Category: NSW News

The NSW Government has passed legislation banning the practice of ‘claim farming’ where vulnerable people are pressured to lodge civil compensation claims.

The Claim Farming Practices Prohibition Bill 2025 which passed parliament last night prohibits a person from contacting someone to solicit a claim and buying or selling claims.

Claim farmers often target child abuse victim-survivors through cold calling and use unethical, high-pressure tactics to solicit a claim. This person’s details are then sold to a legal practice or another claim farmer.

Claim farmers may obtain a person’s information without their consent and make promises about legal entitlements that are untrue or not in the claimant’s best interests.

Under the new laws, anyone who solicits, buys or sells a claim faces a fine of up to $55,000. Lawyers will also be prohibited from charging or retaining fees associated with a claimed farm.

The bill covers claims arising under the Civil Liability Act 2002 includingserious injury, medical negligence, and public and product liability as well as intentional torts.

Intentional torts include acts such as child abuse, assault and deprivation of liberty.

Existing offences such as fraud will still apply in addition to the claim farming prohibition for fraudulent claims.

The existing offence of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception currently carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.

The ban on claim farming does not prevent abuse victims from bringing a claim for compensation by contacting a lawyer directly.

It also does not prevent someone from giving advice or assistance to another person to encourage them or to assist them in making a claim.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The NSW Government has legislated to put a stop to the insidious practice of claim farming that exploits the trauma of vulnerable people.

“The predatory practices can worsen the trauma and distress experienced by victim-survivors.

“No one should be harassed or intimidated into making a civil compensation claim which may not be in their best interests.

“This ban has been developed in close consultation with the community including victim-survivors and their advocates.”

The Minns Labor Government will proceed with plans for Dubbo’s new $58.6 million government workplace hub following the approval of the project by Dubbo Regional Council.

Two development applications from Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) have now been approved by the Council to redevelop the existing government office at 37-39 Carrington Avenue and an adjacent government-owned building at 142 Brisbane Street.

As the two buildings sit on separate lots, separate development applications were required to allow for the delivery of the Dubbo Workplace Hub.

The approved redevelopment plans include:

• A new internal fit-out of the Carrington Avenue building and construction of a three-storey extension at the rear of the property to create additional flexible, modern office space. The building will feature a new facade and connect to the Brisbane Street development via a landscape-designed pocket park featuring a yarning circle and a pedestrian walkway.
   
• Revitalisation of the government-owned building on Brisbane Street will preserve the building’s heritage features and include an internal workplace fit-out, a new accessible lift, a second set of stairs, and a new roof.

Together the two buildings will cover a gross floor area of 4,350 square metres to be occupied by up to 700 public servants drawn from 7 NSW Government agencies.

Redevelopment of the two buildings will support an estimated 440 design and construction jobs and $209 million in economic benefits for Dubbo and the Orana region.

PDNSW is now working towards the selection of a construction partner for the project, with work on the hub expected to start mid-2025 and be completed in 2026.

The hub will take the environmental performance of its office accommodation in Dubbo to a new level, with targets set to meet 5.5 Star NABERS Energy, 3 Star NABERS Water and 4.0 star Greenstar ratings.

For more information, visit the Dubbo workplace hub.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The approval of development applications by Dubbo Regional Council is a fantastic milestone that means the NSW Government can now tender for a construction partner to build its new workplace hub servicing the Orana region in the heart of Dubbo.

“This major project will support jobs and investment for the city and surrounding region and ensure regional staff have access to high-quality office accommodation.”

Minister for Regional NSW & Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This milestone demonstrates our Government progresses projects and delivers opportunities in regional towns, with more than 400 jobs coming out of this redevelopment.

“Investing in modern consolidated workplace hubs such as this helps the government retain and attract staff to live and work in regional areas.

Dubbo-based MLC Stephen Lawrence said:

“This is fantastic news, the Dubbo Workplace Hub will allow for more collaboration between NSW Government workers and better connections with the community. It is good to see this project progressing under the Minns Labor Government and it will be a welcome addition to service delivery in the Dubbo region.”

The outstanding and dedicated work of allied health clinicians has been celebrated at the NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards, held in Sydney last night.

The annual awards recognise the passion, dedication, and contributions of allied health professionals and their support staff across the NSW public health system, with 35 finalists considered in the seven award categories.

Awards were presented by Minister for Health Ryan Park, Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson, and NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM.

The winners in each of the seven categories are:

• Allied Health Professional of the Year
  Dr Kate Short, Speech Pathologist, South Western Sydney Local Health District
• Allied Health Leader of the Year
  Catherine Osborne, Radiation Therapist, Western NSW Local Health District
• Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year
  Daniel Lowe, Radiation Therapist, Western NSW Local Health District
• Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year
  Mason Smith, Physiotherapist, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District
• Allied Health Assistant / Technician / Support Person of the Year
  Dianne Redding, Allied Health Assistant, Hunter New England Local Health District
• Allied Health Research of the Year
  Dr Sim Yee (Cindy) Tan, Dietitian Sydney Local Health District
• Allied Health Educator of the Year
  Shirlee Maxwell, Dietitian, Hunter New England Local Health District

For more information, including a full list of finalists, visit 2025 NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I want to congratulate the winners and all of the finalists for their contribution to our health system. Their hard work has had a positive impact on thousands of people and their communities, and I’m pleased to be able to help recognise them.

“It was an honour to present the award to NSW’s Allied Health Professional of the Year Dr Kate Short whose clinical practice and research focuses on child development, prevention and intervention for children with communication disorders and those experiencing adversities.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“Allied health professionals play an incredibly important role providing compassionate care for patients across a wide range of disciplines, including mental health.

“I want to thank all the finalists for their dedication to our health system and their leadership in driving the highest standards of care for our communities.”

Minister for Medical Research David Harris:

“Allied health professionals do a lot of heavy lifting to make a significant difference in the health, recovery and well-being of so many people across the state.

“I congratulate all the winners and finalists and would particularly like to highlight the achievements of Dr Sim Yee (Cindy) Tan, a clinical dietitian with over 20 years’ experience specialising in cancer nutrition. As well as her own important research work, Dr Tan has supervised more than 20 research student projects.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM:

“I want to thank all of our nominees, finalists, and winners for the incredible work they do in a wide variety of roles, right across the NSW public health system.

“Allied health professionals play a crucial role in our healthcare system, and through their professionalism, kindness and compassion, enrich health in many ways.”

NSW Health Chief Allied Health Officer Andrew Davison:

“These awards recognise that allied health professionals play a vital role in the public health system, working across 23 unique professions, they engage with people at all stages of their lives, from birth to aged care.

“I congratulate the winners and finalists for their achievements.”

The Minns Labor Government has today announced $250,000 in funding to enhance suicide prevention programs for men and women across NSW.

The Government investment will assist charity Talk2meBro whose mission is to help reduce the number of Australians who die from suicide to zero by offering tailored mental health programs. 

The funding will mean Talk2meBro can enhance the mental health programs provided to the community through workshops, keynote sessions, immersive experiences, and team-building activities.

Through early intervention, Talk2meBro create societal change by reducing the stigma around suicide and getting men and women to feel comfortable talking about what they are going through emotionally and mentally.

Since 2018, the organisation has facilitated their unique programs, retreats, and seminars in over 7,000 schools, 15,000 workplaces, 17,000 sporting clubs, as well as in NSW communities across the state.

If you, or someone you know, is in a life-threatening situation please seek help immediately by calling 000.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

The NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 is a 24/7 service that can advise you on appropriate local mental health services for you or a loved one.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“One life lost to suicide is one too many and the Minns Government is committed to reducing the number of people who die by suicide across NSW.

“Not everyone feels comfortable opening up when they are going through a rough time but the more avenues we have for them to do so the more hope we have of supporting them through it.”

Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson:

“Suicide prevention isn’t just about crisis response—it’s about creating a culture where people feel safe to reach out and know where to turn for support during life’s toughest challenges.

“Early intervention saves lives and programs like this are vital in breaking down stigma and shifting the conversation around mental health and suicide prevention.”

Talk2meBro representatives, Jack Brown and Luke Conners:

“We are incredibly grateful and humbled by receiving these funds and support from the Government.

“We can utilise this to continue to grow our FREE community events, facilitate suicide prevention training and continue to upskill and grow our amazing team of custodians. 

“The more people that are educated around suicide, the better chances we have to keep our brothers, sisters, friends, family, ANYONE in the community with us and to see that it is a rough patch, not a rough life.”

The Minns Labor Government has today announced the establishment of the Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation to recognise the extraordinary response efforts during the major NSW flood events between 2021 and 2023.

The citation will be awarded to organisations such as the members of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), other emergency agencies, defence force personnel and other community-based organisations.

It also includes individuals who were part of local ‘Tinny Army’ groups, who played a role in responding during flood emergencies across many parts of the state in an informal or spontaneous way.

The citation honours those who were part of the operational response during those challenging times, including those who assisted with evacuations, or helped people or animals trapped by floodwater.

This recognition is particularly significant given the unprecedented scale and duration of the operational response, with some regions experiencing over 100 consecutive days of emergency activities.

The Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation will be administered by the NSW SES and includes the following specific events:

• Southern and Western NSW floods: 9 November 2021 – 21 February 2022
• Northern NSW and Hawkesbury Nepean Valley floods: 22 February 2022 – 8 April 2022
• Greater Sydney and Hunter Valley floods: 27 June 2022 – 17 July 2022
• Southern and Western NSW floods: 2 August 2022 – 8 March 2023

Recipients of the citation will receive a letter and certificate co-signed by the NSW Premier, NSW Minister for Emergency Services and the NSW SES Commissioner, along with a citation pin.

The NSW SES will contact eligible organisations directly to submit nominations on behalf of members.

Informal or spontaneous volunteers, whose efforts were not as part of an eligible organisation, can self-nominate.

This initiative follows the Bushfire Emergency Citation, ensuring that the unique and vital contributions of emergency responders and volunteers during emergencies are recognised.

While the NSW Government remains focused on helping the communities recover and rebuild, the Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation underscores the Government’s commitment to also acknowledging the dedication and resilience of those who served the community in times of crisis.

To nominate as an individual, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/premiers-department/citation

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Our emergency service personnel and volunteers showed immense courage and dedication during some of the most challenging conditions our state has ever faced.

“The Premier’s Flood Emergency Citation is a testament to their tireless efforts and the critical role they played in keeping our communities safe.

“This recognition is not just about honouring their hard work; it’s about ensuring they know that their contributions have made a real difference in the lives of so many people across NSW.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“The response to these flood events was extraordinary and inspiring, with volunteers and emergency services personnel stepping up in the face of adversity to protect and assist their communities.

“We know that many of those who served during these floods did so at great personal sacrifice, but they are motivated by a sense of service to others.

“This citation is a symbol of our appreciation for their service and a reminder of the vital role they play in our society.”

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“I am pleased that Premier Chris Minns made the decision to formally honour our personnel and volunteers in uniform and our ‘Tinny Army’ who saved so many lives in the Northern Rivers three years ago.

“I saw people in my community go above and beyond to get their neighbours to safety, and we saw ordinary people do the most extraordinary things to save lives in flood-affected communities right across the state.

“I want to urge everyone who played their part in that community effort to self-nominate to make sure they receive their due recognition for the things they did in that difficult time. There is no cut-off date for this process.

“I know I express the wishes of the entire community and say that we thank each and every one of our hero rescuers from the bottom of our hearts.”

NSW SES Commissioner Michael Wassing AFSM said:

“The major flooding events of 2022-2023 were felt right across NSW, with countless flood rescues and resupply missions in what was the longest flooding campaign in the state’s history.

“Our volunteers and the community members who helped their neighbours alongside NSW SES members, who gave more than two million hours during these floods, deserve this recognition.”

The NSW Minns Labor Government has passed legislation to provide long overdue protections for transport gig workers as well as modernising the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act that applies to part of the road transport industry.

The legislation is complementary to the Federal Government’s gig workers reform and follows consultation with unions, industry and the community to ensure the changes are fit-for-purpose for the gig economy and the modern transport sector like rideshare.

The legislation provides a mechanism for transport gig workers to access the same legal protections currently offered to owner driver truck drivers, couriers and taxi drivers under the NSW Industrial Relations Act (the Act).

The decision to reform the Act was an election commitment and will allow platform companies, employers and unions to apply to the Industrial Relations Commission for binding determinations on workers’ pay and conditions of employment for the first time.

Once the changes are implemented, eligible gig workers in the transport sector and their representative will be able to apply to the NSW IRC to have contract determinations or agreements that will regulate their pay and conditions.

The NSW Government’s bill will:

• Modernise the existing provisions of Chapter 6 of the Industrial Relations Act, including establishing objects for the Chapter.
• Allow the Commission to determine what is fair and reasonable pay and conditions for rideshare and other gig workers in the transport industry.
• Establish new offences of accessorial liability for those who break the law in a supply chain.
• Ensure there are enforceable standards across road transport supply chains to make sure everyone, no matter how big or small, can recover their costs.

Consistent with the approach of the Commonwealth Government, the existing exemptions for transport of livestock and produce will remain in place.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“This new legislation will enable our Industrial Relations system to be fit for purpose when it comes to gig workers in the transport sector.

“The public relies on gig workers in the transport industry every day, and workers can rely on us for the same legal protections.

“This is an important step in supporting the thousands of gig workers to ensure they have the same industrial rights to access the industrial relations commission.”

Sydney Water Managing Director, Roch Cheroux, will conclude his tenure after six years leading the organisation through key operational and planning phases.

Since his appointment in 2019, Mr Cheroux has progressed sustainable water management initiatives and laid the groundwork for major infrastructure projects to improve services across Greater Sydney.

Mr Cheroux has held senior water industry roles across Australia, Europe and Asia, including as Chief Executive of SA Water.

As Sydney Water moves into its next phase of delivery and strategic planning, the Board of Directors has initiated a change in leadership to support this transition.

The process to appoint a new Managing Director will now commence. In the interim, Sydney Water’s Executive General Manager, Paul Plowman, will be the Acting Chief Executive.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“During his tenure, Roch Cheroux helped guide Sydney Water through a range of challenges including drought, urban growth and climate impacts.

“His leadership has helped lay the foundations for the future of water in Greater Sydney.

“I thank Mr Cheroux for his contribution to Sydney Water and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Chair of the Sydney Water Board, The Hon. Niall Blair said:

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Roch for his leadership, professionalism and dedication over the past six years.

“Roch has been instrumental in modernising the organisation and preparing it for the long-term challenges of water security, infrastructure delivery and customer service in a rapidly growing city.

“We wish him all the best in his next chapter and look forward to working with Paul Plowman as Acting Chief Executive while we undertake the recruitment process.”

The Minns Labor Government will provide an additional $300,000 to a peak community group to continue its valuable work in helping older people in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region to transition more quickly from hospital to aged care, when they are medically ready to be discharged.

The collaborative regional project, led by the Community Industry Group (CI Group), has spent the past 12 months working to implement sustainable strategies that enable improved transitioning of older people into residential aged care facilities (RACFs) following an initial $300,000 grant in May 2024. 

In its first 12 months, the CI Group has undertaken research into the drivers of discharge delays for older people into residential aged care facilities.

CI Group has also supported the creation of a team of discharge volunteers which assist with the process of transfer from hospital and established a multi-agency regional health and aged care taskforce to oversee these projects and develop a regional health and aged care plan.

The additional funding will enable the group to build on its existing work, while also focussing on engaging other external stakeholders and exploring options to expedite aged care transition process.

CI Group will provide assistance and expert advice, together with Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, to work with RACF providers to implement immediate occupancy expansion initiatives, and to identify and target other aged care options.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The lack of available local residential aged care facility beds has been a major challenge across NSW in recent years, particularly in the Illawarra Shoalhaven.

“Getting people out of hospital quicker, and into the most appropriate care is critical for the patient, and the system as a whole, and that is why the work being undertaken by the Community Industry Group is hugely important.

“This additional funding will enable the expansion of existing initiatives including the Supported Transition Assistance Response Scheme within local hospitals and focus on the development of more initiatives that will help ease pressure on our busy hospitals.”

CI Group CEO, Nicky Sloan:

“This additional funding will enable us to build on our research and work over the past 12 months.

“We have collaborated with stakeholders including aged care providers, the Local Health District, the Primary Health Network, local Councils, Dementia Services Australia as well as the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care to deliver three important initiatives that are now in place to support the discharge of older people into an aged care service.

“We are incredibly thankful for the ongoing support of our work so that we can continue to make a dent in the critical issue of our most vulnerable community members being unnecessarily stuck in hospital.”

The Minns Labor Government is helping businesses address energy use, reduce their energy bills and drive ongoing improvements in energy productivity.

The first round of the Metering Plan Implementation Grant has awarded almost $40,000 in funding to support Brisbane Waters Private Hospital in Woy Woy.

This funding enables businesses to install the technology they need to get a clearer picture of their energy use, unlocking potential energy cost reductions of 5% to 15%.

Metering and monitoring systems provide detailed insights into energy use, allowing businesses to optimise equipment performance, pinpoint inefficiencies and improve overall energy management.

By leveraging this data, businesses can significantly reduce energy consumption leading to substantial savings on energy bills.

The round attracted strong interest from businesses statewide, with grant recipients representing a broad range of sectors, including food production, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, private healthcare, education and sports facilitates.

In total, $1.5 million is being invested in 26 projects across NSW, including a $39,860 grant for Brisbane Waters Private Hospital.

The Metering Plan Implementation Grant is part of the NSW Government’s $22 million Business Decarbonisation Program, which supports businesses in adopting practical, cost-effective solutions to accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions.

For more information about both initiatives, visit https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/business-and-industry/programs-grants-and-schemes/supporting-your-business-decarbonis

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“By empowering businesses to understand and manage their energy consumption, we are not only helping them reduce costs but also contributing to our broader goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

“These grants represent a significant investment in the future of NSW businesses and our commitment to a sustainable energy future.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“This important program is essential to supporting businesses to address their power use leading to a reduction in their bills. By connecting businesses to innovative technological solutions, the Minns Labor Government is assisting our local businesses to unlock well needed energy savings.

“This grant will support Brisbane Water Private Hospital to adopt practical, low-cost solutions that will not just lower bills, but also accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions.”

City of Newcastle is asking the NSW Government to part fund a project worth up to $250,000 to help address anti-social behaviour on Beaumont Street.

The Community Building Partnership grant would deliver much-needed positive change to Hamilton Station Park with the proposed project featuring security and ambient lighting, upgraded utilities, as well as accessible seating and landscaping.

Ward Two Councillors Jennie Barry, Joel Pringle and Paige Johnson at Hamilton Station Park.Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said City of Newcastle has identified several elements that can be implemented to help create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all.

“This is a complex site that requires a collaborative effort between multiple agencies to make sustainable and positive changes to how the park is used,” Cr Kerridge said.

“We want to revitalise the park and make it a safer one too, while at the same time providing economic benefit for local businesses through positive activation.”

The NSW Government’s $41.85 million Community Building Partnership program awards grants for community infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes while also promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion.

Executive Director Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said the proposal has been developed utilising the principles of crime prevention through environmental design to make the park a safer and more welcoming community space.

“The State Member for Newcastle, Tim Crakanthorp, made us aware of the grant opportunity, informing me that it represented a great opportunity to improve Hamilton Station Park,” Ms Jones.

“City of Newcastle organised cross agency workshops, attended community meetings and conducted consultation with students, members of the public and business owners to develop the plan.”

Another element of the proposal would be a dual-sided noticeboard featuring information about events and local support services on one side and the local Aboriginal cultural story on the other.

The area is known as Ahwar-tah Bulboolba, which translates to ‘flat it is, Wallaby Place. A place of sand flats covered in tea tree scrub and an abundance of wildlife.’

“The local Aboriginal community will be involved in the park improvements, interpreting and displaying artwork and the Indigenous history of the area, contributing to feelings of pride and inclusion,” Ms Jones said.

Other elements of the project include the removal of the park’s perimeter fence to improve sight lines and deter anti-social behaviour, the installation of a water filling station, as well as electrical connections and a hard stand that can be used for pop-up events.

Ward Two Councillors have backed the Beaumont Street project as part of ongoing efforts to improve community safety and wellbeing.

“We know crime prevention through environmental design can be successful in Newcastle, as we have seen with the renewal of Islington Park, which was at one time experiencing similar social and safety issues,” Cr Jenny Barrie said.

“City of Newcastle started work on improving the space in 2023 with the Hamilton Station Park Graffiti Management project, which began to reduce the incidence of graffiti vandalism on the walls and improved the visual appearance of the area.

“If we can make the park an even more welcoming and supportive environment it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors, and become a venue for outreach support activities and community events.”

Councillor Joel Pringle said the project takes into consideration the retention of urban green space and amenity in the space.

“The proposed plan maintains existing vegetation and addresses root protection for the iconic fig trees,” Cr Pringle said.

“It’s great to see projects like this that enhance our community spaces for all to enjoy.”

The park’s free community pantry is proposed to be relocated to a well-lit location closer to Beaumont Street and upgraded with a purpose-built structure to provide better protection from rain and sunlight.

Councillor Paige Johnson noted the Hamilton Station Park proposal is part of the ongoing collaboration to deliver improvements for Hamilton.

“There has been a lot of positive conversations with stakeholders on infrastructure needs for the space which will continue as the design for the project progresses, to get the best outcome for our local community,” Cr Johnson said.

Should the NSW Government provide the maximum $100,000 grant to the project, City of Newcastle will contribute $150,000, bringing the total to $250,000.

Each State electorate is allocated $450,000 to award grants for community, infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes.

Should the NSW Government commit less than the requested $100,000 grant funding then the project will require rescoping.