Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government continues to streamline the NSW planning system with further reforms.

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Bill 2025 was introduced into NSW Parliament on 19 February 2025 and passed through Parliament today.

The changes to the EP&A Act include:

·       Streamlining decision-making and cutting through red tape to assess housing State Significant Development (SSD) applications which have been recommended for the SSD pathway by the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

·       Cutting through the red tape for additional housing SSD applications such as infill affordable and build-to-rent housing.

·       Allows flexibility to reduce the minimum mandatory exhibition period for certain housing SSD projects through changes to the Department’s Community Participation Plan.

·       Supporting consent authorities such as councils in making practical planning decisions including modifications to development consents, clarifying several court decisions.

·       Providing certainty on how submissions are counted and considered. The amendment makes it clear that only submissions received during a public exhibition period can be counted for particular purposes such as identifying the consent authority and appeal rights but late submissions can considered in assessments.  

·       Modernising the planning framework for affordable housing contribution requirements by enabling all types of environmental planning instruments to include requirements for affordable housing contributions and removing unnecessary tests to streamline the development assessment process.

·       Removing references to the ‘Six Cities Region’ and district plans which will enable a new regional strategic plan for Greater Sydney to be delivered and make the strategic planning framework consistent across NSW.

The changes will increase the efficiency of applications to be declared as SSD by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces by eliminating overlap in advisory functions with the IPC and providing recommendations to the Minister faster.

This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers have a place to call home and in the communities they choose.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is another step forward in our plan to tackle the housing and planning challenge head-on. We’re removing the barriers that slow down good development and focusing on what matters, building more homes.

“With these changes, we’re making it clear that NSW is serious about delivering more affordable homes and supporting councils to make practical, timely planning decisions.

“Since the Housing Delivery Authority was established, 86 proposals will now enter the State’s planning system, it only makes sense that we streamline this process through this bill and make it simpler and more efficient to assess.

“The amendments to the Act build on the other reforms which are cutting development application assessment times, speeding up construction approvals, supporting the rollout of renewable energy and encouraging the delivery of more housing, including affordable housing.”

Yesterday the Minns Labor Government agreed to the Opposition’s terms for a Parliamentary Inquiry into the exploding illegal tobacco trade that is endangering communities in NSW.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the NSW Labor Government has been stalling in their response to the explosion of illegal tobacco in NSW.
 
“This inaction has led to a dramatic increase in tobacconists, and an outbreak of violent crime in our communities,” Mr Speakman said.
 
NSW Health data shows there has been an increase in the number of tobacconists opening, rising from 14,500 four years ago to more than 19,500 today.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said that we are seeing an alarming increase in the supply of illegal tobacco in NSW, which has been linked to organised crime syndicates.
 
“These criminals do not care about your health; they care about controlling the illicit market. There are violent and dangerous groups that are trying to ensure this trade continues,” Ms Sloane said.
 
On Saturday, a tobacco shop in Auburn was subjected to an arson attack. On Sunday, a truck rollover on the Pacific Highway near Grafton, led police to uncover 2.5 tonnes of illegal tobacco in the back of the vehicle. Earlier in January, a man’s toe was cut off during a foiled attempt to steal illegal tobacco from a warehouse in Condell Park.

It has become clear that the NSW Government has lost control of what is now known as the ‘Tobacco Wars’. This Parliamentary Inquiry is required to find out what has gone wrong.   

Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said the illegal tobacco trade is putting pressure on small businesses especially in the regions.

“This issue is having a heavy impact on regional, remote and rural areas where there’s often a lack of capacity to do compliance checks,” Mr Singh said.

“These illegal operators completely undercut the legitimate businesses our communities rely on and the Minns Labor Government has completely dropped the ball on compliance activities.”

The Great Lakes community and Manning Hospital are set to benefit from a $355,000 funding boost from the NSW Government that will deliver more inpatient rooms and a better equipped clinical care space.

The funding is part of the NSW Government’s $12 million investment in 61 projects under the Regional Health Minor Works Program.

The planned works at Manning Hospital include $105,000 to transform a non-clinical area into a new clinically supported three bed inpatient accommodation unit.

A further $250,000 has been committed to relocate the Chronic Care Service from the Manning Hospital campus and to refurbish the existing Nita Reed building which will deliver high-quality rehabilitation services for the community.

The upgrade works at Manning Hospital are in addition to the $180 million Lower Mid North Coast Health Service Project which merges the Manning Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2 along with the planned investment towards public health services in Forster-Tuncurry. 

Enabling works to prepare the site for construction of the Stage 2 Redevelopment have begun which will involve the demolition of the administration building and a number of surrounding buildings. 

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is committed to investing in health infrastructure to support better health outcomes for rural and regional communities.

“The Regional Health Minor Works Program allows local health districts to upgrade equipment and health facilities to enhance the working environment for health staff and improve patient experiences.

“The Program is one of a number of investments the NSW Government is making to strengthen rural and regional health services, so people have access to the best possible care close to home.”

Government Spokesperson for Myall Lakes Emily Suvaal:

“This investment by the NSW Government will benefit the local community with new beds and a refreshed space to enable relocation of a community-based service from the Hospital campus.

“The community will also see work commencing as part of the $180 million Lower Mid North Coast Health Service project, that includes the Manning Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2 and Forster-Tuncurry health facility projects.”

The Minns Labor Government investing more than $6.9 million to develop a new refuge for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence in Wingecarribee.

The new Core and Cluster refuge will be delivered by Hume Community Housing (Hume). With a development site now acquired, the refuge is expected to be completed in 2026.

The project will include six self-contained units that enable independent living, family and pet-friendly common areas, and private spaces for residents to receive on-site support.

The refuge will be a critical addition to the local service system supporting women and children leaving violence.

It will be located in a peaceful area that is also close to public transport and other amenities, ensuring women and children have easy access to schools, shops, and essential support services.

Hume has more than 30 years’ experience delivering affordable and social housing across NSW, and already provides social, affordable, and specialist disability housing for more than 9,000 people.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which provides women and childing fleeing violent situations with crisis accommodation and on-site counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.

Once completed, the 49 Core and Cluster projects will support more than an additional 2,900 victim-survivors of domestic violence each year.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s whole of government, whole of community response to domestic and family violence in the state. With an additional $245.6 million in last year’s budget, the government is working to boost crisis response, reform bail laws and hold perpetrators accountable, as well as intervene earlier so violence doesn’t escalate and roll out the state’s first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Domestic and family violence is a major cause of homelessness in New South Wales – that’s why we are committed to delivering more housing solutions for women and children escaping violent and abusive situations.

“We want victim-survivors to know they will have a safe place to stay when they leave an abusive relationship.

“More than just a roof over their head, these new refuges also ensure women and their children have the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“There is an urgent need for housing across the state, especially for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.

“Through the Core and Cluster program, the New South Wales Government will deliver 49 new refuges for victim-survivors of domestic violence – many in regional and rural parts of the state – including one here in the Wingecarribee LGA.

“The design of these projects means residents will not only have the privacy of independent living areas but also have access to on-site support, so they can recover from the trauma they’ve experienced and learn to live free from violence and the fear of violence.”

Labor spokesperson for Goulburn Bob Nanva MLC said:

“There is nothing as important as having access to a safe and secure home. These refuges will not only provide shelter, they will provide a sense of peace and hope for families in need.”

Brad Braithwaite, CEO of Hume Community Housing said:

“Domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children. If we are going to address domestic violence we must invest in housing, Mr Braithwaite said.

“Access to safe housing should never be the reason why a woman or child stays in a violent, abusive home. Hume is proud to be partnering with the NSW Government and Women’s Community Shelters to deliver and asset manage this independent living refuge and core facility.

“At Hume we believe everyone should have access to a safe, secure and affordable home.”

The Minns Labor Government is seeking feedback from employers, workers, unions and industry on SafeWork NSW’s regulatory priorities for the 2025/26 financial year.

The regulatory priorities are part of the SafeWork NSW Annual Regulatory Statement (ARS). Consultation is now open and comments will be considered for the ARS which is being launched on 1 July 2025.

The proposed regulatory priorities for the upcoming financial year are:

• falls from heights,
• harms to workers in the health care and social assistance sector,
• managing psychosocial risks at work including the risk of sexual harassment,
• exposure to hazardous chemicals including silica, asbestos and welding fumes,
• injury from mobile plant, vehicles or fixed machinery.

Feedback will help make sure the ARS reflects industry needs, protects workers and keeps the community safe and supports the SafeWork NSW Strategic Plan 2024-2029.

To have your say visit the Have Your Say website before the consultation closes on Sunday 25 May 2025.

Minister for Industrial relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“SafeWork is dedicated to securing safe and healthy workplaces in NSW so that businesses thrive, and employees can go to work confident in their safety and well-being.

“I encourage everyone to participate in this consultation to help ensure SafeWork NSW is focused on the right priorities for the year ahead.”

The $76 million Mandalong Road upgrade project has reached a major milestone as the Minns Labor Government continues work to strengthen and increase the connectivity of regional communities.

Transport for New South Wales has today released the review of environment factors [REF].

The REF details the proposed construction methods, addressing how the work will be managed, including the proposed methods used to minimise environmental impacts.

The project will now move into detailed design phase.

This significant step forward follows community consultation last year which showed 80 per cent support for the preferred design.

This design includes replacing the existing roundabout at the intersection of Wyee Road and Freemans Drive with traffic lights, a shared path between Ourimbah Street and Gimberts Road, as well as two new bus stops on Dora Street.

The Australian Government is investing $56 million and the NSW Government is investing $20 to upgrade this critical link from the M1 Pacific Motorway to Morisset and the Southern part of Lake Macquarie LGA.

Once completed this project will deliver much-needed upgrades to Mandalong Road, which has seen increased traffic following significant retail, industrial and commercial growth.

Information on the Mandalong Road Upgrade Project can be found at: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/mandalong-road-upgrade-morisset

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison MP said:

“We are building better communities for NSW ensuring we have the roads infrastructure we need to improve people’s daily lives. The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering for our regional communities like Morisset which need to be well-connected to thrive.

“We’re addressing the neglect of the previous Government which left a backlog of important arterial road projects which need attention.

“I’d like to acknowledge the advocacy Dan Repacholi MP and Greg Piper MP for their advocacy in ensuring this community has the infrastructure it needs and deserves.

“The Morisset community has been clear in their feedback, showing strong support for the proposal which includes much-needed upgrades, including traffic signals, active transport connections and new bus stops.”

Federal Member for the Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP said:

“Morisset is growing rapidly, but for too long, the infrastructure investment didn’t match the needs of the local area. Previous Governments, State and Federal ignored this region, and it’s had major implications on the local community.

“I’ve been a big advocate for this upgrade, and it’s great to see this crucial project is one step closer.“

Independent Member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper MP said:

“I’m very thankful that this important road upgrade is now a big step closer.  The community had become frustrated with the lack of urgency from the previous government to address the obvious need for action on our local roads.

The need has been obvious, and action requested for years, so I’m very pleased that this Government are fulfilling their commitment to get the project underway as soon as possible.”

The Minns Labor Government has renewed its commitment to protect workers from dust diseases with its new $2.5 million state-of-the -art Lung Health Mobile Clinic which is providing lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.

The new lung bus is currently in Tweed Heads to provide lung screening checks. These lung health checks can be lifesaving by ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.

The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in regional NSW.

The icare Lung Bus is travelling the length and breadth of the state, including visits to Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Taree, Tuncurry, Spears Point, Gosford, Nowra, Shellharbour, Port Kembla, Bathurst, Dubbo, Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Tamworth.

The new mobile clinic features several innovations including:

• Digital chest X-ray technology, providing precise and reliable first instance imaging.
• Enhanced spirometry (lung function) testing equipment to evaluate breathing capacity and respiratory performance.
• Digital monitoring systems to streamline diagnostics and care.
• A backup power supply to ensure uninterrupted operation in remote locations.
• Greater accessibility and comfort, with larger clinical space designed to support both staff and clients.

The brand-new Lung Bus continues the legacy of the state’s original mobile service which served the community for nearly 16 years.

That Bus travelled more than 700,000km (more than 17 times around the world), screening more than 53,000 people, and visiting over 300 destinations across NSW.

This is one of many measures to protect workers from dust diseases, including those caused by silica and asbestos.

The Minns Labor Government has established a new Expert Taskforce to oversee and help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects

The Minns Labor Government has established a new Expert Taskforce to help address silica related health risks in tunnelling projects, following revelations of rising silicosis cases in tunnelling leading up to 2023 and led the campaign for the national ban on engineered stone which started last year.

The NSW Government is funding a team of dedicated silica safety inspectors to ensure businesses are complying with its strengthened laws.

Workers can also arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney CBD clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state. To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.

Whilst lung bus bookings are at capacity, for more information on lung health checks or to arrange a screening, visit the icare website.

More information on the full list of Lung Bus destinations can be found on the icare website.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The new Mobile Clinic underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.

“Along with enforcement of the recent ban on engineered stone, the new Lung Bus demonstrates our commitment to improve outcomes for workers exposed to hazardous dust across NSW.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“I welcome the $2.5 million investment into the new icare Lung Bus which will provide thousands of health checks for people living in regional NSW.

“Our regional communities remain front and centre when it comes to ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis, and mesothelioma.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“It’s great that the icare Lung Bus is a service that comes right to our doorstep here on the North Coast so people don’t have to travel to see specialists in big cities if they want to get a check-up.

“These health checks can save lives. Diagnosing and treating dust-related diseases earlier gives people the best possible chance.”

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said:

“I welcome the new Lung Health Mobile Clinic to Tweed Heads.

“It’s important workers who may have been exposed to dust related diseases are screened early and often.

“The new iCare Lung Bus helps provide important screening services directly to the areas where it is needed most.”

Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care, Britt Coombe said:

“A lung health check could save your life.

“Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.”

Grafton and surrounding communities are being given a look at the latest designs for the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment with new artist impressions showcasing the new hospital building and improved access to the facility.

The NSW Government is investing $263.8 million in the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment to provide new and enhanced health services for the region.

The design for the redevelopment will integrate new and existing facilities on the campus to preserve the identity and history of the hospital. It will deliver a new three-storey building, including a new Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay, Medical Imaging and MRI, and inpatient unit.

The Day Surgery and Operating Suite will also be expanded, which will provide additional operating theatres, increasing overall capacity.

The new building will provide a space for maternity services to be relocated in the future, as well as identifying zones for potential further development.

A new inpatient building, located on the north-east side of the campus, will be seamlessly integrated into the existing hospital via a new hospital street at the current public main entrance. This will connect to a lobby in the new building to enhance access.

The redevelopment will improve access to the hospital for patients, visitors and staff including public access to the hospital from Arthur Street, with a turning circle drop-off zone for visitors, and access to existing on-street parking spaces.

Staff and service-related access remains on Crown Street, with the new services yard positioned at the northern end of the campus to support operational needs.

The landscaping design will create a welcoming space for patients, visitors and staff, incorporating culturally inclusive elements that reflect the local region. This includes a ceremonial area outside the existing Aboriginal Health Unit, native plantings, winding pathways to symbolise the Clarence River, and a welcoming forecourt. 

Valuable feedback and input from staff, stakeholders and the community will continue to help shape the redevelopment.

The Grafton community is invited to learn more about the redevelopment at pop-up sessions at Grafton Shoppingworld on:

Tuesday, 13 May, 3:00pm-5:00pm

Wednesday, 14 May, 9:00am-11:00am

Construction timeframes will be confirmed once planning has been finalised, and a main works builder is appointed. 

As part of early works for the project, construction is progressing to refurbish two administration blocks within the minimum-security section of the old Grafton Gaol to provide contemporary administration, office and training support facilities for hospital staff.

Clinical services will remain on the existing Grafton Base Hospital site.

For more information, visit the project website: hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/project-search/grafton-base-hospital-redevelopment

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment will deliver modern treatment spaces to support contemporary models of care and improve capacity. 

“We are excited to share more about this important project with the Grafton community at a series of upcoming information sessions.

“Planning for the redevelopment has been carried out in close consultation with clinical staff, ensuring a strong focus on delivering on identified clinical priorities.”

Government Spokesperson for Clarence, Emily Suvaal MLC:

“I’m really proud to be part of a government which is investing in regional healthcare.

“The redevelopment project at Grafton will ensure the facility remains fit for purpose to treat patients for many years to come, and it also ensures it will be a welcome place for our hardworking staff to come to work.”

The Minns Labor Government will today introduce legislation to the NSW Parliament significantly reforming the state’s victims registers to ensure victim-survivors of serious crimes receive a mandatory notification about their right to sign up as a registered victim-survivor, to receive critical information about an offender.

The three NSW victims registers include the Corrective Services NSW Victims Register, Youth Justice Victims Register, and Specialist Victims Register for victims of forensic patients.

Those who opt-in to the registers will receive timely, accurate and trauma-informed updates regarding the perpetrator’s progress through the custodial system. 

This may include details about the offender’s location, sentence, parole eligibility, and any changes that may affect the victim’s safety and well-being. 

Registered victim-survivors also have the right to make a submission about an offender’s parole where relevant.

Over several months, Corrective Services NSW has hosted consultation meetings with victim-survivors, victim advocates, and victim support services to ensure these changes reflect the views of the people the registers serve.

Eligible victims of serious offenders will receive a mandatory notification letting them know about the relevant register and their eligibility to opt-in.

If victim-survivors do not want to make a decision at the time, they will have the option to be contacted at a later date to discuss the benefits of registration and decide whether they would like to be registered.

Generally, the serious offenders that will cause a mandatory notification about the victims registers to be sent to a victim-survivor or family member will be:

• an offender who has committed murder
• an offender who is serving a sentence of life imprisonment
• an offender who is serving one or more sentences, totalling a minimum of 12 years in custody, for offences such as attempted murder, serious sexual assault, abduction and aggravated robbery.

Family members of the victim will be notified if the victim is deceased, incapacitated or under the age of 18.

Ensuring victim-survivors continue to have the choice to register is considered to strike the appropriate balance between ensuring that victim-survivors are aware of their right to be on the register, while importantly maintaining victims’ choice and avoiding re-traumatisation.

The Minns Labor Government acknowledges the severe impacts for people directly or indirectly exposed to crime.

A person who has experienced personal violence can suffer long-lasting trauma and the feeling that their safety and security are under threat.

It is for this reason that the Minns Labor Government has begun these important reforms to the three victims registers to bolster support for victim-survivors of serious crimes.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong:

“These reforms are about ensuring that victim-survivors of serious crimes know about the victims registers and have a clear opportunity to sign up and benefit from being registered.

“We have listened to the voices of victim-survivors, and we are responding to their call to improve the system, whilst balancing the critical need to avoid re-traumatising those victim-survivors who do not wish to be re-exposed to the heinous crimes of their offenders.

“Signing up to the victims registers will allow victim-survivors to receive vital information and a choice to engage in fundamental legal processes that will have a direct impact on their lives – things like opposing the perpetrator’s parole and being informed if they are going to be released from prison.

“No-one chooses to become the victim of a violent crime, and that is why the Minns Labor Government is doing everything within our power to support and empower victim-survivors in the aftermath of a crime.

“Eligible victim-survivors of serious offenders deserve the choice to be on the victims registers and be given the knowledge and agency to engage with the justice system, ensuring no-one is left behind.”

Attorney General Michael Daley:

“Community safety is at the heart of this reform allowing victim-survivors to be aware of, and to opt-in to receive important updates about an offender’s sentencing and parole.

“This is important to help victim-survivors engage in the legal process in a way that is empowering and promotes recovery.”

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM:

“Corrective Services NSW works tirelessly to support victim-survivors through the CSNSW Victims Register. 

“Our highly trained, trauma-informed staff have seen first-hand the impact that good communication can have on the healing process.

“From the moment an offender enters custody, we keep registered victim-survivors up-to-date on all significant information.

“We can also assist victim-survivors to have their voices heard when important decisions are being made regarding an offender’s release.

“Our aim is to give victim-survivors back some of the power they lose when they are exposed to crime.

“A person who has experienced personal violence can suffer long-lasting trauma and the feeling that their safety and security are under threat.

“Knowing that information will be made available at key milestones, particularly around the timing of release to the community, can provide reassurance to those victim-survivors who wish to receive such information and help them to better plan for their safety.”

Victims Advocate Howard Brown OAM:

“These reforms will ensure that victim-survivors of serious crimes will now have knowledge and information about the victims registers, and the opportunity to sign up to them if they choose to.

“The victims registers are able to provide the kind of information that victim-survivors may feel that they need to be able to take back control of their lives, sometimes many years after a serious crime has been committed against them.

“Maximising free and full access to such a vital resource like the victims registers is a major step toward healing for victim-survivors.”

The Minns Labor Government today announced a $400,000 investment in women’s football as a benefit of NSW hosting of 11 games at next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.

The NSW Football Legacy Program features five initiatives that will aim to develop the women’s game at all levels and leave a lasting legacy from NSW hosting games at the tournament, including the Final at Stadium Australia on 21 March.
Initiatives delivered under the Program include:

• Women in Leadership Program: empower women in football to have stronger confidence and a positive influence on the sport, build a network of advocates and prepare them to take on or advance their leadership positions.
• Body Image and Well Being Program: educate and build confidence in young female representative footballers (National Premier League) aged 13 – 18 years in relation to body image and wellbeing.
• Flexible Football Initiative: remove barriers to entry to grassroots football through flexible football format options for women
• Coach and Referee Mentor Program: create role models within football to improve and increase the number of suitably qualified and experienced female coaches and referees.
• First Nations Football: Provide pathway opportunities to first nations footballers aged 14 -16 years and coaches within high performance environments.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Women’s sport has seen tremendous growth and success in recent years, including the unforgettable performances of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

“The Minns Labor Government wants to ensure that the momentum from that tournament and NSW’s hosting of 11 games at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ leaves a lasting legacy for women’s football in NSW at all levels.

“The initiatives delivered through the NSW Football Legacy Program will ensure football is a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for women and girls to play the World Game.

“Importantly, the Program will play a vital role in enabling young female footballers to develop a better understanding of the challenges that can stop them playing, like body image, resilience and confidence.

“The NSW Football Legacy Program is a key outcome of the NSW Government’s women’s sport strategy; Play Her Way which aims to enable more women and girls to play and stay involved in sport.”

Football NSW CEO John Tsatsimas said:

“Football NSW has experienced unprecedented growth in female football and we are delighted with the NSW Government’s continued commitment to our game.

“The initiatives being supported, including the Empower Her body image and wellbeing program, will help to ensure that football is an accessible, safe and enjoyable sport for women and girls across the state.

“We look forward to seeing the impact of these new and expanded programs over the coming years as Football NSW continues towards the goal of gender parity in our game.”

Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) CEO Peter Haynes said:

“Northern NSW Football is thrilled to receive this contribution from the NSW government, which will have a lasting impact on women and girls’ football in our region.

“This support will allow NNSWF to further enhance its Women in Football Leadership program, Coach and Referee Mentor Programs and First Nations Football activities.

“Investments in women’s football like this make a real difference to our football community and we appreciate the NSW government’s commitment to football in northern NSW.”

Football Australia General Manager – Women’s Football Carlee Millikin said:

“Football Australia welcomes the NSW Government’s commitment of an additional $400,000 to the NSW Football Legacy Program.

“In 2024, we saw participation of women and girls in New South Wales soar up 9 per cent on 2023 levels. It’s a powerful sign that the legacy of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is still being felt, and it’s only just the beginning.

“With New South Wales set to host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2026, we have another incredible opportunity to elevate the game even further—igniting passion, driving participation, and inspiring the next generation of footballers.

“This ongoing investment means we can keep building on the momentum, expanding our leadership pathways and unlocking new opportunities across every level of the game.

“We’re excited to continue this journey with the NSW Government, Football NSW, Northern NSW Football, and the entire football community—because together, we’re creating a future where football truly belongs to everyone.”