Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to address the housing affordability and availability crisis by delivering more, well located homes, sooner, with the first factory built modular social homes nearing completion.

Three modular homes are being finished in Smithfield and will soon be delivered and installed in Wollongong – the first dwellings rolling out statewide as part of the historic Building Homes for NSW Program. A further 10 homes are due in Shellharbour and Lake Macquarie by the end of the year.

Modern Methods of Construction slashes build time by up to 20% and supports around 100 local manufacturing and construction jobs. The homes are being built by Smithfield-based supplier Wild Modular and will be managed by Homes NSW.

This new approach is guided by the Modular Housing Taskforce and is part of the Government’s plan to scale up Modern Methods of Construction– including prefabrication, offsite builds, and cutting-edge tech – to get more high-quality homes on the ground faster.

Each of the first sites will feature a one-bedroom plus multipurpose room modular home installed in the backyard of an existing social housing property, creating extra homes for people in need on the land we already own.

Modern Methods of Construction refers to the wide variety of construction methods that are different to traditional onsite construction. This includes prefabrication, off-site manufacturing, and modular or volumetric dwellings, as well as new technologies such as 3D printing, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI).

For more information visit: http://www.nsw.gov.au/homes-nsw/MMC

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“This is the future of social housing – smarter, faster, modern and built to provide tenants dignity. Modular homes aren’t ‘shit-boxes’ they are the future.

“We’re using modern construction to deliver beautiful homes for people who need them most, cutting wait times and creating good local jobs along the way.

“These homes show what’s possible when we stop dragging our feet and start thinking differently.”

Wild Modular Co-founder & Executive Director, Tahi Merrilees said:

“Our team are proud to support Homes NSW in delivering this program which proves that there is a smarter, faster, and more sustainable solution to the state’s housing needs.

“These homes reflect the what’s possible with volumetric modular construction—designed with precision, built under controlled conditions, and installed with minimal disruption.

“Modern methods of construction isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about innovating with dignity, and quality, building a better future for our communities.”

The Mount Druitt community is being provided with their first look at plans for the expanded Mount Druitt Hospital. 

The Minns Labor Government is investing $120 million in the upgrade of Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals to provide expanded and contemporary acute medical and surgical capacity.

The project will include 60 additional beds across Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

The plans show the area for the planned upgrades, which will deliver modern health care facilities to service one of the country’s fastest-growing communities.

A mix of new and refurbished clinical areas and support spaces will form part of the redevelopment. 

Welcoming and culturally inclusive spaces for consumers, staff, and visitors will be central to the planning and design process.

Staff, stakeholders and the community are invited to attend an information session at Mount Druitt Hospital to meet the project team and learn more:

• Mount Druitt Hospital main entrance
• Thursday, 22 May 2025 at 9:00am-11:00am

Staff, stakeholders, and the community will continue to be consulted as the project progresses.

Planning and design will continue throughout 2025, with construction timeframes to be finalised as part of planning and once a builder has been appointed.

Construction work will be carried out in stages to minimise disruption to clinical services, which will remain operational throughout the redevelopment.

The project will build on the $700 million expansion of Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals completed in 2020 which has expanded capacity at both hospitals. This included a new Emergency Department (ED), cancer centre, and inpatient facilities at Blacktown Hospital and additional renal dialysis and inpatient facilities at Mount Druitt Hospital.

The redevelopment is being delivered by Health Infrastructure and Western Sydney Local Health District.

For more information visit:  Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals – Additional beds – Health Infrastructure NSW.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s delivery of more than $3 billion in hospital infrastructure across western Sydney, including:  

• $1.3 billion for the New Bankstown Hospital; 
• $550 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment;
• $910 million for the new Rouse Hill Hospital.
• $120 million for additional treatment spaces for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals; and
• $350 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“This is the first important stage of the $120 million investment into Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

“The project will expand medical and surgical capacity at both hospitals boosting healthcare access for the growing local community.

“This project will minimise the need to transfer patients from Mount Druitt Emergency Department to Blacktown ED leading to more efficient operation of both EDs, and a better service offering for the community.”

Member for Mount Druitt, Edmond Atalla:

“I’m delighted to see continued investment in Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals to support our growing area.

“I, along with the community look forward to seeing this project take shape as the planning and design process progresses.

“The Blacktown and Mount Druitt project is estimated to support approximately 200 direct jobs with the potential for supporting hundreds of indirect jobs.”

Graeme Loy, Chief Executive, Western Sydney Local Health District:

“This expansion will strengthen the services available to the people of Mount Druitt making a more specialised level of care available to the local community.

“Providing increased health services is essential to continuing to support the local Aboriginal community, patients and their families and carers to access the care they need at their local hospital.

“The additional medical and surgical capacity will add to the comprehensive paediatric and renal services currently available at Mount Druitt Hospital.”

NSW Ambulance has today welcomed 116 new paramedic interns and 24 trainee emergency medical call takers, after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony.

These new recruits will commence 12 months on-road placements to consolidate their training, prior to permanent postings across metropolitan and regional NSW, boosting frontline health services.

NSW Ambulance has welcomed 466 new recruits so far this year.

The new recruits joining the service come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including paramedic intern Paris Alcorn who is fulfilling a long-held ambition to be a paramedic, and trainee emergency medical call taker Melissa Moore, who has previously worked as a neonatal nurse and volunteer firefighter, while juggling being a mother-of-four.

The emergency call takers will be posted to the Northern, Western and Sydney control centres.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“During my time as Health Minister I’ve met many paramedics, both in larger metro areas and the bush.

“Whether they’re based in Wollongong, Broken Hill, Dungog, Kingscliff, Randwick or Liverpool they’re some of the most valued members of their communities.

“A career of service, like the one these 140 graduates are embarking on today is incredibly rewarding, and I wish them the very best as they head out across the state.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan:

“These paramedics and control centre interns are stepping into a role that demands not just clinical skill, but compassion, resilience, and courage.”

“Whether responding to emergencies or supporting community healthcare, these graduates will become an integral part of NSW Ambulance”

Paris Alcorn:

“I knew my future profession would be in healthcare as a paramedic – a profession underpinned by kindness and compassion.”

“Spending time working as a teacher’s aide for children with autism, showed me how even the simplest of kind acts make such a difference to people in need.”

Melissa Moore:

“Combining my love of healthcare and emergency services, I am very excited to be working in ambulance control.”

“Knowing I am that first contact for people in need, will be very rewarding.”

Fair Trading has successfully prosecuted a Sydney furniture supplier who was ordered to pay more than $37,000 in compensation and sentenced to a 15-month Community Corrections Order after an investigation found he charged consumers thousands of dollars for furniture which never arrived.

Gerasimos Lord was convicted in Parramatta Local Court 30 April for 10 breaches of Australian Consumer Law for knowingly accepting payment for goods and failing to supply those goods within a reasonable time, if at all.

The offending related to a business, Gallery Furniture Pty Ltd, taking payment for goods but failing to deliver furniture including a $4,499.10 timber cabinet, $3,596 for dining chairs, and a marble side table worth $450.

The defendant was ordered by the court to pay $37,683.41 in compensation to seven consumers and acknowledged other consumers who did not receive goods gained refunds through credit card charge back facilities.

Failure to supply is a common complaint raised with NSW Fair Trading, which received more than 13,000 complaints about the issue from 2022-2024.

It occurs when a trader accepts payment for their goods or services but does not deliver the promised goods or services in a specified time, or within a reasonable time. 

In December, NSW Fair Trading successfully prosecuted Milano Republic Director, Branislav Supa, for seven offences of accepting payments without supplying goods within a reasonable time or at all.

In Parramatta Local Court, Mr Supa was fined $2,000 and ordered to pay $5,621 in compensation to affected customers.

Also in December, NSW Fair Trading successfully prosecuted Nicholas Paxinos and Open Close It Pty Ltd trading as Shutters Quickly, who was convicted of accepting payment and not supplying goods/services in time.

Mr Paxinos was fined $5,000 and ordered to pay more than $20,000 in compensation, while Open Close It Pty Ltd was fined $5,400 and ordered to pay $2,100 in compensation to customers.

For more information about consumer rights when you pay for goods and don’t receive them, visit the NSW Fair Trading website here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/legal-and-justice/consumer-rights-and-protection/when-you-dont-receive-products-or-services-paid-for

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong:

“NSW Fair Trading will prosecute businesses who take the money but don’t deliver.

“There is nothing more frustrating than spending hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on furniture and going months without seeing your purchase arrive, if at all.

“When making major purchases, consumers should always research the seller by searching for online reviews on their products and by checking NSW Fair Trading’s Complaints Register.”

The Koori Rugby League Knockout is being memorialised with a blue plaque in Sydney’s inner west, to celebrate the grassroots sporting competition.

The plaque will today be unveiled at the first Koori Knockout venue, Camdenville Park, St Peters, to recognise what is considered one of the biggest annual gatherings of Aboriginal people in Australia. More than 40,000 spectators attend each year.

The Koori Knockout was formed by six young Indigenous men at Redfern’s Clifton Hotel, who wanted an opportunity to showcase Aboriginal sporting talent that had been overlooked by scouts. The founders – Victor Wright, Bob Smith, Bob Morgan, Bill Kennedy, Danny Rose and the late George Jackson – envisioned an event that was more than just a platform for football, but also a gathering of family, community and cultural pride.

The first Koori Knockout at Camdenville Park in 1971 brought together seven teams from across NSW: Koorie United, Redfern All Blacks, Kempsey, La Perouse, Walgett, Cowra and a combined Mt Druitt-South Coast side. It was a resounding success, setting the foundation for what has now become one of Australia’s most significant indigenous events.

The blue plaque recognising the Knockout’s importance to the state’s heritage has been incorporated into the renovations of Camdenville Park. Aboriginal community members who were there for the tournament’s conception, have flown into Sydney from around Australia to attend the unveiling of the blue plaque, to remember why the competition was started and celebrate what it has become.

The Koori Knockout continues to serve as a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal heritage, drawing together communities from across the state to compete, connect and celebrate their shared culture.

The popular Blue Plaque NSW program places round, blue plaques at sites across NSW to recognise and share the stories of individuals or moments in history. The installation of each new plaque brings added interest to the heritage of an area, encouraging locals to explore their backyards, and inviting those from further afield to learn more about the unique history of these communities.

For information about the Blue Plaques NSW program visit www.blueplaques.nsw.gov.au.

Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe:

“This is more than a tribute to a game of footy – it’s a celebration of the deep cultural connections, identity and resilience of Aboriginal communities across NSW. The Koori Knockout is a living celebration and it’s great to see it formally recognised today.

“The Koori Knockout is a proud legacy of Aboriginal leadership, determination and community spirit. It began as a grassroots initiative and has grown into one of the most significant cultural gatherings in the country. This plaque rightly honours that history.”

Member for Heffron, Minister Ron Hoenig:

“I’m proud that Camdenville Park in my electorate now bears a permanent reminder of the first Koori Knockout – an event that continues to bring people together in a powerful show of unity and culture.

“This plaque is a reminder of how local places carry national stories. The Koori Knockout began here, but its legacy stretches far and wide. The addition of this plaque in the wonderfully upgraded Camdenville Park cements this important legacy for generations to come.”

Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen:

“I am so proud that we have, right here in the Inner West, a recognition by the NSW Government of the Koori Knockout and its enduring cultural and community legacy.

“For over 50 years, the Koori Knockout has been more than just a rugby league competition. It is a demonstration of the power of cultural connections and community determination, and this oval in the heart of our Inner West community has put into motion decades of increased access for Aboriginal players from all over our state, many of whom have gone on to represent NSW, QLD or Australia, and bring the game of rugby league to new heights.”

The NSW Government has today released the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035 – a 10-year plan with clear targets to grow and diversify the state’s exports and attract investment to develop and strengthen new and existing industries, as well as driving long-term economic prosperity.

As the impacts of tariffs flow through global markets, NSW is strengthening its commitment to an open economy that champions free and fair trade, with diversification of both what NSW’s exports and which countries we export to at the centre of our approach.

The release of the Strategy comes ahead of Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong undertaking a seven-day trade mission to the Republic of Korea and Japan – markets that present clear opportunities to increase trade and investment and advance the government’s ambitions in housing, the transition to net zero and local manufacturing.

The NSW Trade and Investment Strategy provides a clear path towards a more productive and resilient economy focused on the following outcomes by 2035:

Increase the value of NSW exports to $245 billion; a $100 billion increase from 2023-24

• NSW’s goods and services exports total $142.5 billion, which has grown by more than $70 billion over the last decade.
• NSW has set an ambitious export target focused on continued growth, taking advantage of opportunities arising from our proximity to high growth markets such as Southeast Asia, and opportunities created by the global energy transition.

Increase the diversity of NSW’s export markets

• NSW’s largest merchandise export markets in 2023-24 were Japan, mainland China, and Taiwan, comprising nearly 45% of goods export value.
• The Strategy seeks to diversify our export destinations through solidifying links with growing economies, at the same time as embracing new opportunities in current major markets

Increase the diversity of NSW’s export products

• NSW’s largest export products in 2023-24 were coal, international education and gold, comprising approximately 42% of total export value.
• Improving the diversity of goods and services that NSW exports around the globe will build the resilience of the NSW economy.

Support 10,000 businesses over 10 years to grow and export into new markets

• Investment NSW currently supports 800 businesses each year to export or to build their exporting capacity, with a target to grow this to 1,000 each year through new and existing initiatives.

Support the creation of 30,000 direct full time equivalent jobs through NSW Government investment attraction activities

• Our aim is to increase the number of jobs created through NSW Government investment attraction activities to an average of 3,000 per year.

Attract $25 billion in investment to NSW, with $17.5 billion into the Industry Policy Missions

• Targeting investment outcomes in the NSW Industry Policy missions – Housing, Net Zero & Energy Transition and Local Manufacturing – will be crucial to unlocking NSW’s economic potential, achieving the missions, and supporting government priorities.

During his mission to Korea and Japan, the Minister will advance the objectives of the Strategy in meetings with government and business leaders. He will also address an audience comprised of major Japanese businesses Expo 2025 in Osaka, where the NSW Government will host a major investment showcase at the Australian Pavilion.

The NSW Trade and Investment Strategy is aligned with the NSW Industry Policy – the overarching framework for delivering on the Government’s strategic priorities, and which also complements the goals of the Innovation Blueprint.

Read the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy here: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/why-nsw/resources/nsw-trade-and-investment-strategy/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“NSW is Australia’s leader in trade and investment, and through the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy, we’ll take things to the next level.

“We have clear targets in place to grow exports, diversify the products we export and where they go, and support more NSW businesses with their international growth objectives.

“We will continue to position NSW as an attractive place for global investment and target outcomes associated with the Industry Policy Missions to deliver a more innovative and sustainable economy.

“NSW has numerous strengths – an extensive research and development sector, and unique advantages in sectors like digital technology, clean energy, defence and space, life sciences, health care, and agrifood.

“We have the skills, knowledge, and capabilities that make NSW a leading place to invest.

“My mission to Japan and the Republic of Korea has been targeted to promote the opportunities outlined in the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy.

“NSW is a long-standing and trusted trading partner to both Japan and the Republic of Korea.

“Opportunities also exist to turbo charge NSW housing by harnessing regional expertise in cutting edge building technology and encouraging investment in the housing sector.

“The NSW Government looks forward to leveraging our state’s global competitiveness to deliver better trade and investment outcomes for businesses and the people of NSW.”

The NSW Government is investing $14 million to strengthen support for people with a cognitive impairment who come into contact with the justice system.   

The Government is extending funding for the Justice Advocacy Service (JAS) which helps people understand their rights and responsibilities when interacting with police, legal representatives and the courts.  

The service is run by the Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS) and has been extended for another two years until 30 June 2027.  

It is available across the state, including in regional and remote areas, and has supported more than 9,000 people since 2019.  

JAS also provides a voluntary diversion service helping eligible defendants to provide evidence of their impairment, apply for a diversion order, and access the NDIS and other support services.  

This diversion service is available across six local courts – Downing Centre, Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, Gosford and Lismore – and has helped more than 900 clients since 2022.  

Attorney General Michael Daley said:  

“This funding extension ensures the Justice Advocacy Service can continue providing support to people with a cognitive impairment when they interact with police, legal representatives and the courts.  

“This is important to ensure equitable access to justice and fairness for vulnerable community members.”  

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:  

“Legal processes can be complex for anyone – but for people with a cognitive impairment, navigating the courts without adequate support can result in unjust outcomes with life shattering consequences.  

“Thanks to the Justice Advocacy Service, people with cognitive impairment can access the support and advice they need as witnesses, victims or defendants.  

“By extending this funding, we’re backing a service that makes sure people’s needs are understood which helps to ensure everyone in our courts gets a fair hearing.”  

Intellectual Disability Rights Service Chief Executive Officer Joanne Yates said:  

“The Justice Advocacy Service supports more than 2,500 people with a cognitive impairment in their criminal proceedings each year.  

“JAS advocates contribute to the effective operations of the courts. Our work is critical in supporting vulnerable people with intellectual disability. This includes keeping them out of prison and diverting them into support services as appropriate.  

“We welcome the extension of our vital funding for these next two years and thank the Attorney General and the Minister for their ongoing support”.  

A former Justice Advocacy Service client said:  

“JAS saved me when I was at my lowest point in life and through their work has given me so many opportunities. I’m working and I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done for me.  

“It changes lives in so many ways, support is unreal, they spend extra time with court matters.  

“It will keep a lot of people out of prison, having the diversion in courts is really beneficial for people with intellectual disability as it is keeping them out of somewhere that will make them even more vulnerable than they already are.”   

The NSW Government has today released the report from the Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding.

This delivers on an election commitment from the Minns Labor Government to have an inquiry into healthcare spending.

The commission, led by Hon. Justice Richard Beasly, found the NSW Health system to be a high performing one with the treatment and care it provides to be among the best in the world.

As with any large and complex organisation, there is always room for improvement.

The inquiry received 226 written submissions as well as heard testimony from 225 witnesses over 70 days of hearings, including patients, providers and policy experts.

The inquiry also visited every local health district and specialty health network across metropolitan as well as regional NSW, including meeting management, clinicians, health consumers, and healthcare providers such as General Practitioners, Non-Government Organisations, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and Aboriginal Medical Services.

From this, the report has produced 41 recommendations across 12 priority areas including:

• the need for allied and preventative healthcare
• challenges around primary and aged care
• the health workforce
• statewide health service planning
• procurement processes
• innovation.

The Government will now carefully consider these findings and respond in due course.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I want to say from the outset that the NSW health system is one of the highest performing in the world, supported by the most talented and dedicated clinicians and workers.

“It doesn’t mean that we don’t have our challenges, and it doesn’t mean we can’t find more ways to improve.

“This is why we delivered on our election commitment to establish a Special Commission of Inquiry into healthcare spending.

“I am so grateful to the commission and the many people from every level of our health system who generously shared their insights with the inquiry.

“It is now time to give the findings and recommendations of this report the consideration it deserves.”

Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Hayes:

“We have an opportunity to fundamentally shift our health system’s focus by embracing this report.

“We know the future of healthcare is in allied and preventative care, which will keep people out of hospital and help them recover faster.

“The HSU is ready to work with the state government to implement the reforms recommended in the report, which will improve the health of the people of NSW.

“Shifting our attention from costly emergency and surgical intervention to allied and preventative care will save money and improve peoples’ health, which is not only good for individuals but the wider community.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to prioritise safety and accessibility for school students, with a $10 million boost in walking and cycling infrastructure near schools.

Some 24 locations will receive improvements including new and upgraded shared paths, footpaths and raised pedestrian crossings that make it safer for children and parents to walk to school.

The funding announced today coincides with NSW Walk Safely to School Day. It is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to building better communities through essential infrastructure.

Data shows less than one in four NSW school children currently walk or ride to and from school, while over 70 per cent of parents and carers indicated they would like to walk to school with their children most days. Children are only spending 18 minutes per day walking or riding a bike, less than a third of the daily recommendation.

National Walk Safely to School Day is a Pedestrian Council of Australia initiative that falls within National Road Safety Week, an annual initiative of Safer Australian Roads and Highways (SARAH) Group to encourage safer behaviour on our roads.

This builds on funding programs to deliver safety around schools, including through measures such as school zones, flashing lights and the NSW Road Safety Education Program.

Examples of projects funded by the program include:

• $979,489 towards the removal of the Children’s Crossing and the installation of a raised pedestrian crossing with a pedestrian refuge island and speed cushion on Greenbridge Drive in Wilton.
• $807,180 towards the North Lismore Connections project, delivering safe pathways linking residents to the CBD, sporting fields, showgrounds, and the proposed high school, enhancing active transport, connectivity, and safety.
• $795,421.55 towards the construction of a 3m wide shared path on Tennant Street Bellbird from Balangara Way to Sparke St, and a 1.8m wide walking path on Doyle Street, including a pedestrian refuge at the Sparke Street and Doyle Street intersection.
• $758,911 towards improving pedestrian crossing safety at the Conadilly-Henry Street intersection in Gunnedah, reducing conflicts between pedestrians and 26-meter B-double vehicles near a school, church, and businesses.
• $615,000 towards the construction of a 3.0m wide shared path along Military Road in Port Kembla and a 1.5m wide footpath along Olympic Boulevard, connecting the Foreshore, Town Centre, and Train Station to community facilities and public transport.

View a full list of projects funded by the program here:

• FileGet Kids Active 20256-2026 projects (PDF 130.55KB)

For more information on Walk Safely to School Day, visit the 2025 Walk Safely to School Day web page.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“On this Walk Safely to School Day, I’m delighted to share details of the $10 million worth of active transport projects that have been funded by the NSW Government.

“Tragically, two child pedestrians died and 36 were seriously injured in active school zones in the five-year period from 2019 to 2023.

“Improving safety is our number one priority. We want parents and carers to feel confident to walk, ride and scoot their kids to school – it’s critically important to their mental and physical health.

“Children are only spending 18 minutes per day – less than one third of the recommended daily time – walking or riding a bike. I encourage parents to leave the car at home and take the time to walk or cycle with their kids, always hold their hand when walking on the footpath and cross at pedestrian crossings.” 

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“There are so many benefits for children walking or riding safely to school. It builds independence and self-confidence, improves health and can establish being active as a lifelong pattern.

“The reduction in traffic congestion on the road network when we have fewer parents in fewer cars doing fewer trips to school is another positive result of kids getting to school on foot or by bike or scooter.

“Upgraded and wider footpaths, quality crossings and more trees are among the small changes that can make a big difference to getting kids active on the way to school.”

Pedestrian Council of Australia CEO Harold Scruby said:    

“As our motto says – active kids are healthy kids, and the best form of physical activity for all Australians is walking regularly. Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. We also encourage parents and carers to take their children on a walk to school each day to teach them life-long road safety habits. 

“Being active every day, including walking to school, provides social, emotional, physical and mental health benefits, including improving self-esteem and confidence and helping concentration.  And the best way to do this is to build walking into your daily routine. 

“Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or carer – everyone has a role to play in helping children and young people to lead active healthy lives. Remember to hold your child’s hand and always stop, look, listen and think before crossing the road.”

Slowly but surely Sydney is getting back to its best, and this result is more proof.

There was a lost decade of lockouts and lockdowns where our nightlife and culture suffered, and the glory days of the Sydney Olympics seemed like long lost memories.

Since coming to government two years ago we’ve been fighting to bring Sydney back to life, which has involved cutting lots of red tape that was holding back small venues through to large cultural events.

We’ve lifted the concert cap on our stadiums and put local support acts on our biggest stages. We’ve continued backing incredible events like Vivid Sydney, SXSW Sydney, Sydney Festival, Sydney Fringe, Sydney Film Festival, Sydney Comedy Festival and the Sydney Marathon, whilst supporting our world class cultural institutions like the Sydney Opera House, Art Gallery of NSW and the Australian Museum.

We’ve also stopped serial single noise complainants from shutting down entertainment venues, extended trading hours, incentivised venues to host live music, scrapped the 5km rule at clubs, given adults the right to stand up when having a drink outside and started rolling out Special Entertainment Precincts across the state.

But it’s not mission accomplished, the hard work continues, so stay tuned as we rebuild our night-time economy block-by-block neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood.

People often talk down Sydney’s cultural life, and sometimes they’ve had reason to, but that’s changing. I think it’s time to be proud of our city and our state again.

Click here for Sydney has just ranked in the world’s top 5 cities for culture on this global Time Out list