Category: NSW News

The Central Coast Local Health District is continuing to expand its safe, high quality and compassionate maternity care at Gosford Hospital for the Central Coast community.

With the operator of Gosford Private Hospital Healthe Care ceasing private maternity services today, Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) has expanded its services to meet the expected additional demand for maternity care.

Gosford Hospital provides comprehensive 24-hour midwifery, obstetric, anaesthetic, and paediatric support, including a Special Care Nursery.

CCLHD is meeting regularly with local private obstetricians to ensure a smooth transition for women who choose to birth with a private provider at Gosford Hospital.

Earlier this month, the Federal Government announced $10 million commitment to support the Minns Labor Government to support existing local maternity services available to the Central Coast community.

Approximately 3,000 babies are born each year with the support of CCLHD’s maternity services. Gosford Hospital is preparing for up to an additional 400 births annually following the closure of Gosford Private Hospital’s maternity services.

A recruitment drive to fill vacant senior obstetrics and gynaecology positions has been successful, including recently commenced individual Heads of Department for Obstetrics, and for Gynaecology.

Further visiting medical officer and staff specialist positions are currently being recruited.

Maternity care is provided across the CCLHD with birthing services at Gosford Hospital or with the publicly-funded homebirth service, which offers women with low-risk pregnancies the choice to birth at home.

Women are also able to access antenatal care at Wyong Hospital and postnatal care in their home through Midwifery in the Home. In addition, women and their families have access to child and family health services across the Central Coast, to support breastfeeding, infant feeding, early parenting, child development, and immunisation.

To ensure CCLHD’s obstetrics and gynaecology services continue to meet the needs of the community well into the future, a clinical services plan for its women, children and families’ services is being developed, with a focus on maternity services.

To support development of the plan the community is being asked to provide their insights via a survey promoted on social media, throughout CCLHD’s women, children and families’ services and on the CCLHD website here: https://www.cclhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services/maternity/ The survey closes 4 April 2025.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park

“I can assure women on the Central Coast that they can rely on safe, high-quality maternity care should they choose to give birth at Gosford Hospital.

“The recent recruitment efforts of the Local Health District means Gosford Hospital is well placed to handle the expected increase in activity.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris

“The NSW Government is committed to safe, high quality health facilities and hospitals for all Central Coast residents. The expansion of services at Gosford Hospital for maternity care continues this commitment.

“We know there has been strong interest in midwifery opportunities with almost all vacant permanent positions filled, ensuring CCLHD has enough highly skilled and experienced midwives to support Central Coast women.”

Residents of Temora and surrounding communities are invited to view and provide feedback on the Temora Health Service Redevelopment planning documents, with the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) now on public exhibition until Friday, 2 May 2025.

The $95 million investment in the Temora Health Service Redevelopment will deliver a new health service building which will integrate health services under one roof to support contemporary models of care and enhance accessibility for consumers.

The REF and hospital designs have been informed by extensive consultation with staff, stakeholders and the community, including through information sessions on the design, held last year.

The redevelopment includes construction of a new single-storey building, which will house an expanded medical imaging unit, including new ultrasound and CT services. 

New courtyards will be created offering direct outdoor access from key areas including the inpatient lounge, birthing room, rehabilitation gymnasium, staff room and reception area. New landscaped seating areas will provide a welcoming and supportive space for patients, staff and visitors. 

Improved car parking for visitors and a separate emergency vehicle entry to improve access is also planned to be included as part of the design.

Construction is expected to start in late-2025, following the planning approval and the appointment of a building contractor.

The REF and supporting technical documents is available on the Health Infrastructure website.

Feedback can be provided until 11.59pm on Friday, 2 May 2025.

For information on the REF and to ask any questions, please contact the project team at MLHD-Temora-Redevelopment@health.nsw.gov.au.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Health Infrastructure will continue to work with community stakeholders and staff to ensure the $95 million redevelopment meets the future health needs of the growing Temora community.

For further information, visit the Temora Health Service redevelopment project webpage. 

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The $95 million investment in the Temora Health Service Redevelopment will ensure the delivery of modern hospital and healthcare facilities to support the current and future health needs of communities in Temora and the Murrumbidgee region.

“This is a significant milestone for the redevelopment project, which will increase medical imaging capability for the region with the addition of an ultrasound and CT machine.

“We’re grateful for the input provided by staff and community into the planning process for the project which will enhance health facilities and services in the region.”

Government Spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence, MLC:

“I’m delighted to see planning for the Temora Health Service Redevelopment reach this significant milestone, which will boost health services for patients, families and their carers across the Murrumbidgee region.

“We encourage the community to provide their feedback on the plans while they are on public exhibition.

“This is an important milestone in the $95 million investment, which brings us one step closer to delivering a modern new health facility for the Temora community.”

The NSW Government has today released the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 – a landmark strategy to cement NSW’s position as the innovation powerhouse of Australia and a leader in high-value industries.

With NSW accounting for 65 per cent of the nation’s venture capital investment in 2024, and home to five out of eight Australian unicorn companies (valued over $1 billion), the state is already a recognised leader in driving economic growth through innovation.

However, this is a position that cannot be taken for granted.

There is a global contest for talent and investment and the Government will not repeat the decade of Liberal-National delay.

The NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 sets clearly defined goals and priority action areas that will guide how the NSW Government designs programs, allocates funding, and works with innovation stakeholders.

This will help NSW grow more unicorns like Afterpay, Atlassian, Canva and Safety Culture in the years ahead.

The NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 complements the NSW Industry Policy released earlier this month, which sets out the Government’s long-term vision and plans for the economic future of NSW.  

Key actions from the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 include:

• A strategic approach to funding: Ensure existing and future programs are easy to navigate, more equitable, and support key industries identified in the Industry Policy.
• World class places: Enhance access and use of NSW’s world-class facilities and continue to develop Tech Central as a flagship innovation district.
• Talent development: Support people in the ecosystem through increasing collaboration and enhancing innovation hubs, including supporting founders from diverse backgrounds, Western Sydney, and rural and regional areas.
• Global attraction: Explore launching an annual Tech Week and engage with global and local investors to bolster international venture capital investment into NSW.

The NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 also sets a target of $27 billion in additional investment for the NSW economy over the next 10 years from innovation-intensive firms, and nearly 100,000 additional jobs.

The development of the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 has been informed by extensive consultation with innovation stakeholders, including a summit at NSW Parliament House, and a series of roundtables with industry bodies, startups, scaleups and venture capital investors.

Former Tech Council of Australia CEO Kate Pounder also carried out a comprehensive assessment of the NSW innovation ecosystem to identify current challenges and opportunities.

Ms Pounder’s report, also released today, found that while NSW benefits immensely from its current advantages in innovation, it is facing fierce competition domestically and internationally for its key industries and jobs.

Ms Pounder also found that existing supports in NSW are not always targeted at the most pressing needs or gaps in the innovation ecosystem, which the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 seeks to address.

The Government’s vision is clear – we want NSW to be the best place to innovate, so that innovative businesses can create more economic and social opportunities for the people of NSW, and to help tackle the state’s most important challenges.

Read the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035, Pounder Review, and the ‘What We Heard’ Report, a qualitative summary of ecosystem stakeholder feedback collected during consultation on the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 on the Investment NSW website.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong:

“Today the Minns Labor Government is releasing our NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035, which provides a clear strategic policy direction for fostering growth and prosperity in the state’s innovation ecosystem and tech sector.

“NSW has a proud track record of innovation, but we cannot rest on our laurels. Together with the recent release of the NSW Industry Policy, the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 will ensure we stay ahead of the curve, create quality jobs and drive economic growth. This can’t be achieved without focusing on our state’s most important resource – its people.

“By addressing inequities and fostering inclusivity, we’re ensuring every talented entrepreneur and innovator in NSW has the chance to thrive.

“But this is about more than just tech – we are supporting innovation across all industries, to make a more productive economy and help build a better NSW.

“I want to thank Kate Pounder for her insights, and the feedback from hundreds of individuals, businesses and institutions that have helped inform the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035.

“The work done to produce the final Blueprint been a significant collaborative effort and one that ensures NSW continues its trajectory as an innovation powerhouse.”

Pounder Review Author and Former CEO of the Tech Council of Australia Kate Pounder:

“Committing to a strategic vision for the innovation ecosystem through the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 is huge step forward to ensuring NSW maintains its position as a world leader in the tech sector.”

Tech Council of Australia CEO Damian Kassabgi:

“NSW is the largest contributor to Australia’s innovation economy, and a clear path forward for the tech sector’s growth is long awaited and welcome.

“The Tech Council of Australia thanks Minister Chanthivong for taking this important first step with the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035, and we look forward to seeing practical outcomes from this plan to give NSW tech companies the support they need.”

Country Manager for Afterpay Australia, on behalf of Block Inc. Katrina Konstas:

“Block Inc is proud to be a resident of Sydney’s Tech Central precinct, a recent move solidifying our local commitment.

“The NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 sets an ambitious and focused course for the continued growth of NSW’s innovation ecosystem.

“We look forward to continuing to build an environment that attracts the next wave of innovators, entrepreneurs, technologists and scientists.

“Setting targets of $27 billion of additional investment demonstrates the leadership and support that tech startups need to grow their businesses and to ensure lasting success.”

Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter:

“Innovation and tech entrepreneurs are all across NSW and Business NSW fully supports any efforts to magnify their efforts.

“The NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 focus on female founders and diverse backgrounds across the state is welcome as everyone deserves support on their entrepreneurial journey.”

Head of Policy at the Committee for Sydney and Chair of the Innovation District Alliance Jeremy Gill:

“This is a clear signal to industry that innovation is core to the NSW Government’s economic agenda, and it is determined to unlock the state’s significant potential for job creation and investment attraction.

“Sydney is an innovation city, and so the Innovation Blueprint’s recognition of the need for a place-based focus to nurture NSW’s innovation ecosystem and the importance of a whole-of-government approach is strongly welcomed.”

The Minns Labor Government has launched the Expert Advisory Network (EAN), a new initiative to better utilise in-house expertise across the public sector and reduce its reliance on external consultants. 

Established in the Premier’s Department, the network has created an initial list of 30 existing teams across the public service. They will be able to provide projects across government with specialist advice and project support, including on policy and strategy, stakeholder engagement, financial and commercial services, actuarial services, infrastructure, technology, and environmental services.

Teams already on the list include Investment NSW’s economic and analytics capabilities team and Multicultural NSW’s interpretation and translation services.

Support from the Expert Advisory Network will take different forms depending on the nature of the project, including one-off advice, ongoing project coaching, direct project delivery, peer review, and financial and commercial advisory services. 

This will enable EAN teams working on short-term projects to share their knowledge and allow agencies to build their own institutional capacity.

As more specialist teams join the network, it will allow the government to deliver more projects internally with fewer external resources.

Under the previous Liberal-National Government, the Auditor-General identified that more than $1 billion was spent on external consultants without adequate procurement and management policies in place. Further analysis found that more than 15% of contracts were for ‘generalist work’ on policy design, program evaluation and report writing.

In 2023-24, the Minns Labor Government delivered $450 million in savings on consultant and contingent labour spend.

The Expert Advisory Network will continue that work by allowing agencies to identify existing expertise inside government rather than sending taxpayer funds to external consultants.

A 2024 report undertaken by The Cabinet Office found that utilising existing expertise within the public service could save as much as 52% on each contract.

The Minns Labor Government has implemented strict controls on consultant and external labour spend and issued clear instructions to agencies around the use of consultants. 

These measures deliver on Labor’s plans to reduce spend on consultants, bolster the public service and improve essential services for families and households across NSW.

For more information on the Expert Advisory Network, visit nsw.gov.au/expert-advisory-network.

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos: 

“Establishing this network is a step forward as we undertake reforms on how the government spends money on goods and services. This is a common-sense reform and makes sure we work smarter within the public service and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. 

“We need to deliver value-for-money for taxpayers by spending more money on essential services and less money on unnecessary consultants.

“Consultants should be offering specific, expert advice to government, not replicating work that can be done with existing resources inside government agencies.

“With the Expert Advisory Network, we will save the public money and boost capacity in the public service, allowing us to deliver on the essential services that families and households rely on.”

Women experiencing severe or complex menopause symptoms now have improved access to additional support following the establishment of Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s (NBMLHD) new menopause referral service.

NBMLHD’s new Specialised Menopause Referral Service aims to provide assistance and support for women whose symptoms have not responded to previous treatments, or those women who face additional complications from other medical conditions.

The new service has been established as part of NSW Health’s menopause network, which has four hubs and multiple referral sites across the state and is networked with the South-Western Sydney LHD hub.

Care Coordinators will assist with triage and navigate care locally, supporting the medically-led, multi-disciplinary hub team of nursing and allied health professionals to provide holistic support.

The NBMLHD Specialised Menopause Referral Service will deliver care using a hybrid approach, with a largely virtual service coupled with face-to-face consultations when they are required.

General practitioners, specialists, and nurse practitioners can refer eligible women for advanced care, and are welcome to contact the service directly by emailing nbmlhd-menopause@health.nsw.gov.au.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“This Specialised Menopause Referral Service will promote flexibility and choice in the way women in the Nepean Blue Mountains region access support to manage severe menopause symptoms.

“By continuing to break down barriers like geographic isolation through effective use of virtual care technology, this service will help us continue to improve health outcomes in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.”

Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison:

“Women’s health and wellbeing is a key priority for the NSW Government.

“Menopause management can be complex. The opening of this new menopause referral service, as part of a wider network that includes four Menopause Hubs, ensures support is available for women experiencing severe menopause symptoms.

“It is one way the NSW Government is making sure women get the important holistic healthcare they need.”

Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle:

“Every woman’s experience of menopause is different, and this service will ensure women get the help they need to manage severe or complex symptoms.

“Up to one in four women endure severe and debilitating menopause symptoms, which is why services like this one are so important.”

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown:

“Severe menopause symptoms don’t discriminate and we’re pleased women in the Nepean Blue Mountains region will have access to potentially life changing care.

“The service is a significant step forward in ensuring women with complex needs receive the specialised care they deserve.”

NBMLHD Menopause Service Coordinator Holly Miller:

“Our ability to escalate to multidisciplinary virtual care through the networked Specialist Menopause Service ensures access to a wider range of specialists.

“Through the service, we’re building a supportive community where women feel comfortable discussing their experiences and accessing the care they need.”

The NSW Government’s 12-month trial of body worn cameras continues to be rolled out in selected hospitals in NSW.

Liverpool and Bankstown-Lidcombe hospitals have now joined the trial, with the aim of improving safety for staff, patients and visitors.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said a total of five hospitals across northern Sydney, south western Sydney and the Illawarra are now participating in the trial, which commenced at Royal North Shore Hospital in December 2024.

Security staff in participating hospitals are equipped with body worn cameras and can activate these cameras in response to incidents involving aggression and violence in the hospital, where there is risk of harm to staff, patients or others.

The trial will determine how effective the presence of the cameras are at deterring and de-escalating violent incidents and will be independently evaluated once completed.

Body worn cameras are one strategy intended to keep everyone safe in NSW public hospitals. NSW Health facilities also have a number of other key strategies in place to ensure the safest possible environment for staff, patients and visitors. These include:

• Ongoing risk assessments to identify and manage emerging security risks.
• Safety huddles to share information on patient related safety risk with incoming workers.
• Patient management plans that set out specific arrangements to keep both the patient and healthcare workers safe when providing care.
• Multi-disciplinary Code Black (duress) response teams. This includes the use of NSW Health security staff/Health and Security Assistants to assist clinical staff with the management of incidents.
• Workplaces designed to enhance line of sight for staff and reduce entrapment, including dual egress at staff stations and in treatments rooms.
• Lockdown arrangements including secure entry points between public and clinical areas and secure perimeters for facilities, particularly after hours.
• Personal mobile and fixed duress alarms for staff to ensure they can summon assistance when necessary.
• Closed circuit television (CCTV) and effective lighting to ensure visibility.
• Procedures to enhance car park security, including regular security patrols.

This trial is part of the ongoing implementation of recommendations from the Anderson Review of Hospital Security and follows implementation of other recommendations by the NSW Government to improve hospital security.

These include the establishment of the Safety and Security Improvement Unit within the Ministry of Health, the standardising of code black procedures, and enhanced support for patient experience officers.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The safety of our staff and patients is my top priority as the Minister for Health.

“Any instances of aggression towards staff will not be tolerated, and appropriate action will always be taken against individuals who behave in such a manner.

“I look forward to the results of this trial which will provide insight into how we can reduce instances of violence and aggression in our public hospitals.”

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda:

“The trialling of body-worn cameras is a key step in our goal to give staff, patients, and visitors every assurance that they are safe and secure at our hospitals.

“Liverpool is one of the largest hospitals in our state. I am very pleased that it is one of the first to implement this key safety measure.

“The Government has been clear: aggression toward healthcare staff cannot be tolerated. I look forward to the results of this trial, which will inform how we can reduce violent incidents in our public hospitals.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson:

“The NSW Government’s body-worn camera trial at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital and Liverpool Hospital is a crucial step in ensuring our hospitals are safe places for all.

“We are committed to protecting our nurses, doctors, healthcare workers and patients, and this technology offers a vital layer of security.

“By rigorously evaluating this trial, we’re taking action to build a safer hospital environment for everyone.”

Member for Auburn Lynda Voltz:

“The body-worn cameras trial at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital is an important step in safeguarding both our healthcare workers and patients.

“This initiative will help create a safer environment as well as support the hard-working staff who are committed to providing care in challenging circumstances.”

The Minns Labor Government is publishing State Agency League Tables to monitor and hold the performance of 22 state Government agencies, state-owned corporations and electrical supply authorities delivering development in NSW to account.

Council performance on Development Application assessments have been published since July last year and this has resulted in a 10 per cent improvement in performance.

With the success of the Council League Tables in improving overall assessment timeframes for councils, the Government is launching a second league table to hold itself accountable on housing delivery and development across NSW.

The tracker has been developed by the Housing Taskforce, a multi-agency group within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, tasked with accelerating the assessment and commencement of housing projects.

The State Agency League Tables will publish data on the number of Concurrences, Integrated development approvals and Referrals (CIRs) for each Government agency over the last six months.

It will also measure how many of these groups are meeting their legislated timeframes, with an expectation of meeting that timeframe in 90 per cent of all cases.

Delays or conflicts in approvals or advice from agencies can result in delays to a council issuing a development approval.

This means people are waiting longer to move into their new home, only worsening our housing supply challenges and locking the next generation out of housing.

The Minns Government formed the Housing Taskforce to tackle this problem by bringing representatives from each agency together to resolve these conflicts.

Since its formation, the Housing Taskforce has resolved 1,985 CIR cases unblocking around 31,800 dwellings. This has resulted in the determination of 704 Development Applications at a 94 per cent approval rate.

The release of the Agency League Table data is the next step in increasing transparency and accountability for each agency, state-owned corporation and electrical supply authority.

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 State Agency League Table builds on the Minns Government’s recent reforms to the planning system 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.

For more information and to view the State Agency League Table visit the Agency league table webpage.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We want the planning pipeline from lodgement, to assessment, commencement and completion, to be working as efficiently as possible, because that is what will actually see a family, a downsizer or a young person put a key in the door of their new home.

“The Housing Taskforce has unlocked around 31,000 homes since it was formed, I anticipate that the Agency League Table will see even more homes move from approval to commencement.

“Just like what we have done with councils, this is about holding ourselves to account, improving our own performance and making sure that everyone is able to get into a home.”

The T6 Lidcombe & Bankstown Line will be closed for 9 weeks, with train services to be replaced by fare-free replacement buses for this period while commuters affected face disruption. 

The closure will allow Sydney Metro to undertake major construction works associated with the Southwest Metro. 

Work will be carried out between 27 April and 29 June.

When work is complete, the T6 Line will be future-proofed, enabling 8-car services to run. Currently, the line is limited to 4-car trains.

The T6 is a shuttle line of six stations that was created as part of the shutdown of the former T3 Bankstown line.

It carries approximately 11,000 passengers a day of the more than one million people who use the wider Sydney rail network. 

Passengers at Lidcombe, Berala and Regents Park can continue to use other rail lines at those stations as alternatives including T3 services

Passengers at Lidcombe heading into the city or Inner West can also continue to use the T1 Western Line, T2 Inner West Line or T3 Liverpool via Regents Park Line. There will be no change in service levels for these lines. 

The stations impacted and closed are Yagoona, Birrong and Bankstown.  

The work on the T6 line involves the extension of the Sydney Trains’ platforms at Bankstown Station to enable an 8-car service, including installation of a track layout that allows access to both platforms at Bankstown station, as well as signaling upgrades.

The following replacement bus routes will operate between Bankstown and Lidcombe during this time:  

• 8T6: stopping all stations between Bankstown and Lidcombe
• 8AT6: Bankstown, then Lidcombe and return (express) 

Passengers will be able to interchange to train services at Lidcombe and Regents Park, or interchange onto the pink Southwest Link buses at Bankstown. 

Communities and passengers along the line will be informed about the transport changes via comprehensive communications and engagement activities. 

Southwest Link bus services will continue to operate as normal between Sydenham and Bankstown.

Visit transportnsw.info to get more information about the network changes.

Minister for Transport John Graham:

“Communities that use this line will experience disruption due to these necessary rail upgrades, however once complete, the line will be able to accommodate rail services with double the capacity while connecting to a world class new Southwest Metro service.

“This is a relatively small shuttle line by passenger numbers, but the loss of services for nine weeks will be disruptive for the passengers who use the T6 Line and we want to make sure commuters are aware and know what the alternatives are.

“We will have fare-free rail-replacement buses in place and marshals on the ground to ensure all passengers can continue to get where they need to go.”

Transport for NSW Acting Coordinator-General Barbara Wise:

“We know this will be disruptive for passengers and the community that relies on the T6 line, and we apologise for the inconvenience.

“Transport for NSW will have people on the ground to make sure that people who need them get to their free replacement bus.  

The Minns Labor Government has completed construction of the $40 million Tuggerah Station upgrade.

The upgrade includes installing new lifts, a new footbridge and concourse, and improved accessible public toilets.

There are also 15 new accessible parking spaces in the commuter car park, upgraded bus stops, new footpaths, enhanced lighting, CCTV and pedestrian signage.

The upgrade also provides a Boarding Assistance Zone.

Central Coast commuters now have a train station that is easy to use for all passengers – especially people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage and others who might be experiencing mobility problems.

This is the first upgrade at Tuggerah since ramps and a footbridge were added in 1988.

These latest works come as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $800 million Safe Accessible Transport program, which is accelerating train station upgrades across the network.

Thousands of commuters will benefit from the rollout of the program designed to make public transport safer and more accessible, particularly for vulnerable members of the community.

Other features include new and extended canopies at station platforms and a widened platform around the entrance.

Two new lifts at Tuggerah were opened in October 2024 as the two-year project progressed.

A small amount of finishing work will continue through mid-2025.

This is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering the infrastructure growing communities need, with Tuggerah part of the Transport Oriented Development Program.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“The Central Coast is a growing community with many workers commuting to Sydney to work.

“We have delivered the upgraded train station and transport interchange that Tuggerah deserves.

“Thousands of Tuggerah commuters will benefit from this upgrade – the first major upgrade in nearly 40 years for this station.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“This upgrade to Tuggerah Station is so important to ensuring everyone in this Central Coast community has equality of opportunity and can lead their lives without impediment.

“We continue to work towards delivering accessibility to all public transport passengers regardless of their needs or where they live.”

Kate Washington, Minister for Disability Inclusion said:

“This Tuggerah Station upgrade is another milestone in the Minns Labor Government’s plans to build a more inclusive NSW.

“Investing in accessible public transport is an investment in an inclusive society, where everyone can travel with dignity and independence.

“Upgrades like this don’t just improve infrastructure—they improve lives by enabling everyone to fully participate in their communities.”

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

“This upgrade delivers significant enhancements to the public domain around Tuggerah Station, with a new footbridge and concourse, along with improvements to footpaths and station entrances.

“As a result of these upgrades, connectivity between the station and the Tuggerah Precinct has been improved and is now inclusive for all.

“I’m delighted to be part of a government that has delivered a major win for our commuters here on the Central Coast after so many false starts by the previous government.”

Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride said:

“Each day commuters from right across the Coast use Tuggerah Station for travel to Sydney or Newcastle for work or study.

“This upgrade delivers a safer and more accessible train station for locals.

“It’s Labor Governments that deliver state-of-the-art infrastructure, like this upgrade, here on the Central Coast.”

David Mehan, MP for The Entrance said:

“Central Coast rail travellers now have a station that is safe, inclusive and easy to use for all passengers, including people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage, and others who might be experiencing mobility problems.

“The community has campaigned long and hard for this upgrade and it is good to see this has been delivered by a Labor government.”

Liesl Tesch, MP for Gosford and Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring equality of access so all New South Wales residents can access the freedom that public transport allows.

“The Tuggerah station upgrade is one of many that have been completed or are underway as part of the Safe Accessible Transport program.

“Every time another station becomes accessible to ensure everyone can get to work or school and access the services they need to live a fulfilling and productive life it gives me great joy.”

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled a bold new strategy to ensure universities align with the state’s workforce and community needs over the next five years.

Public Partnerships for Public Benefit: The NSW Higher Education Strategy 2025-29 sets out a strategic framework to enable stronger collaboration between government and universities that targets workforce needs, student pathways, equity and effective public policy. The Government will now work with universities to ensure that academic programs are aligned with current and future workforce demands.

Developed in partnership with the state’s public universities, the strategy is the only one of its kind in Australia.

A key focus of the strategy is prioritising regional workforce development, addressing critical skills shortages in areas such as early childhood education, aged and disability care, nursing and health related professions to support local economies and communities. 

The NSW Government will work with universities to streamline credit recognition and transfer systems between vocational and higher education, making it easier for students to move between different types of study and to tailor their learning to suit their career goals.

This is a key pillar of the Minns Labor Government’s broader tertiary education reform agenda, working alongside the NSW Skills Plan, the Industry Policy and Innovation Blueprint to strengthen connections between universities, TAFE NSW, and employers to ensure the state’s workforce is ready for the future.

By 2036, nine out of 10 jobs will require a post-secondary qualification, with around half requiring a university degree, and 44% requiring a vocational education and training pathway.

The NSW Government will collaborate with the Commonwealth, Jobs and Skills Australia, and education providers to deliver these reforms and create a higher education sector that provides the skilled workforce we need today and into the future.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“This is an exciting step forward for NSW. Our universities are world-class, and with this strategy, we are ensuring they remain at the forefront of education, research, and industry collaboration.

“We know NSW faces major workforce challenges, and this strategy ensures our tertiary sector is agile and responsive to those needs.

“Importantly, this is about ensuring people—particularly in regional areas— can access the training and education required to fill critical skill gaps.

“By working closely with universities, TAFE NSW, industry, and the Commonwealth, we’re creating a system that empowers students, supports communities, and drives our state’s economic growth.”