Category: NSW News

Regional NSW is no longer a reprieve for Sydneysiders looking to escape skyrocketing rents in the city, with affordability in the regions hitting record lows, according to the tenth annual National Shelter-SGS Economics and Planning Rental Affordability Index released today.

Low income earners are bearing the brunt of the rental crisis with single JobSeekers facing Extremely Unaffordable rents, with 69 per cent of their income going towards rent. Single part-time workers on parent benefits are also struggling with Extremely Unaffordable rents, sacrificing 56 per cent of their income to rent.

The average rental household in regional NSW is now paying almost 30 per cent of the gross income of $89,977 if renting at the median rate. Renting in regional NSW straddles the border between Moderately Unaffordable and Unaffordable with a RAI score of 101.

CEO of Shelter NSW John Engeler said: “The regional rental market is spiraling out of control, with people across the state struggling to afford to keep a roof over their head. What was once affordable is now out of reach.

“The regions used to be seen as an affordable alternative for Sydneysiders to escape to when city rents became unaffordable. But this is not the case, especially for regional residents on local wages. This is not sustainable and will only get worse as these regional populations grow.

“We are urging the NSW Government to provide more social housing, that is public and community housing for low-income people, and restore the social housing safety net to 5 per cent of all housing stock by 2027, working towards a goal of 10 per cent of all housing by 2040.“

“Renters deserve stable and secure long-term housing. While we commend the NSW Government for its reform to make renting fairer we now need it to commit to delivering substantial numbers of genuinely affordable rental housing for low to average income households. We also need urgent action to wind back the short term rental market. The stock of private rental properties has been gutted in many regional cities and towns leaving local people with no option but to leave.”  

The greatest affordability decline in regional NSW has been seen along coastal areas such as Tweed Heads, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, as well as inland areas such as Orange and Dubbo. Before the Covid-19 pandemic these areas shifted from Affordable to Moderately Unaffordable and Unaffordable. 

Byron Bay has been found to be one of the least affordable suburbs across the entire country, with the entire coastline of NSW offering Moderately Unaffordablerents.

While there are some areas with Acceptable to Very Affordable rents, they tend to be remote with limited access to services such as hospitals, schools and emergency services.

Ellen Witte Principal at SGS Economics & Planning said: “There are very few affordable long-term rentals on offer, pushing households to the brink of homelessness. This is a serious problem that needs to be urgently addressed by the NSW Government.

“We need to rapidly expand social and affordable housing and strengthen renters’ rights. Rental affordability in the regions is a serious issue that needs urgent intervention.”

Household	Affordability	Rent as share of income	RAI score
Single person on JobSeeker	Extremely unaffordable	69 per cent	44
Single pensioner	Severely unaffordable	43 per cent	70
Pensioner couple	Severely unaffordable	37 per cent	80
Single part-time worker on parent benefits	Extremely unaffordable	56 per cent	53
Single full-time working parent	Acceptable	22 per cent	138
Single income couple with children	Moderately unaffordable	36 per cent	82
Dual income couple with children	Very affordable	13 per cent	225
Student share house (three bedroom)	Moderately unaffordable	29 per cent	104
Minimum wage couple	Acceptable	25 per cent	122
Hospitality worker	Moderately unaffordable	36 per cent	115

* Table comparing each household in regional NSW and their rent as a share of income, as well as RAI score and affordability.

Today, the Minns Labor Government will introduce the Mental Health Legislation Amendment Bill to the New South Wales Parliament, as work continues to strengthen the state’s Mental Health Review Tribunal to better support families and victims.  

The bill will directly respond to issues raised with the Government recently around social media use by forensic patients and the decision process for granting of forensic patient leave. 

The NSW Government’s bill will require oversight of leave for forensic patients by judicial officers, where currently members of the tribunal without a legal background have the capacity to approve leave.  

Under proposed changes, decisions regarding leave, other than escorted leave, will require current or former judicial officers to be part of the decision-making panel. This change will be made through an amendment to the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020. 

The Government will also seek to make it clear the tribunal may impose conditions to restrict or prohibit forensic patient’s access to social media or other forms of online communication while on leave or release. 

While there are currently no restrictions on the types of conditions that can be imposed for release and leave orders, social media and other online communication are not directly referenced. The explicit inclusion of social media as something to be considered for restriction reflects community expectations that it be addressed by the tribunal, in the same way alcohol, drug testing and travel restrictions are when making leave or release decisions. 

These changes are part of the NSW Government’s ongoing work to ensure the state’s forensic system is accountable and reflects the feedback generously provided by those with a lived experience. This follows the $2.4 million recent investment in the Mental Health Review Tribunal to enable it to improve records, upgrade IT systems and develop a new case management system. 

The NSW Government will continue to explore avenues to improve and strengthen the Mental Health Review Tribunal in consultation with stakeholders, experts and those with a lived experience in this space.   

Attorney General, Michael Daley said: 

“I am very keen to make sure that victims of crime are better served by the justice system.

“The Government understands that victims have endured pain and distress and we need to ensure that all aspects of the justice system operate in a way that eases their suffering.

“I believe these changes will provide a better level of support for victims and their families.”

Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson said: 

“I want to sincerely thank those who engaged with the Government on the need for this change, particularly Rebekah Porter and all families of victims. Your strength in advocating for change in the face of heartbreak is incredible. 

“Thank you also to my parliamentary colleague Phil Donato for helping lead the way and being a strong advocate for his community.”

Member for Orange, Philip Donato MP said:

“I welcome this decision of the government to reform legislation, ensuring that judicial officers will be empowered to make these important judicial decisions.

“I thank Minister Jackson for her prompt response, and for initiating this reform to better reflect community expectation and providing additional safety measures,”

The Broken Hill community is set to benefit from major infrastructure projects underway at the Broken Hill Health Service, including a new mental health unit, an upgraded emergency department and new key health worker accommodation.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park recently toured one of the key worker accommodation units and inspected progress of the Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment which includes the construction of a new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit (MHIPU) and upgraded Emergency Department (ED).

The new Acute MHIPU is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, and has been co-designed with mental health clinicians, consumers and carers with lived experience.

A separate $12 million upgrade of the hospital’s ED includes a full internal refurbishment and reconfiguration of the current ED, making it a bigger and more efficient space to deliver lifesaving emergency care.

As part of the NSW Government’s Key Worker Accommodation (KWA) Program, 20 new modern staff accommodation units have also been delivered to the hospital campus, adjacent to existing staff quarters.

The two-storey accommodation complex features 10 new fit-for-purpose units on each floor. Once completed, each of the 20 new units will be fully furnished and self-contained, featuring a light-filled living and dining area, kitchen with quality appliances, bedroom with robe and ensuite, an internal laundry, and a screened verandah.

This investment will assist the Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) in recruiting and retaining healthcare workers., Staff are expected to move into the new accommodation early next year once works are complete.

FWLHD is one of three regional Local Health Districts to benefit from a $45.3 million investment to deliver accommodation for health workers under the KWA Program, which is being delivered in partnership with Health Infrastructure. Other Local Health Districts include Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW.

Broken Hill is the second FWLHD site to receive new accommodation under the program. Two cabins, each with two units, were delivered in Balranald earlier this year.

More information about the KWA Program and Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment is available at http://www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/.

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is proud of its investment to enhance health services for the Broken Hill community, with significant health infrastructure investments under way to support patients, staff, and the community.

“Witnessing the roll-out of the Key Worker Accommodation Program on the ground in Broken Hill has allowed us to appreciate the innovation and well-thought-out design, which we will further build on through our $200.1 million program to increase key worker accommodation across rural and regional areas announced in the most recent 2024-25 NSW Budget.

“We know that securing suitable accommodation in rural areas can be difficult, so the new units will make it easier for healthcare workers looking at making the move to a rural or regional town to live and work.

“The upgraded Broken Hill Health Service Emergency Department will provide improved patient flow and will also better meet the critical health needs of the region, featuring tailored treatment spaces for children and those requiring mental health services.”

Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson:

“The new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit is going to be a real asset to the region, providing a modern and contemporary therapeutic space which has been co-designed with people with lived experience of mental ill health, their families, carers and staff.

“I want to personally thank everyone here at the Broken Hill Health Service for their ongoing advocacy and support for these upgrades. We know how important it is to have these services in community.

“It is so encouraging to hear how construction of the new unit is progressing. The new mental health facility will ensure communities in and around Broken Hill will have access to comprehensive mental health support services with modern amenities.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler:

“Broken Hill is a unique community with great opportunities to offer healthcare workers thinking about moving to the bush. I have met many health workers in Broken Hill who came from areas such as the east coast but who went west, loved it and decided to stay.

“Now, with the construction of the new Mental Health Unit and upgrade of the Emergency Department underway and the new accommodation units, this will help to attract and retain more health workers out west.

“The 20 additional new accommodation units will be a very welcome addition to Broken Hill Health Service and the community, and we are looking forward to move-in day once all of the units are completed in early 2025.”

The NSW Labor Government has sped up delivery of new funding to Wingecarribee Shire Council repair roads and transport infrastructure damaged during natural disasters.

Wingecarribee Shire Council is among the first in the state to sign a pioneering pilot funding agreement with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW, streamlining the distribution of disaster recovery funds.

Previously, councils faced significant financial strain as they had to finance infrastructure repairs upfront and wait for reimbursement from other levels of government. 

Now, through the newly established Tripartite Agreements, councils like Wingecarribee Shire Council can access advance funding at the onset of each reconstruction phase.

The Tripartite Agreements mean less financial pressure on councils, faster road repairs for communities and enhanced collaboration between government agencies.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“When a region is hit by a natural disaster, the last thing councils need to worry about is coming up with the cash to restore essential road and transport infrastructure.

“The new pilot agreement the NSW Government has struck with councils will now help more councils get on with the job faster, knowing they have the funds they will so desperately need.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“The Tripartite Agreements are a great example of all levels of government working with communities to develop new solutions that improve disaster response. 

“We are committed to building on the success of these agreements and rolling out more support to help communities rebuild faster after disasters.” 

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“For too long councils have struggled to get timely access to disaster road recovery funding and this is why the government introduced the new Tripartite Agreements to speed up the process.

“With $3.3 billion allocated over the next four years for natural disaster road recovery funding, the Minns Labor Government is working hard with the Albanese Labor Government to roll out funding faster than ever before.

“Regional communities can now rebuild roads and restore vital transport links more quickly thanks to the collaborative efforts of councils, Transport for NSW and the NSW Reconstruction Authority.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“Securing advanced funding for Wingecarribee Shire Council is a vital step forward in rebuilding our community after the devastation caused by natural disasters.

“These funds will directly support the repair of roads and essential infrastructure, ensuring safer and more reliable connections for everyone in our community.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Goulburn Bob Nanva MLC said:

“The Tripartite Agreement pilot is a major advance in disaster recovery, and importantly, it paves the way to better procedural preparedness.

“I commend the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW for leading this new way of rebuilding roads and transport infrastructure.”

The Central Coast has powered up its electric vehicle (EV) charging network as part of the NSW Government’s expansion of charger sites around the state.

As part of round 2 of the EV Destination Charging grants program, 17new EV charger sites, featuring 30 charging ports, will be installed across the Central Coast.

This initiative aims to support the growing number of EVs traveling to tourist destinations across regional NSW.

The $20 million EV Destination Charging grants program is rolling out over 1,300 EV charge ports at more than 500 sites, ensuring convenient charging options for both visitors and locals state-wide.

These chargers complement the 189 fast charging stations that the NSW Government has allocated funding to under the NSW EV Strategy.

There will be a fast-charging station funded every 100km along all major regional routes across NSW.

The program has seen a diverse range of applications from tourism businesses and councils, with accommodation operators such as motels, hotels and caravan parks, leading the way in securing funding.

New Central Coast charger site locations include Budgewoi, Kulnura, Pretty Beach, West Gosford and Wyoming where they are installed in a mix of motels, hotels, hospitality venues and other places where visitors and locals flock.

Round 3 of the grant program is now open to applications, targeting EV charging gaps along established regional NSW road trip routes.

For more information on available funding or if you are a business, council or landowner in regional NSW looking to attract more visitors to your destination by hosting an EV charger visit: https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/business-and-industry/programs-grants-and-schemes/electric-vehicles/electric-vehicle-destination

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“I welcome this funding and what it means for tourism in our region.

“By expanding our electric vehicle charging network, we’re not just improving convenience for residents and visitors; we’re also powering our local economy as more EV drivers mean more business for the Central Coast.

“The NSW Government is also encouraging more people to adopt electric vehicles. This transition is a win-win as it benifts our enviroment and our local community.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“Electric Vehicles provide a fantastic alternative for environmentally concious car owners. The NSW Government is committed to investing in our EV infrastructure, ensuring that no matter where you travel, charging is available.

“With more and more drivers switching to electric vehicles, more people are planning their trips around EV charging locations.

This funding will ensure that the Central Coast continues to be a destination for all travellers, no matter how they travel.”

Member for the Entrance David Mehan said:

“This funding will help boost tourism to our area and provide greater EV charging opportunities for drivers.”

Today, the Summary Offences Amendment (War Memorials and Other Protected Places) Bill 2024 will resume in NSW Parliament for its Second Reading Debate.

The proposed amendments to the Summary Offences Act 1998 come in response to a disturbing increase in vandalism incidents, including attacks on the Pool of Reflection at the Hyde Park War Memorial and the more recent attack at Fairfield RSL War Memorial where seven brass war memorial plaques, with the names of 192 Veterans who served during World War I, were stolen.

This Bill seeks to enhance the legal protections for war memorials statewide. Specifically, it ensures that anyone who vandalises the Pool of Reflection at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park will face criminal prosecution under strengthened laws. This Bill broadens the definition of a war memorial to encompass all shrines, monuments, statues and similar structures, as well as clarifying associated features such as gardens and pools.

The proposed legislation increases the maximum penalties for wilfully damaging or defacing a war memorial to 50 penalty units ($5,500) or 2 years imprisonment, or both. This marks an important increase from the current maximum penalty of 40 penalty units ($4,400).

Shadow Minister for Veterans Robyn Preston said our war memorials stand as enduring tributes to the brave men and women who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we cherish today.

“There is no place in our society for those who seek to deface or desecrate these sacred sites. By introducing tougher penalties, we are sending a clear message that NSW will not tolerate any disrespect towards our history or those who fought for it.”

“The last time this legislation looked to increase penalties for the damage and desecration of war memorials and other protected places was in 2007. This has not worked to deter such disrespectful acts. Offences have continued to increase since 2007. 

Penalties must be tougher, and definitions clarified for summary offences of war memorials and other protected places. It should not have to be left up to a judge and jury for an indictable offence, under the Crimes Act 1900, to decide whether signs of respect are owed to the people who fought for the freedoms we have today,” Ms Preston said.

The NSW Government has seized over 300,000 vapes over the past year, as it introduces harsher penalties for suppliers in the NSW Parliament.

Maximum penalties for illegal vape supply are set to soar from $1,650 to approximately $1.54 million, with prison sentences increasing from six months to seven years.

The NSW Government has introduced the legislation in the NSW Parliament as it moves to align vaping offences with the Commonwealth’s.

Offences will also be added for possession of commercial quantity of vaping products and for retailer possession of vaping products.

As with the Commonwealth vaping reforms, the intent of these offences is to target suppliers over individual users of vaping products. The introduction of new illegal vape penalties comes as the Government has seized over 300,000 vaping products over the past year.

Between 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024, 42,000 products were seized from 362 inspections.

This is compared to the same period the previous year when 153,000 products were seized from 290 inspections.

The lower number of products seized in the most recent quarter may be the result of the disruption in product availability in the market following the introduction of new Commonwealth vaping laws.

The NSW Government announced in October it would recruit an additional 14 enforcement officers to strengthen compliance efforts for vaping and tobacco products across the state.

NSW Health recognises the importance of supporting pharmacists, prescribers, and wholesalers in complying with laws regarding the supply and sale of therapeutic vaping products and has introduced an eCigarette Compliance Program to assist with this. The program’s initial focus is on providing support to pharmacists, with a team of specialised compliance officers visiting pharmacies across the state to offer on-site education and guidance.

NSW Health partners with the Commonwealth, NSW Police, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and Australian Border Force on enforcement related to illegal vape and tobacco sales, sharing intelligence, and working on joint operations.

More information on the supply of therapeutic vaping products in NSW is available on the NSW Health website here: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pharmaceutical/Pages/Nicotine-vaping.aspx 

For more information about the vaping reforms go to the Therapeutic Goods Administration vaping hub at www.tga.gov.au or contact them on 1800 020 653.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The prevalence of illegal vaping devices in our community, and in particular among our young people, is deeply concerning.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to the stem the tide of this public health challenge.

“I am very encouraged by the progress we are making in terms of removing these harmful devices from our streets.

“And I am pleased to announce that we are augmenting our efforts by introducing harsher penalties to target suppliers.”

NSW Health Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Michelle Cretikos:

We take our compliance role seriously. We are committed to removing as many illegal vapes as we can, particularly to stop them falling into the hands of young people.

“We don’t want people to vape, and if they are trying to quit smoking or to quit vaping, we have supports in place to help. Call the Quitline on 13 7848, visit icanquit.com.au or speak to your GP.

“If you think a tobacco or e-cigarette retailing law has been broken by a retailer in NSW, you can report this via the NSW Health website.”

More than 800 people have provided valuable feedback on the concept design for the $558 million redevelopment of the Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital, according to the latest stakeholder engagement summary released today.

Following the release of the concept design in August of this year, stakeholders, health staff and the community had their say on the latest designs via the project website, as well as at in-person and online information sessions.

The significant community response follows a series of information sessions and project briefings, held over a four-week period during which the community was able to view the designs and speak with project staff. These information sessions were attended by more than 370 community members, almost 400 Albury Wodonga Health staff, as well as stakeholders.

Feedback from the sessions highlighted support for the new designs, and the increase in healthcare services and contemporary facilities. There was also support for consolidating complex care on a single site and expanding mental health facilities.

There was strong interest in the additional parking to be delivered as part of the redevelopment, as well as new or improved transport links to the hospital. This work continues to progress as part of the planning process.

Additionally, there were more than 150 responses to the community survey, which showed interest in easy-to-follow wayfinding, sheltered drop off and pick up areas, improved lighting across campus, comfortable seating for visitors, access to gardens and green spaces to promote wellbeing for staff, patients and visitors and areas for large groups to gather.

Briefings were also held with a range of stakeholder and interest groups immediately following the concept design release. This included key clinician and senior medical staff council groups, the Albury Wodonga Health Board, Albury City and Wodonga councils, onsite stakeholders, local Aboriginal representatives, local health advocacy groups and NSW government agencies.

The Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital project includes a new seven-storey Clinical Services Building and a two-storey Northeast building, addressing the evolving needs of the border communities with cutting-edge medical technology and infrastructure.

The project will deliver a mix of new and refurbished facilities and is expected to include:

• More than 80 additional beds for medical and surgical care across three new inpatient units, with 60 per cent single rooms and the remainder double rooms.
• New and enhanced Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Enhanced maternity and birthing services, including a special care nursery
• A 32-bed Mental Health Inpatient Unit to replace and expand the existing Nolan House 24-bed service
• New surgical and operating theatres, including a hybrid theatre plus procedure room
• New Cardiac Catheter Lab
• New central sterile supply department adjacent to theatres
• Expanded ambulatory care, cardiac diagnostics and allied health therapies
• New hospital main entrance and public drop-off zone from Keene Street, Aboriginal Family Lounge, Multi-faith Centre and retail opportunities
• Additional car parking.

Numbers will be finalised as planning and design progresses.

The full stakeholder engagement summary for the release of the concept design for the Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital project can be viewed here: hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/awrh

The responses provided will feed into the next stage of the project, schematic design, to further improve the hospital experience for visitors and patients.

The project team will continue to provide updates to staff, community and stakeholders as the project progresses.

Early works on the Northeast building are expected to commence in 2025.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park:

“I am pleased so many members of the community and local health staff took the time to view the concept designs, talk to the project team, and are enthusiastic about the transformation of Albury Wodonga Regional Hospital.

“This exciting project will deliver more beds, more points of care, more parking spaces, and enhanced intensive care, maternity, birthing and mental health services.

“It will consolidate complex care onto one single site, which will improve safety for patients.

“Ongoing engagement with a broad range of stakeholders and the community is essential to the hospital planning, design and delivery process and will continue throughout the remainder of the project.”

Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas:

“We’re delivering one of the most significant regional health infrastructure investments ever for border communities, alongside the NSW and Commonwealth governments – so it is fantastic to see more than 800 Albury Wodonga locals have had their say on the concept designs.

“This project will be critical to ensuring locals have the world-class health services they deserve – and will deliver safer and more efficient care by reducing duplication for the border communities.

“Once complete, the massive $558 million redevelopment will deliver a new state-of-the-art intensive care unit, maternity ward, neonatal care and paediatric services, more medical and surgical beds, new operating theatres and a new 32-bed mental health unit.”

The Minns Labor Government today announced its plan for the next wave in women’s sport with the release of its new women’s sport strategy – Play Her Way.

Play Her Way is a four-year plan that aims to get more NSW women and girls playing, and staying involved in, sport.

The strategy builds on the groundswell of support for women’s sport, which has seen a massive increase in participation and viewership at both grassroots and professional levels.

Play Her Way will support the next wave of young females on their journey to the top of sport as well as ensure more women and girls can participate in fun, safe and inclusive sporting environments.

Key themes of the strategy include participation, leadership, culture, partnerships and investment with a particular focus on addressing the low rates of participation among adolescent girls.

To achieve this, the NSW Government will partner with the sports sector to break down barriers preventing adolescent girls participating in sport and identify new opportunities to increase participation.

The strategy was launched at URBNSRF Sydney Olympic Park where a group of the next generation of female athletes caught a wave together to symbolise the next wave in women’s sport.

For further information on the Play Her Way women’s sport strategy visit:  https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/play-her-way

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
 
“Women’s sport has seen tremendous growth and success in recent years through the performances of the Matildas at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the success of NRLW as well as the Australian women’s cricket team and the recent Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“But there is still work to do to maintain this momentum and capitalise on the next wave of women’s sport.

“Crucial to achieving this is addressing the low rates of participation among adolescent girls and working with the sector to develop new and innovative opportunities for teenage girls to play sport their way.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is committed to providing safe, inclusive and supportive environments for all women and girls to participate in sport.

“We want more women playing sport. We want them in coaching and leadership roles as well, so that sport is truly being played ‘her’ way.

“Play Her Way is our plan to achieve this so that more women and girls can play, and stay involved in, sport.”

As the final sitting week of the year begins, it’s time to reflect on 20 months of the Minns Labor Government. 

The result is that New South Wales is worse off, and this government has very little to show for its time in office.

Labor has delivered at least 52 announcements of taskforces, inquiries and reviews, but no meaningful outcomes for the people of NSW. 

Housing approvals have collapsed to their lowest levels in 12 years, rents have skyrocketed, and families are being priced out of their communities.

Hospitals are going backwards, and cost-of-living pressures continue to get worse. Chris Minns promised stability, but instead his government has delivered paralysis.

This is a low vision, low energy government that tries to make itself a small target and hides behind empty announcements, while families and businesses pay the price. 

We’ve seen this before. Between 1998 and 2011, NSW Labor promised at least five major rail projects – and none of them were delivered. 

Chris Minns is Bob Carr 2.0 – big talk, no action, and endless disappointment.

The final sitting week will be a sobering reminder of a government too weak to lead, too afraid to make decisions, and too paralysed to act. After 20 months of the Minns Labor Government, families are not better off – they’re worse off.