Category: NSW News

Dangerous and damaging LGBTQ+ conversion practices will be banned from today.  The Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024 makes conversion practices, which can include ‘conversion therapy’ and suppression practices, a crime punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment.  It also creates a scheme allowing civil complaints about conversion practices to be made to Anti-Discrimination NSW.  Conversion practices are based on the false ideology that LGBTQ+ people have a ‘disorder’ or require treatment.   This can include psychological or medical interventions, counselling, or subtle and repeated messages that LGBTQ+ people can change or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity with faith or effort.  Anti-Discrimination NSW can investigate complaints about conversion practices occurring from 4 April 2025, and, if appropriate, try to resolve the matter through conciliation.   It can also refer matters to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal in certain circumstances.  It will also deliver information sessions and resources about the new law including free online videos and tools and referrals to support services.   Conversion practices inflict significant harm on members of the LGBTQ+ community.  People who deliver or preform conversion practices that cause substantial mental or physical harm face up to five years’ jail.   Taking someone out of NSW to deliver ‘conversion therapy’ carries a maximum three-year jail sentence.   The ban does not prevent general religious teaching or expressions of religious principles, or parental discussions with their children related to sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual activity or religion.   It is targeted at a practice, treatment or sustained effort directed at someone to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.  This follows ongoing work by the NSW Government to progress reforms that ensure all members of our community feel valued, respected and equal.  The Premier issued a formal apology last year to people convicted under discriminatory laws that criminalised homosexual acts, and the Government passed legislation that meant more of these offences were able to be extinguished.  In September, the NSW Government supported all 19 recommendations delivered by the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes, which examined the unsolved deaths of LGBTIQ people and found shortfalls in historical responses by the NSW Government.  The Government established the inaugural LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council, which is working to develop NSW’s first LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy.  The Government supported the amended Equality Bill which passed NSW Parliament after being introduced by the Independent Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich.  Attorney General Michael Daley said:  “So-called ‘conversion therapy’ inflicts real and significant harm on members of the LGBTQ+ community.   “Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are. There is nothing ‘wrong’ with LGBTQ+ people. They do not need ‘fixing’ or to be ‘saved’.  “We are indebted to the survivors of this insidious practice who shared their experiences and advocated for this important reform.”   Minister for Health Ryan Park said:  “These sorts of practices are incredibly harmful and dangerous, and they have severe and lasting health impacts.  “Today, we’re bringing an end to them.  “I want to thank the many individuals and groups who engaged with the Government on this legislation, to make this ban a reality.”  Founder and CEO of Ambassadors and Bridge Builders International (ABBI) Anthony Venn-Brown OAM said:  “The ban on dangerous and discredited LGBTQA conversion practices is a welcome move.   “I grew up when being gay was a criminal offence and mental health professionals believed they could cure people of homosexuality.   “It caused me great stress and anxiety. I did everything to change it, including conversion ‘therapy’.   “I often thought of suicide.  “After coming out, I’ve spent decades supporting people who were told they were broken and needed ‘fixing’. Today, people are still taking their lives – or contemplating it – over this issue.   “LGBTQA people should be celebrated, accepted and affirmed. This law will protect vulnerable people from harm, save lives and make NSW a safer place for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.” CEO of Equality Australia Anna Brown OAM said:  “We stand with victim survivors in welcoming this law which prohibits these archaic and harmful practices, which have already caused untold harm to LGBTQA people.  “Abuse dressed up as pastoral care or guidance is a breach of trust and power. Telling someone they are broken or sick because of who they are is profoundly psychologically damaging.  “Not only will this law save countless people from a lifetime of pain – and in some cases save lives – it also sends a powerful message that LGBTQA people are whole and valid, just as we are.” 

The Minns Labor Government has launched a new mental health and wellbeing strategy for first responders which now recognises forestry workers, national park employees, and road and transport workers who put their lives on the line keeping communities safe.

This is in addition to emergency services personnel including Ambulance NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, NSW State Emergency Service and the NSW Rural Fire Service.

First responders in NSW play an essential service protecting citizens and responding to a range of emergencies, from car crashes to bushfires and floods. 

The new strategy sets out fifteen priority actions that agencies are implementing to improve the mental health and wellbeing of these workers and help them to better manage the psychological challenges associated with their vital work.

First responders will get the support they need regardless of the agency they belong. The strategy requires agencies to ensure mental health services are accessible, particularly for those in regional and remote areas, providing holistic and tailored support for first responders throughout their careers.

This Strategy takes a proactive approach, setting a new high baseline for mental health and wellbeing support across first responder organisations and providing training for managers to better recognise and support workers.

The Minns Labor Government is taking immediate action to support employees at key NSW agencies including Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW), National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW). The government has introduced the following measures:

• Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training: The agencies will be required to implement PFA training for all employees, including managers. This training aims to better support individuals impacted by emergencies, disasters, or traumatic events by connecting them to appropriate support services.
• Referral to Clinical Care: Employees impacted by traumatic incidents will receive referrals to timely and appropriate clinical care, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources to address their mental health needs.
• Peer-Support Services: The strategy includes the establishment of a peer-support service that is informed by evidence-based, trauma-informed training programs tailored to the specific needs of first responders. These services will incorporate the principles of PFA to provide ongoing support.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of first responders and recognises the unique challenges they face in their line of work.

The government’s strategy is driving long-term improvement in the sector to ensure these workers have the assistance they need to perform their critical roles effectively and sustainably.

The First Responders Mental Health Strategy can be found on the NSW Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for First Responders web page.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“We ask our first responders to run towards distressing scenes, so we need to support them with policies like this one.

“This is about giving more first responders more support.

“We are promoting mental wellbeing and preventing psychological injuries for these essential workers.”

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:  

“I welcome this strategy that ensures road workers, national park employees and forestry workers all have access to the same psychological support offered to other first responders.

“Workplace mental ill health is estimated to cost Australian businesses up to $39 billion each year, due to lost participation and productivity. 

“The NSW Government is committed to preventing psychological harm and promoting mental health as part of a mentally healthy workplace.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“First responders are heroes in NSW communities, often putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others.

“This strategy ensures the NSW Government is looking after the people who look after us, giving them the tools and support they need to stay mentally healthy.

“By addressing the unique challenges our first responders face, we’re ensuring they have the mental health support they need to perform their roles safely and effectively.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“It’s incredibly important that our frontline workers are given appropriate training and support for their mental health and wellbeing. 

“Unfortunately, some of these essential jobs can expose workers to highly stressful or traumatic events, and we want to protect people from experiencing psychological harm at work.

“That’s why this initiative is firmly based in evidence-based and trauma-informed measures and will ensure people can lean on their peers and managers to prevent injury.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Our first responder road and transport workers help ensure community members are kept safe each and every day.

“It’s important we look after all workers who do so much to look after everyone on our road and transport networks. By developing the new mental health and wellbeing strategy, the government is ensuring worker safety is made an even higher priority.”

AWU NSW Branch Secretary Tony Callinan said:

“First responders provide an essential service to the community, protecting citizens and responding to a range of emergency situations. 

“I support this strategy which will improve the mental health outcomes for all participants.”

Black Dog Institute Executive Director & Chief Scientist Samuel Harvey said:

“We welcome the release of this strategy and are pleased to see many of our recommendations reflected in its design and the priority actions— particularly the focus on tailored, evidence-based support, connecting first responders to clinical care and ensuring training for managers/ people leaders to support early interventions.

“We know that first responders are at increased risk of mental health problems and over recent years, research has also begun to show the type of workplace supports and clinical programs that can help improve the mental health of this key group of workers and volunteers.

“We look forward to the next stage of this work and assisting the Minns Government with implementing these actions to ensure first responders receive the highest standard of mental health support.”

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The Eurobodalla community is invited to attend a community forum to receive an update from Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) about the Eurobodalla health service, including the new $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital and $20 million Batemans Bay Community Health facility.

Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting at Bay Pavilions, from 5.00pm to 6.30pm on Thursday 10 April. 

The Eurobodalla health planning update event panel will include:

• Dr Michael Holland, Member for Bega & Parliamentary Secretary for Health
• Brad Scotcher, General Manager Coastal Network SNSWLHD
• Monika Sitkowski, A/Senior Manager GoodSAM implementation, NSW Ambulance

Panel members will provide project updates and answer questions submitted in advance.

Eurobodalla health planning update:

• Where: Bay Pavilions, 12 Vesper Street, Batemans Bay
• When: 5.00pm to 6.30pm, Thursday 10 April
• Questions should be submitted by 5.00 pm Monday 7 April to:SNSWLHD-YourFeedback@health.nsw.gov.au
• No registration or RSVP is required to attend the forum.

Ryan Park, Minister for Regional Health

“This invitation is an opportunity for the community to receive clear, up-to-date information on the progress of health-related projects happening across the Eurobodalla as we work together to strengthen health services for our community. 
 
“I encourage everyone who can to attend, and I am looking forward to engaging with the community and hearing their priorities.” 

Dr Michael Holland, Member for Bega

“I have long advocated for health services in our region, and I am really looking forward engaging with the community about the really fantastic healthcare projects we have underway in our region.

“It’s been fantastic to what the progress at the site of the Eurobodalla hospital over the past year, and it’s exciting that work is about to get underway at Bateman’s Bay Community Health Centre.”

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong is today visiting Junee Correctional Centre with Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) Commissioner Gary McCahon, to mark the Minns Labor Government’s successful transition of the Junee Correctional Centre into public hands.

Minister Chanthivong will also welcome staff to the new agency and will see the new operational model first-hand, which will secure well paid public service jobs for locals while integrating the centre into the broader prison network, enhancing operations statewide.  

Junee Correctional Centre transitioned to CSNSW’s new operational model this week, marking the first time the centre has been run by the public sector since it opened in 1993.

CSNSW extended offers to existing GEO staff who wanted to remain employed, and continues a recruitment drive to fill staffing vacancies as the prison’s inmate population increases.

Bringing the prison into the public system will allow CSNSW to integrate operations with the broader prison network, while continuing to support the local community through two minimum-security community project teams.

CSNSW, Justice Health, and the Forensic Mental Health Network have worked alongside GEO for the past 16 months to implement the transition, which provides higher pay, better job security and more employment opportunities to workers.

Minister Chanthivong welcomed the news that CSNSW will also continue to support the Junee branch of Meals on Wheels and looks forward to supporting local residents with this initiative.

The Junee Correctional Centre bakery is also expanding its operation and will provide bakery food items to all correctional centre facilities in the southern region.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong:

“We promised voters that we would reverse the trend of privatising public services, and we’ve successfully transitioned the Junee Correctional Centre to the public sector, delivering on that commitment.

“Not only do frontline staff at Junee Correctional Centre have better pay and conditions since the transition to public management, they’re providing a service that will deliver better value for NSW taxpayers, as well as improved rehabilitation outcomes and education and training opportunities for inmates.”

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM:

“Corrective Services NSW has worked with GEO and other stakeholders to transition to the new operating model with minimal impact on day-to-day operations, while focusing on the key objectives to reduce reoffending and continue to support the local community.

“This transition of Junee Correctional Centre into public hands has provided us with a blueprint to successfully manage the private-to-public transition process, which is an experience we’ll rely on when we bring Parklea Correctional Centre back into the public sector in October next year.

“I want to thank CSNSW’s project team for their tireless work to enable this smooth transition, and I share a warm welcome to the new employees who will be joining the CSNSW family.”

Justice Health NSW Chief Executive Wendy Hoey:

“As the current provider of health care services in all NSW public adult correctional centres, Justice Health NSW is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of people in custody across the state.

“Expanding our health services to include Junee Correctional Centre is an opportunity to enhance health outcomes so that we can return people healthier to their communities.

“We were extremely pleased to see many of the existing health staff within the centre transition across to Justice Health NSW – their local experience and knowledge will greatly assist with a smooth transition.”

Public Service Association NSW General Secretary Stewart Little:

“The PSA strongly endorses transitioning the Junee Correctional Centre into the public sector after 32 years.

“This major milestone in the life of the Centre is welcomed because we know that privatising prisons simply hasn’t worked.

“Workers, inmates, and the broader community are always left worse off when prisons are driven to operate for profit rather than beneficial community outcomes.

“We wouldn’t ever consider privatising the Police or the Courts, and it should be exactly the same standard for our Corrections system.”

Demolition works as part of preparations for the second phase of the Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct (LHAP) redevelopment of Liverpool Hospital will begin this month.

The NSW Government is investing $830 million in the LHAP, which will transform Liverpool Hospital into a clinical hub for innovation and medical research to meet the growing health care needs of the community.

Phase 2 of the project will deliver a new multi-storey Integrated Services Building, which will house inpatient units, an integrated cancer centre, including a wellness centre and expanded women’s and children’s ambulatory care.

Multicultural-themed wall art will also be a feature of the new building to create a welcoming and inclusive health facility.

Refurbishment works, including the conversion of the Caroline Chisholm Building into an administration hub, will continue.

By the early 2030s, more than 1.2 million people are expected to call the Liverpool region home. South Western Sydney LHD will see population growth of 33 per cent over the next 20 years – the second highest in the state, behind only Western Sydney LHD which is expected to grow by 37 per cent. The population growth underpins the need for upgraded essential health services.

Demolition work will prepare the site for construction of the new building, which is expected to begin later this year. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.

Phase 1 of the redevelopment delivered a new five-storey building which includes an expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), new birthing suites, and a new centralised Pathology Department. The Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct is being delivered by Health Infrastructure and South Western Sydney Local Health District with Lendlease the principal contractor.

For more information on the project visit: https://lhap.health.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct is one of the largest hospital redevelopments in south-western Sydney and it’s exciting to see this important health facility progressing.

“The new Integrated Services Building will bring further expansion and enhancements, ensuring the community will continue to receive world-class care closer to home.’’

Charishma Kaliyanda, Member for Liverpool:

“Liverpool is already benefiting from the expanded birthing suites and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for our tiniest babies, which were delivered as part of the first phase. I look forward to seeing the next phase of the hospital building take shape for our growing community.

“We thank those who receive care and work at Liverpool Hospital for their patience during construction of the new health facilities.”

Scott McGrath, General Manager, Liverpool Hospital:

“Our staff, patients and community are delighted the second phase of our incredible hospital redevelopment is underway.’

“This project will transform the care of our patients and showcase our hospital to the world as a centre of medical excellence, research and education.’’

The toll-free M12 Motorway has passed a major construction milestone with 14 kilometres of the road now complete, on time and on budget and ready to provide direct access to Western Sydney Airport once open in 2026.

The road is now being landscaped, sign posted and having safety infrastructure installed. Once opened, it will link the new Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek to the wider Sydney motorway network, Elizabeth Drive and The Northern Road.

This last section connecting into the M7 Motorway and still in construction will add around 2 kilometres to the project.

Significantly, this marks the first time the public could technically drive the full length between The Northern Road and works near the Elizabeth Drive off ramp at Cecil Park. This will leave just connecting and finishing works to complete before the entire 16-kilometre road is opened to the public in 2026.

The $2.1 billion project, one of the largest transport projects in NSW, has seen:

• around 117,000 cubic metres mainline road concrete used
• 8,223 people employed from which 5,472 local people were employed
• 2,320 bridge lineal metres
• 3,085,587 cubic metres of completed earthworks
• 461 bridge piles installed
• 637 bridge girders installed
• 867,509 trees, shrubs and grasses planted.

The central and western sections of the M12 Motorway have been completed by Transport for NSW construction partners Seymour Whyte and CPB Georgiou Group JV.

Meanwhile work to link the M12 to the M7 is progressing rapidly, with a new alignment of Wallgrove Road at Cecil Hills recently opening to motorists. This is necessary work to create room for the interchange ramps, with bridgework continuing as the M7 upgrade progresses.

The M12 forms part of a wider Western Sydney roads upgrade as the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments get on with the job of delivering Western Sydney road upgrades.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said:

“We’re building Australia’s future by delivering the road and rail connections this new Airport needs to connect it to Western Sydney and beyond.

“With freight services due to start at the airport next year, this new road will ensure trucks can move quickly and easily from the Airport to sites like the new Moorebank intermodal terminal and the rest of the Sydney road network.”

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“The M12 Motorway will be a game-changer for Western Sydney residents – a vital, toll-free link that will ease congestion, improve travel times, and connect our local community without adding to household costs. 

“After years of the former government locking Western Sydney motorists into costly toll roads, this project proves that the Minns Labor Government is committed to building better roads and delivering world-class infrastructure for local families.”

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“We are a Government serious about targeted investment which will help drive employment and provide improved infrastructure for motorists.

“Just three years ago, around us were just fields. In that time a new airport has emerged from the cow paddocks, a new motorway nearing completion, works on The Northern Road have been undertaken, a new city of Bradfield is beginning to rise, a Metro is connecting the region and other important upgrades are all underway.

“Driving the M12 today gives the sense of scale as to the works being undertaken.”

NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said:

“Once opened next year, this road is expected to carry up to 30,000 vehicles a day.

“These are vehicles we are taking off local roads by providing a quality free alternative.

“And while this is happening, we are getting on with the job of strengthening local roads around the precinct. That includes Mamre Road, Mulgoa Road and for the first time $800 million towards fixing Elizabeth Drive and $1 billion on Fifteenth Avenue.”

Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley said:

“This is one of a number of new vital new road connections that the State and Federal Governments are delivering to ensure Western Sydney’s new airport is easily accessible.

“The M12 will provide a toll-free east to west connection from the M7 to the new Airport, and our investments in Elizabeth Drive and Fifteenth Avenue will ensure people from other parts of Western Sydney can easily access their new airport as well.”

Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“I welcome this major milestone in connecting all of us to the new Western Sydney Airport, along with upgrades to Fifteenth Avenue, Elizabeth Drive and other key roads.

“This is all part of ensuring communities like Leppington have easier access to the jobs and opportunities the new airport will bring. These investments ensure everyday travel is easier and we’re building a stronger, more connected Western Sydney.” 

After a three-year break, the Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy will resurrect its popular parkrun community event as the reserve prospers from the completion of a $567,000 NSW Government-funded upgrade of its 1km internal access road.

Up to 200 people are expected to turn out for the re-commencement of the parkrun event on 5 April, starting at 8am.

The 5km run will be a weekly event held every Saturday on the Crown land reserve between Wyong and Tuggerah, which is one of the region’s most significant environmental and community assets.

The return of the parkrun follows the half million dollar plus investment by Crown Lands to improve safe access to the reserve last September.

Parkrun will bring Central Coast residents together to meet new friends and foster a sense of community while improving their physical and mental well-being by walking, jogging, or running the course. It also has the capacity to attract tourists from surrounding areas, benefitting both the reserve, and boosting surrounding businesses.

The route will predominantly follow flat grass pathways to suit people of various ages and fitness levels. Participants will be able to take in the reserve’s wide variety of wildlife, scenic natural views and even grazing cows as they complete the course.

Among the reserve’s abundant flora and fauna are more than 200 bird species, including the Powerful Owl, other species such as Squirrel Gliders. and many large Moreton Bay fig trees planted over 100 years ago.

The wetlands are also a site of cultural significance to the Darkinjung people who have lived in the area for 40,000 years.

Works completed by Crown Lands included a new two-lane bitumen road, including safety barriers, guideposts, traffic signs, and speed bumps. The reserve was previously accessed via a potholed single lane gravel road which operated for over 100 years but was no longer safe to use.

The new road has improved community access and is helping the reserve to flourish. As well as the parkrun, local schools are returning to the wetlands for excursions, and the Mark Churcher Golf range at the reserve reports visitor numbers have grown.

At 155-hectares, Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy is the largest area of open space in the region and a popular location for active and passive recreation, including bird and nature watching, bushwalking, running and family events.

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said:   

“The parkrun is a great community event that brings people together and keeps them fit. The Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy is a magnificent reserve full of beautiful native wildlife.

“I look forward to seeing the community get out and about to enjoy our region’s natural wonder.

“I thank all the volunteers at the reserve who are working incredibly hard to make the fun run happen.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:  

“The NSW Government is focused on building better communities and investing in our regions is a huge priority.

“It’s fantastic news for the Central Coast community that the parkrun will resume. The recent investment in a brand-new road network will help Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy go from strength to strength.”

Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy Crown land chairperson Jed Field said:

“The parkrun is a beloved community event that we sadly had to shut down for three years due to the state of our access roads.

“Previously, you needed a four-wheel drive but now anyone can drive through our reserve, which has meant more and more visitors are coming back and enjoying everything we have to offer.

“We believe this will be the first of many events we are hoping to hold in the coming months.”

Park Run event ambassador Gordon Spence said:

“There are over 500 parkrun courses around Australia, however Pioneer Dairy’s is one of the most unique. It’s run all on grass, paths, and trails, and gives you a real sense of running through a pristine environment.

“Parkrun events are for the whole community. It’s not competitive; people can run, jog, or walk through the course. We’re absolutely thrilled more people will be coming to Central Coast Wetlands – Pioneer Dairy to enjoy this hidden gem.”

The Minns Labor Government has ended unaccredited emergency accommodation for vulnerable children in out-of-home care (OOHC), marking a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to fix the state’s child protection system.

This week, the last child living in an Alternative Care Arrangement (ACA) was transitioned to more appropriate, supportive accommodation with an accredited provider. For the first time in 20 years, there are no children living in unaccredited emergency accommodation tonight.

This reform comes after heartbreaking firsthand accounts and numerous reports highlighted the terrible outcomes for children living in ACAs. In one report, a child likened their experience to ‘a dog being moved from cage to cage’.

In response, the Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, established a specialist team within the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) to deliver one of the most significant reform efforts in the foster care system in years—eliminating ACAs forever.

Now a thing of the past, ACAs:

• often involved children being placed in hotels, motels and caravan parks with rotating shift workers instead of foster carers
• could cost upwards of $2 million per child each year or $38,000 per week
• were the placement option of last resort
• were provided by unaccredited agencies who were not required to meet the NSW Child Safe Standards for Permanent Care.

Ending ACAs required the tireless work of DCJ staff and frontline caseworkers. In November 2023, 139 children were living in ACAs. Since then, every child has been moved into a safer and more stable placement. Some have been safely restored to their parents, some have been placed with foster carers, some are now living in intensive therapeutic care homes or other accredited emergency arrangements, and some have transitioned to specialist disability accommodation.

A cornerstone of the Minns Labor Government’s landmark reform has been recruiting emergency foster carers. As a result, over 1000 children have been placed in homes instead of hotels.

For more than a decade, foster carer recruitment was abandoned under the previous Liberal-National government, creating a crisis where thousands of children were placed in high-cost emergency arrangements (HCEAs) due to a dire shortage of foster carers.

The Minns Labor Government has tackled that failure head-on, delivering real reform and a system that better protects vulnerable children.

Since coming into government, we have also:

• reduced the number of children placed in all types of HCEAs by 35 per cent since November 2023
• stood up Waratah Care Cottages to better support children and sibling groups who are currently stuck in HCEAs
• delivered the largest caseworker pay increases in more than a decade
• redeployed our best and brightest casework specialists to the frontline, already supporting 300 additional vulnerable children
• released a system review and comprehensive roadmap for reform.

Despite significant progress, hundreds of children remain in emergency accommodation simply because there aren’t enough carers to meet the demand.

While work is underway to fix the child protection system we inherited, the government needs the community’s help to get there.

For more information about becoming a foster carer, visit DCJ’s foster care website.

Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington said:

“When we came into government, more and more children were being placed in high cost emergency arrangements like hotels and motels. It was the worst symptom of our broken child protection system, and vulnerable children were paying the price.

“After hearing heartbreaking stories from children who had been placed in hotels and motels, I knew we had to act.

“Ending ACAs has only been possible because of the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff and the incredible people in the community who have stepped up to become emergency foster carers.

“Every single foster carer in NSW changes the trajectory of a young person’s life, and we desperately need more.  

“This is a huge step forward, but we know there’s still so much more to do. We’re continuing the hard work of reforming the child protection system so that every child can feel safe and loved.”

Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice Michael Tidball said:

“The safety and wellbeing of children and families is our highest priority.

“Ending the use of ACAs represents a significant milestone in our comprehensive plan for reform across the child safety and wellbeing system in NSW.

“It is a crucial step in our vision to support families to stay together wherever possible and, when not, ensure safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children.”

Advocate for Children and Young People, Zoe Robinson said:

“I welcome this news as a massive positive step forward. We always do better when we listen to children and young people and take what they tell us seriously.

“Children and young people who participated in the Special Inquiry made it clear that ACAs were not safe.  They were not like a home, and they were not with appropriate carers, they were with shift workers.

“This demonstrates a huge effort across the NSW Government, DCJ and the sector to provide better, more appropriate care for children and young people.”

Emergency and respite foster carer, Hayley Van Duijn said:

“It is great to hear that there has been an increase in emergency foster carers, as ACAs have detrimental effects on children who have already endured so much trauma.

“It has been an incredibly rewarding experience for our family to provide emergency care for foster children.

“I’d encourage more families to consider opening up their homes to these beautiful vulnerable children.”

Today, a further 20 projects have been declared as State Significant Development following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) that has been established by the Minns Labor Government.

Of these proposals, 17 are in metropolitan Sydney and 3 are in regional NSW.

If lodged and approved, this could create more than 5,600 well-located homes across New South Wales, including affordable housing.

To date, 64 proposals with an estimated 27,800 homes have been declared state significant.

Since the formation of the HDA, 10 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.

All proposals declared as SSD will have their development applications assessed by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, without needing to be approved by councils. This can cut approval times and speed up the delivery of new homes.

The HDA builds on the Minns Government’s recent reforms to speed up the delivery of more homes, including:

• The development of the NSW Pattern Book and accelerated planning pathway for those who use the pre-approved patterns.
• The largest rezoning in NSW history around transport hubs and shopping centres to address the ‘missing middle’.
• The largest ever investment in the delivery of social and affordable housing in NSW.
• $200 million in financial incentives for councils that meet the new expectations for development applications, planning proposals and strategic planning.
• $450 million to build new apartments for essential workers including nurses, paramedics, teachers, allied health care workers, police officers and firefighters.

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 on the Ministerial Orders web page.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Together the 20 new state significant housing developments are expected to deliver more than 5600 homes, including affordable housing.

“For too long councils have been saddled with the majority responsibility of the housing delivery in NSW, the Housing Delivery Authority is the State Government taking greater responsibility in this space and this has been well-received by industry.

“Proponents now have nine months to get their detailed plans ready for assessment and if planning approval is granted, we expect construction to start within 12 months of that approval.”

New ABS data released today shows building approvals in NSW have collapsed, marking the worst 12-month period to February since 2014 amid concerns from industry that the Minns Labor Government’s housing policies simply are not building new homes.
 
Total dwelling approvals rose in February in every state in Australia except NSW with a staggering 44% fall compared with last month, and a 11.5% drop compared with the same month last year.
 
These numbers were released as the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) “NSW Housing Accord Progress Report” stated that the Government’s housing policies “are yet to deliver any discernible market response in development activity” and “the lack of development applications going in and out of the system is concerning.”
 
The Minns Labor Government’s Transport Oriented Development Policy has seen “fewer than 150 dwellings… approved in TOD areas via local council pathways” and fewer than 10 development applications could be attributed to the TOD policy.
 
Stage 1 of the Minns Labor Government’s Low and Mid Rise Housing Policy has seen fewer than 200 dwellings created since July 2024. Labor projected that the policy would create 112,000 new homes over the five year Housing Accord Period, yet a dismal 0.2% of the overall projection of new homes have originated in the first eight months of the policy.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Minns Labor Government is not building new homes despite all the fanfare of its policy proposals.
 
“Today’s figures prove that NSW can undergo as many re-zonings as possible, but with higher taxes leaving housing projects unviable, the development pipeline is running dry under Labor.
 
“It’s been almost a year since Labor’s housing policies were enacted and these policies are failing. NSW is getting nowhere close to the lofty projections made by Chris Minns. Prospective first home buyers across the state are losing hope.
 
“Industry and the Opposition have been loud and clear for two years that it’s not viable to build, yet Labor’s inaction is resulting in new housing projects sitting in neutral because the numbers don’t stack up,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said that the Liberals and Nationals voted against Labor’s $12,000 housing tax on new home builds which was always going to make projects less viable.
 
“The UDIA figures show that Labor’s housing policies promised to build homes in their thousands, and yet we are barely seeing homes built in their dozens after close to a year of waiting.
 
“When feasibility is the key issue for the building sector, the Government has made matters worse by imposing a $12,000 tax on new homes,” Mr Farlow said.
 
“On these figures Chris Minns’ housing policies will make next to no contribution to the 377,000 new homes target over the next five years – a target that will end in dismal failure. It’s time that Labor wakes up to the fact that higher housing taxes don’t work if you want to build more homes.”