attacks on October 7, the killing of civilians and the taking of hostages were condemned by the Greens at the time and continue to be condemned today. After two years, hostages are still held by Hamas. There must be an urgent release of the hostages. These calls cannot be separated from the calls to end the ongoing genocide and occupation in Palestine. 

Peace, non-violence and justice are core values for the Greens, and these values require both a condemnation of the attacks by Hamas and doing all we can to end the genocide in Palestine by the State of Israel – a genocide that is fuelled through a global collusion of countries that supply it with weapons.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed by the Israeli military in Gaza over the past two years. Unlike the brutal attacks by Hamas, the Australian Government is implicated in this genocide through its ties to the Netanyahu Government. That must end. Sanctions on the Israeli leadership and ending the two-way arms trade must happen now. 

The UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the International Criminal Court’s interim ruling, the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion and numerous statements, resolutions and findings from leading human rights authorities make clear that the Australian Government must act to end the violence. 

The Netanyahu Government has inflicted unjustifiable and disproportionate violence over the past two years on the people of Palestine and the surrounding countries. This must not be forgotten today.

The State of Israel’s occupation of Palestine, the apartheid system in the West Bank, genocide in Gaza and attacks on neighbours are antithetical to peace. So too is hostage taking and violence against civilians.

The Australian Greens were founded on four key pillars, one of which is peace and non-violence. The Greens will apply this pillar universally as all violence is interrelated, all lives are precious and it is the only way to share this one small planet with justice

Labor Premier Chris Minns moves to absolve 20 years of law-breaking within Corrective Services NSW in defiance of NSW Ombudsman

The Minns Labor Government has been met with alarm and outrage as it makes the extraordinary move to defy recommendations of the NSW Ombudsman to enable Corrective Services NSW to find inmates guilty of crimes without enough evidence to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.  

A NSW Ombudsman Report released last year found that Corrective Services NSW had repeatedly broken the law by applying the incorrect standard of proof when penalising inmate behaviour. The Ombudsman also found that Corrective Services NSW had forced inmates to sign forms indicating they were guilty of offences when they had evidence to prove their innocence, had defied international law by locking up young Aboriginal men, and had breached their legal requirements to allow inmates to call witnesses to inmate discipline hearings.   

The Ombudsman found that:  

1 in 3 charges laid against inmates during discipline proceedings were incorrect, 

80% of the cases where the inmate pleaded not guilty contained no record of reasons for the subsequent guilty finding, 

Corrections Officers broke the law by failing to notify governors, nurses and security officers in 48% of cases, 

70% of charges were not finalised until after a guilty verdict had already been determined,

74% of inmates penalised for correctional centre offences had vulnerability indicators that should have factored into their penalty, but did not, and 

43% of inmates penalised were Aboriginal.

Labor Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong has announced changes to the standard of proof to enable inmates to be convicted and given criminal penalties on the civil standard of proof. This will mean inmates can be found guilty on the balance of probabilities rather than beyond reasonable doubt.   

Greens MP, spokesperson for justice and Solicitor Sue Higginson said:   

“The Ombudsman report that revealed that Corrective Services have been breaking the law for 20 years, through applying the wrong and lesser standard of proof, perpetuating such gross and systemic injustice against inmates, was shocking,”   

“It’s utterly astounding that rather than fix the defiance and injustice, the Minns Labor Government is defying the Ombudsman to absolve the decades of lawbreaking and injustice, by stripping inmates of the most foundational human right and democratic principle, the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. The Minns Labor Government has signalled that it will change the law to change the standard of proof,”   

“The NSW Ombudsman found that in the dark underbelly of NSW prisons, a nasty kangaroo court system is being used to impose punishment on inmates where Corrective Services does not have enough evidence to prove their guilt, by using the “balance of probabilities” as the lesser standard of proof, rather than the proper criminal standard. We are talking about decades of deliberate and harmful law breaking by a public agency,”   

“Corrective Services has been running an illegal kangaroo court, unfairly dishing out harmful punishments on powerless inmates. It’s incomprehensible that now the Minns Labor Government wants to enshrine this unfair, arbitrary, oppressive and currently illegal approach in law,”   

“The Ombudsman exposed that 1 in 3 charges laid by Corrections against inmates under this racket are completely incorrect. In 80% of cases where an inmate pleaded not guilty, there were no recorded reasons to prove their guilt. In 70% of cases charges were not even laid until  after  a guilty verdict had already been found, and an inmate had been punished,”   

“The Ombudsman’s investigation found that inmates have been denied their legally enshrined right to plead ‘not guilty’ to correctional centre offences and denied the right to call witnesses. It’s precisely Corrective Services’ illegal use of the “balance of probabilities” standard of proof that allows this grave injustice and lawlessness to thrive,”  

“This culture of deliberate law-breaking is dangerous and harms the community, workers, and inmates. Labor plans to lock in a culture of lawlessness and injustice and worsen outcomes for inmates,”   

“The punishments imposed by these kangaroo courts will increase the likelihood of inmates reoffending by traumatising them, depriving them of contact with loved ones, and by limiting their avenues for rehabilitation. Prisons are already catastrophically failing to rehabilitate offenders,”   

“Labor Premier Chris Minns is defying the Ombudsman, defying the presumption of innocence that underpins our justice system, and defying his obligation to uphold the law in New South Wales by changing this standard of proof and by letting Corrections off the hook after 20 years of lawlessness and harm.”  

Background:  

The full Ombudsman report is accessible here.    

Case studies identified by the Ombudsman report:  

Colin was found guilty of the offence of failing to comply with correctional centre routine (CAS Regulation clause 39) and the offence of intimidation (Regulation clause 138). At the hearing, Colin requested to call a Justice Health nurse as a witness, but the delegate refused his request because he didn’t know the nurse’s name. Colin made a complaint to our office about his request to call the nurse. The governor dismissed the charge following our inquiries and recorded on the discipline action form that it was because ‘procedural fairness was not afforded to inmate’. He also directed that OIMS be amended to ‘reflect dismissal and inmate to be informed.’

Moses was charged with disobeying direction (CAS Regulation clause 130) after refusing to allow an officer to look between his buttocks during a strip search after the officer suspected he saw a syringe secreted there. Moses objected to the direction, saying that he was not going to do it because he ‘was molested as a kid’. He was then told, ‘Just hand over the syringe, you’ll get 7 days pound, happy days, if you fail to comply with my directions, you may be segregated for 14 days and regressed’. Moses was then secured in a segregation cell. It is not clear from the paperwork how long he remained confined and why it was considered necessary to confine him. At the hearing, Moses is recorded to have pleaded guilty and stated ‘I didn’t have nothing – was probably toilet paper.’ He was found guilty of the offence of disobey direction and penalised 56 days off television, buy-ups and contact visits. There is no record on OIMS for any related charge for the suspected syringe.

Tina was charged with the offence of failing a prescribed drug test (Regulation clause 153). As recorded in the IDAF, at the hearing conducted 8 days later, Tina stated the following ‘Miss, I told you the truth that it was dirty – You know I have been asking everyone to help me. I’ve asked for D&A [Drug and Alcohol] Nurse to get back on program.’ There was no record of a referral to the Intensive Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program in either the misconduct package or OIMS.

Kent, an Aboriginal man with a recorded history of self-harm, was charged with, and found guilty of, disobeying a direction (Regulation clause 130) and penalised with 28 days off buy-ups. The misconduct report stated that Kent was found sitting in his cell with a razor blade and was threatening self-harm. The correctional officer gave ‘multiple directions’ to Kent to hand over the razor, then threatened to remove it by force or ‘chemical munitions’ if he did not comply within 2 minutes. Kent did not comply at first, but eventually put the razor down. The witness statement recorded that Kent was then cuffed and strip searched. According to the case notes he was placed on hourly suicide watch. OIMS contains no record or indication an ISP was developed in response to this incident.

Labor’s knee-jerk bail laws will see state prison population continue to balloon, disproportionately affecting First Nations people

The Victorian Greens have said Labor’s rushed, knee-jerk bail laws won’t improve community safety and will see the state’s prison population continue to balloon, following the release of a report on prisoner numbers overnight.

The report by Victoria’s Sentencing Advisory Council found that Victoria’s prison population has surged by 62 per cent in the last 20 years.

This was largely driven by an increase in the number of people charged with offences but not released on bail, with the number of people being held on remand jumping from 649 unsentenced prisoners in 2005 to 1,994 last year.

The report also found Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remained over-represented in the state’s prisons, with roughly 1 in 60 Aboriginal Victorians currently in custody, compared to 1 in 100 two decades ago.

Earlier this year, the Premier rushed through new bail laws that went against what First Nations communities, human rights groups, and the community had been calling for under Poccum’s Law.

The push for Poccum’s Law – evidence-based bail laws that prioritise community safety – arose following the death in custody of First Nations woman Veronica Nelson, after the inquest into her death labelled Victoria’s bail laws an ‘unmitigated disaster’.

Victorian Greens spokesperson for justice, Katherine Copsey MLC:

“The Premier has clearly been more focused on optics than implementing policies that are proven to improve community safety. 

“The last time Labor rushed bail reform we saw a doubling of the number of First Nations women in Victoria’s prisons and deaths in custody. 

“And now this year the Premier has again implemented a rushed, knee-jerk policy on the run.

“Public safety is not about more police and more prisons, it is about more care. The government should stop defunding intervention and bring back a reinvestment strategy that funds prevention and diversion.

Greens Welcome Triple Zero Custodian Bill, Call for Further Penalties

Senator Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for communications, responds to Triple 0 Custodian legislation introduced today.

“To avoid another deadly disaster, Australians deserve a telecommunications regime with stronger penalties, stronger regulations and a watchdog with teeth.

“The Greens welcome the long awaited introduction of legislation for a Triple 0 Custodian today after 18 long months.

“Optus has fundamentally failed Australians and what we now need is a change of culture that puts public safety ahead of profits. 

“Australians should be able to trust that if they dial Triple 0, someone will answer the phone.

“While Optus must be held to account for their failure, the Government also has responsibility to ensure that this most essential service works.

“We welcome any steps that will help to restore Australians’ faith in the Triple 0 system and we will be closely analysing this legislation.

“When the legislation comes to the Senate later this month, the Greens will look to increase penalties for these big companies, including criminal penalties. If a deadly incident like this were to happen again, the highest of penalties should be on the table. 

“It’s time the Government sent a strong message to these telecommunications companies that public safety must come first.

“We need far stronger penalties and far stronger regulation. These companies have been self-regulating for far too long and it’s putting Australians at risk.”

Visit to Australia by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, Lawrence Wong, to Australia from 6 to 9 October 2025.

This will be Prime Minister Wong’s first official visit to Australia since taking office, and coincides with 60 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Singapore.

Australia and Singapore have a deep and longstanding relationship, underpinned by strong economic ties, strategic trust and a close defence partnership.

Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Wong will meet at Parliament House on Wednesday 8 October 2025 for the 10th Australia–Singapore Annual Leaders’ Meeting.

Leaders will discuss deepening cooperation under the next phase of the Australia–Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

This visit will be the fourth time the leaders have met. Prime Minister Albanese last met with Prime Minister Wong in May this year in Singapore.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Australia’s prosperity and economic future are linked with Southeast Asia.

“Deepening our relationship with Singapore means more jobs, more trade, and improved security for Australians.

“Singapore is vital partner and close friend to Australia and we’re united by our commitment to an open, stable and prosperous region.

“Our discussions will focus on our ambitious commitments under the next phase of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, building on our long history of cooperation.”

Condemnation of Antisemitic Vandalism in Melbourne

The hateful graffiti sprayed in Fitzroy this morning is deeply disturbing.

Hamas is a listed terrorist organisation in Australia. Supporting them is not free speech, it is a crime. Those responsible must face the full force of the law.

Victorians deserve to feel safe in their own community. The AFP and ASIO should support Victorian Police to track down those behind this disgraceful act and bring them to justice.

Hate has no place on our streets.

Next chapter dawns bright for Lambton Park cafe

Construction is underway to transform a locally significant building in one of the city’s most popular parks into a vibrant, accessible café at the heart of Lambton. 

Originally built in the 1940s as a Baby Health Centre and later converted into tea rooms in 2017, the site will be redesigned into a welcoming dining destination named First Light. 

Image: From L-R: State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery, Cr Mark Brooker, Cr Siobhan Isherwood, Cr Peta Winney-Baartz, City of Newcastle Executive Director Corporate Services David Clarke, and cafe operator Angelo Luczak celebrate that construction is underway to transform the former Baby Health Centre in Lambton into a vibrant new cafe.  Executive Director Corporate Services David Clarke said the project reflects City of Newcastle’s commitment to public spaces that foster connection and belonging. 

“This project is a tangible example of how we’re revitalising community assets into inclusive infrastructure that enriches everyday social life,” Mr Clarke said.

“Lambton Park is already a cherished community destination, and by transforming this notable building into an accessible café, we’re creating a space that welcomes everyone, from young families to older residents.

“Its location near the library and playground makes it a natural hub for social interaction, wellbeing and connection.”

An artists impression of Lambton Park Cafe frontThe new upgrades will include open-plan dining, a commercial kitchen and a front pergola for additional seating.

Accessible amenities and a ramp to the new rear deck, which overlooks Lambton Park’s playground area, will ensure the café is a welcoming destination for all members of the community. 

The upgrades are supported by $1 million from the NSW Government through the Crown Reserve Improvement Fund. 

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said the project’s progress was a welcome milestone. 

“I’m very pleased to see the next stage of this project progressing as Council engages its chosen operators to commence the works on the Lambton Café project,” Ms Hornery said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the works complete so that our community can benefit from this café, partially funded via $1 million from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.”

An artists impression of Lambton Park Cafe rearThe redevelopment also marks a new chapter for three accomplished names in Newcastle’s hospitality scene, who are joining forces to bring First Light to life. 

Mister Sister Manager Angelo Luczak, Luke Marshall, Director of The Kiosk Newcastle, and Corey Park-Pearson, owner and chef at Parks Bistro and Catering, each bring a wealth of regional and national experience.

Mr Luczak said the team shares a vision to bring a fresh dining experience to Lambton and create a space that feels like home.

“The idea of teaming up has been floating around for years, we’ve always shared a deep respect for each other’s craft and passion for hospitality, and this project is the perfect time to bring that dream to life,” Mr Luczak said.

“With strong ties to the local hospitality scene and a diverse network of friends, collaborators, and customers, we see First Light becoming more than just a café. Our vision is to be a go-to meeting spot for locals, coffee lovers and foodies from across Newcastle and beyond. 

“We’re proud to work with local farmers, coffee roasters and suppliers to build a seasonal menu that celebrates quality and workmanship. Everything we do is grounded in community, connection, and a genuine love for good coffee, food and company. 

“We’re looking forward to contributing to the vibrant and valuable hospitality culture that makes Newcastle such a remarkable place to live and dine.” 

The café is expected to open early 2026. 

City’s highest honour awarded for civic leadership

City of Newcastle has named civic leader Carol Duncan OAM as the 21st Freeman of the City for a community-focused career with international impact. 

The city’s newest Freeman was celebrated as a trusted and influential voice in Newcastle whose more than 30-year contribution spanned broadcast journalism, local government and community advocacy.

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge congratulates Carol Duncan OAM on being named the Freeman of the CityLord Mayor Ross Kerridge said Ms Duncan’s contribution to Newcastle has been profound and enduring. 

“Carol is a trailblazer, her ability to unite people through storytelling, public service, or cultural preservation has made Newcastle a stronger, more connected city,” Cr Kerridge said. 

“In 2012 she established the hugely popular local history group Lost Newcastle, which has helped reunite families, support academic research and grow the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund, ensuring Newcastle’s stories endure for generations.

“The Lost Newcastle project has become an extraordinary resource for gathering important stories and details from our history that would otherwise be lost. It is a community-based people’s history project that has become much loved.”

The former ABC journalist and Newcastle councillor has used these avenues to advocate for local arts and culture, help the community through challenge and sustain local history, through local storytelling. 

Ms Duncan’s passion for health and science communication and her award-winning reporting on disasters and public health helped shape policy and support vulnerable communities. 

This included sharing the stories of people with lived experience of Human Papillomavirus, with her groundbreaking broadcast work supporting the extension of the HPV vaccination for boys in Australia and the UK in 2013. 

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull presents Carol Duncan OAM with the Freeman of the City honour at an awards ceremony last nightDeputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull presented Ms Duncan with the honour at City Hall last night before an audience that included city officials, cultural leaders and fellow Freemen.

Cr Pull said Ms Duncan’s passion and advocacy for music, arts and the night-time economy were key achievements on her time on Council.

“Carol was a stalwart community advocate throughout the seven years she served as a Newcastle councillor, championing arts, culture, and civic life and chairing key committees including city of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee and Public Art Standing Committee,” Cr Pull said.

“Her leadership helped shape Newcastle’s cultural infrastructure and supported countless community-driven initiatives and I am honoured to officiate today’s Freeman of the City ceremony for such a deserving recipient.”

Ms Duncan said the honour reflects the strength of Newcastle’s people. 

“I feel very honoured and deeply appreciative to be appointed a Freeman of the City of Newcastle. At its heart, my long career in radio and in local government showed me the immense value of working for and with our community,” Ms Duncan said. 

“Whether it’s preserving and sharing our rich history and memories through Lost Newcastle, building bridges between communities and supporting them through challenges, or championing the next generation of musicians and creatives, this recognition reminds us that Newcastle’s greatest strength has always been its people and their stories.

“To be able to contribute positively to people’s lives is a gift, but there’s a long list of people who have supported and encouraged me for more than 30 years, and their generosity makes everything possible. And I’m not done yet!”

The Freeman of the City acknowledgement is Ms Duncan’s second major honour this year, after being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for her service to the community.

Ms Duncan joins a list of 20 other Novocastrians to be named the Freeman of the City including former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings, philanthropist and historian Vera Deacon and Surfest co-founder Warren Smith.