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The Minns Labor Government will end bring your own device (BYOD) requirements in NSW public primary schools from 2027 to help improve educational outcomes and limit excessive screen use among young children.

The decision means parents with children attending public primary schools in 2027 will not be required to buy expensive laptops or tablets because of a school BYOD policy.

The Government will also provide books to children attending Kindergarten orientation at NSW public schools from 2027, encouraging a love of reading before they even start school.

At public high schools, participation in BYOD programs will remain voluntary, with schools reminded that students cannot be required to bring their own devices and that alternatives must be available.

The changes come as research continues to raise concerns about excessive screen use and its impact on student learning.

A recent Macquarie University report undertaken through the Minns Labor Government’s Screen Use and Addiction Research Fund found that screens can be a major source of distraction for students, with 84% of high school students and 57% of primary school students reporting they were distracted when using screens in class.

According to the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment, Australian students are nearly twice as likely to spend more than 2 hours per day using digital devices for learning as the OECD average, while academic results are falling.

This change aligns with the NSW Government’s new screen use guidelines, which will see public schools place limits on the amount of time students spend learning on individual devices which will be recommended from Day 1, Term 1, 2027 and mandatory from 2028.

This also builds on the changes that have been made by the Minns Labor Government to return to supervised assessments using pen and paper which reduce students’ opportunity and incentive to rely on detrimental AI inside classrooms, and at home.

The new screen use guidelines recognise that students benefit from limits to digital device use. Technology should only be used where it supports learning, rather than being the default, including for homework.

These guidelines will limit screen-use from an average of 15 minutes a day for K–2 to 45 minutes for Years 5–6, a quarter of weekly lesson time for Years 7–10 and half for Years 11–12, with exemptions and adjustments for disability or additional needs and subjects where screens are essential to learning.

Parents should expect to see children completing homework offline in the majority of cases, with no screen-based homework before Year 5. From Year 5 onwards, screen-based homework should only be assigned where it is more effective for learning than the alternative. This will mark a significant shift in the amount of time students spend online, both at school and at home.

BYOD arrangements in NSW public schools from 2027:

• No primary school will require students to bring their own device through a BYOD program
• Secondary schools will be reminded that BYOD programs are voluntary and recommended screen maximums mean significantly reduced use of devices in the classroom with off-screen learning options to be provided for students
• BYOD use will be monitored and evaluated throughout 2027 to inform future policy direction

While digital literacy remains an important part of the curriculum, students will use school-supplied technology where it provides educational value.

These reforms build on the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education by getting more teachers in front of classrooms and a record school building and upgrades program so that students have access to a world class education.

This includes abolishing the Liberals and Nationals’ wages cap, delivering NSW teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation which has driven down teacher vacancies to their lowest level in 12 years, resulting in the number of merged and cancelled classes in NSW halving.

This comes as the NSW Government continues to deliver 260 new and major upgraded schools and preschools, adding more than 3,200 new classrooms for growing communities.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Kids are spending too much time staring at screens both inside and outside class. These changes mean they’ll be spending more time reading books, writing and learning the basics and parents won’t have to shell out for expensive devices.

“The evidence is clear that too much screen time is distracting kids from learning. Just because technology is available doesn’t mean it has to replace what we know works, reading from books and writing.

“So we’re getting back to basics – putting books back in kids’ hands, pens on paper and making sure screens are only used when they actually help students learn.”

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Families are doing it tough and the Minns Labor Government is listening. There is no need for parents to fork out over a thousand dollars on an expensive laptop or tablet for their child this Christmas because of a BYOD requirement at their public school.

“Learning to write by hand is important for brain development and recall, reading from paper is better for the eyes and brain, talking with teachers and classmates helps learning in ways that aren’t available through a screen.

“We want to improve learning and behavioural outcomes, which means less screen time. By removing this classroom distraction, we can also relieve some financial pressure on families heading into Christmas.”

Labor Candidate for Oatley Elaina Anzellotti said:

“As a school teacher, I hear concerns from families about screen time and the cost-of-living. This addresses both.

“For families with several kids, the cost of new laptops and tablets can quickly add up. Family budgets are already stretched.

“The Minns Labor Government is limiting screens in classrooms and taking pressure off families. This is practical help for St George families.”

The NSW Government has confirmed the next steps for the six remaining temporary housing villages in the Northern Rivers, including offering two sites to local councils, providing greater certainty for residents and communities as the program moves towards its planned end in 2027.

The temporary housing villages were established as an emergency measure to provide safe and secure accommodation for people displaced by the 2022 Northern Rivers floods, with 11 villages established across the region.

Five villages closed last year, with residents supported to transition into other housing.

The six remaining villages were extended, and the NSW Government can now confirm:

• Ballina and Mullumbimby: villages will continue to be managed by Homes NSW for an additional 12-month period. During this time Homes NSW and community housing providers will continue to work with residents to find alternative accommodation.
• Brunswick Heads and Coraki: villages and associated assets to be offered to the Byron and Richmond Valley councils respectively to support future community use
• Lismore and Wardell: the villages will close in early 2027 and be decommissioned to make way for future housing such as the East Lismore Development that will establish long term housing supply.

The NSW Government is working with Richmond Valley Council on the proposed transfer of the Coraki village and associated assets to Council ownership for future community use. Discussions are also continuing with Byron Shire Council following their release of an expression of interest for a community housing provider to operate the Brunswick Heads village.

Homes NSW and community housing providers continue to work with residents to collaboratively identify appropriate longer-term housing options.

Every resident receives individualised support to find long-term home before their occupancy agreements end. This includes practical assistance to identify alternative accommodation as well as financial assistance of up to $10,000.

No resident will be left homeless as a result of the closure of any temporary housing village. The NSW Reconstruction Authority, who owns the temporary housing pods, will continue to work with Homes NSW, councils and other partners on their transition and future use.

The pods were critical to providing safe and secure accommodation for flood-affected residents. The pods have now been offered a new life alongside buyback homes through the recent Homes Reuse Program expression of interest process.

Councils, community housing providers, Local Aboriginal Land Councils and not-for-profit organisations were invited to apply to reuse these homes and pods for social, affordable, transitional, crisis or key worker housing, or community spaces providing human and social support services.

Applications are currently under assessment, with successful proponents expected to be confirmed before the end of 2026.

Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“These villages were established at a time of extraordinary need following the 2022 floods, providing a safe place for people who had lost their homes or could not return home.

“They were always intended to be temporary, and as this program comes to an end our focus is on supporting residents through that transition while making sure these publicly funded assets continue to deliver benefits for Northern Rivers communities.

“The future of these six sites reflects the different needs of each community, with some continuing to provide housing and others transitioning to councils for future community use.”

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:

“The temporary pod villages have provided an important lifeline to people who would’ve been at risk of homelessness, but they are not a substitute for long-term housing.

“Our focus has been on building more secure, long-term homes in the Northern Rivers and supporting each and every resident of the pod village to find a new safe place to call home.

“We’ve made significant progress so far, delivering more than 300 new homes in the region and there is more on the way, with nearly 100 new homes on track for completion in the first half of next year to support vulnerable people in the community.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Kate Fitzgerald said:

“The temporary housing villages played an important role in the immediate response to the 2022 floods, providing accommodation when thousands of people across the Northern Rivers were displaced.

“As we move beyond that temporary response, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is working with Homes NSW, councils and other partners to make the best possible use of the villages and the temporary housing pods we own.

“Where pods are no longer required at their current locations, we want to maximise their reuse wherever possible, extending the life of these assets and supporting future housing and community outcomes.”

The Minns Labor Government is focused on growing NSW’s visitor economy, attracting more visitors and ensuring the state remains a leading destination as travel preferences and expectations evolve.

With domestic travel habits changing, new research is identifying the emerging trends and opportunities that will shape tourism in NSW over the next decade, from ‘quietcations’ and ‘roomrotting’ to analogue escapes and luxury on a budget.

The report, Future Demand – Unlocking NSW Visitor Economy Growth, examines the social, cultural, economic, lifestyle and technological forces influencing how Australians will choose where, when, and why they travel.

The findings highlight growing demand for experiences that offer respite from the pressures of modern life, including reconnecting with nature, improving wellbeing, switching off from digital distractions, pursuing niche interests and simply slowing down.

The report will be unveiled today at the NSW Visitor Economy Forum 2026 at ICC Sydney, bringing together more than 500 visitor economy decision-makers, researchers and industry leaders to discuss the trends and opportunities shaping the future of tourism in NSW.

Based on research conducted by FiftyFive5, part of Accenture Song, Future Demand identifies key seven macrotrends including:

• Reassured travel: the rise of the “known quantity”, experiences that are verified, guaranteed and familiar.
• Actual intelligence: a return to reading, writing, making, talking, being around people and exploring nature without digital distractions.
• Mirror travel: travel shaped by the places that reflect personal obsessions, niche interests and pursuits.
• Poles apart: travel splitting in two opposite directions —at one end, the ultra-luxe, ultra-curated and the private traveller; at the other, the travel hacker who makes it work and finds a way inside the budget.
• Travel prescription: travellers swapping passive trips for active, nature-driven experiences that genuinely transform their health.
• Time travel: searching for comfort in nostalgia and revisiting childhood travel destinations.
• Heat is on: visitors restructuring their itineraries based on climate change.

The latest Tourism Research Australia (TRA) data shows NSW was number one in the country, welcoming 130.6 million domestic and international visitors, up 5.1 per cent year-on-year, who spent a record $62.9 billion in NSW, up 12.8 per cent, and stayed 225.7 million nights.

The results highlight the strength of NSW’s visitor economy and the importance of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to attract visitors, support tourism businesses and deliver on the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“One year on from the launch of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, our focus is firmly on turning ambition into action.

“NSW visitor expenditure reached a record $62.9 billion in the year ending June 2026, but we cannot take future growth for granted. How people travel, what they value and what they expect from a destination are changing.

“This research gives government and industry a clearer picture of those changes so we can identify the opportunities now and ensure NSW continues to deliver the experiences visitors will be looking for in the decade ahead.”

Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones said:

“Understanding what will motivate tomorrow’s traveller is critical to growing the NSW visitor economy.

“These insights give destinations and tourism businesses a valuable window into changing consumer expectations and where new opportunities could emerge.

“For NSW, the opportunity is to use those insights to continue evolving our visitor experiences and give people compelling reasons to choose NSW, stay longer and explore more of the state.”

FiftyFive5 Director – Cultural Intelligence Alana Hartley said:

“The modern traveller wants to switch off completely and make every moment count. Both are true, and both are driven by the same thing: a world that has felt unstable for too long.

“The destinations that thrive will be the ones that can offer both rest and celebration, and NSW is one of the few that can.”

Nine Future Demand buzzwords

• 34 per cent of travellers are seeking “gentle adventuring” —experiences that offer excitement without risk
• 38 per cent are drawn to “roomrotting” — a deliberately anti-productive and anti-discovery escape where visitors simply rest
• 31 per cent desire “analogue travel” — opportunities to disconnect from screens and head offline
• 30 per cent are celebrating “mini-stones” — escapes that mark small accomplishments in life
• 25 per cent are seeking “microvacations” —spontaneous 24-hour trips
• 41 per cent are planning to be “bougie on a budget” — sourcing affordable deals on luxe experiences
• 41 per cent are interested in “quietcations” — uncrowded, peaceful experiences
• 24 per cent are inspired by “celestial sojourns” — stargazing, dark sky and astronomy experiences
• 25 per cent are considering “coolcations” — escapes to cooler environments.

Near-death encounters, coffee shop friendships, and the discovery of “perfect strangers” are among the lived experiences documented in short stories crafted by 100 NSW seniors in Volume 12 of Seniors’ Stories.

The Minns Labor Government today launched the initiative in partnership with the Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW Inc at the NSW State Library.

This year authors crafted short stories consistent with the theme of Neighbours, Strangers, and the People in Between.

One example, titled Unforgettable, by this year’s oldest author June Colin-Thome, 90, reflected on the moment she almost drowned on the beach before a stranger rescued her.

“After coughing and gagging the salt water out of my lungs, I walked to the water to thank the man who helped me, but he disappeared. Sometimes, the people we mistrust are fortuitously helpful,” June wrote.

Meanwhile, 79-year-old author Richard Kuipers explored the role of coffee shops in bringing people together in his story titled The Coffee Shop: So Much More Than Just Coffee.

“So, whilst the coffee we buy is expensive and on paper, it makes no sense at all, I look around at the conversations, the laughter and the gentle support and I realise we are not just paying for coffee. We are investing in our friendships…” Richard wrote.

In recognition of the cultural diversity of seniors across the state, several stories were translated to the native languages of authors including Italian, Sindhi, Polish, Sinhalese, and German.

The Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW Inc delivered short story writing workshops to assist seniors to develop writing skills, explore new techniques and exchange ideas.

Since launching in 2013, Seniors’ Stories has captured 1,200 short stories to showcase the creative writing skills and life experiences of older people in NSW.

Printed copies of Seniors’ Stories will be distributed to participating authors, NSW libraries, state electorate offices, and upcoming Seniors Card events.

A digital version of Seniors’ Stories and audiobook will also be available on the NSW Seniors Card website.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“Older people across the state have so many fascinating stories to share and we all benefit from their insights.

“Seniors’ Stories ties all these stories together and leaves a lasting record for future generations to reflect and learn.

“Congratulations to all 100 authors for investing your time and skill into delivering this precious book which celebrates the lived experiences of older people.”

State President of the Fellowship of Australian Writers Inc Colleen Parker said:

“The relationship between the Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Seniors Card, and The Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW Inc, through the Seniors’ Stories Volumes, has spanned nearly a decade.

“The concept was willingly embraced by New South Wales Seniors who submitted a total of 1,200 personal stories for publication throughout the years.”

Western Sydney’s business community has delivered a clear verdict: the region’s next wave of growth depends on new Metro lines.

A new 25-year blueprint released today by Business Western Sydney and KPMG has found more than nine in ten businesses surveyed say new Metro and rail links are critical to Western Sydney’s future growth, with 86 per cent calling for them to be treated as a high priority by government.

With $14 billion in forecast growth at risk without a clear plan to deliver new rail connections, the NSW Liberals are calling on the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments to urgently outline their plans for Western Sydney’s economic future.

The NSW Liberals have already put forward significant plans to build a stronger future for Western Sydney, including:
A new Western Sydney City Deal by 2028, to partner with the region’s eight councils to deliver the housing and infrastructure needed to support growing communities.
A Metro for South Western Sydney, extending from Bradfield to connect one of Greater Sydney’s most poorly serviced rail corridors, despite the region being expected to accommodate a third of Sydney’s population growth.
A Sydney Metro Investment Fund, establishing a long-term framework to partner with superannuation funds, infrastructure investors and the private sector to help finance and deliver future Metro projects.
In contrast, both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Chris Minns have failed to commit to delivering the next generation of critical rail infrastructure for Western Sydney.

Since becoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese has not invested a single dollar in delivery funding for new rail links, while Chris Minns continues to sit on two proposals to extend the Western Sydney Airport Metro.

Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said that investing in new rail links is essential to building a stronger economy for Western Sydney and the nation.

“The past fortnight has demonstrated what Western Sydney can achieve when governments have the vision to invest in transformational infrastructure, with the new airport, a new Metro and the Powerhouse in Parramatta unlocking Western Sydney’s potential,” Ms Sloane said.

“These projects took years of planning and investment, and Western Sydney cannot afford to stand still and go through another lost decade.”

“With more than nine in ten businesses telling government that new rail links are critical to the region’s future, the message could not be clearer – Western Sydney needs a government with a plan to keep building the infrastructure that supports new homes, new jobs and economic growth.”

“While the Liberals are planning for Western Sydney’s next generation of infrastructure, Chris Minns and Anthony Albanese are failing to outline how they will deliver it.”

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the missing link in Western Sydney’s transport future is the Albanese and Minns Labor Government.

“The Liberals and Nationals delivered the first Western Sydney City Deal and the Airport Metro that came with it,” Ms Ward said.

“We will do it again – this time shaped with councils and backed by a funding pipeline industry can plan around.”

“The Prime Minister and the Premier need to get on the same page. You don’t give people a better economic future off the back of a ballot paper, you build it with a plan, investment and co-operation.”

Today the state’s largest and most significant cultural institution built since the Opera House will open its doors to the public, but only because of the previous Liberals and Nationals Governments.

Sitting in the geographic heart of our city, Powerhouse Parramatta brings together our best artefacts in technology, art, engineering, and science right to the doorsteps of Western Sydney.

Announced by the Baird Government, Powerhouse Parramatta was subsequently planned, designed, and funded by the Berejiklian Government, and construction commenced under the Perrottet Government.  

Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said that Powerhouse Parramatta is an example of one of the many visionary projects of the NSW Liberals and Nationals. 

“Powerhouse Parramatta is an example of the Liberals and Nationals delivering a bold vision and the long-term investment that the people of NSW deserve,” Ms Sloane said.

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals know that building a world-class city means looking beyond the CBD and investing in the infrastructure, institutions and opportunities that would shape Sydney for generations to come.”

“Projects of this scale don’t happen by accident. They require a government with the courage to make big decisions, the ambition to look to the future and turn a vision into reality.”

Shadow Minister for the Arts Chris Rath said Powerhouse Parramatta is a great addition to our state’s arts and culture sector, but it was a hard road to get here. 

“Powerhouse Parramatta was constantly opposed by Labor but since coming to government, they’re happy to take the credit and cut the ribbon,” Mr Rath said.

“This is a project planned, funded, and built by the Liberals and Nationals; the Minns Labor Government’s only contribution has been to blow the budget and push back the opening date.” 

“The previous Liberals and Nationals Government was on track to deliver both a new state-of-the-art Powerhouse Parramatta and a revitalised existing museum at Ultimo.”

“Under Labor, Powerhouse Ultimo funding has been slashed and a delivery date unknown. We’re calling on Chris Minns to guarantee that it will open as a functioning museum by 2028.” 

Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Monica Tudehope said today’s opening marked a historic milestone for Western Sydney.

“For too long, Western Sydney families have had to travel across the city to experience world-class cultural institutions that many have at their doorsteps and today changes that,” Ms Tudehope said.

“Powerhouse Parramatta is great news for local tourism, local creativity, and the local economy. Western Sydney has been waiting for its fair share and the Liberals and Nationals have delivered.”

“If Labor had won the election in either 2015 or 2019, Powerhouse Parramatta would not be here today.”

The Albanese Government’s decision to abandon the sale of Victoria Barracks is a victory for the community, veterans and everyone who fought to protect this important part of our military history.

The Liberals and Nationals have been proud to stand alongside the community in opposing the sale.

Had Chris Minns and Labor taken these concerns seriously from the outset, rather than dismissing them with flippant comments about “my neighbour’s boat”, this could have been resolved much sooner through legislation.

Victoria Barracks is an irreplaceable part of our military heritage that deserves to be protected for future generations.

But the fight is not over. The Albanese Government must now reconsider the proposed sale of other Defence sites, including HMAS Penguin, Lancer Barracks and Randwick Barracks.

Our military heritage and Defence capability must come before a short-term cash grab.