Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is delivering better public transport by ensuring tap and go payment options are made available for the first time on more than 400 town bus services throughout regional NSW.

After successful trials in Bathurst and Dubbo, a new Contactless Ticketing Program will be rolled out to more than 400 fare-paying bus services in rural and regional communities.

This technology means most passengers will now be able to use their smart phone, watch or debit/credit card to pay for their fares.

Until now, people who catch buses around towns in rural and regional NSW have been forced to pay with cash, except for in a few locations where bus operators have independently introduced their own form of contactless payment technology.

The new regional Contactless Ticketing Program now makes the option of contactless payment technology available to bus operators statewide, bringing the regions in line with metropolitan areas where passengers have been able to pay without cash for years.

Wagga Wagga will be the first community to benefit from the Contactless Ticketing Program with 21 local buses next due to be fitted out with the tap and go payment technology in coming months.

Transport for NSW is finalising details of the further stages of the roll out and will announce the first communities to receive the new technology in coming months, with the program expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Passengers will still be able to pay with cash on buses when the new technology is rolled out.

The Contactless Ticketing Program does not include dedicated school services where students mostly already use pre-paid bus passes or NSW TrainLink long distance coach services where tickets are pre-paid.

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government has heard people in regional communities who’ve told us they want to be able to pay for bus services using their smart phones, credit or debit cards.

“Despite having 12 years to roll out contactless ticketing, the former Liberal and Nationals government put the needs of city commuters ahead of regional bus passengers who were left with cash-only services in most locations.

“Where trials of contactless payment technology have been done in Bathurst and Dubbo, we’ve seen strong uptake with 42 per cent of passengers in those communities now paying without using cash.

“The trial technology will now stay permanently in Bathurst and Dubbo and we will progressively roll out the same technology to other communities across the state.

“We hope this increased convenience and alternative payment option will help increase patronage on buses in regional and rural areas.”

Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, said:

“In Question Time last October, I asked Minister Aitchison about the rollout of contactless payment for Wagga Wagga bus passengers, and I welcome her commitment to bringing this new technology to our city.

“It will provide streamlined travel options for passengers wishing to pay fares with cards or devices but importantly, those who wish to pay by cash will still be able to do so, delivering a diversity of choice which will hopefully encourage more people to use public transport in Wagga.”

The NSW Government is enhancing the Service NSW app to improve digital accessibility, strengthen data security, and boost user experience.

More than 3 million people are actively using the Service NSW app each month, with additional features being rolled out to help reduce digital barriers for the community.

New features added over recent months include a digital wallet to store licences for easy access; a Service NSW Centre finder; and multi-factor authentication push notifications.

The Service NSW app has also been undergoing a major update to design to improve accessibility for users who have visual impairments.

New features now available in the palm of your hand include:

• Service NSW Centre Finder: App users can search for their nearest Service NSW Centre or Mobile Service Centre by entering a postcode or suburb. A map will display the nearest centres and details including address, opening times, and directions to the centre.
• Digital Wallet Update: Customers can easily access all their licences in the one spot and set favourites to organise their licences on the home screen.
• Voucher Sharing: Customers with a digital Active and Creative Kids voucher can share their vouchers with other nominated Service NSW app users, making it easier for families to redeem the vouchers for sport, recreational, creative, or cultural activities.
• Update your personal details: Customers can keep their MyServiceNSW Account details up to date via the mobile app including their preferred name, phone number, and address.
• Multi-factor Authentication Push Notifications: People who choose to secure their MyServiceNSW Account with multi-factor authentication can respond to a push notification in the Service NSW app to access their account.

Service NSW will begin introducing mandatory multi-factor authentication for new MyServiceNSW account holders this month with functionality on track to be rolled out to all users by 2026.

This security enhancement significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised account access while helping keep personal data safe.  

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said: 

“The Service NSW app is all about making it easier for customers to interact with government and we are constantly looking at ways to improve functionality, accessibility, and security.

“Whether it’s finding your nearest Service NSW Centre, sharing your Active and Creative Kids voucher with a family member or easier access to your licences via the digital wallet, the changes will make it easier for the community to use.

“Connecting people living with disabilities with government information and services is so important and changes to design elements on the Service NSW app will help customers with visual impairments perform the digital transactions they need via the app.

“Service NSW takes data protection and cyber security very seriously and is working to roll out mandatory multi-factor authentication, adding an additional layer of security for customers’ information and helping prevent unauthorised account access.

“The app also provides information on the latest services including how to access toll relief through the Minns Labor Government’s $60 toll cap which has already returned $100 million to hip pockets.”

A new generation of harness drivers will be able to learn their craft with the official opening of a new multi-million-dollar training centre at Bathurst Harness Racing Club.

The Minns Labor government invested $2.9 million towards this facility which will house up to 72 horses. 

Gates and other security features have been installed to ensure horse safety. About 200 metres from the training facility is a sandy jog track for drivers and their horses to use for exercise drills. A new gravel carpark with 27 spaces and a horse float parking area has also been completed. 

The training centre will make harness racing more accessible as aspiring drivers can lease a stable to house their horse for a nominal weekly fee. On-site facilities will give drivers flexibility to train horses and visit when they choose. Staff at the training centre will manage the upkeep of the facility, reducing the burden on the trainers and drivers, many of whom are hobbyists who engage in the sport recreationally.  

The new facility will benefit aspiring drivers looking to become the superstars of tomorrow as it is close to the Bathurst Harness Racing Club where numerous major events are held throughout the year, including the annual Gold Crown Carnival at the end of March.  

Bathurst Harness Racing Club is one of the state’s largest and most successful harness racing clubs with a strong harness racing following and participation with around 52 TAB race meetings a year.  

The training facility will encourage more trainers and drivers to visit the Bathurst region, boosting the economy and harness racing participation rates. 

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said: 

“The NSW Government is focused on building better communities and investing in our regions. This significant investment from Crown Lands will help Bathurst go from strength-to-strength as one of the state’s premier harness racing destinations.  

“Our statewide investments in maintaining and improving Crown reserves like this one in Bathurst helps ensure they can continue to serve their communities for many years to come.” 

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: 

“This brand-new facility adjoining the famous Bathurst Harness Racing Club will make it much easier for drivers to get into the sport and stay there, ensuring harness racing can continue to flourish. 

“Harness racing contributes millions to the NSW economy each year supporting jobs, communities and regions and investments like this from the Minns Labor Government are key to ensuring it has a sustainable future.” 

Harness Racing NSW CEO Peter Buckman said: 

“This training facility is going to be a huge boon for the local community. Youngsters can find it hard to break into the sport due to the cost of maintaining a horse, but this facility will make it much more accessible for the average punter to get their foot in the door.  

“Not only will the facility be greatly beneficial for the future of our sport, but it will also benefit the Bathurst community as a whole as tourists and trainers from neighbouring towns will visit the city and spend here.” 

Local trainer Nathan Goulding said: 

“This facility is so important for our sport, especially for young people who can’t afford to buy their own property as now they can keep their horses near the track and know they’ll be taken care of.  

“It’s so important we make it easier for the next generation to take up this sport, and I thank Crown Lands for helping us secure funding for this really critical piece of community infrastructure.” 

The Minns Labor Government is delivering New South Wales’ first standalone centre to help prevent the exploitation of migrant workers.

The centre will be delivered with the announcement that Unions NSW has been selected by Multicultural NSW to establish the state’s Migrant Workers Centre. 

The NSW Migrant Workers Centre will partner with multicultural communities and organisations such as the Immigration Advice and Rights Centre (IARC) to deliver support for at-risk workers that is culturally sensitive and accessible.

The centre will span the state ensuring migrant workers in metro, regional, rural and remote communities are supported by providing workplace, work health and safety, and immigration advice.

Unions NSW has undertaken a leading role in advocating for migrant workers protections and providing individual advice and assistance to migrant workers. Their current Visa Assist partnership with IARC has supported over 3000 temporary migrant workers experiencing workplace exploitation and is the only program in the state to provide both employment and immigration legal support to migrant workers in the one service.

Reports from the Federal Government, State Government, and research organisations like The McKell Institute highlight that limited English proficiency, lack of awareness of Australia’s workplace laws, and inadequate access to support systems are key contributors to exploitation.

The NSW Government will invest $6.5m over four years to deliver the Migrant Workers Centre.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Migrant workers have built our state and continue to be at the heart of so many industries. They deserve the same rights, protections, and respect as any other worker.

“This centre will give them the tools and support they need to stand up for fair wages and safe conditions—no matter their background, visa status, or industry.

“In NSW, we believe in a fair go for everyone, and that means making sure no worker is left behind.

“For too long, migrant workers have been some of the most vulnerable in our workforce, facing unfair treatment, underpayment, and unsafe conditions. That changes with this dedicated centre, which will provide direct support to ensure people know their rights and can stand up to exploitation.

“This is not just about protecting migrant workers—it’s about protecting all workers. When bad employers get away with exploitation, it drags down wages, conditions, and safety for everyone. By tackling this issue head-on, we’re building a better NSW for all.”

Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey said:

“Successive government and independent reports have recommended the establishment of Migrant Workers Centres as initiatives to support and empower migrant workers to exercise their rights in the workplace.

“All workers in New South Wales and Australia, regardless of where they come from or their visa status are entitled to fair enforceable rights and safe workplaces.” 

The NSW Government is continuing to address the statewide housing crisis, announcing a further six government-owned sites that could deliver more than 230 new homes.

The land audit is identifying surplus land no longer required by government in both metropolitan and
regional areas that will now be made available for much needed housing.

Three sites have been identified for future divestment on the Central Coast, including two sites at
Gosford and one at Hamlyn Terrace that could deliver more than 160 homes, plus another site at
Warabrook near Newcastle that could deliver a further 35 homes.

More than 25 homes could be delivered at two sites at Castle Hill and Blacktown in Greater Sydney.

The sites have been identified as part of the Government’s statewide property audit, led by Property
and Development NSW, to find government land that is surplus to requirements and suitable for
housing. Including today’s announcement, sites capable of delivering 8,100 homes have been
identified through the land audit.

This is part of the NSW Government’s plan to build a better NSW and deliver up to 30,000 homes
through the historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, so young people, families and
key local workers can live in the communities they choose.

The final approach to delivering homes on the sites, including details on quantity and types of
housing, will be confirmed following further due diligence and planning and regulatory approvals.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government has been clear from day one, we need to address the housing crisis and we
need to do it with a whole-of-government approach. The Property Audit is a complex process that
has never been done before by the NSW Government for the purpose of delivering housing.

“The identification of these six additional sites continues our efforts address the housing crisis in
this state.

“Property and Development NSW has been doing outstanding work finding more sites and assessing
their ability to deliver housing. These six sites will bring additional opportunities for families across
Sydney, the Hunter and the Central Coast regions to one day own their own home.”

Property and Development NSW Chief Executive Officer Leon Walker said:

“The property audit has been instrumental in providing a framework for the NSW Government, with
Property and Development NSW leading the way to identify and assess surplus government-owned
land that is capable of delivering new housing solutions across the state.”

$31.4 million in grants is now open for councils to support the roll out of food organics and garden organics (FOGO) recycling. Run by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the Go FOGO grants will help local councils fast-track their transition to FOGO and tackle the state’s waste crisis.

Greater Sydney is on track to run out of landfill space by 2030. With food and garden waste making up about a third of red-lid bins, diverting food and garden waste is a critical step in easing pressure on landfill.

The NSW Government became the first state to mandate FOGO statewide and backed it with the $81 million FOGO Fund. This $31.4 million round of the Go FOGO grants, is one part of the full package.

These grants will support councils to move all households to FOGO recycling by July 2030.

Councils can access this grant funding based on the number of households making the transition to FOGO, with extra support for high-density areas. Grants include a flat rate of $25 per apartment, and $50 per house, if there is no existing organics collection.

The grant round announced today is in addition to the following support:

• $1.9 million awarded to Sutherland, Blue Mountains, Blayney and Parramatta councils to introduce new FOGO services, under Round 3 of the Go FOGO grants
• $2.1 million allocated to 14 projects to help organisations like Accor Hotels and TAFE NSW to reduce and separate food waste, under Round 2 of the Business Food Waste Partnership grants
• $340,000 available for councils with existing services to do more community education.

Since November 2022, $18.6 million across three Go FOGO rounds has helped 23 councils deliver the changes to almost 680,000 households. The money has covered education, staff, audits and essential infrastructure like bins and kitchen caddies.

Councils who want to apply for the Go FOGO and Scrap Together grants can apply until Tuesday 29 April on the NSW Environment Protection Authority website.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“Greater Sydney is on track to reach landfill capacity by 2030 – we need solutions now.

“Food and garden waste makes up about a third of our red-lid bins. FOGO diverts this from landfill, reduces disposal fees, cuts emissions and creates a valuable resource for soil in gardens, landscaping and agriculture.

“I’m excited that NSW is the first state in Australia to mandate the transition to FOGO, and we’re backing this up with real support for councils and businesses.

“We’re giving councils, residents and organisations the funding and tools needed to succeed – empowering NSW to take control of food waste and drive our shift to a circular economy.

“Now’s the time to act – we’re supporting the switch to FOGO to help NSW tackle food waste head-on.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are moving $1.1 billion worth of major road upgrade projects into their next phases as part of work to cut congestion, slash travel times and improve safety for motorists in Sydney’s growing North West region.

Bandon Road

A long-awaited upgrade and extension of Bandon Road is one step closer with a contract now awarded to Arup Australia for critical concept design work.

The contract award milestone coincides with the release of new artists impression images which show the first stage of the Bandon Road upgrade, including features such as:

• a new car park for Vineyard Train Station where users are currently forced to park on a dirt verge
• an intersection and safety improvements
• a new bus stop.

When fully completed, the Bandon Road project will deliver motorists two additional lanes, an underpass at the existing rail crossing which closes up to five times per hour and a new connector road between Windsor Road at Vineyard and Richmond Road at Marsden Park.

Community consultation on the proposed design will open from Monday 24 March to Sunday 6 April.

Richmond Road

The Richmond Road upgrade is also moving into its next phase with a request for design and construction tenders now made for the upgrade between the M7 and Townson Road at Marsden Park.

Around 2.2 kilometres of Richmond Road will be upgraded from four lanes to six lanes with early work expected to start in the first half of 2026.

The centrepiece of the upgrade will be a new flyover bridge from the M7 Motorway Rooty Hill Road North off-ramp to Richmond Road northbound.

Garfield Road

Work on the Garfield Road East Project is also progressing with a contract expected to be awarded in coming weeks for vital design work and a new artist impression release showing what upgrades to the Piccadilly Street intersection will look like.

When construction is complete, the Garfield Road East project will see a 3.4 kilometre stretch of road widened from two to four lanes between Piccadilly Street in Riverstone and Windsor Road in Grantham Farm.

North West Sydney is a rapidly growing region with population in the surrounding suburbs of Blacktown, Hawkesbury and The Hills Shire districts expected to increase by approximately 300,000 people in the next few years, from around 800,000 to 1.1m people by 2036.  

The funding committed by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments will ensure these communities have the roads they need to support stronger, well-connected communities.

50/50 joint investment by Albanese and Minns Labor Governments includes:

• $150 million Bandon Road upgrade
• $440 Garfield Road East corridor
• $520 million Richmond Road.

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

“These are important upgrades that are delivering safer and more efficient road connections for residents in North West Sydney.

“The north west of Sydney is growing quickly, and the Australian Government is supporting that growth with our $555 million contribution to these projects.”

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“For decades, North West Sydney has borne the brunt of the State’s housing growth, without the adequate infrastructure needed to keep up with a growing population.

“We are committed to ensuring these communities have the roads they need to support them now and into the future.” 

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

“Upgrading these roads is vital to keeping our community in North West Sydney moving.

“For far too long local residents have endured traffic congestion because of the former Liberal National government’s poor planning and inaction.

“Our Labor Governments are now getting on with the job, building the infrastructure our community deserves.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“It’s great to see these long talked about projects being delivered by the Minns Labor Government.

“We know communities have been waiting for years for government to deliver better roads and infrastructure in Sydney’s North West and the Minns Labor Government has listened and is delivering on our election commitments to improve the daily lives of people in Western Sydney.”

Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland said:

“These milestones are evidence of State and Federal Labor governments working together to build a better future for North-West Sydney.

“This momentum is all part of our plan for residents of North-West Sydney to spend less time in their cars, and more time with family.

“These upgrades will turbo charge development in the region and clear evidence of the Minns and Albanese Government’s plans to improve road safety and traffic flow.”

State Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby said:

“Key elements of the Bandon Road upgrade include the road underpass of Richmond Railway line north of Vineyard Train Station and removal of the existing rail level crossing, improving traffic flow and safety.

“The project will also provide an upgrade and realignment of the existing flood evacuation route along Wallace Road and Bandon Road and deliver an off-road shared path for walking and cycling.

“The upgrade and extension aims to improve access to Riverstone Industrial Area, Marsden Park, Riverstone and Vineyard precincts.”

Ms Sonia Minutillo has been appointed as the new NSW Privacy Commissioner to deliver an independent voice on the administration of privacy legislation.

Ms Minutillo’s appointment allows her to continue promoting, protecting, and enhancing the privacy rights of the people of NSW.

The NSW Privacy Commissioner investigates and conciliates complaints about breaches of privacy, advises government agencies, businesses, and other organisations on how to ensure the right to privacy is protected.

The Commissioner also oversees NSW Government agency reviews of reported breaches with a view to developments in policy, law, and technology that may impact privacy.

Ms Minutillo will continue to provide oversight of and advice to NSW public sector agencies on compliance with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2022 and in protecting the personal information of individuals.

Ms Minutillo was formerly the Director of Investigation and Reporting at the Information and Privacy Commission, leading its regulatory functions including the conduct of reviews, complaints, investigations, and proactive compliance program.

She has been acting NSW Privacy Commissioner since August 2023.

Find out more about the Information and Privacy Commission NSW here.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“The Privacy Commissioner plays an important role in ensuring accountability in NSW Government by ensuring the public sector handles personal information responsibly and take steps to prevent and manage any data breaches.

“Ms Minutillo has demonstrated her expertise in this area while acting as Privacy Commissioner over the past 18 months, drawing on her experience leading programs in the fields of industrial relations and employment rights and obligations under NSW and Commonwealth legislation.

“I congratulate Ms Minutillo on her appointment and look forward to working with her to uphold the privacy of every NSW resident.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“As the NSW Privacy Commissioner, Ms Minutillo will drive integrity and strong accountability in the public sector to underpin robust governance at every level.

“I welcome Ms Minutillo to this significant role. Her extensive experience and qualifications make her well-placed to continue the important work of promoting and protecting the privacy rights of the NSW community.”

The Department of Education will assume responsibility for overseeing home schooling in NSW from May 5, 2025. This change transfers oversight from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to the Department, and will align NSW with most other Australian jurisdictions.

The Department of Education has obligations under the Education Act 1990 to ensure students are either enrolled in an approved school or registered for home schooling. These changes will better enable the Department to ensure it is meeting that responsibility.

NESA staff currently involved in the regulatory oversight of home schooling will transfer to the Department of Education, retaining the expertise, working knowledge and relationships that are important to the administration of home schooling in NSW.

The NSW Government will also consider any recommendations made in relation to home schooling in the NSW Auditor-General’s review of Education in alternative settings. 

As in all NSW educational settings, the wellbeing and safety of children remains paramount.

Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW are encouraged to apply for grants to support local NAIDOC events and activities that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and achievements.

The Minns Labor Government is providing $300,000 to support community-driven celebrations that align with this year’s NAIDOC theme: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy. Grants awarded will range between $500 and $5,000.

The NAIDOC Grants Program supports communities to come together, share stories, and showcase culture, while strengthening connections to Country and community.

Events funded under the program must take place between 1 July and 30 November 2025.

Last year, the NSW Government supported more than 120 community-led events through its NAIDOC Grant program. These events included public exhibitions, cultural workshops, NAIDOC-themed sporting activities, and community festivals that bring people together to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions and achievements.

Applications for the 2025 NAIDOC grants close on 21 April. For more information and to apply go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/2025-naidoc-grants

Aboriginal Affairs NSW is hosting an online NAIDOC Grants Community Information Session on Thursday 27 March from 10:30-11:30am. Details and registration can be found at https://www.eventbaba.com.au/events/2025-NAIDOC-Grants-Community-Information-Session. A recording will be available for those unable to attend.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“These grants are one of the ways that NSW Government supports local communities to lead celebrations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and achievements.

“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for us all – Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people – to connect with community, take part in celebrations and learn from the world’s oldest, continuous living cultures.

“If you’ve got an idea for a NAIDOC event but need funding, I encourage you to apply.

“By supporting events like these we are continuing to close the gap in NSW by giving opportunities for each of us to learn about and connect with the richness and vibrancy of Aboriginal cultures and proudly celebrate those cultures together.”