This morning, the mask slipped. On live radio, Premier Chris Minns admitted that the NSW Labor Government wants to introduce two-way tolling on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, just to fund the $60 toll cap they promised wouldn’t be needed long-term.
They campaigned on “no new tolls”, but now they’re going to slug drivers twice to cross the same bridge.
This is the latest in a long line of Labor’s broken promises.
We know of the 19 Labor Ministers who broke their pledge to protect injured workers, and today they broke their promise on no new tolls, without even a media release to explain it.
They quietly dropped it into a breakfast radio chat. No transparency. No accountability.
Chris Minns helped build the toll network when he worked for Labor’s former Roads Minister Carl Scully. Now he’s doubling down on it. He wants drivers to pay more just to fund a toll cap his government can’t afford, because instead of investing in infrastructure or even an infrastructure minister, they spent millions on another toll review that delivered nothing and even continues to pay the consultants.
Labor governs by ambush, not by integrity. And it’s costing people more every day.
What really goes on in this Government, when issues hit too close to home, their instinct is to ignore the substance, attack the messenger and pretend the problem doesn’t exist.
Today’s revelation shows that it’s not just one broken promise. It’s a pattern. And it’s life under Labor.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Chris Minns campaigned on no new tolls.
“Now he’s taxing people twice to cross the Harbour Bridge or use the Harbour Tunnel. Labor had a choice to cut waste, or new tolls. They chose new tolls and more broken promises,” Mr Speakman said.
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Natalie Ward said this two-way tolling is sneaky, costly, and dishonest.
“Labor is using Sydney drivers as a cash machine to cover their own failures. Chris Minns broke faith with voters today, and every driver in this city will pay for it.”
Appeal to locate teenager missing from Cessnock
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from the Hunter region.
Kobi Hughes, aged 15, was last seen on Averys Lane, Heddon Greta, about 9pm on Wednesday 12 November 2025.
Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and have commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police hold concerns for Kobi’s welfare due to his young age.
Kobi is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of thin build, with long blonde hair.
He was last seen wearing tight black jeans, black leather jacket, black Converse shoes and with a black backpack.
Kobi is believed to frequent the Central Coast area, often visiting Erina.
NEW DATA SHOWS ABUSE, NEGLECT AND EXPLOITATION OF OLDER PEOPLE AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITY ACROSS NSW COMMUNITIES
New data released by the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) highlights the prevalence of reported abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people and adults with disability across NSW local government areas and regions.
The ADC receives reports about older people and adults with disability who are subject to, or at risk of, abuse, neglect and exploitation in their family, home and community in NSW. The new localised data provides a snapshot of the 18,896 reports received by the ADC over a five-year period between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2024.
Commissioner Jeff Smith said the community data profiles, compiled from reports to the ADC’s Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline and combined with key Census data, underscore the need for increased awareness and early action across communities.
“The data provides an important window into the experience of many older people and adults with disability in our communities,” said Commissioner Smith. “Abuse, neglect and exploitation, typically by family and other people they trust, is widespread. It is happening in our neighbourhoods, to our relatives and neighbours, and we need to act as a community to address it.”
“This data is concerning and shows the ongoing exposure of older people and adults with disability to abuse and neglect, including coercive control and other domestic violence, often for financial benefit,” the Commissioner said.
“What is particularly troubling is that these are just the matters we know about. The true scale of the abuse and neglect is hidden as it is not adequately identified and there can be barriers to the adults themselves speaking up, including social isolation.”
The Commissioner emphasised that preventing and responding to abuse is a shared community responsibility. “People need to know the signs, understand how to respond, and have access to the right tools and services to act when they suspect something is wrong,” said Commissioner Smith.
“It is also critical that older people and adults with disability understand their rights, including fundamental rights that we all take for granted – to make their own decisions, manage their finances, and maintain personal relationships,” the Commissioner said.
“Staying informed and connected is key to staying safe. This includes knowing who to turn to for support, whether it is a family member or friend, trusted support worker, local community group, a GP, or the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline. When individuals are empowered, communities become stronger and can work together to actively prevent abuse and protect those at risk.”
The community data profiles can be found on the ADC website, along with more detailed data on reports to the ADC.
The ADC’s website also provides resources, information, and guidance on preventing, detecting, and responding to abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people and adults with disability.
National Thoroughbred Week
For the first time, National Thoroughbred Week is being held across Australia, and a few of the events are in Hunter Region between 20 – 24, November.
It’s a week that opens doors the public never normally gets to walk through – racing stables, rehoming farms, and training yards that are usually not open to the public. Locals can meet the horses, talk to the people who care for them, and see a side of the industry most never get to.
In Hunter Region, there’s plenty happening:
· Backstage at the Races, Newcastle Racecourse Race Day: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/newcastle-racecourse/ – Experience a behind-the-scenes Race Day on Thursday, 20 November—enjoy lunch, meet horses and riders, and join a guided tour of the grounds at 4 PM.
· Celebrate the Thoroughbred on and off the Track, Manning Valley Race Club Race Day: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/manning-valley-race-club/ – Enjoy a community race day at Taree on Sunday, 23 November, celebrating Thoroughbreds, classic cars, and family fun with hands-on horse activities.
· Guided Tour, Annabel Neasham (Archibald) Racing: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/annabel-neasham-racing/ – As part of National Horse Week, Annabel Neasham Racing invites you to enjoy morning coffee at Scone Race Club, watch trackwork, then head to the stables for a behind-the-scenes tour where you’ll meet the team, learn about training methods, and get up close with horses.
· Guided Tour at Modern Equine Care, Scone Equine Hospital: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/scone-equine-hospital/: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/arrowfield-stud/ – Take a guided tour of the new state-of-the-art veterinary facility and see firsthand what goes on inside an equine hospital. You’ll have the chance to observe surgeries, visit patients in care, and experience the daily work that keeps our horses healthy and thriving.
· BBQ Breakfast, Morning Trackwork and Stable Tour, Scone Race Club: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/scone-race-club/ – Enjoy a free BBQ breakfast at Scone Race Club from 7:30 to 8:30 as you watch the final hour of trackwork, then follow us to Rob and Annabel Archibald’s nearby stables for an exclusive guided tour.
· Behind the Scenes at the Thoroughbred Genetics Laboratory, Racing Australia Equine Genetics Research Centre: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/racing-australia-equine-genetics-research-centre/ – Join a behind-the-scenes tour of the genetics laboratory with the Director of the EGRC, where you’ll learn how commercial genetic testing works, discover how Racing Australia and the EGRC help protect the integrity of the Thoroughbred breed, and hear about the latest research projects from the team.
· Guided Tour, Arrowfield Stud: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/arrowfield-stud/ – Experience the world of Thoroughbred excellence with an exclusive guided tour of Arrowfield Stud in Scone. Over three days, small groups of just 10 guests will enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s leading breeding and racing operations, including its historic stud, yearling preparation centres, and the daily work that shapes future champions.
· Guided Tour, Kia Ora Stud: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/kia-ora-stud/ – Enjoy a two-hour guided tour of Kia Ora Stud where you’ll meet the horses, including newborn foals and retired racehorses, explore the breeding barn to learn about the breeding process, and chat with the team to have all your questions answered.
· Guided Tour, Activities for Kids and Morning Tea, Newgate Farm: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/newgate-farm/ – Visitors to Newgate Farm are invited to experience the heart of world-class thoroughbred operation with morning tea on arrival, a stallion parade featuring some of their leading sires, time with broodmares and their foals, a look at yearlings in training, and a Q&A session with the team about breeding, care, and sales preparation.
· Guided Tour and Light Snacks, North Bloodstock (Fromelles): https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/north-bloodstock-fromelles/ – Visit North and discover the ins and outs of their incredible industry as you meet the team, learn what it has to offer, and spend time with their beautiful horses of all ages.
· Guided Tour, Cressfield: https://thoroughbredweek.com.au/locations/cressfield/ – Enjoy a tour of Cressfield’s beautiful property, home to Group 1-winning mares, their foals, and other top performers, and meet the dedicated team who care for them around the clock while upholding a culture of hard work, harmony, and excellence.
They’re all free to attend and family-friendly. It’s a genuine chance to get behind the scenes and see what goes on in your own backyard.
First PFAS working group established to progress action
The Albanese Government, in partnership with the NSW Government and Port Stephens Council, has established the Williamtown Working Group (WWG), the first community-based group to be formed under the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) National Coordinating Body.
As recommended by the Independent PFAS Review of land uses around key Defence bases impacted by PFAS contamination, the WWG will bring together representatives from the community, and across government, to support practical, place-based actions to mitigate PFAS contamination.
Following a public expression of interest process, the following community members have been selected to join the WWG, alongside representatives from the Commonwealth, NSW Government, Port Stephens Council and the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council.
- Mr Lindsay Robert Clout
- Mr Justin Scott Hamilton
- Ms Susan Hirsch
- Mr Graeme Boyd
- Ms Meryl Swanson MP
- Ms Kate Washington MP
- Mayor Leah Anderson
- Mr John Maretich
Those selected bring a strong understanding of the local PFAS-related issues that affect the Williamtown area and will provide valuable insights. They each demonstrate a commitment to working constructively with government to identify and implement solutions.
While the WWG will progress local initiatives, including a whole-of-catchment flood action plan, to improve drainage management in areas to the south of RAAF Base Williamtown, the PFAS National Coordinating Body will provide oversight and progress the national approach to combat PFAS contamination.
Through their representatives at both a local and national level, Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil and NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe will continue to work closely to monitor outcomes and advice to progress action.
The WWG will meet for the first time on Thursday, 20 November and, as outlined in the Independent Review, will serve as a pilot to inform further PFAS working groups set to be established in the Northern Territory and Queensland in due course.
Further information on Defence’s work to remediate PFAS contamination in Williamtown and across Australia can be accessed here.
Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:
“The establishment of this Working Group is a practical step forward in delivering local solutions for those impacted by PFAS contamination here in Williamtown. I commend the community members who have put themselves forward to contribute to this important work.
“I’d like to thank the NSW Government and Port Stephens Council for getting on board so we can foster a new approach that bring all levels of government together to engage on PFAS related issues in this community.”
State Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington:
“I welcome the establishment of the Williamtown Working Group and thank all the local residents who’ve put up their hand to play a part in finding practical solutions.
“On behalf of the Minns Labor Government, I remain willing to work with the Commonwealth Government to get meaningful outcomes for local families who’ve been stuck in this PFAS nightmare for far too long.”
Mayor of Port Stephens Council, Leah Anderson:
“Port Stephens residents deserve clarity and answers. This collaborative approach will help their voices be heard directly at the decision making table.
“This is an important step towards finding solutions that support landowners and helping to unlock the growth potential in the area.”
Federal Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson:
“For far too long, our community has lived with the uncertainty and frustration caused by the PFAS contamination. Establishing the Williamtown Working Group is a practical step forward and I want to thank everyone who put their hand up to join the group.
“This is about bringing everyone to the table – residents, the Worimi people, all levels of government – to make sure we’re working together on real solutions for Williamtown and the surrounding areas. My office will continue to meet with all those impacted to ensure there is alignment.”
Building strong foundations: Work commences on new Marshalls Creek Bridge, Wagga Wagga
The Minns Labor Government is one step closer in delivering the $30 million Marshalls Creek Bridge replacement, with construction of the new bridge foundations to kick off on in late November.
The milestone marks a major step forward in delivering a stronger, safer crossing for the 20,000 vehicles that use the Sturt Highway through Wagga Wagga every day.
Partial demolition on the northern side of the bridge is now complete, paving the way for piling work that will form the new bridge’s deep foundations, which has been designed to withstand floods, winds and heavy traffic for many decades to come.
Temporary retaining walls will also be installed this month to protect the road embankment before work begins to dig the bridge supports, known as abutments, at each end of the bridge.
Piling on the northern side of the bridge is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with construction of the first bridge deck to follow. Once that section is complete, traffic will be detoured onto the new structure while the remainder of the existing bridge is demolished.
The Sturt Highway is a vital freight and commuter link between Sydney, Victoria and South Australia, providing local and regional access for businesses, residents and visitors across Wagga Wagga.
During the project, Transport for NSW will maintain traffic flow through the work zone wherever possible to minimise disruption to the local network. For safety, right-hand turns in the work zone will be restricted. Motorists visiting nearby businesses are encouraged to use the Kooringal Road and Norton and Mason Street roundabouts to safely turn and access the businesses in the area.
To stay up to date with project stages and upcoming closures, visit nswroads.work/marshallscreek to subscribe for email and SMS updates.
Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:
“Wagga Wagga is an important regional centre and it’s exciting to see this important project powering ahead since we turned the first sod just a few months ago.
“The installation of the temporary pedestrian bridge and new traffic signals has kept the community moving safely while allowing work to progress.
“Once complete, this project will remove a key bottleneck, improve traffic flow, and make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists with new paths on both sides of the bridge.”
Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr said:
“This is a really important project for Wagga Wagga, and it’s great to see progress continuing despite the challenges of working on such a busy corridor.”
“We know how vital the Sturt Highway is for local businesses, freight operators and families, and I want to thank the community for their patience as this work continues.”
“Once complete, the new bridge will make a real difference to safety and connectivity right across the city.”
$3 million for multicultural festivals to bring communities together
The Minns Labor Government is delighted to announce a new round of the Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival Grants program for councils to deliver large-scale multicultural festivals that bring communities together and celebrate the state’s diversity.
Councils across NSW are invited to share in $3 million of funding, which illustrates the Minns Labor Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting, celebrating and reinforcing the state’s vibrant multiculturalism.
With grants between $100,000 to $250,000 available, the program helps councils deliver inclusive events that foster cross-cultural understanding and celebrate the traditions, stories, and contributions that make our communities so diverse and vibrant.
Previous recipients have delivered festivals that left a lasting impact on their communities.
In October, Wagga Wagga City Council brought the city to life with the FUSION BOTANICAL Multicultural Festival – a vibrant mix of music, food, art, and culture. Locals and visitors enjoyed performances, art installations, storytelling, and even a Latin silent disco walking tour that filled gardens with energy.
Looking ahead, the City of Parramatta will use a grant to double the scale of its 2026 Lunar New Year Festival. The Year of the Horse program will feature traditional workshops, mouthwatering street food, and cultural activities, expanding beyond Parramatta to include new events in Epping, bringing even more communities together in celebration.
Administered by Multicultural NSW, applications for the Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival Grants close Friday, 19 December 2025.
NSW Local Government Councils are encouraged to apply at https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/stronger-together-major-festival-local-council-grants/
Minister Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:
“The Minns Labor Government is proud to once again be supporting our state’s multicultural communities, with this new round of grant funding ensuring that local councils have the support they need to deliver vibrant events that bring people together.
“Multicultural festivals showcase the traditions, stories, and shared values that connect communities and strengthen the sense of belonging across cultures.
“Important events like these empower our diverse communities and ensure that they can share their amazing cultures, traditions and stories with our entire state.”
Wyong Hospital campus selected as site for key health worker accommodation boost
Central Coast communities in and around Wyong are set to benefit from new key health worker accommodation with Wyong Hospital campus selected as the site for the units, which will help attract and retain more healthcare workers to the region.
The new accommodation is planned to include eight single bed and two double bed self-contained units, located on the Wyong Hospital campus.
Wyong is one of more than 20 key health worker accommodation projects being delivered in rural, regional and remote NSW, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million program.
The Minns Labor Government’s investment will support the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters, and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.
The Key Health Worker Accommodation Program will deliver fit-for-purpose, comfortable and convenient accommodation for healthcare workers across nine local health districts, including the Central Coast.
This investment builds on the $45.3 million in accommodation for key healthcare workers in the Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, and Far West Local Health Districts, which is now complete with all new accommodation delivered and fully operational.
Construction of the new Wyong accommodation is expected to begin in 2026, following the appointment of a main works contractor.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said:
“Providing affordable, safe and convenient accommodation for essential health workers is critical to attracting and retaining skilled staff, especially in regional and rural areas.
“By investing in high-quality and modern accommodation, close to workplaces, we’re helping to remove barriers to working in a regional setting and supporting a stronger workforce.
“It’s exciting to see the rollout of the Key Health Worker Accommodation Program in the Central Coast, with Wyong being one of the health services to benefit. “
Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said:
“It is great news that the Minns Labor Government is delivering dedicated accommodation at Wyong Hospital to provide our region’s health staff with more certainty and flexibility.
“In order to strengthen our regional, rural and remote health workforce, we need to invest in housing.
“Investing in suitable, local housing is not only a practical step for essential workers but it also strengthens continuity of care, trust and the overall health and wellbeing of our communities.”
Central Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Scott Mclachlan said:
“We are pleased that Wyong Hospital is part of the Key Healthcare Worker Accommodation program.
“Ensuring we have a dedicated and skilled workforce here on the Central Coast is important in supporting our community to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
“The ability to offer affordable accommodation solutions will help us address a key challenge healthcare workers face when moving into our region.”
Bottom of the Harbour is a ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ moment on Metro West
The finish line for tunnelling on the eastern end of the Sydney Metro West project is in sight after two tunnel boring machines passed the deepest part of Darling Harbour on their way to Hunter Street.
The tunnel from Pyrmont has reached 35 metres below the water’s surface, passing under the Australian Maritime Museum and now heading towards King Street Wharf on the eastern shore of Darling Harbour.
The 1,100-tonne tunnel boring machines Jessie and Ruby each have less than 700 metres left to finish their job at rate of advance of 90 metres a week.
The machines are designed to dig in the high-pressure conditions beneath Sydney Harbour. They move at a slower pace than traditional tunnel boring machines due to the wetter conditions and geological environment they are navigating.
The next section of tunnel will be under some of Sydney’s busiest and best-known streets, including York, George and Pitt streets and pass closely underneath Wynyard Station to reach the Hunter Street cavern.
When Sydney Metro West opens in 2032, passengers will have fast, high-frequency and reliable metro services connecting the Sydney CBD with Parramatta in a 20-minute trip – doubling the rail capacity between those two centres.
Sydney Metro West will transform journeys west from the Sydney CBD, with travel times of:
- Hunter Street to Parramatta in 20 minutes
- Hunter Street to Sydney Olympic Park in 15 minutes
- Five Dock to Parramatta in 12 minutes
- Pyrmont to Hunter Street in 2 minutes
More than 5.87 million tonnes of earth will be excavated to build the Sydney Metro West tunnels, equivalent to filling the entire volume of the Sydney Opera House 2.6 times over.
In total, tunnelling is now 97% complete on the project. The first tunnel boring machine finished its work on the western end at Westmead in September.
Track laying and station construction will follow tunnelling, bringing Sydney another step closer to the opening of the new line.
Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:
“We are well on the way, and real, substantial progress is being made on this project underneath the city.
“This is one of the biggest public transport projects in the country, and it will have a major impact on how people get in and out of the city – to Westmead, Parramatta and Olympic Park.”
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
“This section of tunnel will provide a two-minute connection between Hunter Street and Pyrmont in future, with Sydney Olympic Park just another 13 minutes from there – a quantum leap for east – west public transport.
“I want to thank the professional team of 210 who are safely guiding these tunnel boring machines through some of the most challenging underground conditions to complete the job.”
Metro on track, Chris Minns is off track as NSW goes it alone with no minister for infrastructure
The Minns Labor Government is the only government in Australia without a Minister for Infrastructure. It shows they have no infrastructure vision and no real plan for the future. Infrastructure is not a luxury. It is the foundation of a growing, modern state. Yet under Labor, it is treated like an afterthought.
Today’s Metro West update is just another reminder that real progress in NSW still relies on projects conceived, funded, and started by the NSW Liberals and Nationals. Labor is standing on our shoulders and pretending they built the ladder.
In 2012, just one year after coming to Government and ending 16 years of Labor chaos and cancelled commitments, the NSW Liberals and Nationals launched a bold infrastructure blueprint. We announced more than 700 major projects as part of a 20-year plan.
By 2018, more than 430 of those were completed. Two hundred were under construction. The rest were being advanced through planning.
Back then, then NSW Labor Leader Luke Foley and his big red bus sneered and said we had the wrong priorities. But here we are. Labor still does not have a long-term infrastructure plan. They do not have a Minister for Infrastructure because they do not have the courage to build a vision for 2032. They have a Minister for Building, but building what is a question for Chris Minns and Anoulack Chanthivong.
The Coalition foresaw a better NSW. We backed it with funding and delivery. Labor inherited the plans and is now trying to claim the progress.
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the progress on Metro West is only happening because the NSW Liberals and Nationals had the vision and commitment to get it started.
“We know how to plan and deliver. Labor only knows how to announce and take credit. NSW is the only state without a Minister for Infrastructure. That speaks volumes. If Labor cannot even appoint someone to shape the future, how can they be trusted to deliver it,” Mr Speakman said.
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Natalie Ward said the Coalition built new metros, reshaped train travel, built better roads, more schools and hospitals.
“Labor is performing announcements on projects they did not plan and did not start. The people of NSW deserve a government that takes infrastructure seriously, not one that treats it as a political prop,” Ms Ward said.