Category: NSW News

The NSW Government has worked with Hawkesbury City Council to secure a location for the Hawkesbury Fire Control Centre, with site designs now being finalised.

The NSW Government is committed to the safety and resilience of the Hawkesbury region, with work progressing for the Fire Control Centre which will be located in Wilberforce.

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, and Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, visited the site of the new facility, to be built at the corner of Kurmond and McKinnons Roads in Wilberforce.

The new NSW Rural Fire Service Fire Control Centre will also include a co-located Emergency Operations Centre and NSW State Emergency Service unit base, forming the broader Hawkesbury Emergency Services Precinct.

The $16.5 million project is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing investment in critical infrastructure for regional and outer-metropolitan communities.

This purpose-built centre will bring together emergency management experts, enable faster coordination, and enhance frontline capabilities in the region.

Construction of the new Fire Control Centre will begin after the completion of the approvals and tender process, ultimately delivering a centre serving the community for decades to come.

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“This new Fire Control Centre will provide the tools, infrastructure, and technology needed to coordinate emergency operations and protect lives and property in a region hit by a number of natural disasters in recent years.

“Most importantly, it reflects our government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the volunteers and professionals who work around the clock to keep our communities safe.”

Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman said:

“I’m pleased that my 2022 election commitment of $1.1 million to the Hawkesbury SES and $300,000 for the NSW RFS Hawkesbury Control Centre will contribute to making this important precinct a reality.

“Hawkesbury residents have endured multiple devastating bushfires and floods in recent years.

“This precinct will be a hub for preparation and resilience—ensuring our emergency services are ready to act quickly, effectively, and safely when the next emergency hits.

“And individual brigades are each making good use of their $50,000 grant, also part of my 2022 election commitments, to support the important work they do.”

NSW Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie said:

“This project represents a critical investment in the region’s emergency response capabilities, and a strong show of support for the dedicated volunteers and emergency service personnel who protect the community.

“Our members give their all to serve the community, and this facility will ensure they have the best possible environment to do so.”

The Minns Labor Government has begun construction on the $309 million redevelopment of Penrith Stadium.

The precinct will transform into a modern venue for sport, recreation with community space and entertainment including concerts, offering a superior experience for visitors and players.

The project, led by John Holland Group, is expected to generate around 500 jobs during construction and a further 650 jobs during operation delivering significant benefits for the Western Sydney economy.

This stadium redevelopment has been long awaited by the local community. After being promised by the former Government for more than 5 years, the Minns Labor Government has designed, acquired planning approval and begun construction within 2 years.

The multipurpose venue is set to attract new sporting events to Penrith while continuing to support the growth of rugby league, union and football in Western Sydney.

Beyond sporting events, the stadium will be able to host up to 10 concerts every year with a capacity of 30,000, and smaller spaces will be available for private events such as meetings, conferences, and catered functions.

The training field adjacent to the stadium will also be remodelled to create quality open community spaces with multipurpose courts, child-friendly areas and improved landscaping.

The NSW Government has worked with award-winning architects Populous and Tyrrell Studio to ensure Penrith Stadium will be one of Australia’s premium suburban stadiums. 

Selected after a competitive tender process, John Holland has extensive experience delivering large and complex construction projects, and the NSW Government is confident they will deliver an excellent outcome for Western Sydney.

The project is expected to be ready for operations in 2027. To find out more, visit the Penrith Stadium website.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“We are thrilled to see work begin on the redevelopment of Penrith Stadium as we bring to life our vision for a modern stadium and entertainment precinct that will serve as a major Western Sydney attraction for years to come.

“With a new stadium and community facilities, the stadium will have fans cheering on better views, seating and amenity as they cheer on their favourite teams.

“What’s more, this precinct won’t just be for sports fans but for the whole community, with year-round access to public facilities including the playing field and multipurpose courts.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“It’s an exciting day for Western Sydney as we kick off construction on the new Penrith Stadium, the proud home of our mighty Panthers.

“This project will create hundreds of jobs during construction, and provide ongoing job opportunities right here in the heart of Penrith for our local community, boosting local businesses on event days.

“I look forward to being back in the stands cheering on the Panthers in this newly upgraded, world-class stadium, right here in the heart of Penrith.

Minister for Lands and Property and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Since its opening in 1967, Penrith Stadium has become a cornerstone of the local community, fostering a deep sense of pride and unity among fans and residents alike.

“Breaking ground on the redevelopment of Penrith Stadium marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we transform the venue into a modern sporting venue and entertainment precinct.

“Penrith is a thriving hub in Greater Western Sydney, and we are proud to invest in this community’s future by delivering an upgraded multipurpose facility that will be universally accessible, safe and inclusive for all users.”

The Minns Labor Government is committing an additional $2.8 million in funding to support a range of initiatives which will enhance paediatric palliative respite and end of life care across the state.

This forms part of the NSW Government’s commitment to increase paediatric palliative care funding to approximately $80 million over 4 years from 2023-24 to 2026-27.  

12 local health districts and speciality health networks have received additional funding to strengthen specialist paediatric palliative care and improve the physical spaces where palliative and end of life care is provided.

Local health districts and speciality health networks will receive funding to create home-like and comfortable multi-functional spaces, which may serve a range of purposes, including paediatric palliative care and bereavement support, maternity services and post-death care, as well as to care for children with chronic and complex conditions.

The initiatives supported by this funding will help ensure families can access a range of high-quality services in a comforting environment closer to home, especially for those living in rural and regional locations.

The funding will support local health districts to undertake cosmetic upgrades, refurbishments, and repairs and maintenance to support creation of supportive spaces in special care nurseries and paediatric wards and facilities. This also includes purchase of specialised equipment and comfort items to create warm, family-friendly spaces for end-of-life care.

Additionally, the funding will allow for education and training opportunities for healthcare staff to equip them with the skills needed to deliver holistic and compassionate paediatric palliative care.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“This funding underscores our commitment to supporting some of the most vulnerable children and their families in NSW.

“Paediatric palliative care is essential for providing comfort and dignity to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

“Importantly, this funding will allow us to extend and enhance a model of care which provides families with much-needed peace of mind, knowing they can care for their child in a familiar, supportive environment during their final days.”

The Minns Labor Government has today unveiled its plan to deliver secure jobs and long-term funding to the state’s community services sector—benefiting over a million people who rely on these essential support services each year.

The Secure Jobs and Funding Certainty (SJFC) roadmap sets out a vision for a strong, stable, and sustainable community sector—one where funding certainty and job security empower service providers to plan ahead, support their staff, and deliver outcomes for the communities who need them most.

Under the former Liberal-National Government, community service organisations were trapped in a cycle of short-term, insecure funding—forced to reapply for government grants, often every year. This uncertainty flowed directly to the workforce, with many frontline staff experiencing job insecurity.

In contrast, the Minns Labor Government is delivering long-term certainty with five-year funding contracts. This reform means organisations can plan ahead, invest in their workforce, and focus on helping the people who need it—not fighting their way through funding applications.

We know that many people across NSW are doing it tough right now—facing housing stress, cost-of-living pressures, and increased demand for critical support. Community service organisations are on the frontline, helping people navigate these challenges every day.

These key reforms will bring greater stability to the sector—through five-year funding contracts, less red tape, and more secure jobs, with a focus on permanent employment pathways.  More than 7,800 non-government organisations across the sector are expected to benefit, along with the 240,000 workers they employ and over one million people they support each year.

These frontline workers—most of whom are women—play a critical role in supporting the most vulnerable people in our community. Their critical work has been especially vital during times of crisis, from natural disasters to the pandemic, and in responding to issues like homelessness and domestic and family violence.

This reform delivers on a key election commitment and was developed in partnership with peak organisations, government agencies and the Australian Services Union in consultation with the community services sector.  

The NSW Government will continue working closely with the sector to turn this shared vision into lasting outcomes for communities across the state.

Under the SJFC roadmap, longer term contracts will be balanced by clearer performance and outcome expectations, ensuring taxpayer money is being used effectively and efficiently, and always for the benefit of the community.

Further information on the SJFC roadmap is available here: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/service-providers/secure-jobs-and-funding-certainty-for-community-services.html

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington, said:

“This is about backing the people who back our communities.

“The community services sector shows up every day for children, families, and vulnerable people across NSW—and they deserve the security to keep doing that vital work with confidence.

“This roadmap reflects a shift in how we work with the sector—towards longer-term partnerships built on trust, accountability, stability, and shared purpose.

“It’s a foundational step in building a stronger, more sustainable sector—because when we support the people who care for our communities, everyone benefits.”

Secretary, Australian Services Union NSW/ACT, Angus McFarland said:

“The community sector workforce is made up of thousands of skilled and experienced workers, mostly women, who provide essential supports and services to the people of NSW. 

“This roadmap is an important step in the government delivering on its election commitment to provide more permanent jobs for these workers via longer-term funding for the sector.

“The ultimate beneficiaries of these reforms are the people of NSW. Five-year funding contracts enable more permanent jobs in the community sector. This means greater stability for both the workers in the sector and for the community when accessing these vital services.”

NSW Council of Social Services CEO, Cara Varian said:

“We welcome the NSW Government’s plan to give essential community workers secure jobs and stable funding.

“This plan shows that the government values the workers and organisations that spend their days helping the most vulnerable in our communities. They provide critical frontline services to support people facing homelessness, poverty, domestic violence, and trauma. This is essential work that strengthens communities and improves the health, wellbeing and resilience of NSW. 

“This initiative represents a step change in the approach to human services contracting and commissioning in NSW. We commend this positive first step and look forward to building on this reform to strengthen and support the community services sector in NSW. We look forward to working with the Minister to make sure these services stay strong and continue changing lives for the better.”

Today’s ABS building activity report is the second quarterly report card on the Minns Labor Government and shows that the Government has fallen further behind meeting its housing targets, falling 37 per cent short after six months of the National Housing Accord.
 
Only 23,699 homes were completed in NSW in the first six months of the Housing Accord – 14,001 homes short of our six month target of 37,700 homes. This means that NSW now needs to complete 353,301 homes over the next four and a half years to reach the 377,000 new homes target that was set by Chris Minns and Anthony Albanese.
 
If the average figure across the first six months of the Housing Accord were replicated across every quarter, there would only be 236,990 homes built over the next five years, a shortfall of 140,010 homes from the Minns Labor Government’s housing accord target.
 
Chris Minns stated in January 2024 that “it’s really important NSW is first on the east coast when it comes to completions,” yet NSW is falling behind Victoria, which is meeting its housing accord targets.

Causing further concern, the future pipeline for NSW is looking bleaker, with commencement figures of just 10,653 homes in the December 2024 quarter, a 6.4 per cent decline on the same quarter in 2023. That decline shows that the Minns Labor Government’s policies are failing in driving new home construction – which will lead to NSW seeing fewer new homes completed in the future.
 
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said under the leadership of Chris Minns and Labor, higher taxes and charges have led to NSW becoming the worst performing state on mainland Australia.
 
“The Minns Labor Government has claimed that housing is the centrepiece of its agenda, but six months in, NSW can’t even beat Victoria and it’s clear that Labor won’t get anywhere close to delivering its promises under the National Housing Accord,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“Amid a mountain of Labor taxes and charges representing up to half the cost of new housing in NSW, declining commencements figures show that worsening feasibility for new housing projects is shattering the dreams of young families wanting to get onto the property ladder,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, and Housing Scott Farlow said the ABS building activity data shows that Labor has made the housing crisis worse amid a mountain of Labor taxes and charges and that Labor is unwilling to meaningfully address both supply and demand.
 
“As Labor imposes a $12,000 housing tax on new home builds in Greater Sydney, commencement figures running below completions figures show how the pipeline of new housing is running dry. New home delivery to market will only get worse,” Mr Farlow said.
 
“Chris Minns and Labor must finally face up to reality: NSW can’t tax our way to more housing.”
 
“The outlook for new housing is worsening but both state and federal Labor continue to drive higher demand for new housing with net migration increasing Australia’s population by one million people over the last two years.
 
“More people are being left to compete over fewer new homes, yet Chris Minns is completely unwilling to stand up to Anthony Albanese on rebalancing migration. NSW needs both demand and supply side solutions to the housing crisis.
 
“Labor has made the housing crisis worse by failing to deliver the homes to cater for our growing population, by making new homes more expensive and construction less viable and by failing to provide the essential infrastructure the sector needs to actually get on with the job of delivering more homes,” Mr Farlow said.

The Minns Labor Government has abandoned Western Sydney businesses, with new data revealing that six of the highest-risk regions for business collapse in the entire country are in Sydney’s west.

Recent data[1] has revealed business-to-business payment defaults have surged by 42 per cent nationally over the past year, a clear sign of the worsening economic pressures facing local businesses.

The situation is most dire in Bringelly–Green Valley, which now holds the grim title of the highest forecast business closure rate in Australia, with 7.9 per cent of businesses expected to shut their doors in the next 12 months.

These regions are already under pressure — with high personal insolvency, lower-than-average income levels, and rising commercial rents driving businesses to the brink.

And still, Labor has no plan.

Western Sydney is not just a region — it’s a powerhouse. It is home to roughly one in every eleven Australians[2], boasts the third-largest economy in the country, and encompasses vast national parks, waterways and green spaces. Yet despite its scale and significance, Western Sydney suffers from higher-than-average unemployment and now, rising business failure.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Western Sydney carries the weight of this state’s economic future — and yet under Labor, it’s been treated with contempt. 

“While families lose cost-of-living support and businesses go to the wall, Chris Minns offer nothing but spin,” Mr Speakman said. 

Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Robyn Preston said Western Sydney is being hit from all sides — rising costs, fewer jobs, and no support from the very government that promised to have their back. 

“The people of Western Sydney deserve better than this,” Ms Preston said. 

Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James said Chris Minns Labor has turned his back on the small businesses that keep this state going. 

“Whether it’s retail, construction or hospitality — these businesses are being crushed while the government cuts support and hopes no one notices,” Mr James said.

The Member for Badgerys Creek Tanya Davies said when payment defaults are up 42 per cent and entire sectors are collapsing, the Premier and Minister for Small Business should be front and centre. 

“Instead, they’re nowhere to be found. The Minns Labor Government has walked away from Western Sydney,” Ms Davies said. 

Labor’s decision to slash proven cost-of-living support like the Active Kids, Creative Kids, First Lap and Back-to-School vouchers has only made things worse for struggling families and small businesses. 

These programs, introduced by the Liberals and Nationals, delivered practical relief when it was needed most.

Under Chris Minns, Western Sydney isn’t just being forgotten — it’s being left behind.

[1] https://creditorwatch.com.au/blog/b2b-payment-defaults-42-higher-than-a-year-ago-as-cost-pressures-mount-trump-trade-war-effects-looming

[1] https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/rcegws/rcegws/About/about_greater_western_sydney

Construction is underway on the new Batemans Bay Community Health facility, which will provide a sustainable, purpose-built community health service for the local community.

Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Regional Health and Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland attended a sod turn event to mark the major milestone, which included planting three trees on site.

The NSW Government is investing $20 million to deliver a range of community-based services in one location for the communities of Batemans Bay and surrounding areas.

The new, purpose-built Batemans Bay Community Health facility will include:

• Allied health
• Child, youth and family services
• Women’s health
• Sexual health
• Community nursing and wound management
• Palliative care
• Aboriginal health
• Community mental health and drug & alcohol
• Specialist outpatient clinics
• Pathology

The new facility will be built on the existing Batemans Bay Hospital site and located close to the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic which opened it 2023. The build will deliver a modern health facility with more spaces to better support healthcare teams in providing enhanced care to the local community.

The facility will include interview, consultation, and treatment rooms for a range of services, a gymnasium, as well as larger rooms that can accommodate groups and families and be used as education spaces.

The investment into community health in Batemans Bay builds on the $330 million new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital which will deliver an enhanced level of healthcare service and more beds than Moruya and Batemans Bay hospitals combined.

The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will include a new and expanded Emergency Department, an eight bed Intensive Care Unit and the first paediatric unit for the region. There will also be increased access to chemotherapy treatments and renal dialysis, modern surgical and operating theatres, expanded medical imaging, mental health service, ambulatory care and outpatient services; and education facilities which will support the needs of the entire Eurobodalla Shire from Narooma to Batemans Bay. 

Monarch Building Solutions Pty Limited has been awarded the contract to deliver the new Batemans Bay Community Health facility following a competitive tender process. Site establishment works will commence in the coming weeks, which will include the installation of site fencing and sheds.

Batemans Bay Hospital, including the current Community Health service, will continue to operate while the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital and Batemans Bay Community Health facility are built.

Further information on the redevelopment is available by visiting the project website: http://hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/bbch

Construction of the new health facility is expected to be completed in 2026, followed by an operational commissioning stage to support staff moving into the new facility.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“It is terrific to see construction underway on the new, purpose-built Batemans Bay Community Health facility, which will be transformative for staff and the local community.  

“Having services including child and family health, Aboriginal and women’s health and drug and alcohol services all under the one roof will enhance accessibility and better support the health needs of people in Batemans Bay and surrounding areas.” 

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:

“I look forward to seeing the new Batemans Bay Community Health facility come to life, with the contractor appointed and construction underway.

“The new health facility will complement the $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, currently under construction, ensuring our community always has access to the right healthcare in the most appropriate setting.”

The Minns Labor Government is delivering increased funding for the Small Group Tuition Program in NSW public schools this year, with $80 million invested to lift literacy and numeracy outcomes for students who need extra support to keep on track and meet their potential. 

Initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Small Group Tuition Program was made permanent in NSW public schools through an election commitment delivered by the Minns Labor Government.

This will enable students to get access to intensive and targeted teaching in the critical foundational skills of literacy and numeracy.

The ongoing Small Group Tuition Program is a central component of the Better and Fairer Schools Funding Agreement between the Commonwealth and NSW governments.

The Minns Labor Government has enhanced the program to clearly align with evidence-based explicit teaching, while new reporting requirements will also ensure there is a measurable impact on students’ learning progress.

The Small Group Tuition Program improves reading and numeracy skills for primary and secondary students, while also providing valuable practical experience for student-teachers pursuing their Initial Teacher Education (ITE) qualifications, as they can be employed as tutors in the program.

With the lift in funding for 2025, schools will be able to increase Small Group Tuition interventions from 10 to 15 weeks.

The program has been informed by research undertaken by Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), which recommends tutoring students in small groups at the ‘needs additional support’ NAPLAN proficiency level. Additionally, Grattan Institute research found Small Group Tuition is the most effective way of reducing learning and development equity gaps.

Funding is determined based on the amount of students identified through the 2024 NAPLAN proficiency standards, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are needed most.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is making this significant investment as part of our record education funding, to ensure every public school student can achieve their full potential.

“In addition to this funding boost for Small Group Tuition, the new reporting guidelines will make sure we are monitoring student progress in developing critical literacy and numeracy skills.

“This is part of our work to reverse declining student outcomes after more than a decade of neglect and mismanagement under the former Liberal Nationals government.  

“The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding the NSW public education system to ensure all students have access to a world class public education and the opportunity to succeed.”

The Minns Labor Government is expanding support for the families of veterans as part of the NSW Veterans Strategy 2025-2030 released today.

The strategy sets out a whole-of-government approach to support the wellbeing of veterans and their families and acknowledge their vital contribution to NSW.

Building on the inaugural Veterans Strategy released in 2021, the strategy continues vital support while taking a greater focus on women veterans, along with the spouses and the children of veterans.

Key additions to the strategy include:

• Building on the successful public service Veterans Employment Program by developing peer-support networks for veteran employees. The Veterans Employment program has been adopted by 30 councils and helped more than 1,000 veterans into jobs across NSW
• Developing career resources for veterans’ partners. This digital road map will also deliver resources to educate employers, policymakers, and stakeholders about the experience of spouses and partners
• Supporting the children of veterans by promoting resources for schools and teachers of defence force-connected students, such as when transitioning between schools.
• Providing greater flexibility of school enrolment requirements for the children of veterans until a family has secured housing.
• The NSW Office of Veterans Affairs is partnering with RSL NSW and Monash University on an important research project aimed at improving support services for women veterans in NSW.

The NSW Government has considered last year’s recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and the Commonwealth Government’s response in finalising this strategy.

The Government’s ongoing engagement with veterans, their families and ex-service organisations has ensured lived experience has remained central to the strategy.

Its suite of programs and initiatives aims to ease the transition into civilian life for veterans and their families and honour service.

Other components of the strategy include:

• Supporting the continued roll out of Veterans and Families Hubs that provide wellbeing services, support and opportunities for veterans and their families, with 5 hubs open and more to be announced soon
• Resources to help veterans into employment and to establish or grow their careers such as conducting ‘jobs ready’ workshops for veterans and promote veteran friendly employment opportunities
• Delivering a new memorial to acknowledge our contemporary veterans and their families.
• Support for veterans affected by problem gambling.

Key actions of the current strategy are available in the NSW Veterans Strategy 2023–2024 Final Report.

To download a copy of the NSW Veterans Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2030.

Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:

“I am pleased to announce the second Veterans Strategy which will allow the NSW Government to better recognise, inform and support the almost 130,000 veterans and their families who call NSW home.

“This strategy is focussed on the experiences of veterans and their families, and the issues that matter most to them.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering outcomes to support veterans and their families and recognise them for the sacrifices they have made.

“The Strategy continues the great work of the first NSW Veterans Strategy and includes a number of new programs, initiatives and partnerships.”

A further 14 projects have been declared as State Significant Development following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

Of these proposals, 9 are in metropolitan Sydney and 5 are in regional NSW.

If lodged and approved, this could create more than 4,200 homes across New South Wales.

To date, 78 proposals amounting to more than 32,100 potential homes have been declared state significant.

Since the formation of the HDA, 15 projects have had Secretary Environmental Assessment Requirements issued.

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration.

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 somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

The Ministerial Order can be found here