Category: NSW News

Emergency response in Goulburn and surrounds has been bolstered with a new, purpose-built NSW State Emergency Service (SES) facility and Emergency Operations Centre, enabling emergency services to better protect lives and communities in the region. 

The new facilities are fit-for-purpose and follow an investment of more than $4 million from the Federal Labor Government, Minns Labor Government and Goulburn Mulwaree Council.

The new SES unit headquarters accommodates rescue vehicles and specialist equipment and has training space for volunteers.

Additional parking, increased storage, a communications room, change room facilities, rescue equipment and a sand bunker for sandbagging operations are also part of the new facility. 

These modern amenities replace the Goulburn NSW SES unit’s former home inside a tin shed.

Also included on the site is a shared, state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Centre. This allows all emergency services to coordinate, communicate and respond to disasters under the one roof.

The Emergency Operations Centre was previously inside the local council chambers and was not fit-for-purpose. 

The NSW SES Goulburn unit building is jointly funded by the NSW Government, Commonwealth Government and Goulburn Mulwaree Council.

The NSW Government contributed $2,150,000 to the build, while the Commonwealth Government committed $1,495,000 to the project, and Goulburn Mulwaree Council allocated $725,500.

The facility is one of 18 SES units to be upgraded across the state, funded by a $58.7 million package from the NSW Government. 

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, said:

“The NSW SES plays a vital role in times of crisis. They need the right facilities to do the job.

“This investment boosts the Goulburn unit of the NSW SES to respond to flooding and other emergencies.

“We are backing the NSW SES so our volunteers can better serve people across Goulburn and surrounds.”

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said:

“This new facility has been purpose built and designed with operational experience gained during past natural disasters to support our emergency service response.

“By delivering this new facility for our local SES volunteers they can continue to provide the highest level of service to the local community during times of need, as well as provide planning and coordination of emergency events during floods and storms.”

Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, said:

“Having operational staff and volunteers co-located during an emergency was essential in other parts of the electorate during the Black Summer bushfires.

“I know first-hand how much this new facility will streamline processes when the community needs it most – and I’m proud to have helped deliver it.”

NSW SES Commissioner, Mike Wassing AFSM, said:

“This new unit headquarters will ensure our SES members have the facilities they require and will enable them to better support local communities when they need our assistance.  

“In the past year alone, the Goulburn Unit has responded to about 150 calls for assistance, including flood rescues, land searches, storm response and general land rescue incidents.”  

Goulburn-Mulwaree Council Mayor, Nina Dillon, said:

“As a Council, we are proud to see the official opening of this vital new facility, which is a direct result of our ongoing commitment to the safety and future of our community.

“The new NSW State Emergency Service Unit and Emergency Operations Centre will serve as a hub of preparedness and support for our emergency services. This milestone is a testament to the collaborative efforts between local, state, and federal levels of government, and it marks a major step in our shared vision of a more resilient and safer region for all.”

The Minns Labor Government has taken the next major step in delivering the nation’s largest social housing renewal, with contracts now signed to commence the transformation of Waterloo South.

Following a competitive tender process, the NSW Government has finalised contracts with Stockland, Link Wentworth, City West Housing, and Birribee Housing. Together the consortium will manage the planning, design, delivery and operations of the renewal.

This project will deliver more than 3,000 new homes in the inner city, within walking distance of local amenities and public transport including the Waterloo Metro. Half of these will be dedicated to social and affordable housing, providing over 1,000 new social homes and 600 affordable homes in the heart of Sydney.

Located on Gadigal land, the proposed plans place strong emphasis on cultural inclusion, improved housing outcomes and greater support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Birribee Housing will lead housing allocations to ensure 20 per cent of social homes and 15 per cent of affordable homes are dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents.

Committed to delivering thriving communities, Waterloo South will be designed with exceptional amenity and dedicated green space, including a two-hectare urban park – the largest delivered in the city in recent times.

To support the area’s growth, the revitalisation will deliver new community and retail spaces along George Street, improving access to everyday essentials and local services for residents.

The new precinct is designed to support residents beyond housing, with dedicated initiatives to strengthen community connections, enhance wellbeing, and open pathways to skills development and employment.

With contracts now finalised, the project will progress to the next phase, including site investigations, planning approvals and ongoing community engagement, alongside the staged tenant relocations already underway.

A core priority throughout the renewal is keeping the community together. With new homes available at the Waterloo Metro Quarter, Elizabeth Street Redfern and more than 150 properties offered by City West Housing in nearby developments, current residents will be able to move into new or near-new homes within the local area.

Homes NSW recognises that moving can be stressful and has committed to providing dedicated support to residents to ensure a smooth transition to their new homes. All residents will have the right to return once the renewal is complete.

This renewal is part of the NSW Government’s $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which will deliver:

• 8,400 new public housing dwellings
• 21,000 new affordable and private homes
• Upgrades to 30,000 existing social housing properties

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

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Signing these contracts marks a historic moment for Waterloo and for social housing in Australia. We are not just replacing old homes, we’re creating a thriving, inclusive, and well-connected community that honours the rich history of the area.

“With more than 1,600 social and affordable homes, a new two-hectare park, and a commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing and cultural inclusion, we are setting a new benchmark for large-scale social housing renewal.

“This is about more than just housing, it’s about building a future where everyone has the stability and opportunity they deserve.

“Every tenant will be supported through this process, and every resident has the right to return to a brand-new home once the project is complete.”

Member for Heffron Ron Hoenig said:

“I’ve fought for years for the residents of Waterloo to have the quality housing they deserve.

“Ensuring that all residents are treated with respect and that their wellbeing is front of mind is my priority as this project progresses.

“This renewal will completely transform the estate, giving residents safe, modern homes while preserving the strong community connections that have been built over decades.

“Importantly, we are ensuring residents remain living in the local area during the transition and that they return when the project is complete.

“That right to return is non-negotiable and I’m proud to see it guaranteed under this Government.”

Stockland Managing Director and CEO Tarun Gupta said:

“Stockland considers it a privilege to be selected by the NSW Government to develop the Waterloo Renewal Project, alongside our consortium partners, Link Wentworth, City West Housing and Birribee Housing.

“Building on Stockland’s 73-year legacy as a leading creator and curator of connected communities, we look forward to working with Homes NSW, our partners, and the community to deliver vibrant and inclusive spaces with high quality homes for all residents.

“We understand the deep responsibility that comes with our selection, and we are committed to delivering the project in a way that respects the community and the important history of Waterloo.”

The Blayney Multipurpose Service (MPS) has reached a significant milestone, with the concrete poured for the first phase of the project.

The Blayney MPS Redevelopment project is the final site to be delivered under the NSW Government’s $297 million Multipurpose Service Program Stage 5 to improve and enhance health facilities across smaller rural and remote communities.

It will deliver a new purpose-built and modern health facility to improve health and aged care services for the community of Blayney. The new facility will include a new residential aged care wing with single rooms and bathrooms, more inpatient unit beds, increased chair-based services, more HealthOne rooms, and room for future expansion.

The new MPS is being built on the existing Osman Street site in stages to ensure all clinical services continue to operate during construction. The project’s first phase, which includes construction of a new Residential Aged Care wing and Inpatient Unit, is progressing well with the final concrete pour now complete.

The next steps will include construction of the Residential Aged Care wing and Inpatient Unit, followed by the internal fit-out, services installation and other exterior works. The aged care residents will relocate into the new Residential Aged Care wing once this phase of redevelopment is completed.

The second phase of works will then start, including demolition of the existing buildings and construction of the new HealthOne, entry, reception, waiting room, staff area and ambulatory care.  

The current MPS remains fully operational as construction progresses and every effort is being made to minimise disruption to residents, staff, patients and visitors. 

The community will continue to be updated about the redevelopment’s progress with information available on the project website.

For more information, visit the Multipurpose Service Program website. 

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:  

“I’m thrilled the new Blayney MPS is another step closer with the concrete pours for the first phase complete, and I look forward to seeing the redevelopment continue to take shape. 

“The Blayney MPS Redevelopment is the final project to be redeveloped under the NSW Government’s $297 million Multipurpose Program Stage 5, with another 17 sites in NSW either upgraded or redeveloped, which is an outstanding achievement.”

Government Spokesperson for Bathurst, Stephen Lawrence, MLC:

“Blayney MPS isn’t just a health facility – it’s also a home to those living in the residential aged care wing. The new Blayney MPS will ensure the residents have a modern and comfortable home with the high-quality care they deserve.

“The professional and caring staff at Blayney are also looking forward to having the latest fit-for-purpose facilities, lots of light, and dedicated staff areas so they can provide the best possible care to our community in an improved working environment.” 

The NSW Government continues to transform how businesses interact with government services with new enhancements to the Service NSW Business Bureau’s digital tools providing efficient, accessible, and personalised support. 

Since the Service NSW Business Bureau launched in October 2023, more than 195,000 businesses have used its digital tools, the Service NSW Business Profile, and Service NSW Business Bureau app, to access government support, manage transactions, and save and track industry licences with a few taps. 

Enhancements to the Service NSW Business Bureau App include:

• Sharing access: Business owners can securely invite team members to access their Business Profile.
• Simplifying voucher management: Business owners can update and manage bank details securely. Voucher redemption and financial management can also be delegated to trusted team members.
• Tracking applications in real time: Businesses can view their Voucher and Business Grant application status in real time, providing transparency and certainty. 

The Service NSW Business Profile is a single trusted gateway which helps businesses manage licences, applications and government services in one place. 

It has been enhanced to better support business owners across the State, giving businesses more control and convenience by allowing them to: 

• Receive important updates: Opt-in for SMS and email notifications tailored to their needs, helping them stay compliant with regulation changes and stay up to date with business support opportunities.
• Autofill applications: Save time by pre-filling details for new licence and financial support applications.
• Track progress in real time: See where their applications are up to and get notified of the outcome.
• Find new opportunities: Search for government tenders to help their business grow.
• Get personalised support: Use live chat to connect with a Business Concierge for help where and when they need it. 

The Business Bureau provides digital products to support business owners at every stage of their journey, including:

• License Manager: Search, save, organise, track and renew business, employee and subcontractor licences in one place. 
• Advisor and event bookings: Businesses can schedule an appointment with a free, independent business advisor and register to get advice on marketing, cashflow, and business planning.
• Self-check compliance for motor repair businesses:  An easy-to-use self-assessment tool designed for repair shops, garages and service centres, helping businesses check if they meet industry regulations.
• Business Vehicle Registration: Small businesses can find and access vehicle registration renewal easily through their Business Profile and Business Bureau app. Already, more than 22,800 businesses have accessed this feature. 

There are more than 870,000 small businesses in NSW, making up 97 per cent of all NSW businesses.

NSW small businesses employ 1.8 million people in the private sector, which is around 43 per cent of the State’s private sector workforce. 

For more information on the Service NSW Business Bureau’s digital tools, call 13 77 88 or visit the Service NSW website.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said: 

“The Business Bureau’s digital tools are making it easier than ever for small business owners across New South Wales to access the advice, information, and support they need. 

“We have seen more than 195,000 businesses access the Service NSW Business Bureau app and Service NSW Business Profile since the Business Bureau launched in October 2023, showing these digital tools are helping to make being in business easier. 

“We remain committed to making digital support and services for businesses across NSW more accessible and flexible than ever.” 

The NSW Government has been notified of a proposal by Healthscope seeking to have Northern Beaches Hospital returned to the NSW public system.

The Minns Labor Government has made it clear it does not support public private partnerships being imposed on the state’s acute hospitals.

Patients can be assured that there will be no impact on health services at Northern Beaches Hospital while any potential discussions take place.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“I note the owners of Healthscope are engaged in a market process potentially seeking to exit the business.

“After the way Healthscope has managed this partnership, it should not expect to walk away from the Northern Beaches Hospital with a profit.

“The NSW Government will be watching to ensure that no-one is trying to make a windfall gain at the expense of the people of NSW.

“The Government will engage with Healthscope management after questions of its ownership and whether it remains a going concern are resolved.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:  

“We have always made clear that we do not support public private partnerships being imposed on our state’s acute hospitals.

“We will carefully consider any proposal regarding Northern Beaches Hospital.

“We can assure the community that Northern Beaches Hospital will continue to operate without interruption during any discussions.”

Enhanced mental health care is just around the corner for Tamworth thanks to a major construction milestone, with the three-storey building structure of the new Tamworth Hospital Mental Health Unit now complete.

The new facility will provide welcoming, comfortable and supportive care and bring a much-needed expansion of mental health services to Tamworth and surrounding communities.

The elevated, modern unit includes a new bridge which will provide a direct connection between the inpatient floor of the new facility and the Tamworth Hospital building.

The 23-metre-long bridge was built off-site, assembled at the hospital campus and craned into position in three sections. Once operational, it will make it safer and easier for people to receive enhanced, integrated care.

The new unit, which will replace the nearby Banksia Mental Health Unit, will include:  

• four adolescent inpatient beds 
• 20 general adult beds, as well as a five-bed adult high acuity zone 
• eight bed older persons’ area. 

With structural works complete, the project team will continue the internal fit-out, services installation and exterior works.

Mental health services at Tamworth Hospital remain available during the construction process at the existing Banksia Mental Health Unit, which will continue to operate until the new facility opens later this year.

The project is being delivered by Hunter New England Local Health District and Health Infrastructure as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program. Hansen Yuncken is the builder.  

The construction has provided a major boost to the local economy with the employment of local contractors and sub-contractors. To date, more than 400 workers have been inducted on site, with a significant percentage of the workforce coming from the local region.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“It’s fantastic to see the new mental health facility reach this milestone, taking us one step closer to delivering expanded and enhanced mental health services for the Tamworth community.

“With direct access to the hospital, the new unit will support better outcomes for people receiving mental health care, their families and carers.

“We know this new facility means a lot to the community. It will offer a modern, safe and supportive environment to those who need it most, which is why I am thrilled to see this project head towards its final phase before opening later this year.”

Duty Member of the Legislative Council for Tamworth Anthony D’Adam said:

“It’s great to see this important and highly anticipated facility take shape.

“This new mental health unit will make a real difference for the Tamworth community, providing more support close to home in a space designed with care and dignity in mind.

“I look forward to seeing the doors open later this year and the positive impact it will have for the region for years to come.”

Hunter New England Local Health District Mental Health Services General Manager Jonathan Holt said:

“The new facility has been designed in collaboration with staff and the local community to create a welcoming and supportive environment for patients, visitors and staff.

“A new forecourt full of native gardens will be created and used as a place to gather, along with a family room and courtyard, providing space for people and their families to come together and help in the healing process.”

Landholders and communities in western NSW are being urged to prepare for extensive flooding and isolation throughout April and May as significant flows from Queensland continue to move down the river systems into NSW.

Major flooding is occurring on the Paroo River at Wanaaring, and moderate flooding on the Warrego River at Barringhun.

Flows from these river systems are expected to travel downstream with stock owners strongly encouraged to take the opportunity before flood waters peak to move stock to higher ground and ensure adequate fodder is on hand, if possible.

The Minns Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Local Land Services (LLS) have activated the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA), which will support NSW SES in assisting landholders with:

• Animal assessment and veterinary assistance
• Euthanasia of animals and welfare grounds
• Emergency fodder (for up to three days where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Livestock feeding and management advice
• Aerial support for livestock

LLS will continue to contact landholders in at-risk communities along the Paroo to encourage preparedness..

AASFA will continue to work closely with SES providing support for this flood event, and long-term impacts to landholders.

For updated warnings on the NSW flood event, go to www.ses.nsw.gov.au or download the Hazards Near Me App.

For urgent requests for stock assistance, including animal assessment, veterinary support or emergency fodder, call the AASFA emergency hotline at: 1800 814 647

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“With major flooding occurring and likely to last several weeks, I urge landholders and people in at-risk communities to act now. Move stock to higher ground, secure property, and have a plan in place.

“Staying informed during events like these is vital, monitor flood warnings, follow advice from authorities and reach out to emergency services if you need help.

“The NSW Government is committed to helping communities and our agricultural producers through this event, if you are in need of any stock assistance, veterinary support or emergency fodder, please call the AASFA emergency hotline on 1800 814 647.”

Schools across NSW are throwing open their gates for the public to access outdoor facilities outside of school hours every day of the week, in a trial allowing families and communities greater access to green space.

This trial, conducted in 11 schools across the state, will open up school ovals, sports courts and playgrounds for the public to use for personal and recreational use, giving people access to space that has been locked up for no reason for many years.

Participating schools include:

• Kogarah High School
• Bardwell Park Infants School
• Delegate Public School
• Hernani Public School
• Kambora Public School
• Manly West Public School
• Menindee Central School
• Roseville Public School
• Seaforth Public School
• Strathfield Girls High School
• Teralba Public School

The NSW Government’s existing shared spaces program already opens up almost 200 schools’ outdoor facilities during school holidays for public use, however, it does not permit the opening of ovals outside of school holidays.

Unlocking this extra green space outside of school hours is especially important at a time when we are encouraging more young people to get off their devices and to get active, following the introduction of mobile phone bans in schools and social media restrictions championed by the Minns Labor Government.

The shared spaces trial will also provide more critical green space and outdoor recreation as we continue to build much needed new homes and apartments for young people and families across the state.

Kogarah High School is one of the schools opening its sports field for community access as part of this trial, following a recent upgrade.

The sports field, which had been shared between the school and the public outside of school hours for decades until this was ended under the former government, has been upgraded to provide students and the community with a safer environment to learn, play and exercise in.

Fencing has been replaced on several sides of the field to improve safety and access to residents, and two new stair entrances and an access ramp and gate have been installed to improved accessibility.

The sports field will be open to the public from 4pm to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 8pm on weekends. During school holidays, it will be open to the public from 8am-8pm every day.

Upgrades on nearby Kogarah Public School are also progressing. This upgrade will include the construction of 24 new classrooms in a three-storey building, a new multipurpose hall and the removal of 10 demountable classrooms.

The upgrades are part of the NSW Government’s plan to rebuild public education, with record education funding in the 2024-25 Budget including $8.9 billion for new and upgraded schools to ensure all children in NSW have access to a world-class public education.

A full list of schools taking part in the Share Our Space program, including the trial, can be accessed here.

NSW Premier and Member for Kogarah Chris Minns said:

“I’ve never been a fan of locking up school grounds to the public. I want kids and families to be able to use the grounds outside of school hours.”

“It seems like a waste to keep hundreds of school ovals locked up at night, over the weekends and during school holidays.

“It’s why we’re throwing the gates of this public land open – it means people who live in apartments have more space to enjoy the outdoors, and kids have more options to get off their devices and play outside.

“I’m really pleased that one of the schools taking part in this trial is Kogarah High School who are also getting to enjoy an upgraded oval, with new fences, gates, stairs and an access ramp, ensuring this space is accessible to all who wish to enjoy it.

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

“The new trial of the Share Our Space program will give people across the state greater access to green spaces throughout the school term.

“The upgrade to nearby Kogarah Public School is part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education, which includes record funding for new and upgraded schools that ensure all children have access to a high-quality public education.”

Key workers, students, cleaners, and childcare workers are all a step closer to better access to affordable housing in central Wollongong with the approval of 145 new homes including 25 affordable units.

Since the introduction of the Minns Government’s Infill Affordable Housing Bonus in late 2023, where projects can receive up to a 30 per cent increase in height or Floor Space Ratio (FSR) if they maintain at a minimum 10 per cent for affordable housing for at least 15 years, there has been a strong pipeline of projects with recent approvals in North Sydney, Rhodes and Burwood.

But Wollongong is set for a housing boost with the first project approved under the pathway outside of Greater Sydney, providing greater access to private and affordable homes alongside shops, cafes and more parking.

The project, worth nearly $70 million, will provide 145 apartments, including 25 affordable housing units, within two 10-storey buildings above a shared podium.

The mixed-use development, led by The Smith Street Development Partnership, will be built at 106 and 120-122 Smith Street and 3A Charlotte Street in Wollongong.

The affordable units will be managed by community housing provider, Evolve Housing, to make sure they remain available to low and moderate income households for the next 15 years.

The development includes ground floor commercial and retail spaces as well as parking for 185 cars, and easy access to public transport, schools, and other essential services

The project is expected to create 305 jobs during construction, with 30 ongoing jobs as part of the new retail space, once completed.

During the public exhibition period the proposal received three submissions. The concerns outlined in these submissions have been addressed through conditions of consent relating to flood management and road upgrades to support the development.

Choice and diversity are at the centre of the Minns Government’s planning reforms, choice of where you want to live, when you want to live there and the variety of services and amenities you have access to.

The development has been approved as a State Significant Development (SSD) as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to delivering well-located housing close to transport, shops, and job opportunities.

Under the Infill Affordable Housing pathway, there are currently 29 projects under assessment, which if approved would deliver approximately 8,000 homes, including 2,400 affordable homes.

There have been nine affordable housing projects determined since 1 July 2024, which once constructed will deliver 2,010 homes, including 536 affordable homes.

For more information visit Shoptop housing with in-fill affordable housing Smith Street, Wollongong | Planning Portal – Department of Planning and Environment

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“The need for affordable housing close to transport, jobs and amenities is not just something that needs to be delivered in Sydney, cities like Wollongong need this diversity of housing stock too.

“This will help health workers, teachers and other front-line workers or low to medium income families be able to work closer to home in a modern, purpose-built development with excellent new amenities.

“The infill affordable housing bonus scheme is generating strong interest with proposals for thousands of new homes being considered across the state.

“The centre of our cities need to provide homes for a mix of people across all income levels and the Minns Government’s approach allows the delivery of affordable housing, alongside market housing, in good locations.

“The Department reviewed the application closely, in consultation with Wollongong City Council, the community and other relevant stakeholders. The approved development will see the development of a vacant site close to the Wollongong city centre to provide much-needed housing.”

The Minns Labor Government’s handpicked education head wants to eliminate school choice and abolish private education in New South Wales.
 
In extraordinary comments provided online ahead of ABC’s Australian Story last night, NSW Education Secretary Murat Dizdar openly questioned whether private schools should exist. He flagged his desire for a national debate on scrapping all non-government schools and enforcing a one-size-fits-all model of public-only education.
 
Mr Dizdar tried to recover the situation by some later comments published on the Education Department website, but did not walk away from his earlier questioning whether private schools should exist at all.
 
This is an attack on every parent in NSW who dares to make a choice about their child’s education. It is an insult to every Catholic and independent school community. And it is a betrayal of every teacher, principal and staff member working outside the public system.
 
The NSW Opposition believes in school choice—public, Catholic or independent.
 
If the Minns Labor Government truly believes in the continuation of Catholic and other private schools, it’s untenable to have as its education boss someone who wants to abolish them. His views are not merely about, say, a particular curriculum or pedagogical issue, or even as to the appropriate share of funding, but goes to the heart of the structure of the NSW education system and whether two of the three sectors should exist at all.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said parents in NSW work hard, pay taxes and make sacrifices to send their children to the school that best suits their values, beliefs and needs.
 
“Labor’s Education Secretary wants to take that choice away from families. That’s unacceptable and untenable,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Acting Shadow Minister for Education Justin Clancy said we back our public schools and the teachers and support staff who working tirelessly to lift up the next generation.
 
“But we also back parents. School choice is not a privilege—it’s a right. Mr Dizdar’s comments are out of step and wildly inappropriate for someone in his position. The Premier and Education Minister have handed over the education department to someone who wants to abolish private schools altogether,” Mr Clancy said.
 
This is not about pitting sectors against one another. It’s about demanding leadership that respects the diverse fabric of our education system.
 
The Minns Labor Government must decide—do they stand with parents, or with a bureaucrat ideologue who wants to abolish their rights?