16 News

The Minns Labor Government continues its commitment to creating safer workplaces with 27 new SafeWork inspectors graduating today.

14 new inspectors will be based in metro Sydney with 13 heading across the region with the Hunter, Central Coast, Riverina, South Coast, Illawarra and Central West regions all set for a boost to workplace safety. 

Since becoming a standalone regulator on 1 July 2025, SafeWork NSW has recruited 68 new inspectors, a five-year record intake. 

The graduating cohort includes 5 psychosocial inspectors who will bring expertise in areas such as psychology, workers compensation, and anti-bullying that will be used to prevent and address psychosocial risks in workplaces across NSW.  

The additional psychosocial inspectors demonstrate the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to better supporting workers and businesses to understand and prevent psychological injury and harm in modern workplaces. 

This expansion to the inspectorate will help prevent workplace hazards before they lead to injury and become workers compensation claims. 

Managing psychosocial risks in the workplace is one of the five regulatory priorities of SafeWork NSW. 

The boost builds on the NSW Government’s commitment to safer workplaces with a record investment of $127.7 million over four years into improving work health and safety outcomes in NSW, which includes adding new 20 psychosocial inspectors to SafeWork NSW as part of an additional 51 inspectors overall – SafeWork NSW’s largest ever uplift in inspectors.  

The expanded SafeWork NSW inspectorate sharpens the agency’s nation-leading focus on psychological health at work by: 

• Developing dedicated resources and promoting psychological injury prevention. 
• Giving workers and employers a specialised first point of contact for all mental-health related concerns.  

The NSW Government is also establishing a Psychosocial Advisory Service, that will provide workers and business owners with tailored advice on managing psychosocial safety at work and was the first state to implement a psychosocial code of practice that covers all psychosocial hazards and all workplaces. 

SafeWork NSW inspectors are responsible for taking targeted actions to prevent or reduce the risk of death, injury and illnesses in New South Wales workplaces, particularly against the high-hazard areas identified in SafeWork NSW’s 2026-27 priorities.   

These include: 

• Falls from heights 
• Psychosocial risks 
• Hazardous substances 
• Mobile plant, vehicles and fixed machinery. 

Anyone interested in becoming a SafeWork NSW inspector can visit the SafeWork NSW website at: Become a Safework NSW inspector

Minister for Work Health and Safety and Industrial relations, Sophie Cotsis said:  

“Our SafeWork NSW inspectors are on the frontline of workplace safety and play a vital role in ensuring workers go to work in a safe environment and come home safely. 

“One of the most significant developments in work health and safety is the growing recognition that psychological harms are as damaging as physical harm.  

“These additional 5 psychosocial focused inspectors will aid in our mission to prevent psychosocial hazards and ensure the psychological safety of workers.  

“From metro Sydney to the North Coast, Central West and South Coast – these 28 new inspectors demonstrate the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to creating safer workplaces right across NSW.”  

SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said:  

“SafeWork NSW inspectors play a critical role in protecting workers and preventing workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses across our state. 

“Our graduating inspectors strengthen our frontline regulatory capability, ensuring SafeWork NSW remains well equipped to support workplaces through education, advice, compliance and enforcement activities. 

“Congratulations to our graduates. Their work will play a vital role in driving compliance and influencing safer workplace practices that ensure every worker can return home safely at the end of their working day.” 

The Minns Labor Government has continued its efforts to protect home buyers and sellers, with real estate agencies across NSW being hit with more than $200,000 in fines as part of a major compliance operation targeting the management of client funds.

NSW Fair Trading’s Strata and Property Taskforce has wrapped up a statewide operation which focused on agents entrusted with holding consumers’ money. The compliance operation uncovered dozens of businesses and licence holders falling short of their legal and professional obligations.

This included a Western Sydney real estate agency that lost its licence and was fined $22,000 after it repeatedly failed to provide mandatory trust account audits despite multiple reminders and deadline extensions. The business was also disqualified from the industry and barred from directing, managing or operating a licensed property business until the outstanding audit is completed.

Another Sydney agency was fined $5,500 for failing to submit a required trust account audit. After repeating the same breach, it was further fined $11,000, and its Licensee in Charge was directed to complete extra training.

The Property and Stock Agents Act audit undertaken by the Taskforce targeted higher-risk businesses and licence holders using intelligence-led compliance data, helping NSW Fair Trading focus its efforts where it would have the greatest impact.

While most agents comply with their trust account obligations, the audit identified a small number who did not and reinforced industry standards.

Trust account audits play an important role in safeguarding consumer money and ensuring agents are properly managing funds held on behalf of clients.

The statewide initiative resulted in 34 businesses being put on notice and facing potential licence suspension, 41 overdue audits being submitted, more than $200,000 in fines, 32 warnings, three industry bans and six mandatory training orders.

Regulatory outcomes may be published on the Government’s Name and Shame Register, helping consumers make informed decisions and promoting transparency across the property sector.

The Government has invested $8.4 million in the Strata and Property Taskforce to bring together specialist inspectors, investigators and dispute resolution experts to crack down on misconduct and lift professional standards to support consumers.

The Government currently has its fourth and final tranche of legislation before NSW Parliament to make apartment living fairer. These results are part of a broader legislative agenda that has:

• Increased penalties for strata managing agents who don’t disclose perceived or potential conflicts of interest,
• Required payment plans to be offered to owners in financial hardship,
• Implemented a world-first in strata regulation by allowing NSW Fair Trading to issue compliance notices and enter enforceable undertakings with owners corporations that do not meet their duties to maintain and repair common property,
• Protected for owners from bill shock by requiring developers to have initial levy estimates in new strata buildings to be independently certified,
• Banned strata managing agents from taking a commission on insurance products when they don’t play a role in finding the best deal for owners,
• Made it easier to do minor renovations,
• Removed barriers to the uptake of sustainability measures such as solar panels and electric vehicle charging by prohibiting bylaws that block the infrastructure due to external appearance.

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.

Consumers who suspect misconduct should report it to NSW Fair Trading online at www.nsw.gov.au/fair-trading.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The Minns Labor Government will not tolerate misconduct or poor compliance practices that put consumers’ money at risk.

“When people hand over funds to a real estate agent, they have a right to expect that money will be properly managed and protected.

“Trust accounts exist to safeguard consumers. Agents who fail to meet their legal obligations can expect strong enforcement action.

“These compliance activities are part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to strengthening consumer protections and maintaining confidence in the NSW property market.

“While the vast majority of agents do the right thing, those who repeatedly fail to comply with trust account requirements will face the consequences.”

NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner Angus Abadee said:

“Trust account audits ensure money being held on behalf of consumers is properly managed and accounted for.

“While most property professionals comply with their obligations, those who ignore trust account requirements risk significant consequences.

“These outcomes send a clear message that businesses which disregard trust account obligations risk significant penalties and licence sanctions.”

The Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) is continuing to deliver with almost 700 new social and affordable homes are on the way for Sydney as five housing projects receive planning approval.

It’s part of the Albanese and Minns Governments’ joint effort to tackle the housing crisis by building more homes through the largest investment in social and affordable housing in a generation.

These five HAFF projects will almost quadruple the number of homes that previously existed on the sites, with more than 80 per cent of those homes being social and affordable.

• The Caringbah project will deliver 164 social and affordable homes, replacing 38 dwellings.
• The Belmore project will deliver 145 social and affordable homes, replacing 24 dwellings.
• The Punchbowl project will deliver 114 social homes, replacing 26 dwellings.
• The Hillsdale project will deliver 179 social homes, replacing 39 dwellings.
• The Pagewood project will deliver 224 homes, including 84 social homes and 140 private market homes, replacing 82 dwellings.

The projects are being delivered in partnership between Homes NSW and community housing providers who will provide long-term management of the new homes. BaptistCare will build and manage the developments in Caringbah and Belmore, and Link Wentworth in Punchbowl.

Traders In Purple will deliver the Pagewood site, while Coplex will deliver Hillsdale. Homes NSW will procure and appoint a CHP for both these sites at a later date.

Demolition on all developments is expected to commence before the end of the year, with construction due to begin mid-2027. Together, it’s anticipated the projects will support around 2,000 construction jobs.

Funding secured through the second round of the HAFF program is helping Homes NSW to supercharge the delivery of more than 2,500 new homes across 14 developments.  

Twelve projects are located across Greater Sydney, with regional projects also planned for Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.

Construction has already commenced on two developments in Villawood and Padstow, with further projects progressing through planning, design and procurement.

These homes are some of the 55,000 social and affordable homes being delivered by the Albanese Labor Government across the nation – including more than 6,500 in NSW with many more to come in the next round of the HAFF program.  

Under the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, the Minns Labor Government is building homes at scale and restoring public housing as a core part of the housing system.

This is aboutthe Australian and NSW Governments working together to increase the supply of social and affordable housing, while helping address housing needs and ensuring people can live close to jobs, transport and services across the state.

A full list of projects from Round 2 of the HAFF can be found here.  

Federal Minister for Housing and Homelessness Clare O’Neil:

“We’re almost quadrupling the number of homes across these sites to help more Sydney-siders who need it and increase housing supply across the board.  

“This is the Housing Australia Future Fund delivering more homes, at scale, helping to improve housing supply across the board.  

“The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are turning massive ambition into real delivery on the ground, to build more homes and reduce housing pressures.”  

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

“These approvals are yet another example of how the planning system is helping deliver the homes our communities need most.

“These developments will replace ageing housing with modern, well-designed homes, delivering almost 4 times the number of dwellings currently on these sites– and importantly, increasing the amount of social and affordable homes on each site.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:

“This is the stuff that gets me excited – five massive projects now approved to deliver almost 700 new social and affordable homes for people who need them.

“We know the housing crisis is putting enormous pressure on people and families across the state, which is why we’re getting on with the job of building more homes and giving more people access to safe and secure housing.

“By partnering with the Albanese Labor Government and our Community Housing partners, we’re proving that with political will and real investment, you can actually supercharge housing delivery.”

BaptistCare CEO Charles Moore:

“Everyday we see the difference safe and affordable housing can make. It can mean staying connected to community or work, raising a family with confidence, or simply having the certainty of a place to call home. The wellbeing multiplier is exponential.

“For many people, a home is the starting point for everything else. When people have stability, they are better placed to build relationships, participate in their community and create opportunities for themselves and their families.

“Addressing housing need takes strong partnerships. We’re proud to work alongside Homes NSW and Government to create more opportunities for people and families to access safe and affordable housing.”

Link Wentworth CEO  Andrew McAnulty:

“A safe, stable, affordable home can change the course of someone’s life. That’s why the partnership between community housing providers and Homes NSW under the Housing Australia Future Fund is so important.  

“By partnering together, Homes NSW and CHPs, like Link Wentworth, can maximise the delivery of long-term social and affordable housing without reliance on expensive external equity.

“It’s an extraordinary opportunity to do more with the funds available and create lasting positive outcomes for individuals, families and communities.”

Traders In Purple Director George Geagea:

“Traders In Purple has consistently demonstrated its capability in delivering quality homes across Australia and we are proud to be the most active and trusted partner to Homes NSW.

“This level of trust is something we do not take for granted. We strive always to ensure every project reflects our values and absolute commitment to quality, leaving a legacy of homes that are beautiful from the inside out, regardless of tenure.” 

The Minns Labor Government has finalised the Sydney Plan, a 20-year framework to deliver more homes, more jobs and better coordinated infrastructure as Sydney’s population grows from 5.3 million people today to 6.6 million by 2046.

For too long, housing supply and jobs growth have not kept pace with Sydney’s population, leaving communities without homes, transport, and services they need.

The Sydney Plan brings these decisions together for the first time, so that growth, housing, and infrastructure are planned as one, not left to chance or dealt with in silos.

It sets the long-term strategic direction for how Sydney will grow, planning new housing, jobs, transport, infrastructure, and open space together as the city expands.

Over the next 20 years, Sydney will need at least 800,000 more homes and 950,000 more jobs, with job targets broken down by local government area for the first time, giving every part of Sydney a genuine stake in future growth.

It includes a commitment to work with councils on updated five-year housing targets following the conclusion of the National Housing Accord in 2029, and the requirement for councils to maintain at least 30 years of feasible housing capacity through their Local Environmental Plans.

The Plan supports increased housing supply in the east, close to jobs, transport, and services, while accelerating economic growth across Western Sydney, underpinned by Western Sydney International Airport, the Aerotropolis, advanced industries, logistics and innovation precincts.

More than 2000 submissions shaped the final Plan, following exhibition of the draft in late 2025, sharpening direction on where and what types of homes should be built.

Growth will also be matched by investment in the places that make Sydney liveable. The Plan identifies priority Blue-Green Grid corridors to improve access to parks, waterways, and open space, with the first three delivered over the next three years.

The Sydney Plan can be viewed here.

NSW State Land Use Plan

Alongside the Sydney Plan, the Minns Labor Government has released the State Land Use Plan, the first of its kind in NSW, which establishes a new three-tier strategic planning framework for the state.

The State Land Use Plan will guide regional plans, which in turn will inform local strategic planning, creating a simpler and more consistent planning system that better aligns housing, jobs, infrastructure, and environmental outcomes across NSW.

This means the right level of government will be doing the right level of planning.

Statewide Policy for Industrial Lands

In addition, the Statewide Policy for Industrial Lands will provide a more coordinated, evidence-based approach to planning and protecting the industrial land that supports local jobs and manufacturing.

By identifying industrial lands of state, regional and local significance, it gives greater certainty to industry, councils, and communities, and helps guide infrastructure investment where it is needed most.

This includes in Western Sydney, where manufacturing, construction, warehousing, transport, and logistics already contribute more than $83 billion a year to the economy.

Together these reforms represent the most significant overhaul of the state’s strategic planning framework in decades, providing a clear, more coordinated approach to managing growth and supporting future government investment and rezoning decisions for the state.

The Minns Labor Government’s planning reforms have grown the pipeline of homes for NSW, with the highest number of homes under construction in the country, more than 80,000 homes, and more in the pipeline.

This is part of the Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes, jobs, parks and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and work in the communities they choose.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“For too long, Sydney’s growth was left to chance, with housing, jobs and infrastructure planned in silos and communities left to pick up the pieces. The new Sydney Plan changes that.

“This Sydney Plan provides a clear roadmap for where homes, jobs and infrastructure should go over the next 20 years, so communities have the services and opportunities they need as they grow.

“It also locks in a requirement for an ongoing pipeline of feasible housing supply, so we do not find ourselves back in the position we are in today. This is about planning ahead, not catching up, so Sydney has the homes it needs for the next 30 years and beyond.

“It recognises that different parts of Sydney have different strengths, supporting more housing in well-serviced areas while driving the next wave of economic growth in Western Sydney.

“For the first time, we’re also introducing a State Land Use Plan that creates a simpler, more consistent strategic planning framework to guide decisions at the state, regional, and local level.

“We’ve listened to councils, industry and the community, and the final plan is stronger because of that feedback.”

The Minns Labor Government has produced a 20-year plan for more people and more homes, but no credible plan for the infrastructure to support them.

The Sydney Plan forecasts another 1.3 million Sydneysiders and 800,000 additional homes by 2046. Yet it fails to identify a single new major transport project, instead relying on infrastructure planned and funded by the former Liberal and Nationals Government.

Labor is demanding more housing from communities without explaining how it will deliver the roads, rail, schools, hospitals and essential services those communities need.

Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said Labor’s glossy plan was no substitute for delivery.

“Labor is already 40 per cent behind on its housing target. Now it is asking Sydneysiders to trust it to deliver another 800,000 homes over the next 20 years,” Ms Sloane said.

“Putting more homes on a map is not housing delivery. A government that cannot meet its targets today cannot be trusted to deliver its promises for 2046.”

“After three years, Labor has no plan for what comes next. No new major transport pipeline. No credible delivery strategy. No ambition for Sydney’s future.”

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said Labor had failed to connect housing growth with transport investment.

“New homes must be supported by the infrastructure that connects people to work, schools, hospitals and essential services,” Ms Ward said.

“Labor has spent more than three years cutting ribbons on the transport pipeline left by the former Liberal and Nationals Government. Sydneysiders still do not know what comes next.”

“A housing target without a transport plan is not a plan. It is a recipe for more congestion, longer commutes and greater pressure on local communities.”

Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Monica Tudehope said Western Sydney was again being asked to carry the burden of Labor’s failures.

“Western Sydney families already face congested roads, crowded services and long commutes. Labor’s answer is to add more people without providing the infrastructure they need,” Ms Tudehope said.

“Western Sydney deserves a government that plans, builds and delivers, not another Labor document filled with targets it cannot meet.”