Category: NSW News

After two years in office, the Minns Labor Government is sending the NSW health system backwards – with patients waiting longer, nurses picketing Parliament, hospital psychiatrists resigning and doctors threatening their first strike since 1984.
 
New data released today by the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) confirms the system is under unprecedented strain with 802,697 ED attendances and 67,902 patients leaving without or before completing treatment in the December quarter, an increase of 6% compared with the same quarter a year earlier.
 
Elective surgery waitlists have also blown out to near the COVID peak with 100,235 waiting for surgery – up 13.1% on the same quarter last year.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said Labor’s industrial chaos and two years in a row of real cuts to the health budget is having a real impact on patients.
 
“Chris Minns came to Government promising to cut elective surgery waiting lists, but has only managed to cut the health budget,” said Mr Speakman.
 
“The fact that elective surgery waiting lists have returned to levels we saw during the height of the pandemic, when elective surgeries were cancelled, demonstrates that Chris Minns and his Health Minister aren’t up to the job.”
 
Shadow Minster for Health Kellie Sloane said two years in, Labor’s mismanagement of our health system is failing patients and driving frontline staff to despair.
 
“From doctors threatening strike action to nurses picketing outside Parliament, the message is clear – the health workforce has lost confidence in this Government. And now patients are paying the price.”
 
“Chris Minns must take responsibility and deliver a real plan to fix the health system. We can’t afford more spin while people continue to wait in pain.”
 
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said the Minns Government wasn’t prioritising health services in regional NSW.
 
“Chris Minns is busy fighting healthcare workers when he should be focused on delivering better health services for regional NSW,” said Mr Singh.
 
“The latest data shows that the time it takes for an ambulance to reach the highest priority P1A cases was continuing to go backwards, with only 52.4% arriving in 10 minutes in rural areas compared with 67% in urban areas.”

Ray James OAM has been appointed as Veterans’ Representative to the Anzac Memorial Board of Trustees.

Minister for Veterans David Harris, in his capacity as the Premier’s proxy and the Chair of the Trustees, appointed Mr James who was welcomed by the Trust at its regular meeting at the Memorial on Thursday, 13 March.

Mr James’ long military career includes 20 years in the Royal Australian Navy, service in the Vietnam War and a further 26 years in the Royal Australian Navy Reserve.

He is the most recent past President of RSL NSW, where he worked tirelessly to revitalise and rebuild RSL NSW.

He has also served as a Trustee of the Anzac Memorial for a previous three-year term between 2020 and 2023.

Mr James has remained an active member of RSL NSW since his term ended at that organisation in 2023 and continues to be a strong advocate for the veteran community.

The Veterans’ Representative is nominated by the President of RSL NSW and joins the Trust Board which comprises the NSW Premier, Leader of the Opposition, Lord Mayor of Sydney, State President of the RSL NSW, the Government Architect, the State Librarian, the Secretary of the Department of Education, an Australian Defence Force representative, and community representative, as legislated Trustees under the Anzac Memorial Building Act 1923. 

Mr James will hold the position on the Board of Trustees for three years.

For more information on the Board of Trustees visit https://www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/board-trustees

Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:

“I am delighted that Mr James is joining the Trust and I look forward to working alongside him once again. He has a wealth of Defence and Government experience that he can bring to the Board.

“Mr James is an active member of the veteran community and a tireless advocate for veterans. Since his tenure as President of RSL NSW ended in 2023, he has continued to raise awareness of the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families.

“On behalf of the Trustees, I congratulate Mr James on his appointment and wish him well in the position.”

The Moree Hospital Redevelopment is a step closer, with the main works contractor appointed and the next stage of work on track to begin in the coming months.

The NSW Government is investing $105 million in the hospital redevelopment to deliver new health facilities and upgraded health services for Moree and the surrounding communities to ensure their health needs continue to be met well into the future. 

Hutchinson Builders has been awarded the contract following a competitive tender process. 

The $105 million Moree Hospital Redevelopment will include construction of a new Acute Services Building on the existing hospital campus, which will house:

• An emergency department
• Operating theatres
• Medical imaging
• A birthing and inpatient unit
• Pathology
• A new main entry for the new hospital building.

The appointment of a builder follows the recent statutory planning approval for the project. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months.  

The Moree Hospital will continue to operate during construction as a District Hospital, providing care for the Moree and surrounding communities, and will remain networked to Tamworth Hospital for access to specialist services. 

Extensive consultation with staff and the community has been carried out throughout planning for the redevelopment to ensure the new hospital building creates a welcoming environment that reflects the heritage and culture of the region. 

A Language Reference Group is working to inform the inclusion of Aboriginal language and storytelling into signage and wayfinding into the redevelopment, while planning is underway for Arts projects which will be included in the new acute services building.  

For more information about the Moree Hospital redevelopment visit: https://hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/moree 

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:  

“We’ve reached a significant milestone in the delivery of the redevelopment which will deliver enhanced healthcare facilities for Moree and surrounding communities. 

“The Moree Hospital Redevelopment will provide staff, patients, families and carers with a modern facility to support the health needs of the community now and into the future.

“All hospital services will continue to operate during construction, which follows significant planning and design work in collaboration with staff, stakeholders and the community.” 

Government Spokesperson for Northern Tablelands, Peter Primrose: 

“The $105 million Moree Hospital Redevelopment is estimated to support approximately 150 direct jobs, with the potential to support hundreds of indirect jobs over the life of the project. 

“This will provide a huge boost to the local economy, and I look forward to seeing work progress in the coming months.”

A new learning space to help foster employment opportunities and Aboriginal cultural connection has been launched at La Perouse Public School, thanks to a $99,000 ‘Community and Place’ grant from the Minns Labor Government.

Grant recipient IndigiGrow is a 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated social enterprise which operates nurseries at La Perouse and Matraville Sports High School, reviving, growing, and delivering native plants and bush tucker across Sydney.

The development of the cultural learning space on Bidjigal Country in Botany Bay is part of IndigiGrow’s broader efforts to grow jobs and broaden cultural knowledge.

The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, attended the launch with school students, staff, parents and carers to celebrate the transformation of an unused school space, into a thriving hub for hands-on education in native plants, cultural knowledge, and connection to Country.

The launch featured a demonstration on how to propagate banksia pods using fire, given by IndigiGrow’s Peter Cooley.

The NSW Government’s Community and Place Grants has funded $35 million to support community-led programs that advance Closing the Gap outcomes since 2022.

For more information on IndigiGrow visit: https://indigigrow.com.au

Attorney General and Member for Maroubra, Michael Daley said:

“The cultural learning hub will help strengthen young Aboriginal people’s connection to culture.

“Programs like this are crucial to improving outcomes for Aboriginal students and empowering the next generation of community leaders.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris said:

“The NSW Government is proud to support community-led initiatives that provide opportunities for students to deepen their cultural knowledge, learn from Elders, and gain practical skills that connect them to Country and community.

“Projects like this demonstrate the power of Aboriginal knowledge and leadership in shaping meaningful educational experiences for young people in NSW.

“By supporting IndigiGrow’s work, we are helping ensure the next generation can access cultural learning in a way that strengthens identity, wellbeing, and opportunity to help close the gap.”

Peter Cooley from IndigiGrow, said:

“Having these cultural educational learning facilities in the school environment is so important.

“They provide pathways for our young people to learn cultural knowledge and skills in a culturally safe, supportive and familiar learning environment, enhancing social and emotional wellbeing.”

Lisa Maller, Principal of La Perouse Public School said:

“IndigiGrow shares invaluable knowledge about bush tucker and significant local plants, deepening students’ awareness of the natural world and its cultural significance.

“The creation of the yarning circle will provide a vital communal space for cultural exchange and connection, offering students profound learning experiences that celebrate both environmental and cultural heritage.”

Some of the busiest emergency departments in Australia have seen significant reductions in hospital ramping, according to the latest Bureau of Health Information quarterly results.

One of the key indicators of hospital ramping is the proportion of patients transferred from paramedics to ED staff within 30 minutes – also known as Transfer of Care (TOC).

St George Hospital – which received over 82,000 ED attendances last year – saw a 25 percentage point improvement in transfer of patient from paramedic to ED staff in the December 2024 quarter compared with the same period the previous year.

Blacktown Hospital – which received over 67,000 ED attendances last year – saw a 23.2 percentage point improvement.

Campbelltown Hospital – which received over 92,000 ED attendances last year – saw a 9.3 percentage point improvement.

Liverpool Hospital – which received over 90,000 ED attendances last year – saw a 7.2 percentage point improvement.

These improvements come despite the health system recording the highest ever number of patients arriving to EDs by ambulance – almost 200,000 in a single quarter.

The Minns Labor Government has invested half a billion dollars into ED relief, which includes:

• $189 million in tax relief to incentivise GPs to maintain bulk-billing rates, meaning people with non-life-threatening conditions don’t need to present to the ED
• $171.4 million to expand statewide virtual care services helping 180,000 avoid a trip to the ED
• $100 million to back in our urgent care services to become a mainstay and key instrument of the health system in providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients
• $70 million to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours
• $15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times
• $31.4 million to increase Hospital in the Home across the state allowing over 3,500 additional patients each year to be cared for in their home rather than a hospital bed
• $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identified patients early on that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Relieving pressure on our emergency departments and ensuring people receive care in a timely manner have been top priorities of our government.

“Such significant challenges have been met with a significant half-a-billion dollar investment in ED relief.

“Today, I’m so pleased to see encouraging progress in our effort to reduce ramping.

“But I don’t want us to get ahead of ourselves, because there is still much more to do.

“I do want to reiterate that people who present to hospitals with non-life-threatening conditions can still expect to wait long periods in the ED.

“So if you do have a non-life-threatening condition, I strongly encourage you to phone HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 where you can avoid an unnecessary wait in the ED, and receive care outside of the hospital including through urgent or virtual care services.”

The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has declared a further 15 housing proposals as State Significant Development (SSD) following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

These new housing proposals, if approved, could deliver more than 7,000 new homes.

After three briefings in two months a total of 44 housing development proposals have been declared state significant under the HDA, with the potential to deliver more than 22,000 new homes, once proposals are assessed.

Since the first meeting, nine projects have also had Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements issued, the first step in the assessment process which signals a good flow of projects progressing quickly along the SSD pathway.

To date, the Authority has received over 250 expressions of interest. At its latest meeting, 32 proposals were examined.

The authority is prioritising high-quality housing projects with detailed plans that can be submitted within nine months and can begin construction within 12 months of approval. To be declared state significant, proposals submitted to the HDA that are already being assessed via another planning pathway need to be withdrawn from that pathway.

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

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 HDA 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.

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration. For more information visit Housing Delivery Authority | Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“These latest projects that I have declared as State Significant Developments have the potential to deliver more than 7,000 new homes including affordable housing.

“The Housing Delivery Authority is not a silver bullet to our housing supply challenges, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction.

“In three briefings, I have declared projects that could deliver more than 22,000 dwellings into a state-assessed planning pathway, proponents now have nine months to prepares their planning documents, and must commence construction if they are approved within 12 months, because the need for housing is too urgent.”

The Minns Labor Government’s crackdown on knife crime has seen more than 90 dangerous weapons seized from our streets since the NSW Police Force began wanding operations in December.

The force has conducted 34 wanding operations across metro and regional NSW, scanning 4,147 individuals, seizing 91 unlawful weapons and charging 67 people with 71 weapons offences.

Weapons seized include knives, tasers, sling shots, knuckle dusters, machetes and folding kitchen knives.

Under Operation Ares, officers are conducting high-visibility policing operations and using handheld scanners or electronic metal detecting ‘wands’ to scan individuals within a designated area for dangerous weapons.

Locations of the operations include Sydney CBD, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Blacktown, Mt Druitt, Parramatta, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga, Nowra, Bomaderry, Albury and Lavington.

The Minns Labor Government has taken decisive action to give police further resources to create a safer NSW and send the clear message that knife crime will not be tolerated.

Under the powers, modelled on Queensland’s Jack’s Law, police can stop and scan individuals without a warrant at designated areas.

When switched on by NSW Police, the powers can be used in public spaces including public transport stations, shopping precincts, and certain sporting venues.

These police powers complement other measures introduced by this Government to address knife crime, including:

• Doubling the penalty for selling a knife to a child under 16 to $11,000 and introducing a custodial sentence of up to 12 months for the offence; and
• Creating a new offence for selling knives to children aged 16 or 17 without a reasonable excuse.

The NSW Government remains committed to reducing knife crime and building a safer NSW through continued legislative and operational policing efforts.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said:

“The number of weapons that have been seized already is shocking.

“To have taken almost 100 knives and other weapons off our streets is as horrifying as it is important.

“Our tough knife laws are working and getting weapons out of our community.

“The NSW Government and NSW Police are confronting knife crime and sending a strong message that it is not tolerated.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“Everybody deserves to feel and be safe in public and it’s clear that these new laws are making NSW a safer place.

“I want to thank the NSW Police who are working around the clock to seize dangerous weapons and keep our community safe from the devastating effects of knife crime.

“There are very few excuses to carry a knife in public – anyone thinking about leaving home with a dangerous weapon should think again. The NSW Police are cracking down hard and you will be caught.”

NSW Police Force Public Transport and Public Safety Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said:

“During the 34 operations we have not only seized dangerous knives and weapons, but we have arrested 67 people with offences and put them before the courts.

“There are only very few purposes for anyone to have a knife in their possession in public. In most circumstances, it is illegal and will only lead to tragedy and the death of innocent people.

“We want people to feel and be safe while they go about their daily lives at shopping centres or on public transport.

“Our high-visibility operations are designed to send a message to people and deter them from carrying knives and weapons.”

The NSW Government will crack down on the predatory practice of ‘claim farming’ where vulnerable people are pressured to lodge compensation claims.Claim farmers often use unethical and high-pressure tactics to target those such as child abuse victim-survivors. The NSW Government is introducing the Claim Farming Practices Prohibition Bill 2025, to:

• prohibit a person from contacting another person to solicit them to make a relevant claim
• prohibit a person from buying or selling a relevant claim referral
• prevent lawyers who are convicted of these offences from charging legal costs in relation to the claim, and to require them to refund any costs already received.

 Claim farmers may obtain someone’s personal information without consent to make unsolicited contact and use high-pressure tactics such as harassment and intimidation. The practices used by claim farmers can cause distress to victim-survivors who are pressured to lodge civil compensation claims. Claim farmers charge referral fees to ‘sell’ the claim to a legal practice or another claim farming organisation. They often make promises about legal entitlements that may not be correct or in the claimant’s best interests. The bill will prohibit claim farming for personal injury claims under the Civil Liability Act 2002 and arising from intentional torts (intentional acts that result in injury or death). The Civil Liability Act 2002 applies to many types of claims, including serious injury, medical negligence, and public and product liability. Intentional torts cover acts such as child abuse, assault and deprivation of liberty. Existing offences such as fraud will still apply in addition to the claim farming bill. Dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception currently carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment. Prohibiting claim farming will not prevent abuse victims from bringing a claim for compensation, which can be done by contacting a lawyer directly. Attorney General Michael Daley said: “It’s abhorrent that individuals and organisations are seeking to profit off vulnerable people such as victim-survivors of child sexual abuse. “The NSW Government is listening to advocates who have called for a ban on this predatory and exploitative practice that worsens the trauma experienced by victim-survivors. “We have carefully consulted with the community and are moving to stop the harm inflicted by this egregious behaviour.”

As part of the NSW State and Federal Government’s plan to improve regional and rural connectivity farmers and families across the state’s central west will benefit from major upgrades with 17 new telecommunication towers set to be built across the region by the end of 2025.

Overall, the NSW Government and Australian Governments have provided up to $6.1 million to improve rural connectivity to around 1,500 premises across Weddin Shire, Burcher, Burra, Eumungerie, Glen Davis, Talbingo in the central west and Burra, Urila and Talbingo in southern NSW.

Improvements will be delivered through new services provided by YLess4U and Connected Farms, enabling farmers to access reliable communications and data directly from their paddocks, maximising productivity and saving time and money.

Primary producers and agricultural businesses are increasingly relying on the internet, with modern farming technology such as livestock monitoring, smart irrigation systems and wireless drone inspections for land surveying now being used alongside AgTech in tractors, headers and centre-pivot watering systems.

This new funding will allow growers in the Weddin Shire and surrounding areas to fully harness modern farming technology through improved coverage.

Currently, machinery programmed to sow seeds in a designated area across Weddin Shire farmland can only be configured using farm-office based computers with wired internet connections, as there are no reliable wireless options out on the farm.

In the Weddin Agriculture Precinct, Connected Farms will deliver a network providing mobile services and high speed fixed wireless broadband to more than 200 premises in Caragabal, Bribbaree, Piney Range and Pullabooka.

Dual SIM phones will allow locals to make calls and access mobile data via the Connected Farms network, while still accessing other mobile voice and data networks.

In addition to unlocking modern Agtech methods, locals and visitors alike will have improved access to emergency services during disasters and unexpected events.

In Burcher, Burra, Eumungerie, Glen Davis, Talbingo and Urila, telecommunications provider, YLess4U will deliver high speed fixed wireless broadband to premises providing locals farmers and their families with fast and reliable internet.

For more information on the latest Regional Connectivity Program, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/internet/regional-connectivity-program

For information on co-funded regional NSW projects, visit www.nsw.gov.au/connectregionalNSW

Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland

“Every Australian deserves access to fast, reliable and affordable connectivity regardless of whether they live.

“Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has been working to bridge the digital divide with a focus on regional New South Wales.

“These upgrades will make a meaningful difference to residents, local businesses and visitors to the Central West.

“Labor’s vision is for Australia to be the most connected continent, and we are working with the NSW Government and industry to deliver this.”

NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty

“Residents in rural and regional areas deserve dependable telecommunications services to support their everyday needs and that is what this program is providing.

“Improved digital services is important for both the productivity of the farm business and for the daily logistical challenges of living in a rural area.

“Farmers and their families shouldn’t have to stand in the back yard waving their phones around to make a call. 

“These upgrades will mean school children can easily contact their parents when the school bus drops them off at the farm gate.

co-founder and Growth Lead at Connected Farms Melissa Andrews

“These connectivity services will provide farmers with a platform to utilise the latest in real time digital and precision agricultural technologies across their farms to increase their operational efficiency,” Ms Andrews said.

”For many years, connectivity in many parts of Weddin Shire has been very limited and these services will also enable better communications and farm safety capability.”

YLess4U director Jason Green

“We’re proud to partner with the NSW Government as part of the Australian Government’s Regional Connectivity Program to deliver fixed wireless broadband services to over 900 homes and businesses across six communities in regional New South Wales,” Mr Green said.

“Once complete, residents and businesses will have access to faster, more reliable internet and a wide range of plans and pricing options, importantly at prices equivalent to those found in metropolitan areas.

Case study – Stuart McKellar

In the Weddin Shire, sheep and cropping farmer Stuart McKellar runs a large family operation alongside his wife, Cath, brother, Brett, and son, Scott.

Since the land was handed down from Stuart’s parents, the family have managed the farm together and as residents of rural Weddin Shire, they are all too familiar with the challenges brought on by the digital divide.

In 2023, when Stuart’s truck broke down 40 kilometres outside of Grenfell, he deliberately stopped the vehicle on a hill, knowing it was his only chance to get enough mobile reception to call for help.

When the mechanic arrived on-site, they realised that he would need to make five separate trips back into town to access the phone and internet coverage needed to diagnose the mechanical fault and get Stuart’s truck back on the road.

Unfortunately, these incidents aren’t the only way the digital divide affects Stuart and his family; it also impacts their daily sheep and cropping operations.

The business is forced to rely on paper-based vendor declarations and contracts because they lack the internet access required to download even low-megabyte digital resources.

Poor connectivity makes it hard for farmers to use modern tools like Variable Rate (VR) fertiliser tech, which usually lets them upload field data, like soil tests, straight from their tractor.

Without internet in the field, Stuart is forced to return to the home office to upload the required data and make adjustments before getting back to spreading fertiliser where it’s needed most.

This slows things down and means they can’t always make the best use of expensive inputs like lime and gypsum, or maximise crop growth efficiently.

Once the Connected Farms service becomes available in the area, challenges like Stuart’s will soon become a thing of the past and residents will finally have access to reliable mobile phone reception and metropolitan-grade internet, whether during car breakdowns or for everyday farming needs.

Weddin Shire farmer Stuart McKellar said:

“Connectivity has always been very poor around here and our dependence on data is getting greater and greater,” Mr McKellar said.

“Accidents often happen where there is no service, and that improved connectivity would not only make residents’ day-to-day lives easier but would increase farm safety across the shire.

“I recently broke down 40 kilometres from Grenfell and the mechanic had to make five trips out from town to fix the issue as we couldn’t get data out at the worksite. It’s an awful lot of travelling and time wasted and if we had decent internet connection, it would have been a simple fix.

“Currently, your phone will only work near a certain tree or on a hill, we have to use a paper-based vendor declaration because electronic ones won’t load, and we rely on internet in the home office to do simple things like searching the weather forecast.

“Any AgTech field adjustments that need to be done on farm machinery must be done on the house computer too – our farm is spread out across 30 kilometres so when you go out to the field and realise what you’ve preplanned is wrong, you have to take it back to the home office, where the internet is, to make the necessary adjustments.

“Once we have reliable coverage, it’ll be a big time saving and big benefit if we can make those adjustments on the spot.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey will today warn parliament that the State’s workers compensation system is unsustainable without reform to how it deals with workplace psychological injury.

Mr Mookhey will set out plans to make greater use of workplace health and safety laws to prevent psychological injuries, instead of relying solely on the state’s workers compensation system as the main response. 

In a Ministerial Statement, the Treasurer will also advise Parliament that:

• If claims continue growing at recent rates, the State insurer icare expects an additional 80,000 people will make psychological injury claims over the next five years,
• For every $1 needed to care for injured workers, the State’s main workers compensation scheme currently holds only 85 cents in assets, and
• Without reform, premiums for businesses facing no claims against them are forecast to rise by 36 per cent over the three years to 2027-28.

Mr Mookhey will outline a program of consultation with Business NSW and Unions NSW, as well as other interested parties, to create the reform. The model he will outline will see NSW:

1. Give the NSW Industrial Relation Commission a bullying & harassment jurisdiction ahead of requiring those claims to be heard there first before a claim can be pursued for compensation. This will allow the Commission to address psychological hazards, fostering a culture of prevention.
2. Define psychological injury, as well as ‘reasonable management action’, to provide workers and businesses with certainty – rather than let the definitions remain the subject of litigation.
3. Align whole-person-impairment thresholds to standards established in South Australia and Queensland.
4. Adopt some of the anti-fraud measures recently enacted by the Commonwealth to protect the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
5. Respond further to the recommendations retired Supreme Court justice Robert McDougall made in his independent review of Safe Work NSW.

The Treasurer has been working closely with Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis and Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib on the reform.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“Our workers compensation system was designed at a time when most people did physical labour – on farms and building sites, in mines or in factories.

“A system that approaches all psychological workplace hazards the same way as physical dangers, needs to change.

“Allowing the system to stay on autopilot will only trap more employees, employers, and the state of NSW to a fate we can avoid.

“We must build a system that is fit for purpose – one that reflects modern workplaces and modern ways of working.”