Greens response to bird flu detected in South Australia

 Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Senator for South Australia and spokesperson for the environment:

“It’s clear that bird flu has now arrived in South Australia. We are deeply concerned that the cases detected so far could be just the tip of the iceberg.

“The positive case detected at Night’s Beach in Port Elliot is close to both the Coorong, which is already critically endangered, and Kangaroo Island, home to many native species including our precious sea lion population.

“If bird flu takes hold in this region, it could push some of our native birds and wildlife closer to extinction. South Australia’s coastal bird populations have already been devastated by the algal bloom. We cannot afford another ecological catastrophe. 

“Our native wildlife simply can’t catch a break. Between the devastating algal bloom and now the threat of bird flu, our iconic species are facing crisis after crisis.

“At a time like this, it makes no sense to keep destroying the habitat they rely on for survival. If we want to give our native animals a fighting chance, we must stop clearing their natural habitat and start protecting the places they call home.

“Our wildlife is facing an unprecedented crisis. We need a $200 million emergency response fund for wildlife protection now more than ever. This is no time for politics or delay. Our sea lions and albatrosses should not be paying the price for government delay when urgent action could help protect them. 

“We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of past ecological crises. Federal and state governments must heed the lessons of the algal bloom and move quickly to protect our wildlife while we still have time to halt the spread.”

Reckless Labor risks lives as aged care reforms unravel

A Greens-chaired Senate inquiry has slammed the government’s plan to terminate a critical feature of Australia’s aged care system, in yet another blow to Labor’s unravelling aged care reforms.

The consensus report recommended that the government not proceed with its plan to fold the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) into the newly created Support at Home (SAH) system, which after only eight months is already creaking under the weight of its flaws.

The CHSP is a program that supports more than 800,000 older people with entry-level in-home aged care support that helps them live independently. Funded by government grants paid directly to providers, it focuses on reablement, keeping recipients out of more intensive care for longer.

The scathing report, tabled yesterday, clearly spells out the catastrophic consequences Labor’s proposal will have for older Australians, particularly First Nations people and regional, rural and remote communities.

Some of the most pointed criticisms include:

“[I]f similar changes are made to the existing co-contribution model for CHSP 
services, this will significantly increase service costs, resulting in older people, particularly those who face the greatest vulnerability, foregoing necessary care when they need it in order to afford other basic essentials. This in turn would entirely undermine the preventative intent of the CHSP by further accelerating cognitive and physical deterioration, driving older people into higher cost and more intensive models of care and hindering independence.” – Natalie Siegel-Brown, Inspector-General of Aged Care

“Most CHSP providers are not-for-profits or charities and are often delivering early childhood services or homelessness services, saying: ‘We’ll just do those things. We won’t do aged care anymore because it’s too hard.’ That would be an absolutely devastating blow, particularly to small communities.” – Tom Symondson, Ageing Australia

“Small, specialised, and community-based organisations are particularly vulnerable. The loss of such providers would erode critical community infrastructure, remove local capacity, reduce choice for older people, and leave entire regions or communities without essential services.” – Australian Association of Gerontology

The inquiry also heard that the government had not produced any modelling to show that such a transition is even possible, let alone desirable, while they had also failed to produce a clear plan or timeline for its implementation.

Support at Home is already buckling, with a waitlist of over 200,000 and older people all over the country forced to abandon critical in-home supports because of soaring co-payments. 

Labor has been forced into several humiliating backdowns on aged care in the past 12 months, including being forced by the parliament to release 20,000 more home care packages, backtracking on some co-payments, and launching a rapid review into its disastrous assessment algorithm.

The Greens were alone in their opposition to Labor’s Aged Care Act when it passed through parliament in November 2024.

Australian Greens Older People spokesperson Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“Labor’s reckless proposal to kill off the CHSP has no friends. Advocates, providers, unions, experts, First Nations organisations, local governments – no one wants this.

“By rushing into yet another massive change to the aged care system without adequate data or a clear plan, Labor is putting older people’s lives at risk.

“It is entirely inconceivable how Support at Home – a system already under massive strain – will cope with an additional 800,000 people being forced onto it as soon as a year from now.

“Nearly a million people will suddenly find themselves trapped in a rationed, market-based system, treated like revenue streams and forced to make choices about what essential care or support they’ll have to sacrifice.

“This model is more of the same right-wing market fundamentalism that Labor is in love with, despite the fact that it consistently fails to meet people’s care needs.

“The CHSP provides a vital service affordably to older Australians. Instead of eliminating it, Labor should listen to the evidence and start funding it properly.”

Victorian Greens call for a moratorium on all new large scale data centres

The Victorian Greens have called for a moratorium on all new large scale data centres in Victoria. 

It comes as mega data centre corporation, NEXTDC, bought $165 million worth of land previously earmarked for thousands of new homes on the outskirts of Geelong. 

There are currently eight large-scale data centres operating in Victoria but the state is expected to see at least twenty-one operating by 2035. 

The Greens have raised the alarm that impacted communities are not being meaningfully consulted. 

AI data centres have a huge environmental footprint. They use massive amounts of water and energy and impact biodiversity. They will keep Victoria hooked on coal and gas for longer and even require new gas turbines on site. 

The Greens are concerned that power hungry AI data centres are being built in communities, filling neighbourhoods with more trucks, air pollution, constant noise, and raising serious concerns about access to drinking water. 

The Greens say unregulated AI is leading to workers losing jobs, creators having their work stolen, and personal data being harvested by big corporations. 

The Greens have also raised concerns that these mega AI data centres are being used by massive tech companies, some of whom use their technologies for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons of war. 

The Greens are supporting a community led Town Hall Meeting on Thursday 26 June, to stop the Plumpton AI data centre planned for Melbourne’s West.

Greens Candidate for Western Metropolitan, Brittney Henderson: 

“We’re watching communities that will be most impacted by these AI data centres, learn about these projects in real time. People in the West are scared and angry, and they should be. The air we breathe, the food we grow, and water we rely on as a drought prone country is at risk.”

“Labor uses the West as its dumping ground. We will not be taken for granted. We’re talking to people on the ground, we’re making sure the community is armed with the information and confidence to fight these massive AI data centres. If Labor won’t represent us, it’s time to move aside.”


Greens MP for Western Victoria, Sarah Mansfield:

“The Greens are calling for a halt on all new AI data centres until communities are meaningfully consulted and there is a plan to prevent harm to the environment, cultural heritage, and our climate.”

“Jacinta Allan’s Labor Government has rolled out the red carpet for hyperscale AI data centre corporations with no regard for the impact on local communities, cultural heritage, renewable energy targets and the environment.”

Greens call for a moratorium on the building and approval of data centres in Australia

Senator for SA and Chair of the parliamentary inquiry into artificial intelligence and data centres, Sarah Hanson-Young:

“The big AI companies are getting their hooks into governments at all levels and we need a pause to allow time for public consultation and proper parliamentary scrutiny.

“We need a moratorium on the building and approval of new data centres in Australia until we get the regulations right.

“Today we have seen the SA Malinauskaus Government show they are prepared to sell out South Australia’s clean energy reputation to build more energy sucking data centres.

“The SA Government’s announcement is nothing more than greenwashing, talking up renewables without delivering any commitment to power the new data centres with renewable energy. Their gas mates at Santos are no doubt lining up to ‘bring new energy supply online’ keeping polluting fossil fuels in the system even longer.

“We need a real plan to protect our drinking water and precious River Murray. As the driest state on the driest continent we cannot just hand our water over to big tech.

“Meanwhile in Canberra, Industry Minister Tim Ayres failed to rule out doing a deal with AI companies allowing them to have an exception to copyright laws. This would sell out Australian artists and creative industries.

“We are sleep walking into an AI crisis. Until Australia’s laws are up to the task of regulating the big tech bros and their power-hungry data centres, they should not be given the greenlight to drain our power and water.

“We failed to regulate the big social media companies and are now seeing the massive harm that they can cause. We cannot make the same mistakes with AI companies. Governments must regulate this industry.

“Power hungry data centres are going to be a massive setback in the country’s renewable energy transition. This will eclipse all the work, particularly done by South Australians, to install rooftop solar and build a grid based almost wholly on renewables.

“Until we have proper regulations for the use of energy and precious water and proper protections for Australian artists and businesses we cannot allow a tech bro free for all. Until the necessary safeguards are in place and Australia’s resources are protected, approval and development must be paused.

“Submissions to the Senate inquiry into data centres are currently open. This inquiry will bring some much needed parliamentary scrutiny to this rapidly growing industry.”

Labor to ram union tax through the Parliament

The Albanese Government is attempting to sneak a new union procurement regime through Parliament by using Fair Work Commission reforms as a cover for it.

These powers risk making procurement uncompetitive, adding a union tax to money future Governments spend.

Labor is seeking to gag debate and rush the Workplace Relations Legislation Amendment (Building Cooperative Workplaces No 1) Bill 2026 through without scrutiny.

The Coalition supports practical reforms to help the Fair Work Commission deal with growing workloads and unnecessary delays.

We do not support the unrelated union procurement tax Labor has inserted, which would have governments to preference businesses with union-backed enterprise agreements when awarding taxpayer-funded contracts and grants.

Shadow Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Senator Jane Hume said these provisions risk embedding a national CFMEU tax through Commonwealth procurement. 

“Labor are trying to sneak a national CFMEU tax through this Parliament, a regime that has cost taxpayers when it has been implemented elsewhere,” Senator Hume said.

“We support measures that improve the functions and efficiency of the Fair Work Commission that are in this Bill. But Labor are attempting to use them to sneak through this dodgy union procurement measure.

“Minister Rishworth must explain why she is tying the right for the government to discriminate in favour of union mates, to clearing the backlog for workers and small business at the Fair Work Commission,” Senator Hume said.

Shadow Assistant Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Zoe McKenzie MP said Labor was ignoring the lessons from the CFMEU scandal.

“The Watson Report exposed serious allegations of corruption and misconduct linked to the CFMEU’s influence over enterprise agreement arrangements in the construction industry,” Ms McKenzie said.

“After Victoria’s $15 billion CFMEU corruption scandal, Australians have every right to ask: how many billions of taxpayer dollars is Labor prepared to expose to the same risks?

“Parliament should be closing the door on the culture that enabled corruption and inflated costs – not opening a new one through Commonwealth procurement,” Ms McKenzie concluded.

The Coalition will move amendments to remove the procurement provisions and will introduce legislation containing only the Fair Work Commission reforms.

If Labor is genuine about reducing delays at the Fair Work Commission, it should support those reforms on their own merits 

Western Sydney: Supporting families, securing our future

Families across Western Sydney are under real pressure. With longer commutes, a greater reliance on cars and sharper exposure to fuel prices, the cost of mortgages, rent, groceries and fuel is felt acutely across the west.

This Budget acts on a simple principle: relief for today and reform for tomorrow – building a state working Australians can afford.

Relief for cost-of-living pressures

Relief in this Budget is practical and immediate, and it reaches Western Sydney households 
where costs bite hardest, on the road and in fuel and tolls. It delivers:

  • $100 off private vehicle registration, worth $435 million across 4.4 million vehicles, with an $80 cut for motorcycles (excluding caravans and trailers). The benefits are particularly significant for Western Sydney, where households are more likely to run two or more cars.
  • Lowering the weekly toll cap from $60 to $50 for 2026-27. Western Sydney households make more than half of all toll-relief claims, with more than $186 million paid to the region since 2024.

These relief measures sit in a wider statewide package, comprising:

  • $557.1 million through the Home Energy Saver program: interest-free loans and discounts to install energy-efficient appliances and cut power bills over time.
  • Scrapping toll administration fees from July, saving at least $10 a notice, and ending a charge that cost motorists $60 million last year, in some cases twice the toll itself.
  • Opal fares held at 2025 prices for the year.
  • A $1,000 cost-of-living payment for more than 120,000 NSW Government employees, triggered because Sydney CPI growth exceeded 4 per cent between the March quarters of 2025 and 2026.

Healthier Western Sydney communities

Health is the largest single commitment in this Budget.

Across NSW, a historic $10.3 billion increase in health funding over four years, delivered with the Australian Government, will recruit 9,000 more health workers and fund around 2,900 more planned surgeries a year.

This sits alongside $11.9 billion for health infrastructure including 32 new and upgraded hospitals and more than 2,500 beds.

Western Sydney shares fully in that program. Of the $11.9 billion statewide, $3.8 billion is invested in Western Sydney hospitals over the next four years, including Bankstown Hospital, Rouse Hill Hospital and Fairfield Hospital.

Nurses and midwives receive the largest pay rise in more than twenty years, and the largest ever for enrolled nurses, backed by an additional $2.9 billion in this Budget.

In Western Sydney, more than 15,200 nurses and midwives and 3,641 police officers are among those benefiting from the high wage economy this Government is building.

Better schools, closer to home

Every child deserves a world-class education, wherever they live. This Budget invests $9.2 billion statewide over four years for new and upgraded schools, of which $4.1 billion is for Western Sydney. The Minns Labor Government is delivering new and rebuilt schools across Western Sydney, close to the communities they serve.

In North West Sydney, the new and upgraded schools will add new permanent capacity for more than 17,000 public school students, with 800 modern classrooms replacing more than 160 ageing demountables.

In South West Sydney, the new and upgraded schools will add new permanent capacity for more than 13,500 public school students, with 650 modern classrooms replacing more than 100 ageing demountables.

Transport and connectivity 

Reliable transport keeps Western Sydney connected and moving. This Budget invests $3.5 billion in additional transport infrastructure and roads for Western Sydney, alongside the major projects reshaping the region, including Sydney Metro West and the new Western Sydney International Airport with its dedicated metro line.

It also delivers:

  • $400.0 million in partnership with the Australian Government for Windsor Road upgrades at Rouse Hill to improve capacity, reduce congestion and ensure safe access to the new Rouse Hill Hospital.
  • An additional $400.0 million for the Fifteenth Avenue upgrade and $200.0 million for the Elizabeth Drive upgrade, bringing total NSW investment to $1.4 billion in a $2.4 billion project funded with the Australian Government.
  • $2.4 billion of new investment for Parramatta Light Rail stage 2.
  • A new Bankstown bus interchange to support thousands of new homes, and improve connectivity to the Sydney Metro and Bankstown Hospital for $46.5 million.

The Budget also includes funding in 2026-27 to reconstruct and reopen the Great Western
Highway at Victoria Pass as soon as possible. $50.0 million is also provided for immediate
upgrades to provide a safe detour, and $3.6 million to support local businesses.

Safer Western Sydney communities 

Domestic and family violence affects families across Western Sydney.

This Budget makes a $184.1 million investment in six frontline domestic and family violence programs, helping thousands more women, children and people impacted by violence access specialist support and stay safe. This is a 50 per cent increase phased in over four years.

Community workers also receive a 4.75 per cent pay increase under the Fair Work Commission determination, in line with the Fair Work Commission determination and which the Minns Labor Government is passing on in full.

The Budget also delivers new emergency services facilities and firefighters for Western 
Sydney through $22.2 million for a new fire station, fire appliance and 20 firefighters at 
Marsden Park.

Responsible decisions make these investments possible 

This Budget can provide cost-of-living relief and continue investing in essential services because the Government has spent the past three years making responsible and difficult decisions to strengthen the state’s finances.

That work has been done without privatisation and without bringing back an unfair wages cap, while keeping public assets in public hands and maintaining an independent umpire for wages and conditions.

As global uncertainty and higher fuel prices place additional pressure on families and businesses, this Budget provides support now while continuing the work of returning the state’s finances to surplus in 2027-28.

It’s about supporting families today, while securing NSW’s future.

Budget delivers for the North Coast

The Minns Labor Government has handed down a Budget which locks in major funding for North Coast health infrastructure, alongside targeted cost-of-living relief designed for regional households and disaster recovery.

Families across the North Coast are under real pressure. Longer travel distances, energy costs, and the ongoing, complex process of rebuilding after devastating natural disasters mean the rising cost of mortgages, rent, groceries, and fuel is felt acutely across our region.

Relief for cost-of-living pressures

Relief in this Budget is practical and immediate, and it reaches North Coast households where costs bite hardest, on the road and in power bills. It delivers:

  • $100 off private vehicle registration and $80 for motorcycles, worth $450 million across 4.4 million vehicles (excluding caravans and trailers). This is relief that matters most where people rely on cars, utes and longer drives.
  • $557.1 million through the Home Energy Saver program: $15,000 interest-free loans and $4,000 discounts to install energy-efficient appliances and cut power bills over time.
  • A $1,000 cost-of-living payment for more than 120,000 NSW Government employees.

Healthier North Coast communities

Health is the largest single commitment in this Budget, with a historic $10.3 billion increase in health which will recruit 9,000 more health workers and fund around 2,900 more planned surgeries.

In addition to this 11.9 billion is being spent on hospital infrastructure statewide, $3 billion is invested in regional hospitals and health facilities over the next four years. On the North Coast, this includes:

  • $20 million for a maternity unit at the Grafton Base Hospital.

Continue to deliver:

  • The $265 million Port Macquarie Base Hospital redevelopment.
  • The $263.8 million Grafton Hospital redevelopment.
  • Expanded midwifery service at Lismore Base Hospital with a dedicated team of five midwives
  • The $13 million for new Lismore Ambulance Station.
  • $3.4 million to rebuild Mullumbimby Ambulance Station.

Dozens of Nurses, enrolled nurses and midwives on the North Coast will receive the largest pay rise in more than twenty years, backed by $2.9 billion in this Budget.

Better schools, closer to home

This Budget invests $2.3 billion in new and upgraded schools for regional NSW.

On the North Coast, this includes:

  • New funding for community open space for Pottsville High School, including initial sporting facilities.

Continue to deliver:

  • The Lennox Head Public School relocation and upgrades at Casino High School as part of the High Potential and Gifted Education School Partnership Program.
  • Progressing crucial school infrastructure across the region, including four public preschools under construction, building on the 13 regional schools completed since 2024 and seven schools under construction.
  • Ongoing delivery of the government’s 100 public preschools commitment, including at Bowraville Central School and Lennox Head, Tacking Point and Wollonbar public schools.  

Transport and connectivity

This Budget invests 25% of roads and transport capital funding in 2026-27 in Regional NSW, including these projects in the North Coast:

Over the next year:

  • $1.8 million in 2026-27 to upgrade the M1 Pacific Highway and Oxley Highway intersection
  • $10.5 million grant in 2026-27 to Bellingen Shire Council to deliver upgrades to Summervilles and Gordonville roads, improving safety, strengthening freight access and building the resilience of these key regional routes.

Over the next four years:

  • $30 million to plan upgrades to the M1 Pacific Motorway from Tweed Heads to Byron Bay (in partnership with the Australian Government).
  • $47.5 million to finalise planning and commencing construction on the Pacific Highway Harrington Road Intersection upgrade (NSW and Australian Government funded).
  • $227.3 million to continue Coffs Harbour bypass (NSW and Australian Government funded).
  • $22.1 million to continue works along Waterfall Way including flood immunity projects to improve reliability and safety.

Safer North Coast communities

Domestic and family violence is disproportionately represented in rural and regional areas.

This Budget makes a record $184.1 million investment in frontline domestic and family violence services, helping thousands more women, children and people impacted by violence access specialist support and stay safe. This is a 50 per cent increase over four years to 2029-30.

In the North Coast this Budget also delivers:

  • $28.0 million in 2026-27 to continue the Regional Police Station program for the Northern Rivers.
  • $4.5 million to support three North Coast homelessness service centres.

Disaster recovery and resilience

This Budget continues to invest in the long-term recovery, safety, and future readiness of North Coast communities, delivering:

  • More than $546 million to restore North Coast roads and other essential public assets damaged by natural disasters out of a statewide spend of $910 million.
  • $241.1 million over two years to 2027-28 to continue the Resilient Homes Program in the Northern Rivers to enable flood tolerance for existing homes.

Supporting primary industries, environment and regional development

Our primary industries and natural environments are the backbone of the North Coast economy. This budget backs our regional communities and safeguards local food security, the environment and jobs delivering:

  • $7million to rebuild and deliver the NSW cattle tick program to protect the livestock industry.
  • $5 million for river health and hydrologic restoration across the Richmond, Evans, Brunswick, and Tweed catchments.

Continue to deliver:

  • $140.0 million for the establishment of the Great Koala National Park, $5.0 million for downstream businesses impacted by the moratorium on timber harvesting as well as worker support and industry compensation.
  • $6.0 million for small businesses and tourism operators to make the most of the opportunities of the Great Koala National Park region.
  • $4.1 million to advance the Northern Rivers Regional Cold Storage and Distribution Facility to improve supply chain efficiency and food security.
  • $1.5 million to continue the NSW Gateway and Tweed Heads Regional City CBD Revitalisation project providing streetscaping, infrastructure, placemaking and CBD activations.

Minister for North Coast, Janelle Saffin:

“North Coast families are feeling the pinch right now.

“As the Treasurer made clear, this Budget is about delivering relief today alongside generational reform for tomorrow.

“For the North Coast, that means a massive investment in our most vital essential service – building and upgrading local schools, restoring local roads after disasters, and delivering major health infrastructure like the redevelopments at Grafton, Port Macquarie, and Lismore.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said

“The NSW Government is delivering a significant and coordinated investment across the Northern Rivers to strengthen regional economies, protect the environment and support local communities into the future.

“From major biosecurity programs to critical river health and hydrologic restoration works we are taking practical action to protect both primary industries and natural assets.

“We are also investing in people and skills, creating pathways to employment and economic growth for the region.

Minns Labor Government budget delivers record infrastructure investment and cost-of living relief for the Central Coast

The Minns Labor Government’s 2026-27 Budget delivers for Central Coast families — providing immediate cost-of-living relief, record investment in health, schools and essential services, and the infrastructure needed to keep the region connected and growing.

This Budget acts on a simple principle: relief for today, reform for tomorrow, and discipline always — building a NSW that Central Coast families can afford, with better roads, stronger services and more opportunities closer to home.

Major projects being delivered in partnership with the Commonwealth are designed to tackle key pinch points across the region to keep the Central Coast connected and moving. 

Transport and connectivity

This Budget’s record investments in region-shaping internal road projects nearly triple the previous record road spend in a Budget. The investments include:

  • $331.6 million to commence delivery of the Pacific Highway upgrade at the Wyong town centre, following completion of planning.
  • $39.2 million for delivery of the Avoca Drive upgrade at Kincumber.
  • $31.9 million for delivery the Central Coast Highway, Tumbi Road intersection upgrade.
  • $108.2 million to continue planningfor the Terrigal Drive upgrade.
  • $30.7 million to continue planning and early delivery design for a Gosford Bypass.
  • $1 million for upgrades to Empire Bay Drive. 

Relief for cost-of-living pressures

Relief in this Budget is practical and immediate, and it reaches Central Coast households where costs bite hardest, on the road and in power bills. It delivers:

  • $100 off private vehicle registration, worth $435 million across 4.4 million vehicles with an $80 cut for motorcycles (excluding caravans and trailers). This is relief that matters most where people rely on cars, utes and longer drives.
  • $557.1 million through the Home Energy Saver program: interest-free loans and discounts to install energy-efficient appliances and cut power bills over time.
  • A $1,000 cost-of-living payment for more than 120,000 NSW Government employees, triggered because the CPI growth exceeded 4 per cent between the March quarters of 2025 and 2026.

These relief measures sit in a wider statewide package that Central Coast commuters will also benefit from, comprising:

  • The weekly toll cap cut from $60 to $50 for 2026-27, going further than last year’s $60 cap.
  • Scrapping administration fees associated with toll notices, with the fees to be switched off from July as part of the continued shift to making tolling communications digital-first.
  • Opal fares held at 2025 prices for the year. 

Healthier Central Coast communities

Health is the largest single commitment in this Budget.

  • Across NSW, a historic $10.3 billion increase in health funding over four years, delivered with the Australian Government, will recruit 9,000 more health workers and fund around 2,900 more planned surgeries a year.
  • This sits alongside an $11.9 billion for health infrastructure including 32 new and upgraded hospitals and more than 2,500 extra beds across the state.
  • Regional NSW shares fully in that program. Of the $11.9 billion statewide, nearly $3 billion is invested in regional hospitals and health facilities over the next four years. On the Central Coast, this includes:
    • A new palliative care ward at Wyong to support Central Coast residents in their final stages of life as part of the $93 million World Class End of Life Care program.
    • Ensuring locals get care quicker through delivery of the new Lisarow Ambulance Station as part of the $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program.
    • New stations are also planned at Berkeley Vale, Kincumber and Berowra.
  • Nurses and midwives across the region and the state will receive the largest pay rise in more than 20 years from a further $2.9 billion for higher wages and improved conditions in this Budget. 

Better schools, closer to home

Every child deserves a world-class education, wherever they live. The Minns Labor Government is delivering new and rebuilt schools across regional NSW, close to the communities they serve.

This Budget invests $9.2 billion statewide over four years for new and upgraded schools, of which $2.3 billion is for regional NSW.  On the Central Coast, this includes:

  • New fee-free public preschools co-located with public primary schools at Tuggerawong and Umina Beach as part of the100 new preschools program.
  • Significant upgrades to public high schools in Lisarow and Narara Valley as part of the government’s High Potential and Gifted Education School Partner Program.

In addition theCentral Coast TAFE Optimisation program will continue to deliver:

  • $18.8 million for the Central Coast TAFE Optimisation program, aligning course delivery across the region’s three campuses to cater for the needs of the community.

The high wage economy will give 3,764 teachers across the Coast a pay rise. 

Better places

  • $41 million of new funding as part of a $49.5 million integrated program to supercharge the revitalisation of the Gosford Waterfront. 

Helping with homelessness

People at risk of rough sleeping or homelessness on the Central Coast will benefit from funding of:

  • $39 million for the Temporary Accommodation program
  • $80 million to underwrite community housing provider projects. 

Safer Central Coast communities

Domestic and family violence is disproportionately represented in rural and regional areas.

  • This Budget makes a record $184.1 million investment in six frontline domestic and family violence services, helping thousands more women, children and people impacted by violence access specialist support and stay safe. This is a 50 per cent increase over four years.
  • Community workers also receive a 4.75 per cent pay increase under the Fair Work Commission determination. 

Investments in emergency services to protect communities, families and businesses

  • This Budget provides $470.1 million over 10 years to enhance emergency response and better protect communities by transferring the state’s red fleet from councils to the NSW Rural Fire Service.
  • $2 million to continue the Fire Fighting improvement program. 

Creative industries

  • Continued investment of $1.6 million for the Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre capital works. 

Primary industries and regional development

  • $600,000 for the Central Coast Manufacturing Training Facility which will tackle skills shortages, drive technology adoption, strengthen the talent pipeline and boost economic resilience for the region’s manufacturing sector.
  • $270,000 to continue to deliver initiatives in partnership with homegrown business Native Botanical Brewery, creating local jobs and promoting First Nations culture through innovative, sustainably produced products, celebrating Australia’s unique botanicals.
  • $161,000 for the Regional Media Fund to support Central Coast journalism by digitising content, strengthening digital platforms and expanding multimedia capability and audience engagement.

This Budget can provide cost-of-living relief and continue investing in essential services because the Government has spent the past three years making responsible and difficult decisions to strengthen the state’s finances. 

That work has been done without privatisation and without bringing back an unfair wages cap, while keeping public assets in public hands and maintaining an independent umpire for wages and conditions. 

Central Coast nurses, midwives, teachers and police are among those benefiting from the high wage economy this Government is building. 

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said:

“This Budget continues the Minns Labor Government’s focus on delivery for the Central Coast – investing in the essential services people rely on, building the infrastructure and homes our growing community needs and providing support for families facing cost-of-living pressures.

“From the record investment in critical region-shaping road infrastructure to improving access to healthcare, to expanding preschool opportunities for local children, and toll and vehicle registration relief – this is a Budget that delivers for our region today while building on significant foundations we’ve laid for long-term growth and prosperity.” 

Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

“Swansea is the kind of place where people know their neighbours, raise their families and build their futures. These investments are about making sure it stays that way.

“When families are watching every dollar, government has a responsibility to get the basics right which is what this Budget has in mind.” 

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“This NSW Budget is about delivering the practical support that our community needs today, while continuing to invest in the infrastructure of our future.

“We hear our community loud and clear, we are investing in more homes, stronger essential services, better roads, our education and health care systems. This budget shows strong leadership through a clear plan for our future.

“Whether it is a $40 million investment in the revitalisation of the Gosford Waterfront, $2.1 billion for our public transport network or a record investment in our health care system, this budget is about building a better future for our Central Coast community.”

 Member for The Entrance David Mehan said: 

“This Budget delivers practical support for Central Coast families while continuing to invest in the infrastructure and essential services our growing region needs.

 “After years of under-investment, the Minns Labor Government is focused on rebuilding public services, strengthening our economy and delivering cost of living relief where it is needed most.  

“This is a Budget that balances responsible financial management with targeted investments that will make a real difference to people across the Central Coast.”

Hammer comes down on underquoters with tough new laws

The Minns Labor Government has passed legislation to crack down on underquoting, placing misleading real estate agents on notice and creating a fairer property market.

Underquoting is where a real estate agent advertises a property at a price which is lower than their reasonable estimate of its selling price. This is done to attract more interest, which creates fake competition and pushes prices up. It wastes buyers’ time, effort and money.

To help lift standards across the real estate industry and ensure homebuyers are not being ripped off when looking for their next property, the new laws will:

  • Remove the financial incentive for agents to break the law by significantly increasing penalties for underquoting from $22,000 to $110,000 or three times the agent’s commission, whichever is greater.
  • Double penalties for businesses that engage in dummy bidding at auctions from $55,000 to $110,000.
  • Mandate a price or price guide on all advertising, so prospective buyers don’t waste their time on properties that are outside of their budget.
  • Require agents to publish a Statement of Information (SOI) to help buyers understand how the selling price was calculated, including comparable sales and the suburb’s median sale price.
  • Require agents to calculate and revise the estimated selling price of a property in accordance with new, clearer guidelines.
  • Prohibit agents from advertising a selling price that is lower than a previously rejected written offer or the highest unsuccessful bid at an auction.

NSW Fair Trading now has stronger powers to crack down on bad behaviour by being able to force agents to publicly reveal when they break the rules or require their price estimates to be checked by an independent, qualified valuer.

It also now controls training standards and can fine agents who don’t complete the required professional development programs, raising professionalism and accountability across the industry.

Buyers, sellers, renters and landlords are encouraged to use the NSW Fair Trading Name and Shame Register to check the status and history of the real estate agent and strata manager they are engaging with.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to make the property market fairer and more transparent for the people of NSW.

More information on the legislation and buyers’ rights is available here.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The focus of the Minns Labor Government is simple: a fair property market that works for everyone.

“Our underquoting reforms will ensure homebuyers aren’t wasting their valuable time and money during one of the most important moments of their lives.

“Because whether you’re buying your first home or are looking for somewhere with a bit more room for a growing family, you should know exactly what is or isn’t in your budget.

“These laws mean that honesty and transparency are now the standard for property sales.”

Community at heart of regional and rural Budget boost

This year’s Stage Budget recognises that cost-of-living pressures remain a challenge for the people of regional and rural New South Wales.

Longer travel distances, higher energy needs and fewer alternatives mean higher costs are often felt most acutely in regional communities.

This Budget recognises that access to essential services should not depend on where you live.

Regional and rural families will benefit from key initiatives in the Budget including:

  • $100 off private vehicle registration with an $80 cut for motorcycles (excluding caravans and trailers). This is relief that matters most where people rely on cars, utes and longer drives.
  • A share of $557.1 million through the Home Energy Saver program: interest-free loans and discounts to install energy-efficient appliances and cut power bills over time.
  • More than $1 billion for biosecurity measures including funding to continue combating pest and weed incursions.
  • An additional $16.3 million to bolster existing feral pig and deer control strategies.
  • $86.6 million over the next two years in the most comprehensive shark management program in NSW’s history.
  • Investing $13.7 million for animal welfare in 2026-27, including grant funding to the RSPCA and Animal Welfare League for enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Concessions and Exemptions Granted

  • Land tax exemption grants for land use for primary production – up 23.7 per cent to $3.2 billion
  • Primary producer motor vehicle concessions – $24 million – 2025-26
  • Fishing licence concessions to pensioners – $9 million – 2025-26

Other budget initiatives for regional NSW include:

  • Nearly $3 billion to be invested in new and upgraded health facilities for rural and regional communities across NSW, including $1.1 billion in 2026-27;
    • New maternity unit at Grafton Hospital worth $20 million
    • $9.9 million for robotic surgery research and capability at Orange Health Service
    • $1 million to plan for future paediatric oncology services for children in the Hunter New England and the North Coast
  • $2.3 billion over the next four years to deliver new and upgraded schools across regional NSW
  • $910.9 million to restore local and state roads, and other essential public assets damaged by natural disasters
  • Funding to reconstruct and reopen the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass
  • $9.8 billion on regional roads and transport including $291 million for the new Regional Corridors Upgrade Program
  • $195.2 million to deliver a landscape-scale, integrated approach to threatened species conservation to support ecosystem recovery across NSW
  • $154.2 million to support First Nations communities across NSW
  • $153.9 million to support regional communities through the Regional Development Trust
  • $130.0 million to maintain and renew national park visitor infrastructure to keep facilities safe and open across NSW
  • $209.2 million to improve the and expand the Public Safety Network (PSN), ensuring reliable communications for emergency services and addressing critical asset, operational and greater coverage across NSW
  • Better emergency care in regional NSW through an additional $67.4 million to deliver three new regional helicopter bases
  • $1.0 million for future paediatric oncology services in Hunter New England and North Coast
  • $71.7 million for supporting patients travelling long distances for care for the Isolated Patient Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme
  • $2.2 million over two years to coordinate youth crime services in regional NSW
  • $1.9 million in 2026-27 to strengthen emergency response capability and resilience of local water utilities

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said: 

“Regional NSW plays a vital role in our state’s prosperity. By easing pressures today and investing in the future of regional NSW, this Budget ensures our regions remain strong, connected and full of opportunity.

“Together, this Budget reflects a balanced approach of providing immediate cost‑of‑living relief while investing in the our primary industries, infrastructure, industries and services for thriving regional communities into the future.”