16 News

Communities in New England are benefiting from a boost to frontline emergency care, with an additional 16 paramedics now on the road in Gunnedah.

These additional paramedics are based at Gunnedah Ambulance Station and are delivering emergency and out-of-hospital care across the New England Zone as part of NSW Ambulance’s highly mobile workforce.

This increase in clinical staffing forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to rural and regional areas.

This marks the third intake of paramedics under the regional 500 initiative, following 125 paramedics who commenced in regional NSW last year and another 125 who began work in 2024.

Under this initiative, an additional 44 paramedics have now commenced work in the New England Zone.

The Minns Government will continue to roll out the additional 500 paramedics for regional NSW next year, with future locations determined through NSW Ambulance’s evidence based, best practice service, and workforce planning, as well as consultation with staff and the Health Services Union.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park: 

“The Minns Government is strengthening emergency health services in regional communities by adding more paramedics to the frontline.

“After 12 years of neglect by the Coalition, we are focused on rebuilding the health workforce that keeps our essential services running.

“These extra 16 paramedics in Gunnedah are helping to ensure the local community receives optimal, high-quality care when they need it most.”

Labor Spokesperson for Tamworth Anthony D’Adam: 

“Having 16 new paramedics join the team at Gunnedah is making a real difference for patients across the New England Zone.

“This investment reflects our commitment to improving access to emergency healthcare for rural and regional communities by expanding our workforce.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan: 

“Expanding our paramedic workforce at Gunnedah enhances our capacity to respond to emergencies and provide greater support to teams across regional NSW.

“With demand for ambulance services continuing to grow, these additional resources help us continue to deliver a high level of care for the community.”

The Minns Labor Government has fast-tracked a statewide fuel compliance blitz to strengthen fuel price transparency and protect motorists from misleading pricing.

At a time when families are feeling every dollar, the Minns Labor Government is stepping in to ensure fuel retailers do the right thing and that motorists are not misled when filling up. When it comes to the cost-of-living, this Government is clear: transparency, accountability and fairness matter.

FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel price transparency tool and provides motorists with instant access to prices from around 2,400 service stations across the state. It puts power back in the hands of consumers by exposing price hikes, ending guesswork at the bowser and driving greater competition across the market.

The tool has seen a rise in downloads, from 25,000 in February 2026, to almost one million downloads in March 2026.  To date, the FuelCheck app has also had 6.1 million visits from returning customers. This is a substantial increase from the 2.7 million total customer count recorded in February. The app allows consumers to compare prices, track price cycles, save favourite stations and receive price-drop alerts before filling up.

At the NSW Fuel Security Roundtable, retailers agreed to use FuelCheck to inform the Government when they have run out of fuel. FuelCheck will then hide these retailers from the platform so customers have certainty there is availability from providers on the app.

Under NSW law, fuel retailers must:

• Register with FuelCheck and report price changes in real time
• Ensure displayed prices match the price charged at the bowser

Retailers who break the rules face serious consequences, including on-the-spot fine of $1,100, or Court penalties of up to $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for corporations.

NSW Fair Trading is currently conducting unannounced inspections of fuel retailers across metropolitan and regional area. Inspectors have already carried out over 190 service station inspections across the state, issuing 13 penalty infringement notices.

NSW Fair Trading continues to work closely with the ACCC, including by sharing data, to uphold strong consumer protection standards.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“With fuel prices putting real pressure on households in NSW, the Minns Labor Government is stepping up to make sure motorists aren’t being ripped off at the bowser.

“This compliance blitz sends a clear message: misleading motorists will not be tolerated.

“We’re using every tool available, including FuelCheck and tough enforcement, to back motorists and support families when it matters most.”

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said:

“It’s the law for fuel retailers to register and correctly report their prices through FuelCheck, so motorists can have confidence.

“NSW Fair Trading is significantly increasing its compliance activity to make sure motorists get accurate price information every time they fill up.

“If consumers see a price mismatch between FuelCheck and the bowser, they should report it via the app or website to NSW Fair Trading.”

The upgraded Tumut Aerodrome will open tomorrow, marking an important investment that delivers major improvements to strengthen community safety and support future aeronautical events.

Snowy Valleys Council was awarded $12.5 million from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund delivered under the jointly funded Australian and NSW Governments Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The upgrades include major improvements to drainage, runway infrastructure, lighting and control systems and fencing, all aimed at supporting safer and more reliable aviation operations year‑round.

These upgrades will help the aerodrome operate more consistently in challenging weather conditions while meeting modern aviation standards.

A key feature of the project is the installation of precision path indicators, a system of lights on the side of the runway, that provides clearer guidance for pilots and supports safer landings.

This will enhance fire‑fighting capability and improve access for air ambulance services.

Together, these upgrades will improve the region’s liveability and resilience of the region by ensuring aircraft can support emergency responses when the community needs it most.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“The Australian Government is proud of what it has been able to achieve under this program, delivering impactful support to many communities in the Snowy Valleys who will now be able to utilise these upgrades.

“It is important that emergency support is operating in the safest conditions possible so that they can fully focus on doing what they do for our country.

“We will continue working closely with the NSW Government to deliver projects like this so that communities are safer when disasters hit.”

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“The opening of the upgraded Tumut Aerodrome is a proud moment for this community and for the Minns Labor Government.

“These improvements will give local residents confidence that support will reach them quickly in an emergency, whether it’s during a bushfire or when someone needs urgent medical care.

“This project builds the connection this region has to the services it relies on and is an investment in the wellbeing and security of the people of Tumut and the Snowy Valleys.”

Senator Deborah O’Neill, Senator for NSW, Labor spokesperson for Riverina:

“This is critical infrastructure that supports the Tumut community and surrounding areas.

“It enhances the ability of emergency services to respond when we need them most.

“Our government is investing in essential infrastructure for all Australians, wherever we live.”

State MP for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr

“This project is a strong example of what targeted investment can deliver for regional communities.

“The upgraded aerodrome gives people across the Snowy Valleys greater confidence that vital services can reach them quickly, especially in emergencies.

“I am proud to see this funding making a real and lasting difference to the safety and wellbeing of local families.”

Mayor of Snowy Valleys Council Julia Ham:

“We are deeply grateful for the support and the investment from the Australian and NSW Governments that made these upgrades possible.

“This project gives our community real comfort, knowing the aerodrome is better prepared for emergencies and ready to support us in our hardest moments.

“It strengthens our sense of safety and reassurance and it means people here can feel more confident that help will reach us when we need it most.”

A revised Orchard Hills Stage 1 rezoning proposal is now on public exhibition following changes based on extensive community and stakeholder feedback.

The updated rezoning plan will cover 155 hectares of the 350 hectares previously exhibited and will unlock up to 5,700 new homes and 2,100 jobs near the future metro station.

It focuses on development around the new Orchard Hills Metro Station, supporting future transport links to Bradfield, Western Sydney International Airport, and St Marys.

The revised proposal concentrates development in the town centre and near the Metro station. It reduces potential property acquisitions through updated street designs and removes “The Vines” estate from the rezoning.

This rezoning will leverage major investments in the Western Sydney Airport line of the Sydney Metro to unlock more well-located homes in an area of high demand in Western Sydney.

Key features of the revised Stage 1 proposal include:

• Building heights of between 2 and 25 storeys.
• 23 hectares of new retail, commercial and employment space.
• Almost 20 hectares of open spaces, including parks, sporting fields, and civic spaces.
• A new town centre around the Orchard Hills Metro Station that will provide shops, services, and vibrant public spaces and entertainment options.
• Improved transport links including roads, cycleways and walkways
• Space for a multi-purpose community hub (at least 2,400sqm) that could include creative spaces and a library.
• Protection of the natural environment and waterways.

The NSW Government is leading this rezoning under the State Significant Rezoning Policy, given the strategic location of Orchard Hills, near Penrith CBD, St Marys, Western Sydney Aerotropolis, Bradfield and the new Western Sydney International Airport.

The original 2024 Rezoning Proposal and Structure Plan was exhibited for 14 weeks between October 2024 and February 2025 and received 716 submissions.

The revised Stage 1 proposal is now on exhibition until Friday, 1 May 2026. The community is also invited to register for a drop-in information session. For more information and to have your say, visit NSW Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’ve listened carefully to the community’s feedback on the original proposal and this updated plan delivers housing and jobs for Orchard Hills while protecting the area’s waterways and biodiversity.

“The Stage 1 Orchard Hills Rezoning Proposal is a major milestone for Western Sydney, which will pave the way for a vibrant, urban community around the future Metro Station.

“The proposal will enable the delivery of approximately 5,700 new homes and 2,100 jobs, supported by a new town centre with shops, services, entertainment, and public spaces.”

Prison facilities dating back to the late 1800s at Goulburn, along with ageing facilities at Silverwater Women’s Correctional Centre, will be retired under changes designed to make conditions safer for inmates and Corrective Services NSW staff and improve coordination across a modern, statewide correctional system.

These changes form part of a broader investment in the correctional system, with the Minns Labor Government planning to bring more beds online and frontline staffing positions into public hands than ever before, including the ability, if required, to scale up in other prisons around the state.

Correctional services will continue to operate from Goulburn and Silverwater. The changes impact outdated wings and units, some of which date back more than a century and no longer meet modern safety standards.

The changes announced today will ensure all affected staff are presented with opportunities for redeployment to equivalent positions within Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW), and there are also incentives for those who may wish to relocate.

The changes respond to recommendations previously made by the Inspector of Custodial Services to retire these Victorian-era wings at Goulburn, and feedback provided regarding the state of the facilities at Silverwater.

Goulburn Correctional Centre’s maximum-security accommodation wings opened in 1884 and are among the oldest custodial infrastructure still in use in NSW.

Their age makes them difficult to maintain and operate consistently with the requirements of modern correctional environment.

Silverwater Women’s Correctional Centre was built in 1969 and has been criticised for its dilapidated accommodation cells that contain ligature points.

It currently houses two specialist units – the Mental Health Screening Unit and Mum Shirl Unit – which will be moved to Dillwynia Correctional Centre and expanded.

Silverwater Women’s Correctional Centre will continue to operate as an intake and reception centre for processing women into custody.

These changes will come into effect operationally by the end of September 2026.

Although periods of transition can be challenging, this Government is committed to retaining all staff and supporting people while they navigate these changes.

They are a positive step towards better work environments for staff and more safe and modern beds for inmates.

CSNSW and the Minister will continue to work with the Public Services Association as these changes are implemented.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to create safer communities and build stronger workforces, including:

• Bringing Junee and Parklea prisons back into public hands, after a decade of Liberal-National privatisation
• Lifting the Liberal National’s wages cap
• Prioritising the removal of litagure points
• Investing $30 million in priority reforms across the system, including critical upgrades

Minister for Corrections, Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Community safety is this Government’s top priority. It is for this reason that we are retiring these Victorian era facilities and investing in modern, secure and fit-for-purpose correctional centres.

“As inmate numbers rise, we are ensuring our staff have the safest possible workplaces and that those in custody are housed in facilities that meet contemporary standards.

“These changes strengthen our system and keep the community and staff safe.”

Commissioner of Corrective Services NSW, Gary McCahon PSM said:

“We’re committed to ensuring our correctional facilities are in the best condition and have the functional capabilities to meet our high operational standards – and part of that is taking some of the state’s oldest beds offline.

“After reviewing prisons around the state, we decided these reforms to our prison infrastructure are necessary to bring the system in-line with our focus on operating safe, secure and humane prisons that provide better working conditions for our officers too.

“Crucially, these changes will allow us to move high-needs female inmates from Silverwater Women’s to modern accommodation units at Dillwynia Correctional Centre – ensuring our most at-risk women are in specialised, up-to-date facilities.”

Today 218 of the State’s future agriculture leaders will graduate from the NSW Government’s Tocal College destined for careers spanning livestock production, cropping, farm management, equine studies and agtech in NSW’s $25 billion agriculture sector.

Tocal College is the State’s leading agriculture education institute with 2,400 students enrolled in courses at 73 locations around NSW, making it one of the biggest and oldest agriculture education organisations in Australia.

The training of students at Tocal College is part of the Minns Labor Government’s comprehensive plan to build the State’s agriculture sector and ensure a well-trained and versatile future workforce.

The graduation took place at Tocal’s campus in Paterson in the State’s Hunter region.

Among the 2025 graduates to receive top honours are:

• Alyvia Lieb, from East Seaham in the Hunter, Dux of Certificate III in Agriculture (Tocal Agricultural Production Program),
• Grace Shields, from Lakesland in the Hunter, Dux of Certificate III in Horse Care (Tocal Stock Horse Breeding and Training Program),
• Sarah Hanks, from Louth Park in the Hunter, Dux of Certificate IV in Agriculture (Tocal Farm Supervisor and Agribusiness Program),
• Natalia Luci, from Mangrove Mountain in the Central Coast, Dux of Certificate IV in Agriculture (Traineeship Program).

Through its practical, industry-aligned training programs, Tocal supports both new entrants to agriculture and those already working in farming, agribusiness and natural resource management.

Its focus on developing skills, lifting safety standards and supporting productivity ensures NSW remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation.

Tocal’s educational outcomes continue to exceed national standards, with full-time program completion rates more than 40 percent higher than the national average. In addition:

• 92 percent of students in full-time training who began training at Tocal in 2025 successfully completed their qualification.
• 22 percent of students in full qualification programs identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and just under 50 percent of all 2025 enrolments are women.

As Tocal College enters its seventh decade, it continues to adapt to emerging industry needs, integrating digital agriculture technologies, enhancing regional training delivery, and strengthening partnerships with industry, producers and rural communities.

Visit Tocal College website for information – https://www.tocal.nsw.edu.au/home

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, said:

“Today’s graduation is a proud moment for every student, their families, and the broader agricultural community.

“From livestock production and cropping to Agtech and sustainable land management, the training delivered at Tocal ensures students are ready to contribute from day one on the job.

“As agriculture continues to evolve, Tocal College remains agile and forward‑looking, integrating new technologies, modern production techniques and emerging industry needs into its training.

“The achievements of this year’s graduates speak to the exceptional teaching, mentorship and real‑world experience they receive at Tocal.

“Each student has earned the skills and confidence needed to build meaningful careers and contribute to a stronger agricultural future for the state.”

Alyvia Lieb – Dux, Certificate III in Agriculture said: 

“Studying at Tocal has strengthened my passion for agriculture and given me the confidence to start building a career in the industry. I’m grateful for the support of my trainers and the friends I’ve made along the way.”

Grace Shields – Dux, Certificate III in Horse Care said:

“Working with horses every day has been incredible, and the program has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. I’m excited to take these skills into the equine industry and keep learning.”

Sarah Hanks – Dux, Certificate IV in Agriculture (Farm Supervisor and Agribusiness) said:

“The Certificate IV program challenged me in the best possible way and helped me develop real leadership and agribusiness skills. I’m looking forward to using these skills and stepping into the next stage of my career with confidence.”

Natalia Luci – Dux, Certificate IV in Agriculture (Traineeship Program) said:

“Throughout my traineeship at Tocal I have learnt a lot about different industries in Agriculture. Working and study was a good balance and helped me to learn more. I’m grateful to the Tocal staff/teachers for helping me throughout the course.” 

The Shadow Minister for Families and Communities, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, has condemned the Minns Government over a botched bathroom modification that has left a young person in foster care suffering life‑threatening seizures.
 
“Accessible home modifications are meant to keep people with disability safe, not push them into repeated medical emergencies because basic standards were ignored,” Mrs Maclaren‑Jones said.
 
“The Minister allowed a family’s home to become a danger zone for their child.”
 
Reports reveal a teenager in out‑of‑home care, who lives with disability and needs an accessible bathroom, was left without one after the government‑funded renovation was botched. The foster carer was forced to shower the teen on the floor, and the young person has since developed severe, potentially life‑threatening seizures linked to the stress, disruption and unsafe conditions.
 
Despite repeated requests for help, the Minister failed to act.
 
“The Minister needs to explain why she ignored this child’s safety and wellbeing after repeated calls for assistance,” Mrs Maclaren‑Jones said.
 
“The Minister has a duty of care and she has failed this young person and their foster carer. Instead of taking immediate action, she blamed others and shuffled paperwork.”
 
“When a government signs off on works in a foster carer’s home, where a child with complex needs lives, they must ensure the work is done properly, safely and on time.”
 
“The Minister must front up, apologise to this carer, and guarantee that no other child in care will be left in this situation again.”
 
“This young person and their carer have been badly let down.”