NSW trains run red lights while commuters wait

New figures obtained by the Opposition reveal NSW train drivers ran through red lights 224 times in 2024–25 – an average of four times every single week – raising fresh questions about the culture and priorities inside Transport for NSW following the generous new pay deal with the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU).
 
The data, compiled by Shadow Assistant Minister for Government Accountability Matt Cross, shows:

  • 224 total red light breaches in FY2024–25 – equal to 19 per month
  • 115 separate stations/locations recorded incidents, with an average of 2 per site
  • Top lines for breaches included Central Coast & Newcastle, Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra, T9 Northern and the South Coast line.

The poor performance follows ongoing poor service reliability in August with one in four trains late servicing the intercity line and one in every ten trains late on Sydney’s suburban line.
 
For regional commuters from the South Coast and Central Coast travelling on the intercity lines, nearly 40 per cent of services have been late in 2025. For suburban services across Greater Sydney, it’s just as bad with almost two in every five trains running behind schedule.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said commuter concerns are being ignored by this sleepy Government.
 
“Getting the trains to run safely and on-time is basic service delivery, and this Labor Government can’t even do that,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the findings prove Labor has the wrong priorities and focus.
“Commuters are left stranded by delays and cancellations while drivers are running red lights four times a week,” Ms Ward said.
 
Shadow Assistant Minister for Government Accountability Matt Cross said commuters expect safety to be at the very centre of service delivery.
 
“It shouldn’t take the Opposition to uncover these damning statistics before the Government acts,” Mr Cross said.

Copley welcomes win for Michael Cronin Oval

Liberal for Kiama Serena Copley has welcomed today’s announcement that a Liberal government would deliver $200,000 to upgrade lighting at Michael Cronin Oval in Gerringong. 

“The NSW Liberals are backing regional sporting clubs like the Gerringong Junior Lions because they promote healthy and active lifestyles and give our kids the chance to thrive,” Ms Copley said. 

“The Gerringong Junior Lions are such an important part of this community, with mums, dads and volunteers working tirelessly to keep the club strong. This commitment is about backing their efforts and ensuring the facilities meet the needs of players and families today.” 

The funding will allow upgrades to the lighting at Michael Cronin Oval, replacing the light poles that are at the end of their life and put up new LED lighting, and bringing the ground up to current standards. This upgrade will mean Lions’ players will be able to train and compete safely in the evening. 

“It’s a simple but important step that will make a real difference for local sport. This investment will improve the Oval for everyone – players, volunteers and spectators – and provide more opportunities for our young people to get involved in sport,” Ms Copley said. 

“The club has done its fair share of work raising funds and improving the ground over the years. This announcement recognises their dedication and delivers the support they deserve.” 

“Only the NSW Liberals have a record of delivering for our region, and today’s announcement builds on our commitment to the Kiama electorate.” 

Gerringong Rugby League Football Club Committee Member, Jodie Egan, said the lighting upgrade would allow them to host Friday and Saturday night games, creating many more home game opportunities and in turn increasing the numbers of participants. 

“To receive the promise of $200,000 towards a LED Lighting upgrade for Michael Cronin Oval would be “Club-Changing” for us!” 

“Improved lighting will mean night games and also increase the night training opportunities,” said Ms Egan. “We currently have 22 teams and approximately 500 people that need to use the one oval for training and game day – so access during daylight hours is currently extremely limited. However, upgraded LED Lighting would change all of this.” 

HUNTER MINES ON NOTICE TO BUST THE DUST

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is putting Hunter mines on notice to protect local air quality, with the annual Bust the Dust campaign kicking off again this spring.

Now in its sixth year, the successful regulatory campaign returns with strengthened penalties which came into force after passing into law in 2024.

Mines found to be in breach of their licence conditions now face significantly higher penalties, including $30,000 for a first offence and $45,000 for a subsequent offence.

During the campaign, EPA Operations Officers will be out in force doing roadside surveillance, unannounced inspections and using drones to monitor dust generation.

NSW EPA Director Operations David Gathercole said he recognises the community wants to see stronger regulation to ensure open cut mines don’t contribute to air pollution.

“While we regulate dust emissions year-round, regional air quality monitoring shows spring is a peak time for particle pollution.

“The Bust the Dust campaign is a timely reminder for operators to have the right practices in place before we come knocking.

“Mines can prevent dust pollution through improved surveillance and reporting and by deploying water on stockpiles and roads or just ceasing work during dry and windy conditions,” Mr Gathercole said.

Earlier this year, Warkworth Mining in Mount Thorley entered into a legally binding agreement to improve dust management. The mine was forced to pay $120,000 to a local environmental rehabilitation project after finding operational failures during the Bust the Dust campaign in 2023.

More than 11 mines were inspected across the region in last year’s campaign, and all were found to be managing dust appropriately.

Community members are encouraged to report concerns about dust emissions to the Environment Line on 131 555 or via email at info@epa.nsw.gov.au.

Appeal to locate girl missing from Telarah

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the state’s Hunter Region.

Jada Hill, aged 15, was last seen in Telarah about 3am on Saturday 30 August 2025.

Unable to be located or contacted since, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified, who commended inquiries to find her.

Police and family hold concerns for Jada’s welfare due to her age.

Jada is described as bring of Caucasian appearance, of thin build, about 165cm tall, with long red hair.

She was last seen wearing black track pants and a black school jumper.

Jada is known to frequent the Newcastle, Maitland, Hornsby and Sydney areas.

Anyone with information in relations to Jada’s whereabouts is urged to contact Maitland Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

High Commissioner, Ambassador, and Consul-General appointments

Today I announce the appointments of three career officials to lead Australia’s diplomatic missions in Islamabad, Lisbon and Papeete.

I am pleased to confirm the following appointments:

Australia’s diplomatic network enables us to promote our interests in peace, security, trade, investment and other areas of cooperation.

Australia takes the world as it is and seeks to shape it for the better – these diplomatic appointments will deepen Australia’s connections abroad and increase our ability to influence where it matters.

I thank the outgoing High Commissioner, Ambassador, and Consul-General for their important contributions.

New rescue jet skis guarding NSW beaches

A fleet of 26 new rescue jet skis will be patrolling beaches across the state this summer, following a record investment from the Minns Labor Government in Surf Life Saving NSW.

With the warmer months approaching, which will see increased swimmers across NSW beaches, the Government is delivering on its commitment to boost community safety and surveillance along the coast.

This jet ski boost brings the state’s fleet up to 56, ensuring rapid responses to emergencies across New South Wales beaches all year round.

They will be delivered ahead of the volunteer patrol season commencing on 27 September, with communities set to benefit including:

  • Illawarra and South Coast: Bulli, Stanwell Park, Kiama/Kiama Downs, Gerringong, Broulee, Batemans Bay, Pambula
  • Mid and North Coast: Lennox Head, Kingscliff, Kempsey, Crescent Head, Urunga, Crowdy Head, Fingal Rovers, Sawtell
  • Newcastle and Central Coast: Newcastle Harbour, Umina, Mereweather, Toowoon Bay
  • Sydney: Newport, Cronulla, Warriewood, Palm Beach, Bilgola, Malabar

Last year jet skis were used in 260 rescues performed by volunteer lifesavers, saving critical time during emergency incidents.

Supporting the jet skis, new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) backed up by drones, are keeping an eye across our states beaches. The beacons are installed on beaches and allow for emergency services to be called during emergencies.

When the current rollout is complete, there will be 64 ERBs in operation, following recent installations on the South Coast at Racecourse Beach, Tabourie Creek and The Farm at Killalea State Park. Further units are planned for installation in the Illawarra, Sydney, the Far South Coast and the North Coast.

The Minns Labor Government is working to build a better New South Wales and is making meaningful investments to boost the capacity of Surf Life Saving NSW, and the safety of our beaches.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Our investment in jet skis and Emergency Response Beacons means lifesaving services are within reach all year round, including during the cooler winter months when regular patrols wind down.”

“Eagle-eyed beachgoers on the South Coast may notice new beacons at Racecourse Beach, Tabourie Creek and The Farm at Killalea State Park, which brings the number to 58 beacons now delivered across NSW, with more due to be installed soon.”

“With 260 rescues last year, jet skis have proven to be another critical part of our coastal safety network. Fast, agile and highly effective in surf conditions, they allow lifesavers to get people out of trouble quickly.”

“Our record investment in technology and equipment is a welcome boost for our volunteers who will soon hit the beaches and I would encourage anyone who wants to be involved in surf life saving to contact their surf club.”

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said:

”Our volunteers have continued to respond to emergency callouts throughout winter, highlighting the commitment of our members to protecting lives along the coast, whenever and wherever we’re needed.”

“The support of the NSW Government to provide funding for rescue equipment is vital to ensure the safety of both the public and our volunteers.”

For beach information, including safety tips, patrolled beaches and the location of ERBs, visit: www.surflifesaving.com.au or download the Beachsafe app.

New Sydney Academy of Sport athletics track details released

In exciting news for the Northern Beaches community, the Minns Labor Government has announced the project scope and timeline for the new athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport.

The details were released at an athletics community briefing at the venue on Thursday.

The $6.7 million project will deliver a new World Athletics (WA) compliant synthetic athletics track with a moisture resilient track surface, new asphalt subbase, drainage and stormwater system upgrades, and accessibility improvements.

The Minns Labor government has also released the project timeline, with track designs scheduled to be completed by October 2025, a track builder appointed by November 2025, construction commencing in December 2025 and the track scheduled to reopen during the third quarter of 2026.

While the new track is being constructed the temporary grass athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport will continue to be available to the athletics community.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Today’s announcement is fantastic news for the Northern Beaches athletics community.

“It gives both them and the Minns Labor Government a start and finish line, and we are aiming to cross it in record time.

“The new world-class athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport will be the home of athletics on the Northern Beaches and the birthplace of Olympic dreams.”

Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan said:

“If the Sydney Academy of Sport Athletics Track project was a hurdle race, we’d have just cleared the second hurdle. There’s still a long way to go, but we now know how long the race is.

“The community has shown it has the stamina to go the distance and will definitely be there at the finish to celebrate the track’s completion.”

Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby said:

“Today’s announcement is a huge budget win for Pittwater, with $6.7 million secured for the Sydney Academy of Sport Athletics Track.

“We’ve been waiting for a finish line since the track was closed and it’s a relief to know it’s in sight.

“Our athletes have been resilient and resourceful, but now we need swift delivery of this project, so they can finally return to the world-class track they deserve.”

NSW Government extends support for aviation services connecting remote Western NSW communities

The Minns Labor Government has extended its support for another 12 months for subsidising commercial flights to and from some of Western NSW’s most remote communities as part of its plan to better connect people and businesses across regional NSW.

The subsidies are funded from a $2 million investment from the Minns Government’s Regional Development Trust, and will connect Dubbo to Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge operated by Air Link, and from Sydney to Cobar operated by Fly Pelican.

Extending the subsidy to November 2026 will keep these flights moving for the remote communities who rely on them for transporting essential workers, services and trades.

Under the subsidy agreement, Fly Pelican operate six return flights each week between Sydney and Cobar, and Air Link operate eight return routes each week servicing Bourke, Walgett, and Lightning Ridge.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This funding from the Minns Government’s Regional Development Trust is designed to support flights for the communities in Bourke, Cobar, Lightning Ridge and Walgett so that they can access regular and reliable services.

“Regional communities rely on air travel for its convenience and speed, to ensure they can get to health care or business appointments or bringing in visitors and workers.

“The NSW Government is building better services for our regional communities in smart and appropriate ways.”

Far North West Joint Organisation Chair and Mayor of Cobar Shire Council Jarrod Marsden said:

“Cobar to Sydney flights have provided significant benefits to the region, and this extension will help our community maintain connection while delivering significant economic and social benefits.

“We appreciate the ongoing support from the NSW Government for the Western Air Services subsidy, which is vital to the ongoing sustainability of the region.”

Mayor of Bourke Shire Council Lachlan Ford said:

“Regular air services are extremely beneficial to the residents of Bourke Shire and surrounding communities which often do not have ready access to many services and facilities like residents in bigger regional towns or metro areas.

“The extension to this subsidy means many local residents will continue to benefit from these air services either by travelling to regional centres, or from visiting service providers who travel into the region to conduct work.”

Mayor of Walgett Shire Council Jasen Ramien said:

“It is great news that the services will continue until late 2026 as regional communities continue to navigate the lack of access to some services which is brought about by isolation and distance.

“The Far North West Joint Organisation covers some of the most remote and economically and socially disadvantaged communities of the state and the availability of regular air services has had a positive impact on reducing this disadvantage.”

New school buildings land at Tumbulgum Public School

The rebuild of Tumbulgum Public School following the devastating 2022 floods has reached a major milestone, with the delivery and installation of new building modules.

Students and staff gathered this week to watch as cranes positioned the 22 modules that will make up the new school onto flood resilient steel structures.

Manufactured offsite for rapid onsite assembly, these modules will fast-track the delivery of the school’s new library, administration area and modern classrooms.

The project at Tumbulgum Public School includes restoring the old school bell and incorporating select pieces of the school’s signage and plaques, ensuring the school’s history remains part of its future.

The elevated and flood-resilient school will also include a canteen, outdoor landscaping, and a playground.

The rebuild is expected to be completed and ready for students and teachers to use later this year.

Since 2022, 16 flood-damaged schools have been repaired or rebuilt in the Northern Rivers, including Blakebrook Public School which opened to students this term.

Construction is also underway at nearby Condong Public School, while construction is expected to begin on Lismore South Public School in the coming weeks.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding flood-affected schools in the Northern Rivers region, ensuring schools are built back better with flood resilience for local students and local communities.

Funding to rebuild nine extensively flood-damaged schools, including Tumbulgum Public School, has also been provided by the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The arrival and installation of these new modules is a huge step forward in rebuilding Tumbulgum Public School and having visited the school in July I know how exciting this will be for all of the students and staff.

“The new school has been specially designed to be flood-resilient, giving students, teachers, and the community confidence that learning can continue no matter what challenges arise.

“Students have been learning from Tumbulgum Public School for more than 150 years. The Minns Labor Government is committed to building back stronger, ensuring we provide the foundation for many more generations of education in this beautiful community.”

Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“It’s fantastic to see the rebuild progressing at Tumbulgum Public School and to share in the students’ excitement as they see their new classrooms coming together.

“Rebuilding schools like Tumbulgum is a central part of the recovery work we are doing to create more resilient communities following the 2022 floods.

“We are building back stronger, ensuring our kids can thrive in schools that meets their educational needs in a resilient and safe environment.”

Tumbulgum Public School Relieving Principal Genevieve Esgate said:

“We are thrilled to see the new school buildings coming together at Tumbulgum Public School.

“Our students are buzzing with excitement and curiosity as their future classrooms are assembled, and we are eagerly looking forward to moving into our new buildings later this year.

“Our students and community have shown incredible resilience and adaptability throughout this journey, and these new facilities will be a wonderful celebration of everyone’s perseverance.”

New era of transparency for council meetings

New rules for council meetings will soon be in place as the Minns Labor Government spearheads a change of culture to boost transparency and community confidence in local government.

A new Model Code of Meeting Practice for local councils has been released today and will come into effect in councils from 1 January 2026.

The changes to the Model Meeting Code are part of the broader set of reforms the Minns Labor Government is progressing to improve confidence, trust and transparency across NSW councils.

Changes to the code have simplified the way meetings are conducted, ensure disorder is dealt with more effectively, that councillors make decisions in full view of the communities they represent, and dignity is returned to council chambers.

All councils will need to adopt a code of meeting practice that contains the mandatory provisions of the updated Model Meeting Code by 31 December 2025.

Key changes to the Model Code of Meeting Practice include:

  • Preventing councils from holding private councillor briefing sessions to discuss matters that should be considered in the public domain at committee and council meetings (unless they are confidential)
  • Encouraging councils to hold public forums preferably before committee meetings, or if they choose council meetings, to enable community engagement in local matters
  • Expanding the powers of the mayor to remove councillors from meetings for acts of disorder
  • Expanding the powers of the mayor to remove members of the public if they disrupt council meetings
  • Requiring information considered at closed meetings to be made public after it ceases to be confidential
  • Requiring councils to give reasons when making decisions on planning matters that depart from staff recommendations (as recommended by ICAC)
  • Promoting neutrality in the role of the general manager
  • Requiring council and committee meetings to be live streamed to give the community and media access to council decision making, and to require those videos to be public for at least the rest of the council term, or 12 months in the case of a meeting in an election year

The changes to the Meeting Code are part of a broader suite of reforms by the Minns Labor Government to improve conduct and accountability and rebuild public trust in councils.

A new Code of Conduct for councillors is being finalised as well as associated legislative changes, which will see significant changes to how misconduct is dealt with in local government.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“The council chamber should be a place of dignity, where debate and decision making takes place in full view of the community.

“Making decisions on behalf of communities is the very role of a councillor, and all councillors should never lose sight of this core responsibility.

“These changes should ensure that, in a council chamber or committee meeting, mechanisms are in place to prevent the derailing of meetings and overshadowing the important work of local government.

“Council and committee meetings must be effective, transparent and genuine, and strive for outcomes to benefit the community.

“Under the new code, mayors should be given the power to take immediate action against disorderly councillors. This should lessen the need for councils to resort to the broken code of conduct process and instead address misbehaviour immediately in the council chamber.

“I know not everyone will agree with these changes, but most people in this state would agree action is necessary to improve transparency, increase community confidence and faith in local government.

“They will make councillors more visibly in control of their councils to ensure they – as democratically elected representatives of their communities – drive the vision for their local area.”

The new Model Code of Meeting Practice is available here: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/governance/model-code-of-meeting-practice/model-code-of-meeting-practice-for-local-councils-in-nsw/

Extensive consultation was undertaken on the proposed changes, all submissions received have been published here: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/governance/model-code-of-meeting-practice/reforms-to-the-model-code-of-meeting-practice/