Category: NSW News

Train passengers and staff will be less at risk from lithium-ion battery fires as a result of a ban on converted e-bikes on the NSW rail network.

Converted e-bikes are defined as regular pedal bikes that have been fitted with batteries and motors. These have higher risk of electrical failure due and fire risk due to DIY installations, inadequate wiring and use of second-hand batteries and incompatible or poor-quality components. 

Other e-bikes, shared e-bikes and mobility devices will not be impacted, however Transport for NSW will continue to monitor all e-micromobility incidents closely. The decision will not apply to travel on concourses, lifts, escalators, or bike storage facilities outside of the fare gates. Riders passing through community access gates will not be impacted. 

The growing popularity of e-bikes has meant a greater prevalence on our train network. Due to the risk of e-bike lithium-ion batteries igniting, and the additional risk posed by poorly made and modified devices, it will be illegal to take a converted e-bike on Sydney Trains, NSW Trainlink and Metro services from 1 November.

Carriage of a restricted converted e-bike would carry a penalty notice offence of $400 with a maximum penalty of 10 penalty units ($1,110). This is comparable to the existing offence for carrying a petrol-powered device on a train or railway premises. Ahead of the ban coming into effect, passengers are being asked not to bring any converted e-bikes on these services.

The move comes after extensive consultation with the rail and fire authorities, unions, e-bike users, delivery services, shared scheme operators and passengers. That engagement included a Transport for NSW Have Your Say consultation that received around 3000 responses, and a ministerial reference group with key stakeholders. We thank all parties who took part in the consultation.

Transport has been monitoring the risk of lithium-ion fires after two recent e-bike fires at Liverpool Station in August, Blacktown Station in April (which involved a converted e-bike) and on a Melbourne suburban train in March. So far this year Fire and Rescue NSW have reported 77 e-micromobility related lithium-ion battery fires.

To support the ban of converted e-bikes on trains, Transport will provide additional training for staff, conduct hotspot blitzes, and increase public messaging about the fire risk of modified devices.

To improve standards across all e-bikes, the NSW and Victorian Transport Ministers have written a joint letter to the Commonwealth Government requesting their support in strengthening Australia’s approach to the safety of e-devices, to ensure that all devices imported, sold and used in Australia are safe and fit for purpose.

The NSW Government recognises the increasingly important role e-micromobility devices will play in the future of public transport, including the ability to mode shift and complete the ‘last mile’ between metro and train stations and destinations. In order to safely integrate e-bikes the government is currently drafting legislation to better regulate shared devices.
 
Minster for Transport John Graham said:

“We take the safety of our rail passengers and staff very seriously which is why we are taking the highest risk e-bikes out of train carriages.

“The overwhelming message from the consultation was that banning all e-bikes from trains would go too far. Taking out the highest risk e-bikes is a sensible and balanced step, but we will watch this space very closely and take further action if necessary.

“E-bikes are becoming more popular and playing an increasing role in our transport network. Our aim is to allow people to enjoy their advantages whilst keeping everyone safe.

“It’s a timely reminder ahead of Christmas – if you’re thinking of getting an e-bike, take a look at the Fair Trading website and look for a quality bike, to make sure you’re investing in safety.” 

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“Electronic devices have transformed the way we live, work, and commute – but without boundaries, some have also introduced new risks and the potential to disrupt our safe rail operations. 

“This isn’t a matter of jumping at shadows. Our safety experts have been monitoring this emerging situation very closely, and we’re taking a sensible approach in consultation with our rail and transport operators. 

“We urge people to purchase good quality e-bikes that comply with minimum product safety standards and avoid any modification to their bike. 

“Put simply, the idea of blocked aisles, confined spaces and battery fires from risky devices don’t mix.” 

The Minns Labor Government has released the state’s most advanced Biosecurity Action Plan to protect landscapes, livestock and crops from pests, weeds and biosecurity threats to ensure our $20 billion per annum primary industries sector can increase its economic growth.

Australia and NSW are under pressure from complex and costly biosecurity threats, and it is critical that the state’s biosecurity system is strong, effective and responsive now and into the future.

The Minns Government has made it clear that strengthening the state’s resilience and protection against biosecurity threats is a priority. This has been demonstrated by establishing NSW’s first Independent Biosecurity Commissioner and $1.05 billion funding in this year’s budget.

To ensure that NSW has the best biosecurity system available the Minns Government has commissioned a comprehensive review of biosecurity programs, governance and performance.

In a two-pronged approach the Natural Resources Commission reviewed invasive species management, and the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner examined compliance, enforcement and governance performance to recommend improvements for pest and weed management.

In response to these reviews, the Minns Government has designed a system wide improvement that will be guided through the new Biosecurity Action Plan over 2025 and 2026 to enable swift and effective work that includes the following:

• Establish a State Biosecurity Committee to enable a more rapid and better coordinated cross-government approach to biosecurity, and response to outbreaks and emergencies. The Committee will also produce a State Biosecurity Strategy that all government agencies will play a role in implementing.
• Strengthen surveillance, diagnostics and emergency responses by training 200 additional staff to respond to biosecurity emergencies, increase research efforts and upgrade the state’s primary biosecurity research centre.
• Improve biosecurity compliance across industries and landholders by enhancing the Government’s efforts in inspections, audits, investigations and enforcement.
• Implement a new statewide invasive species plan delivering multi-year resourcing, better coordination of agencies’ programs, and prioritise reduction of biosecurity risks at a landscape scale.
• Transition to a $40.7 million four-year Weeds Action Program that provides greater certainty for Local Control Authorities and improves weed management outcomes.
• Increase education and awareness for businesses, land managers and producers so they better understand their biosecurity responsibilities with clear regulatory guidelines.

The Biosecurity Action Plan NSW can be found here.

The NSW Government’s response to the NRC’s report is available on the NRC’s website and the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner’s reports and the Government’s responses can be found at the Commissioner’s website.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“Biosecurity is a Minns Government priority and we are now releasing this Biosecurity Action Plan to further evolve the state’s system to become the best available and leading the way not just in Australia but globally.

“While we have already delivered the state’s first independent Biosecurity Commissioner, the first feral pig coordinator, a historic $1.05 billion in funding and $40.7 million, four-year funding for the Weeds Action Program, we know there is more work to do.

“The former Government left our biosecurity system in a terrible mess and underfunded, and the Minns Government has stepped up to increase funding and brought in expert advice to reform this critical area of endeavour.

“This highly practical and measurable plan demonstrates our commitment to protecting our primary industries from biosecurity threats, by strengthening our surveillance and compliance, boosting research, and increasing support for farmers and landholders.

“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and this Action Plan frames how government agencies, businesses and private landholders can better comply with their biosecurity duties and build the most effective biosecurity system possible.

“While we have been developing this plan, the Minns Government has got on with the job of cracking down on non-compliant businesses, eradicating feral pigs and giving regional councils the funding they need to combat noxious weeds plaguing paddocks and riverbanks.”

Darren Cleary will be the new Chief Executive of Sydney Water, ushering in a new era of strategic planning and delivery for the organisation.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to building the sustainable future of our water systems and keeping Sydney Water in public hands.

As one of the state’s most important publicly owned utilities, Sydney Water will continue to deliver essential services from every household and business across Greater Sydney and the Illawarra.

With proven success in operational excellence and environmental stewardship, Mr Cleary emerged as the clear candidate to lead Sydney Water.

Mr Cleary brings decades of experiences in the water utility sector, including more than ten years in executive leadership.

As Chief Executive of Hunter Water since 2020, Mr Cleary successfully improved water security for the region through investment in the Belmont Desalination plant, creation of the Lower Hunter Water Security Plan and delivery of a $1 billion capital program.

Mr Cleary will begin in the role from 17 November. 

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“I’m thrilled to announce the appointment of Darren Cleary and look forward to watching Sydney Water thrive under his leadership.

“As a trusted public face with a wealth of experience, the future of Sydney Water as a reliable, sustainable, customer-focused organisation is in good hands with Darren.

“I’d also like to thank Paul Plowman who has been Acting Chief Executive since March for his service.”

Chair of the Sydney Water Board, the Hon. Niall Blair said:

“After a comprehensive recruitment process, the board was excited to recommend Darren Cleary to Minister Jackson for appointment as CEO.  He was stand out candidate amongst a very high calibre field of applicants.

“As a former employee of Sydney Water, Darren is no stranger to our organisation and we warmly welcome him back. With a decade of executive leadership in the Water sector in NSW, he joins us at a critical time as we embark on our extensive capital infrastructure program and continue to deliver on the needs of our 5.4 million customers who rely on our water services every day.

“The board also appreciates and thanks Paul Plowman for his dedication and efforts as acting CEO.”

The Albanese and Minns Governments are forging ahead with one of the Hunter’s most significant infrastructure projects, with the final girders now in place on the new northbound bridge over Ironbark Creek (Toohrnbing) on the Hexham Straight Widening.

A total of 65 girders have been lifted into place by a 400-tonne crane. Each girder weighs around 20 tonnes – equivalent to the weight of 10 family cars – and forms the foundation of the new threelane northbound bridge.

The Hexham Straight upgrade is a key part of the $2.2 billion M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.

With around 50,000 vehicles using this stretch of road each day, the project aims to relieve congestion, improve safety and provide more reliable travel for both commuters and freight operators.

Transport for NSW and its delivery partners – an alliance of Georgiou, Daracon Contractors and SMEC – are now focused on completing the bridge deck, installing barriers and progressing final road surfacing.

The new northbound bridge is expected to open to traffic by early 2026, weather permitting.

This six-kilometre upgrade between the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge will see the current two-lane dual carriageway widened to three lanes in each direction, removing a wellknown bottleneck and helping to future-proof the region’s road network.

Motorists are already seeing the transformation take shape, and more changes will become visible as construction continues. Some temporary lane closures and speed reductions will be required at times, with updates available through Live Traffic NSW.

The M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace includes the Hexham Straight Widening and is being delivered with $1.8 billion from the Australian Government and $448 million from the NSW Government. The entire upgrade is expected to open to traffic in 2026.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“There will be no sub-par work on this project. This is one of the most important road corridors in the Hunter, and we are building infrastructure that will last – not just for today, but for decades to come.

“In the 1870’s, the first timber truss bridge was opened over Ironbark Creek, connecting Newcastle to Maitland.

“Now we’re seeing the final girder placed on a brand new, modern bridge that will carry this connection forward for generations.”

Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“This is an exciting step forward on one of Newcastle and the Hunter’s most critical road projects.

“Once complete, this upgrade will make trips faster, safer, and more reliable for the more than 50,000 motorists who use this stretch every day.

“We’re delivering real progress on this long-awaited project, and this milestone brings us another step closer to the finish line.”

Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson:

“The final girder lift is a major step forward for the Hexham Straight upgrade – a project that will ease congestion, improve safety, and support local jobs right here in our region.

“I’m proud to see this progress delivered thanks to a strong collaboration between the Australian and NSW Governments. With $1.8 billion in federal funding, the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace project is a major investment in our region’s future – and the Hexham Straight Widening is a critical step towards its completion.

“A big thank you to all the commuters for your patience during construction, and to the incredible roadworkers and project teams for their hard work in making the Hexham Straight Widening a reality.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp:

“It’s fantastic to see the Hexham Straight Widening project ticking off another significant milestone.

“Motorists will be able to see the bridge come together before their very eyes over the next few months as our teams continue carrying out this important upgrade.”

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:

“A big well done to the Hexham Straight Widening team who have worked tirelessly on upgrading this important stretch of the Pacific Highway.

“Once complete, this project will improve traffic flow for motorists and freight which mean safer journeys and more reliable travel times.”

Regional NSW disaster response and recovery operations will be strengthened as the Minns Labor Government delivers new high clearance vehicles and light flood rescues to across the state. 

vehicles are part of the NSW Government’s fleet replacement program, ensuring NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers have the latest, purpose-built equipment to keep communities safe.

Included in this year’s flood rescue fleet upgrades are 10 new High Clearance Vehicles with cranes and specialised equipment worth $800,000 each and 11 light flood rescue Land Cruisers valued at $270,000 each. This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver on the things that matter, supporting community resilience and safety.

The addition of these vehicles to the NSW SES fleet across regional parts of the state will increase volunteers ability to access isolated communities and perform critical rescues during flooding. 

Built at Alexander Perrie & Co at Port Kembla in the Illawarra, the new 4WD flood rescue vehicles are designed with enhanced offroad capability, and have a custom-built body for flood rescue equipment, as well as integrated stowage for inflatable flood rescue rafts. These vehicles are now being delivered to SES units in Wyong, Kiama, Tamworth, Ballina, Yamba, Orange, Forbes and Sydney.

Further, the high clearance vehicles are designed to operate in extreme off-road conditions and through floodwaters up to 1.2 metres deep, enabling SES crews to deliver essential supplies, complete rescues, and support other emergency services in remote and hard-to-reach locations.

The delivery of the new vehicles comes as SES crews responded to more than 59,000 incidents in the past 12 months, an 24,500 increase from the previous 12-month period, in what has been the busiest year since 2022.

The NSW Government thanked communities for following emergency service advice to prepare, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting wetter than average weather will continue until the end of the year.

September to April is typically the time when the frequency of storms, strong winds and heavy rain increases, but August has already been wet for much of the state.

High clearance vehicles will be delivered across the state, including to areas recently impacted by flooding, such as Murwillumbah, Coffs Harbour and Taree. Others will be operational throughout Ku-ring-gai, Broken Hill, Goulburn, Moruya, Forbes and Dubbo. 

The fleet rollout follows extensive consultation with SES volunteers, trainers, and manufacturers to ensure each vehicle meets the operational challenges of the State’s diverse landscapes.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said: 

“I would like to thank our hardworking SES volunteers who have been out in force this year and who are a reassuring sight for communities in times of need.” 

“These new vehicles ensure we are giving our frontline emergency services the equipment they need to respond faster, reach more people in isolated areas and carry out rescues in some of the most challenging conditions.”

“Our investment in these vehicles is about making sure the people who run towards danger to help others have the tools they need to do it safely.” 

“We know we can count on SES crews to help communities, and I would encourage anyone who wants to join to sign up.”

NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Damien Johnson said:  

“These vehicles represent a significant step forward in our flood and disaster response capability.”

“We’ve worked closely with our volunteers and technical experts to ensure these designs meet the realities of field operations — whether that’s wading through more than a metre of floodwater, navigating fire trails, or delivering supplies to communities cut off by floodwaters.”

“This investment brings our total number of high clearance vehicles to 20 and means our dedicated members will be able to work more safely and effectively when the next emergency comes.” 

The Minns Labor Labor Government’s $14.65 million Open Streets 2025-28 Program is helping support councils to temporarily create places for people to enjoy free community events with Canterbury-Bankstown Council staging the new Love Earlwood – Meet You at the Plateia Festival today in a rich display of culture, cuisine and music.

From 11am-4pm, a free festival will see Clarke Street and Earlwood Avenue in the town centre transformed into a vibrant celebration of all things Mediterranean.

At a time when cost of living pressures are being felt across the state, councils across NSW are being supported to hold more free community events, with help from the NSW Government’s Open Streets program.

Too often our main streets are something we drive through, rather than enjoy time with family and friends around.

However, activating streets is expensive. Under the previous government, councils and organisers could face costs of up to $122,000 to open a street for an event. That burden stopped communities from being able to use their streets and public spaces.

With the Open Streets program, the Minns Labor Government is fixing this. From Tweed Shire to Bega Valley Shire to out west in Broken Hill, 46 councils have secured funding under the NSW Government’s renewed initiative.

Following a competitive grants process, Canterbury Bankstown Council received $350,000 in funding to deliver the festival over three years.

More than 30 stallholders will take part, including those showcasing tasty dishes inspired by Greek, Italian, Turkish and Lebanese cuisines.

George Kapiniaris – the popular star of Acropolis Now and Housos – is set to keep crowds entertained in his role as festival MC, presiding over a main stage program that includes:

• Balkan Boogie and Dusha Balkana performers
• Pepa Molina’s Flamenco Ensemble “Las Flamenkas”
• An all-female Lebanese drumming group
• Latin American singer Lily Guerrero
• The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW dance group
• The George Nikolopoulos and friends band
• Earlwood Public School students dance ensemble
• All Saints Grammar students’ musical performance
• Sousaphonics brass band

The eclectic line-up comes in addition to a host of fun-filled activities for kids, including a FREE glamour day spa and rides. 

For more information about the Open Streets Program, visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/openstreets

For full festival details and performance times, visit: wih.city/LoveEarlwood

Minister for Transport, John Graham said:

“It is exciting to support Earlwood’s newest festival.  We’re thrilled to support Love Earlwood – Meet You at the Plateia Festival in Canterbury-Bankstown. 

“Too often our main streets are something we drive through, rather than drive to. Our main streets are a critical part of our social infrastructure, and this program demonstrates how we can use our streets to bring communities together and drive revenue for local businesses.

“The Open Streets program temporarily transforms our main streets into thriving, vibrant public event spaces. 

“The colour and diversity of these 240 events across NSW, celebrates the unique personality of each town or suburb. This is what our vibrancy agenda is all about, backing locals to create events and entertainment that works for their local community.”

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled that the NSW Government recognises the value of our local events, and that the Earlwood Festival is back where it belongs – at the heart of our community.

“This ongoing funding over the next three years will ensure the festival continues to grow as a much-loved annual event that brings people together and celebrates everything that makes Earlwood special.

“I’ve been campaigning for this for a long time, and it’s a real win for the whole community. I especially want to acknowledge the local residents and community advocates, including Councillor Clare Raffan who’ve worked tirelessly to help bring the festival back. I would also like to thank the President of the Earlwood Business Chamber George Massouridis. 

“We live in the best state in the world, and people deserve to enjoy their neighbourhoods in a cost-friendly, inclusive way whilst also supporting local jobs, boosting small businesses, and bringing our streets to life.

“I can’t wait to see Earlwood transformed into a vibrant, public space where the community can come together and celebrate.”

City of Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said:

“Whether you like to don your dancing shoes, sing along to great tunes or tempt your tastebuds with Mediterranean flavours, there will be something on offer for everyone at this festival.

“Come along, join in the fun and celebrate Earlwood with us.”

The switch to electric buses for the state’s 8000-strong bus fleet is an important step closer, with the first conversion of a major Sydney depot to battery electric fast-charging technology.

Brookvale is the first of Sydney’s 11 bus depots to be fitted out for the change, with Australia’s first gantry-mounted fast-charging station now installed.

The new gantry-mounted system offers higher charging power and shorter charge times, with the ability to recharge a bus in as little as 20 minutes to one hour.

By 2028, the fleet of diesel buses at Brookvale will have been replaced with battery electric buses.

Leichhardt and Kingsgrove are expected to have electric bus charging technology installed in 2026, while a new, custom-built electric depot is also planned for Macquarie Park.

Each electric bus can travel up to 300 kilometres on a single charge, providing quieter, smoother and cleaner public transport that will progressively replace the entire diesel and gas fleet in Sydney over the coming decade.

The $25 million conversion of Brookvale includes the installation of 13 pantograph charging positions and ten plug-in chargers, which will accommodate 229 electric buses at Brookvale.

Brookvale depot’s electricity supply is planned to be powered by renewable energy and a new 250kW rooftop solar system is now covering operational needs like lighting.

Currently, there are 13 electric buses operating out of Brookvale, with all diesel buses to be replaced by 2028.

The NSW Government’s Zero Emission Buses Stage 1 program is delivering depot conversions, the new depot at Macquarie Park, the purchase of 1,200 new electric buses and $25 million for regional trials.

The Zero Emission Buses program is building up local manufacturing in bus production, with a minimum 50% local content from 2027.

Premier of New South WalesChris Minns said:

“We are building a better bus system for NSW, with the Northern Beaches leading the way.

“This is a win for passengers, drivers and the environment – cleaner and quieter buses powered at depots with modern technology.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Brookvale bus depot is the new benchmark in the move battery electric buses and passengers across Sydney can look forward to the revolution coming their way as we progressively fit out other depots over time.

“The Northern Beaches experienced the worst of the bus driver shortage that built up under the Liberals and also lost high-capacity bendy buses when they had to be withdrawn from service for body work. Bus passengers here can look forward to a brighter, all-electric future.”

Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan said:

“We are so proud that the first bus depot going electric is right here on the Northern Beaches.

“Today is a momentous day. The greener, cleaner future of bus transport for Sydney has arrived – right here in Brookvale. The people of the Northern Beaches are the winners – less pollution, less noise, more brand-new buses hitting the network.”

Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby said:

“This is one of the biggest investments in buses for the Northern Beaches in recent years. Coming off the back of a bus crisis – this investment in cleaner, quieter and more reliable services is a huge win for our community.”

“Pittwater wants climate action and Transport is one of the biggest contributors to emissions in NSW. We’re the beneficiaries of innovation – lowering emissions and adding new electric buses to our network, delivering better services on the Northern Beaches.”

The Clarence Valley community is being invited to view and provide feedback on the design of the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment, with a new fly-through animation released today.

The NSW Government is investing $263.8 million in the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment to provide new and enhanced health services for the region, which includes a new 3-storey acute services building. 

The animation offers the community a virtual tour of the new hospital and coincides with completion of the detailed design for the project, which has been shaped by extensive consultation with staff, stakeholders and the community.

The redevelopment will deliver a new and expanded emergency department, new emergency short stay and a new medical imaging department, including an MRI suite and inpatient unit, enhancing health services for the region.

The day surgery and operating suite will be expanded to provide two extra operating theatres, increasing overall capacity. The new building will also provide space for maternity services to be relocated in the future, as well as zones for potential further development.

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

The redevelopment will also improve access to the hospital for patients, visitors and staff including public access to the hospital from Arthur Street, with a turning circle drop-off zone for visitors as well as a new road off Queen Street to provide ambulances with direct access to the emergency department, and a new car park.

The local community is being encouraged to attend upcoming community information sessions to meet the project team and provide feedback on the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment design at Grafton Shoppingworld on:

• Monday, 29 September – 3:00pm-5:00pm
• Tuesday, 30 September – 9:00am-11:00am

Feedback can also be provided online via the project website.

In the coming weeks, the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) planning documents will be placed on public exhibition, providing the community with further opportunity to view and provide feedback.

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

As part of the redevelopment, a refurbishment of two administration blocks within a section of the old Grafton Gaol is progressing, which will provide contemporary administration, office and training support facilities for hospital staff.

For more information about the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment, to view the new fly through animation and provide feedback, visit: https://nsw.gov.au/grafton-base-hospital-redevelopment.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Government is committed to rebuilding essential healthcare services in regional NSW.

“The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment will deliver modern facilities, expanding and improving care for the community.

“We’re grateful for the input provided by staff and stakeholders into the planning process that has helped shape this project and look forward to the community sharing their views and feedback on the new design in the upcoming information sessions.”

Minister for North Coast, Janelle Saffin:

“This upgrade is essential the maintain the high level of care the growing community of Grafton deserve.

“It’s great to see the upgrade being progressed with community input and feedback and I encourage everyone to have a say to ensure we get the best possible outcome.

“By working together we are enabling health staff to deliver excellent patient care in environments that support patients and their families to feel safe, welcome and comfortable.”

Labor Spokesperson for Clarence, Emily Suvaal MLC:

“The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment will make a real difference to the Clarence Valley Community.

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

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

Communities across New South Wales came together today to thank their local paramedics and NSW Ambulance staff as part of NSW Ambulance Appreciation Day.

Ambulance stations across metropolitan and regional NSW opened their doors for the public in Penrith, Macquarie Fields, Randwick, Artarmon, Armidale, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo and Queanbeyan. The eight stations welcomed hundreds of visitors for station tours, interactive displays, and a behind-the-scenes look at the service’s state-of-the-art vehicles.

As part of the day, more than 150 Certificates of Appreciation were announced for NSW Ambulance staff who have gone above and beyond in their roles, recognising outstanding service and dedication to the people of NSW.

Among those recognised today was Inspector Natalie Boyd, who played a pivotal role in the Mid North Coast floods coordinating the relocation of staff to a temporary site while ensuring operations continued with minimal disruption.

Emergency Medical Dispatcher Peter van der Veen was also recognised for more than 15 years of dedicated service as a cornerstone of operations at the Northern Control Centre.

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan joined staff at Artarmon Ambulance Station, with NSW Ambulance’s four Control Centres also hosting Appreciation Day events for friends and family of NSW Ambulance staff, as well as the State Operations Centre hosting an event for staff.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This is an opportunity to show our thanks and appreciation for the hardworking NSW Ambulance staff who step in at some of the most critical times in people’s lives.

”I want to thank the amazing staff at NSW Ambulance for their commitment to keeping communities safe. 

“The warmth and gratitude shown by communities right across the state speaks volumes about the trust and respect people have for NSW Ambulance.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“Our staff don’t do this work for recognition, but knowing the community stands behind them means a great deal,”

“Seeing people of all ages come through our stations, ask questions, and learn more about our work helps build understanding and connection — and that’s what days like this are all about.”

The Minns Labor Government has walked away from protecting regional communities dealing with the youth crime crisis, voting against the Opposition’s strong bail reforms in Parliament today.
 
Despite the latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data showing improvement in some areas, regional residents are still being held to ransom every single day, including a motel owner in Moree who was allegedly stabbed by a 13-year-old over the weekend. 
 
The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Youth Crime) Bill 2025, introduced by Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens in March, offered tougher measures than Labor’s changes to the Bail Act, by:

• Expanding the definition of repeat offences beyond serious break and enter and motor vehicle theft, to include all serious indictable offences like murder or sexual assault.
• Introducing electronic monitoring and a mandatory curfew as conditions of bail.
• Revoking bail if there is a breach of the bail conditions, if another charge is laid while on bail, or if there is any interference with the electronic monitoring device.
• Elevating the voice of victims in the court through the use of victim impact statements. 

The Bill was however voted down by Premier Chris Minns and his Government 35-48, in a move Opposition Leader Mark Speakman described as a political stunt.
 
“What we saw today is typical of the Minns Labor Government, blocking sensible solutions that could help deal with this crisis, purely because it wasn’t its idea,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“In the past two years the Premier has done little more than fly in and out of Moree for the cameras, while ignoring country towns that urgently need help.”
 
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said he hoped Labor would have taken a more bipartisan approach.
 
“We have been constantly voicing the fears of our communities that are in the thick of this and are being held to ransom by serious repeat youth offenders every single day,” Mr Saunders said.
 
“I really expected the Premier to have been more willing to work with us on a real pathway forward, but instead he chose to play politics with people’s lives and turn his back on every regional resident who doesn’t feel safe on the streets or in their own homes.”
 
Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens said the horrific cases in the past few weeks shows the need for immediate legislative change.
 
“When an alleged repeat offender is back on the streets on bail before their victim is even released from hospital, there’s something very wrong with the system, and shows the laws we have in place are clearly not working,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“The Coalition’s bill showed the community that we understand the anxiety that is being felt, and we were willing to do something about it, which is also why we emphasised the importance of victims’ voices being heard.
 
“Electronic monitoring for repeat serious criminal offenders has assisted in deterring crime in other states while offenders are on bail, while mandatory curfews would help keep them off the streets. Making young offenders face their victims and the consequences of their crimes is essential to deterring future crimes. But because of the Labor-Greens-Teal alliance in opposition to our reform, we are now back at square one with no clear solution in sight.”