Building the workforce delivering Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine capability

The Albanese Government is investing an additional $88 million to continue growing the highly skilled workforce needed to deliver Australia’s future conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability.

Over six years, this investment will expand key training and employment pathways across Western Australia and South Australia, and make it easier for Australians at all stages of their career to pursue jobs in the submarine and shipbuilding industries.

The initiatives form part of the 2026 Nuclear‑Powered Submarine Workforce Strategy, launched today at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, which outlines a comprehensive national plan to grow, train and retain the workforce needed to deliver AUKUS.

Under the Strategy, two new workforce initiatives are being rolled out to support the growing demands of the AUKUS enterprise. 

  • Tradie2Trainer: Supporting experienced tradespeople in South Australia to transition into training roles in critical disciplines such as welding, fabrication, and mechanical and electrical work. The program will boost trainer capacity, expand workforce pipelines and help ensure the next generation of skilled workers is job-ready. 
  • Professional Submarine Pathways Program: Supporting up to 100 early-career participants through a two-year program, providing hands-on industry experience across South Australia and Western Australia in quality control, project scheduling, and logistics.

The Strategy also expands existing training pathways, including:

  • the Shipbuilding Employment Pathways from South Australia to Western Australia;
  • continuing the highly successful Defence Industry Pathways Program in South Australia; and,
  • bolstering the South Australian Degree Apprenticeship Program.

Collectively, this increased investment will support at least 275 apprentices and trainees with further growth expected through expanded degree apprenticeship places.

Today’s announcement comes as over 100 Australian personnel conduct and oversee maintenance on the USS Colorado at HMAS Stirling, demonstrating the workforce development already underway in support of Australia’s future submarine capability. 

These activities are helping prepare Australia for the establishment of Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West) from next year. SRF-West will help Australia build the skills and capabilities needed to safely own, operate, maintain and regulate its own future fleet of nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s.

Investing in AUKUS infrastructure 

All of this is being delivered alongside the Albanese Government’s $8 billion investment to upgrade HMAS Stirling. 

Work is progressing on the SRF-West Priority Works project, including upgrades to Diamantina Pier to deliver additional secure berths and enhanced shore power capability. 

The new Submarine Training Centre is on track for completion early next year. This will include advanced Virginia class training systems and simulators to support Australia’s future nuclear‑powered submarine crew. This will be the first time such a capability will be used outside of the United States, and the only facility of its kind in the world where the full suite of training systems is housed under a single roof. 

Critical emergency management facilities are also being delivered, an important part of Australia’s commitment to safely supporting submarine operations at HMAS Stirling and ensuring the safety and security of personnel, the community and the environment.

Construction across these activities is currently supporting an average of 475 workers on site each day as HMAS Stirling is upgraded to support growing submarine operations and the rotational presence of United States and United Kingdom submarines and personnel under SRF-West from the end of next year.

The Albanese Government is committed to building the workforce, infrastructure and sovereign capability needed to support SRF-West from late 2027, and Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability – a program which will support more than 20,000 jobs across Australia over the next 30 years.

Australian workforce initiatives are consistent with Australia’s domestic and international legal obligations, including its non-proliferation obligations and commitments.

The 2026 Nuclear‑Powered Submarine Workforce Strategy is available online at https://www.asa.gov.au/australias-nuclear-powered-submarine-workforce-strategy 

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“AUKUS is a once‑in‑a‑generation national endeavour that will shape Australia’s future for decades to come, creating thousands of jobs and building a workforce with world‑leading skills.

“Across HMAS Stirling today, Australians are working alongside partners from the United States and United Kingdom to maintain USS Colorado and build the skills needed to support Australia’s future submarine capability.

“We’re continuing to invest in more opportunities for Australians to enter highly skilled careers and build the workforce, skills and expertise our nation will need.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“The Albanese Government is making it easier for Australian workers to get started; whether they are leaving school, changing careers or bringing their trade skills into the Defence industry. 

“The Tradie2Trainer and Professional Submarine Pathways Program initiatives are opening new doors for tradies and people in non-trade roles to be part of this historic program. 

“These initiatives will help Australian workers build in-demand skills while giving Australian industry first access to the talent needed to support submarine construction, sustainment and SRF-West into the future.”

Response to the WA AUKUS Community Taskforce Report

Western Australia is central to our national security and the success of AUKUS. The Albanese Government is committed to supporting local communities, ensuring they are informed, engaged and share in the opportunities associated with this program and the historic investments. 

In response to the release of the Western Australian Government’s WA AUKUS Community Taskforce Report, the Albanese Government is today announcing a number of immediate steps for the community in and around HMAS Stirling as it prepares to become the home of Australia’s future conventionally‑armed, nuclear‑powered submarine fleet and location for the rotational presence of nuclear‑powered submarines from the United States and the United Kingdom, under Submarine Rotational Force‑West (SRF-West) due to commence by the end of 2027. 

The Commonwealth was pleased to participate in the Taskforce, working alongside its Chair and the WA Member for Rockingham, Magenta Marshall MLA.

The Albanese Government supports the Report’s recommendations, many of which align with activities already underway to support Western Australian communities, industry and workers.

The Government will repurpose $2 million in existing Commonwealth funding tosupport priority local transport initiatives in the Rockingham area, building on planning and analysis undertaken by Main Roads Western Australia, the Garden Island Transport Network Working Group and the City of Rockingham, taking forward an important line of effort identified by the WA AUKUS Community Taskforce Report.

Consistent with the Report’s recommendations, the Albanese Government will support the establishment of an AUKUS WA Community Reference Group, in consultation with the WA Government and the local community, bringing together Commonwealth, state and local government representatives, industry and community members to support ongoing engagement, transparency and information sharing as AUKUS implementation progresses.

The Australian Government will also work with the Western Australian Government and the City of Rockingham to develop a Rockingham AUKUS Community Benefits Framework, to help coordinate workforce, skills and community initiatives associated with AUKUS implementation.

Defence and the Australian Submarine Agency will also expand public information resources, including online resources to deepen understanding of AUKUS activities in Western Australia. 

This builds on the opening of the WA Submarine Discovery Centre in Rockingham in July 2026. Since opening, the centre has welcomed more than 800 visitors and will continue to host regular community information sessions, providing opportunities for residents to engage directly with government representatives and technical experts.

The number of UK and US personnel projected to arrive in Western Australia as part of SRF-West is expected to be around 1,200. 

Recognising this, Defence Housing Australia has been working to expand its footprint in Rockingham, set to grow its portfolio by an additional 92 homes – including town houses and apartments – in close proximity to HMAS Stirling. These properties will support Australian Defence Force personnel and SRF‑West personnel, including their families, in the coming years, adding to long-term local housing supply. These investments build on previous investments delivering live-in accommodation on-site at HMAS Stirling and in the surrounding area. 

The Australian Government is committed to working with the Western Australian Government and local governments to maximise the benefits of AUKUS while minimising impacts on local communities, with ongoing planning and coordination to support local housing, transport, health services and other critical infrastructure needs. 

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“The WA Community Taskforce Report provides valuable insights into how we can continue working with the Cook Government and local government and other representatives to support communities in Western Australia.

“AUKUS is already delivering in Western Australia through workforce initiatives, industry opportunities, infrastructure investment and preparations for Submarine Rotational Force-West.

“We remain committed to working closely with the Western Australian Government, local governments, industry and communities to maximise the opportunities AUKUS creates for Western Australians.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh: 

“Our Defence Personnel are our greatest capability, it is vital we provide modern, fit for purpose housing for Defence members and their families. 

“We’re working with Defence Housing Australia to make sure ADF members and Submarine Rotational Force-West personnel, including their families, are given the best opportunity to be integrated into the local community.”

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Madeleine King: 

“Rockingham and Kwinana are right at the heart of AUKUS, and it is local people who will see both the opportunities and the changes that come with it.

“That’s why I want our community to have a real say in how AUKUS develops locally, and to make sure the investment coming into our region delivers lasting benefits for the people who live here.

“As a member of the local community, I know there is more to do to support the infrastructure needs of people in Rockingham, and I will continue working to make sure those needs are addressed as our region grows.”

New Australian AI safety and security protections

The Albanese Government will enshrine world leading mandatory Artificial Intelligence safety and security protections in Australian AI Standards legislation.

Australia has the chance to secure and shape the generational opportunities of AI – in Australia’s national interest – while keeping Australians safe.

We want AI investors to come to Australia but first and foremost we want to keep Australians safe. That is why we are choosing to announce our approach to safety first and before a range of major international talks that will cover AI development and investment.

Safety and security are the foundation for building trust in frontier AI. Frontier AI is the term used for the most sophisticated models at the cutting edge of current technological capability. Frontier AI offers huge opportunities but also come with the highest risks to the community if they are not used safely. That is why we are acting now.

Australia has a world leading reputation for setting standards on digital safety. Our approach to AI continues to keep Australian values at the forefront.

AI offers Australia huge opportunities whether it’s boosting productivity, building economic resilience or revolutionising healthcare.

To seize these opportunities, we need to ensure social licence for AI, safety for Australians and security for our national interest.

We are announcing today that as part of the Albanese Government’s AI in Australia’s Interests agenda, strong mandatory safety and security protections will be legislated through the AI Standards and apply to all frontier AI companies that wish to operate in Australia.

The Government will propose these protections be enforced by a new targeted regulator for AI safety, which will work with the Australian AI Safety Institute to provide technical expertise and oversight as global standards evolve.

The regulator would be able to enforce significant penalties for AI companies that fail to comply with mandatory obligations that will help keep Australia safe.

Companies will be required by the regulator to: 

  1. Maintain security controls across all stages of development and deployment
  2. Identify and manage serious risks associated with their models
  3. Allow independent evaluation of their models
  4. Provide mandatory notification of incidents to the Australian Government rapidly
  5. Maintain and publish safety and security frameworks to ensure good governance, risk management and transparency
  6. Respond to updated standards and rules as technologies change.

These protections are aligned with interim report recommendations from the Joint Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence.

These measures will help provide earlier warning of emerging risks from rogue AI agents and enable faster, coordinated action when serious AI incidents occur.

As previously outlined, there are a range of other policy areas covered in the Australian AI Standards legislation. Further details of the legislation will become available in due course as the Government completes its detailed work and consultation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Artificial intelligence presents enormous opportunities for Australia, but we must also be prepared for the new risks that come with rapidly advancing technology.

“These protections will ensure we keep Australians safe and secure our national interests, while seizing the generational opportunities that AI offers.

“Our world-leading AI in Australia’s Interests agenda aims to provide Australians confidence that frontier AI companies are taking steps to improve safety and security, and provide certainty for investors – boosting productivity, building economic resilience, while bolstering sovereignty.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles

“Getting these settings right will help ensure Australia can harness the opportunities artificial intelligence presents for our economy, our national security and our sovereignty.

“The Albanese Government is committed to putting in place the protections that will allow Australia to be at the forefront of this technology to keep Australians safe.”

Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security Tony Burke

“Those who want to cause us harm have access to the latest technology.

“We need to make sure we have the same, or better.

“But it’s not a free-for-all, there needs to be clear guardrails to protect Australians.”

Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres

“Keeping Australians safe is at the heart of the Albanese Labor Government’s approach to artificial intelligence.

“The National AI Plan released last year put safety at the core of the Government’s AI agenda – capturing the opportunities of AI while keeping Australians safe.

“Legislating protections as part of the Australian AI Standards will build on the work of the National AI Plan, helping Australia spread the benefits of AI across the country, while making sure that AI systems are developed and deployed in Australia’s national interest.

“Strong protections will ensure that Australia has the capacity to shape our own technological future and build our economic resilience.”

Australians deserve law and order in construction

Labor continues to prevent scrutiny of corruption in construction, and has scrapped the tough cop on the beat experts are calling for. Master Builders Australia has delivered another damning warning about the corruption, criminality and intimidation infecting Australia’s construction industry, exposing the Albanese Labor Government’s failure to deliver lasting reform. In its Built to Last report, Master Builders Australia has called for a powerful national construction regulator, stronger laws to keep corrupt officials out of the industry and greater protections for whistleblowers. Sadly, under Labor we have seen the dismantling of the Australian Building and Construction Commission and the Registered Organisations Commission. Despite Commissions investigating corruption in two of Australia’s states, billions of taxpayer dollars being misused through corruption and organised crime, Labor and the Greens won’t even vote for the Senate to have an inquiry. Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Senator Jane Hume said the report reinforced the Coalition’s longstanding commitment to restore a strong cop on the beat in the construction industry and to push for the Senate to use its powers to inquire into the sector. “Australians deserve construction sites governed by the rule of law, not the law of the jungle.” “Master Builders has made it abundantly clear that corruption in construction is costing Australians and it has to stop. Any government who cares about fighting this corruption should listen to her warning and act today. “Labor’s first instinct was to abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission. Now, four years later, the industry is telling them we desperately need a specialist regulator with stronger powers. “And Labor have not only dismantled the tools that Master Builders is calling for, they have repeatedly voted against any inquiry into the corruption in the sector – despite the evidence of billions of dollars of waste, violence and extortion. “Labor should own up to its stuff up and join the Liberals and Nationals in reintroducing a stronger ABCC, scrapping the incentives for union control over Commonwealth procurement, and voting for a Senate inquiry into corruption in construction.” “Australians should ask themselves: if Labor genuinely wants to stamp out corruption, why is it so determined to prevent the Parliament from investigating it? Why won’t it implement the recommendations of experts in construction to get rid of corruption? And why won’t Labor commit to removing the incentives that experts have said led to the corruption in the first place?”

First look revealed for new Narrabeen Ambulance Station

The design for the new Narrabeen Ambulance Station has been unveiled, giving the community its first look at the modern facility planned for the existing Pittwater Road site.

The new ambulance station on Pittwater Road at Narrabeen is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program to bolster frontline emergency ambulance services.

The release of the artist impression for the project comes as the early works contractors begin on site, with final investigations and internal strip-out works soon to commence, ahead of demolition of the former station building over the coming months.

The modern, purpose-built facility will support local paramedics with upgraded contemporary workspaces, improved operational capacity and infrastructure designed to meet the growing needs of the Northern Beaches community.

The new ambulance station will include internal parking for up to 10 emergency ambulance vehicles, on-site vehicle wash facilities, administration and logistics areas, multipurpose spaces, staff amenities including a gym, and on-site parking.

The site of the old Narrabeen Ambulance station was confirmed as the most suitable location to optimise response performance and meet the future emergency health needs of the community following an extensive land search across Dee Why and the Northern Beaches.

The main works planning application for the Narrabeen Ambulance Station is expected to be publicly exhibited in the coming months, providing the community with an opportunity to view the plans and provide feedback.

Construction timeframes will be confirmed once a main works builder has been appointed.

The NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program is delivering 30 new ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter and the Illawarra.

For further information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/narrabeen-ambulance-station

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The new station will provide local paramedics with a modern, purpose-built facility that supports them to deliver the best possible care when people need it most.

“The Minns Labor Government is building more ambulance stations and recruiting more paramedics to support boosting emergency care for Narrabeen and surrounding communities.

“As the Northern Beaches community continues to grow, we’re investing in the essential health infrastructure needed to support residents now and into the future.”

Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby:

“The new station answers calls from local paramedics for a modern, purpose-built facility that supports them to deliver the best possible care and response times for the Pittwater community.

“Having visited the old station, I was shocked. Constructed in the 1960s this station had barely been touched since and was completed neglected by the Liberal Government for decades. It is now getting the investment our community deserves.

“I also thank the Government and Minister for listening to calls from my community to keep the station at Narrabeen, rather than relocate it to Dee Why as it was initially planned. I look forward to seeing the new station and improved operational capacity for Pittwater.”

Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan:

“This major investment will support our local paramedics to continue delivering high-quality emergency care for our growing Beaches community. That is great news and the expanded facilities will reflect the high standards our Paramedics deserve.

Minns Labor Government backs NSW small business innovators with $3 million

The Minns Labor Government is backing NSW innovators with more than $1 million in funding for 20 small startups and businesses through the MVP Ventures Program. This final round takes the total support provided to small innovative businesses to $3 million this financial year helping to turn home-grown ideas into commercial success, creating jobs and strengthening the state’s economy.

As the final funding round for 2025-26, the investment demonstrates the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to delivering on the NSW Innovation Blueprint, helping more businesses commercialise new ideas, attract investment, create jobs and grow industries of the future in NSW.

More than half the funding has been awarded to female and regional founders, helping ensure the benefits of innovation are shared across the state and not concentrated in metropolitan centres alone.

From life-saving medical technologies and advanced manufacturing solutions to cutting-edge cyber security products and innovations that improve community safety, the funded projects demonstrate the ingenuity and ambition of NSW entrepreneurs.

The MVP Ventures Program helps NSW startups and small businesses bridge the gap between product development and commercial success, giving them the support they need to attract private investment, grow their businesses and create high-value jobs.

Round three MVP Ventures grant recipients include:

  • EthicAI Pty Ltd — developing a safer way for websites and apps to check that users are old enough without collecting or storing their personal information.
  • Global Surgical Innovations Pty Ltd — developing regenerative graft materials to be used in surgery to repair damaged tissues. The graft enables natural healing and then dissolves like a resorbable suture leaving no footprint in the body.
  • The Movement Belt Pty Ltd — developing a lightweight, easy-to-use wearable belt that provides gentle rhythmic vibrations, with optional sound, while walking. The product allows users to select their own rhythm and is designed for everyday use.
  • UndaTech Pty Ltd — developing a fire-resistant undershirt designed for women working in defence, emergency services, construction, mining and other high-risk jobs.

Through a dedicated funding stream, the program is also helping broaden participation in the NSW innovation ecosystem and improve access to commercialisation support for underrepresented founders and businesses across the state.

For more information and the full list of funding recipients visit MVP Ventures Program.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This latest round takes the Minns Labor Government’s investment in innovative small busineses through the MVP Ventures Program to $3 million this year.

“We’re delivering on the Innovation Blueprint and NSW Industry Policy, by building a stronger pipeline from idea to commercial success so more businesses can start, scale and thrive in NSW.

“NSW businesses are developing smart, practical solutions to challenges across a wide range of sectors including in health, manufacturing, cyber security, clean energy and construction.”

Minister for Small Business, Janelle Saffin said:

“Small businesses are the backbone of the NSW economy, but bridging that critical funding gap between an innovative concept and commercial success is incredibly challenging.

“Through this latest round, we are delivering on our commitment to help local startups turn brilliant ideas into thriving enterprises, creating jobs and strengthening industries right across our state.”

Kara Bombell, Co-Founder, EthicAI said:

“Digital platforms need effective ways to meet age assurance requirements without asking users to surrender unnecessary personal information.

“This funding will help us commercialise privacy-preserving age verification infrastructure that confirms eligibility while protecting personal data.”

Dr Christella Mylordi, Director/Co-Founder, Global Surgical Innovations said:

“We are developing a regenerative, resorbable graft material, designed to replace the harvesting of cartilage in nasal reconstructive surgery to improve breathing. Why harvest tissues when surgeons can use a consistent regenerative graft off-the-shelf?

“The MVP Ventures grant will help us progress our actv-graft® product towards market and support the commercialisation of NSW-developed medical technology.”

Jonathan Durrheim, Founder and Director, The Movement Belt Pty Ltd, said:

“Walking is such an important part of everyday life, and our aim is to make rhythmic prompting simple and accessible through a practical wearable product.

“The Movement Belt provides a rhythm through gentle vibrations, with optional sound, while walking.

“This grant will help us complete product testing, prepare our first pilot batch and gather valuable feedback from early users and community partners as we work towards commercial release.”

Emily Pyke, CEO, UndaTech said:

“Women working in defence, emergency services and high-risk industries need protective clothing designed specifically for their fit and operational requirements.

“The MVP Ventures grant will help us develop and commercialise a fire-resistant operational undershirt that improves comfort, protection and performance.”

Have your say: flood-safe rezoning to unlock up to 230 homes in Murwillumbah

The Northern Rivers community is invited to have their say on a proposed rezoning that could pave the way for up to 230 new residential lots in the Tweed, supporting long-term recovery and unlocking land and housing opportunities.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority is supporting the proposed rezoning of 143 North Arm Road Murwillumbah as part of the NSW Government’s Resilient Lands Program.

Located just west of the established town centre, the identified site offers an opportunity to deliver new well-located housing on flood-safe land within reach of existing schools, health care services, shops and community facilities.

The proposal aims to increase housing choice and create opportunities for future residential development in an area identified to support disaster recovery and community resilience, while allowing more Northern Rivers residents to remain close to their families, workplaces and the region they call home.

Approximately $7 million has been committed by the NSW Minns Labor Government to support the rezoning process and contribute to essential enabling infrastructure. The support is in the form of technical investigations addressing flooding, biodiversity, transport, stormwater, infrastructure, and cultural heritage.

If this rezoning proposal is approved, future development of the site would require additional assessment and approval through Tweed Shire Council.

Community members can provide thoughts and feedback about the proposed rezoning and supporting technical documents through the NSW Government’s Have Your Say platform from Thursday 12 November to Thursday 10 December 2026.

Feedback received during consultation will inform an independent assessment of the proposal, with a rezoning decision anticipated in early 2027.

For further information or to make a submission, visit:

https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/north-arm-road-rezoning

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

“Access to well-located homes is critical for a thriving Northern Rivers, not just for our part of the region’s long-term recovery, but so that our local economy can continue to grow.

“This proposal is about creating more options for people who want to remain connected to their communities while building a safer and more resilient future.

“We are committed to progressing recovery in a way that is thoughtful, transparent and I welcome feedback on the proposal because the future of our region should be informed by the people who know the communities they live, work and play in best.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Reconstruction Graham Kennett said:

“The proposed rezoning at North Arm Road is another step towards unlocking land that could support future housing opportunities for flood affected communities.

“Our focus is on ensuring that planning decisions are supported by technical evidence, consider infrastructure requirements and provide opportunities for meaningful community input.

“Importantly, rezoning is only the first stage. Any future development would require separate assessment and approval through Tweed Shire Council.”

More procedures now being offered as day surgery

Fourteen new procedures are now being conducted as day surgery, which will improve surgery wait times, unlock hospital beds, and allow patients to safely recover from the comfort of their homes.

The new procedures being targeted for completion as day surgery are across ear, nose and throat, orthopaedics, breast, endocrine and gynaecology:

  • Biopsy of lymph nodes
  • Removal of bunions
  • Arthroscopic knee ligament repairs
  • Sublingual gland excision (removal of gland under the tongue)
  • Elective appendectomy (elective removal of the appendix)
  • Haemorrhoidectomy (removal of haemorrhoids)
  • Rotator cuff repair
  • Menisectomy excision, repair, trimming (excision, repair, trimming of the knee meniscus)
  • Pilonidal sinus excision (repair of cyst or cavity on the tailbone)
  • Parathyroidectomy (removal of the parathyroid gland)
  • Laparoscopic oophorectomy and salpingectomy, including bilateral (removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries via keyhole surgery)
  • Colporrhaphy (repair of vaginal walls)
  • Myomectomy, including laparoscopically (50%) and hysteroscopic (removal of fibroids in the uterus via keyhole surgery)
  • Therapeutic laparoscopic procedures including laser, diathermy and destruction e.g. endometriosis, adhesiolysis

It brings the total number of low-complexity procedures being targeted to be safely performed without an overnight stay to 22, following the initial introduction of eight procedures in 2024-25:

  • hernia procedures
  • tonsillectomies & adenoidectomies
  • gallbladder removals
  • nasal procedures
  • sinus and complex middle ear procedures
  • mastectomies
  • thyroid interventions
  • hysterectomies (for non-cancer reasons)

This created capacity for an additional 3,000 patients to be treated in the 2024-25 financial year and 3,200 patients in 2025-26.

Same day surgery sees patients arrive, have their procedure and complete their discharge on the same day, where clinically appropriate, avoiding unnecessary hospitalisation.

The program benefits the patients who recover with support in the comfort of their own home, and relieves pressure on the healthcare system, as staff and additional beds are available for more people.

The Minns Labor Government has made significant investments to improve access to surgeries, including:

  • $30 million to expand High Volume Short Stay surgical services
  • $200 million since 2024 to reduce overdue surgeries
  • The establishment of the state’s first Surgery Hub at Northern Beaches Hospital

The 2026-27 NSW Budget also included $10.3 billion to support increased capacity across the health system, including to deliver an estimated 2,900 additional planned surgeries.

More information on same day surgery in NSW can be found here:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Performance/Pages/sameday.aspx  

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We are delivering more surgeries, more quickly and unlocking much needed capacity in our system to ensure more patients have access to the care they need, when they need it.  

“We are already seeing how the same day surgery program is benefiting patients and the broader health system, and that is why we are expanding it.

“By safely discharging people to recover at home with the support they need, we’re creating capacity for someone else who needs that bed, whether that’s admitting someone more quickly from ED or the surgical waitlist.”

Member for Strathfield, Jason Yat-Sen Li:

“We welcome this program delivering faster access to surgery for families in Strathfield. Same day surgery means our local patients can get the care they need sooner, recover comfortably at home and free up vital hospital beds for others. It’s a practical, patient centred change that will make a real difference for our community. I thank the clinicians and staff making it possible.”

Labor candidate for Drummoyne, Julia Little:

“The Minns Government is investing in more beds, more staff and more surgery services across the state to reduce wait times and improve access for patients.  

“The same day surgery program is just another way we’re optimising healthcare and doing it safely so people in NSW can access the care they need faster and more comfortably.” 

NSW Liberals and Nationals to reverse Labor’s cuts to preschool funding

A Sloane Liberal and Nationals Government will deliver high-quality and safe preschool education for children and their families across NSW by winding back Labor’s cruel cuts and restoring funding certainty.

The Minns Labor Government has gutted the Start Strong framework from 31 December 2026 and replaced it with separate opaque and insufficient funding arrangements for community preschools and long day care services.

Families and educators right across NSW have been condemning Labor’s changes, saying they undermine quality and safety for preschool aged children and threaten the viability of early education across NSW.

NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said the Liberals and Nationals will support fair pay for educators and provide quality preschool education for families.

“A NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will reverse Labor’s cuts to the Start Strong funding arrangements for both community preschools and long day care services,” Ms Sloane said.

“Stakeholders have said cutting the program is bad policy and will impact the quality and viability of preschool education for 170,000 children across NSW. Once again Labor is ignoring that important feedback.”

“Preschool is where children learn to make friends, build confidence and get ready for their first day of school; that early start is worth investing in.”

NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said families and early education providers across regional NSW would feel these impacts hardest.
“Families in our regions rely heavily on community preschools and they are telling us that children will miss out if Labor’s cuts proceed,” Mr Singh said.

“When Labor forces preschools to close in regional NSW, there are no alternative services. Kids miss out, parents can’t get to work, and a vital community hub is lost forever.”

Shadow Minister for Early Education Felicity Wilson said families, educators and providers across the state had made their concerns clear and been ignored by this Labor Government.

“We’ve heard from parents, educators, and providers in communities right across NSW, and the message is consistent: they are worried about what Labor’s changes mean for quality, affordability and choice,” Ms Wilson said.

“With falling education standards demonstrated through NAPLAN, and increasing behavioural issues in our classrooms, this is the worst time to gouge investment in preparedness for school entry.”

Our plan for early learning is to:

  • Reinstate the Start Strong program:
    • Replacing Labor’s insufficient and opaque funding methodology for community preschools.
    • Providing funding for the preschool program payments for approved long day care preschool programs, ensuring the 72 per cent of preschool-aged children in long day care settings don’t miss out.
  • Negotiate in good faith with community preschool educators on a fair wage increase, reversing Labor’s failure to follow instructions from the Fair Work Commission.
  • Ensure appropriate allocation of the former Liberals and National Government’s landmark $5 billion Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund to deliver the early learning that our children and families need.

E-bike reform hits its limit: John Graham’s desk

As e-bike chaos continues on Sydney streets, the Minns Labor Government has broken a promise to introduce a minimum age limit for riders this year and left an expert report gathering dust on the Minister’s desk.

In February 2026, Labor announced there would be a minimum age to ride an e-bike with findings due to Transport Minister John Graham by June 2026.

John Graham even posted on his social media that he would deliver one.

As of November 2026, there is still no report, age limit, start date or legislation introduced to Parliament.

Media reports this morning say the Minister has passed the buck on an e-bike age limit, with action delayed until after the election, more than a year after he first promised one. Labor says one thing and does nothing.

Despite all the Government’s rhetoric, e-bike rider behaviour is still worse than ever, with reports that 342 children were hospitalised in the year to October following incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters along with near misses across a spectrum of ages and locations.

The Government has also dismissed the NSW Liberals and National’s Australia-first plan to introduce licence plates for e-bike riders under 18, commercial delivery riders and shared service schemes.

Shadow Transport Minister Natalie Ward said the Minister had run out of excuses while injuries pile up, and the public has had enough.

“In February it was there will be an age limit, now it is ask me after the election,” Ms Ward said.

“He is tough on talk and soft on delivery. It is a weak response that ignores the community and lets injuries pile up while the report he promised sits on his desk. Accountability for the public and riders is currently the emergency room yet nothing for the Minister.”

“His own colleagues are leaking he hasn’t taken the report to Cabinet. That is not a good sign for a Minister’s performance.”

“We have an implementation plan for licence plates paired with education. John Graham has admitted he has nothing.”