16 News

The Minns Labor Government will inject $2.2 million to upgrade FuelCheck and help the people of NSW manage cost-of-living pressures as compliance activity ramps up.

FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel price transparency tool and provides motorists with instant access to prices from around 2,400 service stations across the state. It puts power back in the hands of consumers by exposing price hikes and ending guesswork at the bowser.

At a time, when the conflict in the Middle East is disrupting global fuel supply and driving up prices, transparency and compliance in pricing strategies is an important cost-of-living relief measure for communities.

The funding will pay for upgrades including:

• Better data collection from fuel retailers, such as making it easier for retailers to enter details about fuel supply.
• Better data analysis to help Government respond to the fuel crisis.
• Design updates for a better user experience.

FuelCheck has become even more essential to NSW drivers during the current fuel supply challenges. Daily visits to the app and website were between 8,000 and 10,000 in January, but by the end of March 2026, this has risen to around 500,000 each day

This is the latest boost to the Government’s efforts to better support NSW’s fuel supply response.

Over the last fortnight, the Government fast-tracked a statewide fuel price compliance blitz to strengthen fuel price transparency and protect motorists from misleading pricing.

Around 75 per cent of stations in NSW were inspected by the beginning of April, with around half located outside Sydney. Inspectors have carried out just under 1,800 service station inspections across the whole state during this period, issuing 93 penalty infringement notices.

Retailers who break the rules face serious consequences, including on-the-spot fines of $1,100, or Court penalties of up to $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for corporations.

This strong enforcement action joins NSW Fair Trading’s latest efforts to better incorporate customer feedback in compliance activities and support the ACCC’s crackdown on price gouging.

To ensure businesses are properly passing on the cost savings promised by the Federal Government’s fuel excise reduction, consumers are urged to stay vigilant and report fuel price issues via FuelCheck or the NSW Fair Trading website.

This includes mismatches between bowser prices and FuelCheck listings, as well as suspected price exploitation following the fuel excise cuts.

Consumer reports are already directly supporting compliance activity, with NSW Fair Trading issuing 24 user intelligence-based fines this week alone. Consumer feedback strengthens NSW Fair Trading’s compliance work, allowing inspectors to identify issues faster and take action sooner.

NSW Fair Trading will continue to have boots on the ground from the Central Coast to the Central West over the Easter Long Weekend to ensure fuel retailers do the right thing and that motorists are not misled when filling up.

NSW Fair Trading is continuously updating its targets for inspection based on consumer complaints, intelligence and the changing conditions in the marketplace to ensure the most effective compliance response.

The Government has developed a robust inspection forward plan and expects to physically inspect the majority of NSW’s service stations in the coming weeks. As the program progresses, regional areas will remain a key target.

NSW Fair Trading continues to work closely with the ACCC, including by sharing data, to uphold strong consumer protection standards.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Over the past two weeks, millions of NSW motorists have turned to FuelCheck to help find the best fuel price and navigate fuel supply gaps.

“This funding will allow us to make FuelCheck better for the hundreds of thousands of people who use it daily – through better data collection, stronger analysis, and streamlined user experience.

“These are uncertain times, but we want the people of New South Wales to have the utmost confidence in the real-time price transparency data provided by FuelCheck.

“Because when it comes to the cost-of-living, the Minns Labor Government’s message is clear: transparency, accountability and fairness matter.”

The Minns Labor Government is boosting support for emergency foster carers by more than doubling the immediate crisis care payment, recognising the vital role foster carers play when children need a safe home urgently.

Emergency foster carers provide safe and loving homes for children or sibling groups at short notice, while child protection caseworkers find a longer-term placement. The crisis payment is intended to help carers with essential items such as clothing, nappies, food and other immediate necessities.

Emergency foster carers with the Department of Communities and Justice will receive $200 for each child to cover immediate purchases, up from $75 and the first increase to the payment in over two decades.

All foster carers are provided with an ongoing Care Allowance, along with additional financial and practical support to assist with the care of children. This year, the Minns Labor Government delivered foster carers their first real increase to the allowance in over two decades, boosting the fortnightly payment by 20 per cent. A carer for a typical 14-year-old is now more than $4500 better off each year.

The emergency crisis payment increase is part of broader changes to ensure more support is available whenever a child is placed into out-of-home care with minimal notice, whether during business hours or overnight, improving consistency and fairness across the State.

The increase to the emergency payment responds directly to feedback from carers and Carer Advisory Groups. It builds on substantial reforms to improve support for foster carers including paid parental leave for public sector workers, increased investment in training, and independent assistance and advocacy.

The Minns Labor Government is undertaking comprehensive reforms of the foster care system backed by an historic $1.2 billion child protection package.

This Easter, the NSW Government is calling on more people to consider opening their homes and hearts by becoming a foster carer. For more information, visit nsw.gov.au/fostercare or call 1300 770 240 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington said:

“Emergency foster carers do something truly remarkable. They care for children in crisis at short notice, providing them with a safe and loving home when they need it most.”

“When we came to government, I heard from foster carers that they hadn’t felt valued in years. Our reforms are designed to value and respect foster carers as key partners in keeping children safe.”

“This is a practical reform that reflects what carers have been asking for. Step by step we are delivering systemic improvements to make a difference for foster carers and improve outcomes for kids in care.”

CEO for Carers for Kids NSW, Renee Leigh said:

“Emergency Carers open their home at a moment’s notice to children arriving at their door with minimal belongings. Carers in our Carer Advisory Groups have raised the need for addressing set-up payments to assist carers purchasing immediately needed necessities including clothing and nappies. It is a win that their requests are being actioned, so they can sustain their vital roles.”

Department of Communities and Justice Secretary, Michael Tidball said:

“Emergency carers play a critical role in providing immediate stability and safety for children at a time of crisis.”

“This increase acknowledges the realities carers face when bringing a child into their home at short notice and strengthens our ability to support them to provide care that is safe, stable and responsive to children’s needs.”

The Minns Labor Government’s world-leading $1 billion Pre-sale Finance Guarantee is building momentum in the housing pipeline, with a further 300 new homes in Pyrmont and Westmead set to start construction sooner thanks to the scheme.

The Guarantees will support 38 of 280 new apartments in the $900 million Pyrmont Place project on Wattle Street, Pyrmont; and 13 of 30 new apartments, including six affordable homes, in the Elodie development on Good Street, Westmead.

This certainty will help developers, Landream and Gaby Group respectively, secure construction finance and start building sooner.

Pyrmont Place will deliver a mixed-use neighbourhood, supporting the Government’s wider Blackwattle Bay urban renewal plans; while Elodie will provide housing and childcare facilities on the doorsteps of the Parramatta CBD and Westmead’s emerging health and innovation district.

These commitments build on the support we’ve provided for the Rozelle Village revamp of the derelict former Balmain Leagues Club site which will deliver more than 225 new apartments, including 59 affordable homes.

Since launching in October, the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has gained extraordinary traction from industry, with 45 expressions of interest already received from developers across the state – one third of which have already been invited to participate. It is also being adopted by other states.

To date pre-sale guarantees have been issued to accelerate the delivery of more than 540 new homes, with further pre-sale guarantee requests under assessment that, if approved, could unlock construction of over 130 new homes in regional NSW.

To keep the momentum building the Government has also appointed Australian property investment executives Deb Coakley and Tim Hallam as chair and deputy chair of the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee Advisory Committee.

Ms Coakley and Mr Hallam bring their expertise in governance, finance and project delivery to the committee, which assists in providing robust and independent evaluations of applications.

Under the program, the Minns Labor Government may commit to buy, off the plan, up to 50 per cent of homes, valued at up to $2 million each, in a residential development project. Support can range from $5 million to $50 million per project, depending on need.

By guaranteeing up to half of pre‑sales, the Government removes lender risk, unlocks finance, and gives developers certainty to get more homes built.

Up to $1 billion in pre-sales over the next five years will be committed through the revolving fund. For more information, or to apply, visit the Planning website.

The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee is just one of a suite of measures introduced by the Minns Labor Government to speed up the delivery of housing in NSW, including:

• Landmark reform to the State’s planning legislation
• The NSW Housing Pattern Book
• The largest rezoning in the state’s history

For more information, or to apply, visit the Planning website.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This is about using the NSW Budget to help the household budget.

“In a dual cost of living and housing crisis, we are pulling every lever to support the delivery of desperately needed new homes.

“As demand for this program grows, we’re on track to support more building projects that create homes and economic opportunity right across NSW.”

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said:

“NSW needs new homes sooner. The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee is breaking down barriers and fast-tracking the start of construction for hundreds of much-needed homes for our communities.

“It’s great to have another two guarantees in place helping build momentum in both the scheme and the housing pipeline.

“I welcome the appointment of advisory committee chair, Deb Coakley, and deputy chair, Tim Hallam, who will bring outstanding leadership as the program continues to scale up.”

Landream Head of Development NSW, Chris Pratt, said:

“Pyrmont Place will deliver world-class residences within a mixed-use precinct which will create significant public amenity and much-needed hotel accommodation in this part of the city.

“There has been strong demand for the development which is reflected in the pre-sales achieved to date. This, coupled with the NSW Government Pre-sale Finance Guarantee, will allow us to now accelerate the delivery of 285 new homes.”

Director of Gaby Group, John Nehme, said:

“The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee has provided much-needed certainty, allowing us to move forward with confidence and accelerate the delivery of new homes in Westmead.

“Elodie represents our commitment to delivering well-designed, well-located affordable housing that supports the continued growth of the Parramatta and Westmead precinct.”

All fuel companies have complied with the NSW Minister for Energy’s direction to supply information that will help the Government map the supply chain and ensure fuel is delivered where it is needed.

Minister Penny Sharpe issued formal information notices to a number of liquid fuel companies as the State responds to fuel distribution challenges arising from unrest in the Middle East. The notices require businesses to outline how they will work with the NSW Government to support the supply and distribution of diesel and petrol, particularly to regional areas.

The Minns Labor Government thanks the fuel companies contacted for complying with the direction.

The responses are now being reviewed to:

• Assess whether the supply of liquid fuel to NSW, or any part of NSW, has been or is likely to be significantly disrupted.
• Build a clearer picture of the liquid fuel supply chain from import terminals to service stations and bulk customers.
• Support planning and preparation for further potential actions if required, such as maintaining supply to regional communities.

In parallel, the Liquid Fuel Emergency Operations Centre in Parramatta remains in regular contact with importers, distributors, suppliers and retailers. The team has contacted more than 200 retail fuel sites and established relationships with around 30 suppliers and independent distributors.

Fuel sales during the early stages of the shock were extraordinarily high, reaching around five times normal levels for some fuel distributors. Recent reports indicate sales are around double normal levels.

With the Easter school holidays underway, the NSW Government is urging people to continue with their travel plans. Where possible, public transport is a good alternative to driving.

During all peak holiday periods, travellers are encouraged to plan ahead, check local conditions and download FuelCheck, particularly when travelling longer distances or through regional areas.

The NSW community can help by:

• Only buying the fuel you need.
• Staying friendly at the servo.
• Taking FuelCheck with you to find the lowest prices.

Acting Premier of New South Wales, Prue Car said:

“NSW is taking action in a responsible way, in line with the National Fuel Security Plan developed with the States. That includes seeking information from businesses, and we appreciate their cooperation.

“This is the right plan for our State in uncertain times, supporting families and communities today while building a stronger NSW for tomorrow.”

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

“I issued these information notices to get a clear picture of how fuel is moving across NSW.

“This information puts us in a strong position to work with industry and keep supply flowing where it is needed most.”

The Minns Labor Government is rolling out free nasal spray flu vaccines for 2-4 year olds to increase influenza vaccine uptake in young children following the worst flu season on record.

Under the NSW Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program, the free nasal spray flu vaccine will be available for children aged two, three and four years across NSW through GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services and community pharmacies.

The vaccine is sprayed into the nose with one spray into each nostril. It is gentle, painless, and needle-free.

About a quarter of children (24.4%) under 5 were vaccinated in NSW in 2025, which is below the 40% target set in the NSW Immunisation Strategy 2024–2028. 

Last year’s extended flu season saw more than 24,500 cases of influenza (flu) in children under 5 in NSW.

In 2025, there were more than 4,600 presentations in children under 5 for influenza-like-illness to emergency departments in NSW and more than 960 admissions in children under 5 to hospitals. Compared to 2024, this is a more than 40 per cent increase in both presentations and admissions.

Across all age groups in 2025, NSW recorded its highest number of influenza cases on record, with 186,768 notifications. This is a 15.8 per cent jump (25,548 more) than in 2024 and a 79 per cent jump (82,439 more) compared with 2023.

The Minns Labor Government is urging the wider community to also book in now for their annual flu vaccination, both to keep themselves and their families healthy, and to help ease pressures on busy emergency departments over the winter period.

The flu vaccine is recommended yearly for everyone six months and over and offers the best protection against serious illness. The community is encouraged to get vaccinated early before cases begin rising again.

The 2026 flu vaccine injection is available for free under the National Immunisation Program for:

• children aged six months to under five years
• pregnant women
• Aboriginal people aged six months and over
• anyone aged 65 and over
• people with serious health conditions.

The community can book their flu vaccine at their GP, community pharmacy, or Aboriginal Medical Service.

The community are reminded there are a few simple steps they can take to protect themselves and others from respiratory illness, including:

• staying up to date with their vaccinations
• staying home if they’re sick and wearing a mask if they need to go out
• avoiding crowded spaces and getting together in well-ventilated spaces
• consider doing a rapid antigen test before visiting people at higher risk of severe illness
• making a plan with their doctor if they’re at higher risk of severe illness
• practicing good general hygiene, like regular handwashing.

If an illness is not serious or life-threatening, such as a mild case of influenza, the community is encouraged to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, for advice 24-hours a day. A nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right care.

For more information on respiratory illness, including to book your flu vaccination, visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/respiratory/Pages/default.aspx

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I know how unsettling it can be for some parents taking a child to receive a vaccine, so being able to offer a needle-free alternative is a real win for those parents.

“We hope this option will help increase vaccine uptake in this age group, who we know are at higher risk of becoming more seriously unwell from influenza.

“The influenza vaccine is the best chance of protection against serious illness and I urge everyone in NSW to protect themselves and their families this winter.

“If you do get sick this winter, and it’s not an emergency, I encourage everyone to use our out-of-hospital care options, like healthdirect and our urgent care centres, so we can keep our emergency departments for the people who need them most.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart:

“After the increase in children presenting to emergency departments last year, the nasal spray influenza vaccination is an important step in keeping our children out of hospital.

“Parents in our community want simple, stress‑free ways to keep their children healthy, and this needle‑free nasal spray vaccine delivers exactly that.

“If more of us are vaccinated this winter, we not only protect ourselves but also help ease pressure on our busy hospitals, so I strongly encourage taking up this free vaccine option.”

Executive Director Health Protection NSW, Dr Kerryn Coleman:

“The nasal spray influenza vaccine is a really simple option for children who are aged two, three and four. It is quick, pain-free and can be provided at your GP, Aboriginal Medical Service or community pharmacy.

“The injectable influenza vaccine is also now available and we are asking everyone to go out and get vaccinated. The earlier you get vaccinated, the sooner you will be protected.

“The most important way we can help reduce the spread, and try to prevent the prolonged influenza season like we saw last year, is to get you and your family vaccinated.”

Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) NSW/ACT Chair, Dr Rebekah Hoffman:

“Having needle-free vaccines for children aged two–four, at no cost to parents, is a game-changing policy.

“Two thirds of kids, and about a quarter of adults, have a strong fear of needles. As GPs, we know that’s a big barrier to achieving the immunity our young patients need.

“For these children and their parents, that barrier is now gone. More young children will be vaccinated, and that means fewer families in hospital and less pressure on our health system.

“Everyone over six months old is recommended to get a flu vaccine each year, but it’s especially important for anyone who is under five, over 65, pregnant, or at risk of severe illness. There were a record number of flu cases in 2025, so we want all of our patients to roll up their sleeves this flu season.”