G20 and Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

This week I will attend meetings of the G20 and Quad foreign ministers in Atlanta, United States.

The meetings come as the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global energy supplies and drive up fuel prices, with flow-on effects for the cost of food and other essentials.

Through the G20, Australia works with major global economies to strengthen economic resilience, support sustainable growth, and advance peace and security.

This week, we will focus on pressing global challenges, including threats to energy security and global supply chains.

Protecting the free flow of international trade is part of that effort. Australia has joined the European Union-led `No Fees/No Tolls’ pledge, opposing unlawful fees and tolls that would undermine freedom of navigation and set a dangerous precedent for international shipping.

I will advocate for these principles in my discussions with international counterparts during the visit.

I will also meet with counterparts from the United States, India and Japan for the third Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting this year.

Together, we will advance practical cooperation on regional security, maritime security and economic resilience in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Quad Joint Press Release on Economic Prosperity and Security

The text of the following statement was released by the Secretary of State of the United States, the Foreign Minister of Australia, the External Affairs Minister of India, and the Foreign Minister of Japan.

The Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan met in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 31, 2026, to discuss progress on ongoing Quad initiatives and reaffirm their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The Quad ministers underscored the importance of economic security in maintaining global stability and prosperity. They reiterated their commitment to building reliable and open global supply chains and trusted and resilient infrastructure. They expressed grave concerns regarding economic coercion, including through arbitrary export restrictions, as well as non-market policies and practices that result in overcapacity to disrupt global supply chains in critical industries. Recognizing the importance of critical sea lanes, the uninterrupted flow of commerce, energy security, and the unhindered passage and safety of maritime crews and vessels without the imposition of tolls, they reiterated the absolute necessity to protect and preserve navigational rights and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in accordance with international law as reflected in UNCLOS.

The Quad ministers highlighted the importance of Super Intelligence (SI)* and initiatives like Pax Silica to the future of economic growth and expressed their intent to provide over $85 million of technical and financial assistance to support access to trusted SI across the Indo-Pacific, including through the Quad SI Accelerator.

The Quad ministers expressed their deep concern about the proliferation of online and cyber scams that pose a threat to national and international peace and security. They condemned the criminal groups running the scam operations and trafficking people and forcing them to defraud our citizens, stealing tens of billions of dollars annually of hard-earned wealth from our respective countries. The Quad countries committed to dismantling these operations and holding transnational criminal groups and their leaders accountable.

The Quad ministers expressed their condolences for those who lost their lives during the flash floods of August 26, 2026, and underscored their shared commitment to supporting partners in times of need.  They recognized India’s leading role as the first responder to Nepal’s rescue, along with the significant support to Nepal from all Quad countries.

The Quad ministers welcomed progress on key initiatives bolstering the prosperity of the Indo-Pacific, including:

Economic Prosperity and Security

  • Securing Critical Minerals Supply Chains:  Under the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative Framework announced in May 2026, Quad countries have strengthened their cooperation on critical mineral supply chains, working together to recover critical minerals from electronics waste and scrap materials to reduce reliance on any single supplier.  They welcomed private sector-led investment in waste collection networks, processing plants, and refineries, and work with Quad countries to establish trusted critical minerals recycling value chains.  They welcomed the U.S. commitment to provide $10 million to promote infrastructure and facilities in India and ASEAN countries that recover critical minerals from waste.  Quad countries look forward to exploring streamlining export and import procedures to facilitate the transboundary movement of recyclable materials and strengthen the implementation of existing regulations.
  • Supporting Energy Security in the Indo-Pacific: In September, the Quad convened the first-ever Quad Fuel Security Forum and discussed our commitment to advancing fuel security in the Indo-Pacific, including by strengthening their respective strategic petroleum reserves and stockholdings.
  • Advancing Ports Infrastructure in Fiji: Quad countries are actively working with the Government of Fiji on infrastructure modernization projects for key ports at Suva, Lautoka, and Rokobili. This includes through the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation, which is supporting Fiji in developing a Port Strategic Development Framework, and the Government of Australia, which is assessing the feasibility of a new transshipment port facility.
  • Building Infrastructure Capability Across the Indo-Pacific: To date, Quad countries have provided more than 2000 infrastructure fellowships across the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and South Asia providing critical skills to Indo-Pacific nations to support a stronger and more resilient region.
  • Advancing Commercial Diplomacy: The Quad ministers announced the first-ever Quad Business Leaders’ Forum that will convene industry leaders, government, and policy experts from Quad countries to foster greater ties across our public and private sectors, including the promotion of commercial deals in key sectors. Quad export credit agencies, building on their 2024 Memorandum of Cooperation, will convene in Tokyo on November 18 to identify opportunities for practical cooperation, further demonstrating our commitment to deepening economic cooperation.
  • Progressing Secure and Resilient Digital Connectivity in the Indo-Pacific: Quad countries continue to accelerate efforts to develop trusted, redundant, and high-speed cable routes in the region and share best practices to manage secure and resilient undersea data cables.

Maritime and Transnational Security

  • Making the Seas Safer: The second Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer mission successfully sailed from Chennai, India, to Perth, Australia from September 25 to October 7 with representatives from all four Quad countries aboard an Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel, a significant step toward strengthening Quad maritime interoperability to address unlawful maritime activities.
  • Strengthening Maritime Collaboration: The Quad countries look forward to holding their first exercise under the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration initiative at Sea Dragon 2027. The initiative was announced in May by the Secretary and Foreign Ministers in New Delhi to enhance information sharing and maritime domain awareness.
  • Improving Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): The Quad countries are pleased to announce the first Quad Maritime Domain Awareness Track 1.5 Symposium under the Quad Maritime Training Initiative (MAITRI) in early 2027, which will provide a platform for regional partners to discuss MDA approaches, technologies, and information sharing.

Critical and Emerging Technology

  • Trusted Communications Networks: In the spirit of the Quad Leaders’ endorsement of the Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security, Quad countries committed to identifying priority countries for cooperation on trusted advanced communication technologies, including 5G, 6G, Open Radio Access Networks (RAN), and SI* RAN developing a pipeline of trusted 5G projects, as well as exploring future cooperation on SI* RAN.
  • Semiconductor and SI* Hardware: Quad countries reinforced the need to build secure, resilient, and trusted supply chains for advanced, leading-edge semiconductors and SI* hardware. They will launch a new effort to identify semiconductor and SI* supply chain chokepoints before they cause disruptions.
  • Digital Identity Standards: Quad countries continue to advance efforts to map digital identity standards, making it easier for our public and private sectors to work together.
  • Deepening Cooperation on Cyber Security: This month, Quad Cyber Senior Officials met and pledged to continue advancing Quad countries’ unique capabilities to support a trusted and resilient cybersecurity environment in the Indo-Pacific region.

Humanitarian Assistance and Emergency Response

  • Building Capacity to Respond to Disasters: The Quad continues to improve capabilities to respond to natural disasters via its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Partnership. Australia, Japan, and the United States will send observers to India’s Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Exercise (AJHE-26) in November to build shared capacity to respond to natural disasters.
  • Developing Shared Logistics Capabilities: The Quad countries made significant progress toward the development of the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN) Standard Operating Procedures, during the second IPLN Tabletop Exercise (TTX) hosted by Japan’s Ministry of Defense in September. This will facilitate swift and effective response to natural disasters in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad countries will continue advancing their shared humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) logistics capacity, including at the next IPLN exercise to be held at the next Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.

We look forward to the convening of the Quad Leaders’ Summit, the next Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and continuing our engagements that advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

* In Australia, India, and Japan, ‘Super Intelligence’ refers to ‘artificial intelligence.’

Outgoing minister leaves a shameful legacy for First Nations people in NSW

The NSW Greens have condemned the record of retiring Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris, who will leave Parliament after presiding over stalled Treaty progress, failures to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage, attacks on Aboriginal land rights, the worst year on record for First Nations deaths in custody, and the introduction of laws that disproportionately imprison First Nations children

Greens MP and spokesperson for First Nations Justice Sue Higginson said:  

“David Harris has been a profound disappointment as Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, and his retirement comes with a shameful legacy of failing to stand up for First Nations people when they needed him most,”  

“At every turn, when his Government has made decisions that actively undermine the rights, safety and futures of First Nations people, Harris has been sitting at the Cabinet table supporting them. He has had the responsibility and the opportunity to stand up for First Nations people, and he has failed,”  

“I have repeatedly questioned Minister Harris about the appalling treatment of First Nations people by his Government, and he has constantly deferred his responsibility on every issue from cultural heritage protection, to children in prison under discriminatory bail laws and deaths in custody,”   

“When I questioned him about the record number of First Nations deaths in custody, he told me the response was outside his portfolio. When I challenged him about laws restricting First Nations people’s rights to march and protest, he confirmed that everyone in Cabinet supported those laws. This was an extraordinary admission from the Minister who is supposed to advocate for First Nations people at the highest levels of Government,”  

“Meanwhile, more than 44,000 Aboriginal land claims remain unresolved and his Government has passed retrospective laws that the NSW Aboriginal Land Council has warned weaken Aboriginal land rights. The failure has been so serious that the NSW Aboriginal Land Council has withdrawn from the Government’s Closing the Gap framework,”  

“David Harris will leave politics, but the consequences of the decisions he has supported will remain with First Nations people long after he is gone. His retirement should be a moment of serious reflection for the Minns Government about the harm they have caused, and the urgent responsibility they have to change course,” Ms Higginson said.   

Greens Secure Win On Key Disability Royal Commission Recommendation

People with disabilities and their loved ones are advised that the following media release will cover the confronting topic of deaths of people with disability in our community. 

We also ask that any public discussion centres the dignity of people with disability and handles the subject matter with sensitivity.

ACT Greens Disability Spokesperson Laura Nuttall MLA this week secured a commitment to a disability death review scheme, after the Assembly unanimously agreed to her motion.  

“This is an incredibly difficult time for the disability community, but the implementation of this crucial recommendation will be one small step in the right direction,” said Miss Nuttall. 

“We know from the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability that this community faces disproportionate rates of both premature and avoidable deaths. 

“Now, in line with a recommendation from the Royal Commission to all state and territory governments, the ACT will begin developing a review scheme to help understand how and why these deaths occur in our current systems. This is crucial as it will make sure we know what needs to be changed to make sure the avoidable deaths don’t happen again. 

The motion passed unanimously after amendments and requires that the Government determine the exact model for a Disability Death Review Scheme and begin implementing it by January 2028. 

“Canberrans should be incredibly proud that this motion was ultimately agreed to unanimously as some things simply have to be above partisan politics. 

“We know that this is only one small step in the right direction as the disability community is still dealing with huge NDIS cuts and foundational supports simply aren’t ready. The ACT Greens will proudly keep campaigning with the disability community on these incredibly important issues, for as long as it takes to ensure adequate funding and supports are in place,” said Miss Nuttall.  

Address to the House of Representatives, Remembrance Day

On Remembrance Day, our nation will pause to honour all Australians who have served, suffered, and sacrificed in wars and military operations for our nation.

Remembrance Day is one of the most sacred days on our national calendar.

Yet this Remembrance Day, protests have been planned by students and teachers across Australia.

Freedom of speech – and freedom to protest – are core tenets of our democracy.

But shame on all those who abuse those freedoms and choose Remembrance Day – of all days – to protest.

What disrespect to the fallen!

What disregard to our veterans and their families

What ingratitude and historical ignorance!

Choosing Remembrance Day – of all days – to protest is utterly disgraceful.

And let’s not forget how these protests can quickly morph into violent unrest as other extremists seize on the opportunity.

We’ve seen that elsewhere.

Don’t think Australia is immune.

We must protect our way of life.

Remembrance Day must not be hijacked.

I’m calling on the Prime Minister to join me in condemning these protests.

Let’s proudly protect and commentate this most solemn day.

Construction commences on new South Windsor Ambulance Station

The Hawkesbury community is set for a major boost to frontline emergency care, with construction now underway on the new South Windsor ambulance station.

The investment at South Windsor will strengthen frontline emergency ambulance services and provide paramedics with a modern base and additional capacity to support the growing Hawkesbury community.

The purpose-built ambulance station on Acacia Close is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program.

The new ambulance station will include:

  • 10 ambulance vehicle parking bays, including a dedicated wash bay
  • administration and office areas
  • staff amenities, including a gym
  • on-site parking
  • logistics and storage facilities.

NSW Ambulance selected Acacia Close for the station’s location through a comprehensive service planning process that analysed Triple Zero (000) demand and ambulance response requirements across the region.

Site establishment works are right now underway, with construction activity to increase in the coming months. The new station is expected to be completed in late 2027.

Mettle Projects has been appointed as the building contractor following a competitive tender process and planning approval.

The NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program will deliver 30 new ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter and Illawarra regions over the coming years.

The new ambulance station at South Windsor will complement other ambulance infrastructure investments across Western Sydney, including Prestons, Prairiewood, Carlingford and Glendenning.

The Minns Labor Government is also rebuilding frontline health services by strengthening the workforce, including by delivering a historic pay increase for our paramedics and recruiting an additional 500 paramedics in rural and regional areas.

For more information visit: http://www.nsw.gov.au/south-windsor-ambulance-station

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car:

”The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering the essential services that communities across North West Sydney need and deserve, and the new South Windsor ambulance station is another example of delivering for this area.

“Construction kicking off in South Windsor means we’re one step closer to delivering better frontline emergency care for local residents.

“This investment is about backing our incredible paramedics and ensuring Windsor, Hawksbury and beyond are well supported now and into the future.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We are delivering more paramedics, more ambulance stations, and stronger emergency services for the Hawkesbury community and across NSW.

“The new South Windsor ambulance station will deliver a significant boost to frontline healthcare for the Hawkesbury region, ensuring locals can get the help they need, when they need it.

“We’re investing in the critical infrastructure needed to support the Hawkesbury community and ensure patients can continue to access timely emergency care when they need it most.”

Labor Candidate for Hawkesbury Adam Hall:

“It’s fantastic to see construction begin on the new South Windsor ambulance station, which marks a major milestone for our local community.

“The new station will provide a modern, purpose-built base for local paramedics, and increase capacity to support our growing community, now and into the future.”

David Harris MP announces retirement at 2027 state election

Today I announce that I will not re-contest my seat of Wyong at the upcoming New South Wales State Election on 13 March 2027.

I can confirm that I will continue in my current role as the local member for Wyong and carry out my full ministerial duties within the Minns Labor Government until the election.

The announcement marks the conclusion of a parliamentary career spanning 16 years, preceded by more than two decades in public education.

Reflecting on my service I have come to realise public service has been more than a job — it has been my life’s defining commitment.

Before entering the NSW Parliament, I spent 23 years in public education as a teacher, executive, and principal, working to shape the futures of local children. I hope the next Labor candidate shares my passion for education as I have found that is the lifeblood of our community.

Representing the people of Wyong as their parliamentary representative, parliamentary secretary, shadow minister, and government minister has been the greatest privilege of my working life.

Together, our community has achieved significant milestones. One of our proudest moments was stopping the privatisation of Wyong Hospital, ensuring it remained in public hands to deliver vital healthcare services to our growing region.

We have also delivered new schools, ambulance stations, police stations, and upgraded rail infrastructure, alongside crucial grassroots funding for Central Coast community organisations.

I am particularly pleased that funding is now secured for the $488 million Pacific Highway Wyong upgrade. With a contractor imminent, this major project—featuring two new bridges, a transport interchange, and four lanes—will soon be fully underway to ease congestion across our region.

Until the election in March 2027, my focus remains firmly on delivering outcomes for Wyong and advancing my responsibilities across the Cabinet.

I want to express my gratitude to Premier Chris Minns, ministerial and electorate office staff, parliamentary colleagues, and the local community.

I particularly want to acknowledge and thank the Premier for hi unwavering support and trust as we navigated and implemented challenging yet essential reforms as well as tackling some controversial issues.

I want to extend my deep gratitude to the people of Wyong for placing their trust in me over many years. Whether meeting at the ballot box or resolving local issues together, your community spirit and resilience have inspired me every single day.

While I will not contest the next election, my commitment to the Central Coast remains unwavering. I look forward to spending more time with my wife Sherelle and our daughters, while watching this wonderful region continue to prosper.

Making it easier to move through Torakina Reserve at Brunswick Heads

Families, locals and visitors can now enjoy easier and safer access through one of Brunswick Heads’ most popular foreshore destinations, with the NSW Government completing a package of improvements at Torakina Reserve.

Set between the Brunswick River and Torakina Beach, the reserve is a much-loved community space where people gather to picnic, swim, walk, fish and spend time outdoors. The improvements will help people enjoy the foreshore while protecting and enhancing one of the area’s most valued public spaces for future generations.

The NSW Government provided $220,950 through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to deliver new pathways, landscaping, signage, bollards and car park improvements to make moving around the reserve easier and safer.

The works improve movement through the reserve, create clearer separation between pedestrian and vehicle areas, and help safeguard landscaped sections from unauthorised vehicle access.

Delivered by Byron Shire Council, the project contributes to the ongoing care and enhancement of the Brunswick Heads foreshore precinct, ensuring the reserve remains a welcoming place for the community to enjoy.

The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund helps communities across NSW improve and maintain public reserves that support recreation, tourism, cultural and sporting activities, and recreational life of communities across NSW.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“Torakina Reserve is a much-loved community space in one of the North Coast’s great seaside villages.

“This investment has delivered practical improvements that will help the reserve continue to serve the Brunswick Heads community and welcome visitors for years to come.”

“Crown reserves like Torakina are important public spaces for communities across NSW, and we’re proud to invest in keeping them accessible, safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“Torakina is where Brunswick Heads comes together. Where families spend their weekends, kids learn to swim, and locals catch up by the water.

“These practical improvements make this beloved space safer and more accessible for everyone who calls the North Coast home, while making sure it’s protected for future generations.”

Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith said:

“Torakina is one of those special places that captures so much of what we love about Brunswick Heads – families swimming, picnicking and spending time together in a beautiful natural environment.

“I’m delighted to see this investment making the reserve safer and more accessible while protecting the natural beauty that makes it so special. Our public spaces should be welcoming and accessible to everyone, and these improvements will help ensure Torakina can be enjoyed by locals and visitors for generations to come.”

Byron Shire Council Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said:
“Torakina Reserve holds a special place in the heart of Brunswick Heads, where locals and visitors come to swim, fish, walk and enjoy time by the river.

“These improvements make it easier and safer to move through the reserve and better protect the garden areas for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you to the community for your patience during the works and for the input that helped shape this project.”

First look at new regional helicopter bases

Communities across rural and regional NSW have been given their first look at the design for new regional helicopter bases, as part of a planned expansion to NSW’s aeromedical network and enhancing access to emergency care.

Moruya and Wagga Wagga will be the first of the new regional ambulance helicopter bases to be delivered and are planned to be located at local airports.

Planning for a helicopter base at Port Macquarie is progressing.

The new bases in Moruya, Wagga Wagga and Port Macquarie form part of the Minns Labor Government’s $63.95 million investment in new regional helicopter ambulance infrastructure, supporting the expansion of the statewide aeromedical network from six to nine bases.

Across the state, NSW Ambulance Aeromedical teams complete more than 4,400 helicopter missions each year. The expanded network will strengthen NSW’s emergency response to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents and natural disasters, while improving equitable access to emergency healthcare for rural, regional and remote communities.

The regional helicopter bases will include:

  • a dedicated helicopter hangar and maintenance facilities
  • mission-planning and operational workspaces
  • training and staff amenities
  • fuel, logistics and supporting infrastructure
  • a dedicated road retrieval ambulance

Construction at Moruya and Wagga Wagga is expected to start in early 2027, following planning approval and the appointment of a building contractor.

The new bases will join the existing NSW Ambulance aeromedical network of 13 helicopters and six bases located in Bankstown (Sydney), Wollongong, Orange, Belmont (Newcastle), Lismore and Tamworth.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The new helicopter bases being delivered by the Minns Labor Government will strengthen aeromedical infrastructure for communities across regional and rural NSW.

“The expanded network will help NSW Ambulance helicopters and world class paramedics and doctors provide faster access to lifesaving emergency and specialist care for regional communities.

“We are delivering the essential health infrastructure needed to deliver better, faster care for people across NSW. This includes more hospitals, more beds, more ambulance stations and helicopter bases, and the staff to run them.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:

“This is an important step forward for the Far South Coast, with a purpose-built helicopter base at Moruya set to strengthen access to lifesaving emergency care for our regional communities.

“The base will support the work of South East Regional Hospital and the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, expected to open early next year, by strengthening connections between local hospitals, ambulance services and specialist care across our coastal network of health services.

“Living in a regional area should never mean being disadvantaged when it comes to emergency healthcare. A stronger aeromedical network will help NSW Ambulance teams respond to critical incidents, retrieve patients and connect them with the care they need, when they need it.

“Releasing these designs is an important milestone in delivering the infrastructure our region needs, supporting our dedicated paramedics and aeromedical teams and improving access to emergency and specialist care for communities across the Far South Coast.”

Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr:

“I welcome the establishment of this regional aeromedical helicopter base in Wagga which will be an important improvement to emergency care for our region.

“I look forward to working with NSW Ambulance to implement this significant development.”

Dr Sarah Coombes, Executive Director Aeromedical and Special Operations, NSW Ambulance:

“Our aeromedical teams provide emergency retrieval and critical care across some of the most challenging environments in NSW.

“These bases will enhance the facilities and infrastructure our teams need to continue delivering high-quality critical care across rural and regional communities.”

Southwest Metro: the train has left the station

Today at 4:31am, the first train left Bankstown Station marking the commencement of passenger services on the new Southwest Metro.

Prior to the first service, hundreds of passengers lined the platform at the new Bankstown Station ready to board Train Set 29, which departed for the 66-kilometre, 80-minute journey to Tallawong via the CBD.

This ends one of the most complex rail transformation projects in the world, with the conversion of the 130-year-old Bankstown line and heritage stations to accommodate modern high-speed, automated, driverless trains.

The Minns Labor Government thanks the communities from Bankstown to Lakemba to Campsie through to Marrickville for their patience and welcome them to their world class public transport infrastructure.

With services every four minutes during the peak, 50% more capacity, and significant time savings, this world class public transport infrastructure will transform the communities it travels through, connecting residents with jobs, education and housing.

Examples of journey times include:

  • Marrickville to Gadigal: 12 minutes – saving 16 minutes.
  • Belmore to Gadigal: 22 minutes – saving 14 minutes
  • Punchbowl to Barangaroo: 32 minutes – saving 24 minutes.
  • Bankstown to Macquarie University: 54 minutes – saving 25 minutes.

The pink buses will continue to run for three days, and additional staff are available throughout the network during this opening period to assist customers as they become familiar with metro services.

There will be an increase in staff on the Metro, and at stations during the coming days should commuters have any questions. Passengers can plan their journeys at transportnsw.info.

This transformative transport infrastructure was fully funded by the Minns Labor Government, without privatising hospitals, motorways or any other vital public infrastructure.

As the Minns Labor Government has delivered the Southwest Metro, it is also delivering Metro West from the CBD to Parramatta and the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport project. Two-thirds of Sydney’s 46 Metro stations have now been completed, with 15 more under construction.

The Minns Labor Government is also investing in the heavy rail network which was neglected by the former government, despite it transporting a million passengers each day. This investment includes $12 billion to build the next fleet of passenger trains in the Hunter, $6.8b billion in South Coast rail infrastructure and a $2.1 billion investment in rail maintenance and reliability.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“This is a huge day for southwest Sydney, finally the wait for the Metro is over.

“I want to thank the commuters, local businesses and families who have been exceptionally patient as this massive project to convert the heavy rail line was undertaken.

“This Metro will knit different areas of Sydney together like never before. Commuters in Bankstown, Wiley Park, Belmore, Canterbury now have access to the same fast, reliable public transport connections that other parts of our city enjoy.

“We have fully funded and delivered Southwest Metro without privatisation. And we’re doing it while building two more Metro lines, investing $12 billion in new trains built in the Hunter, $6.8 billion in South Coast rail and $2.1 billion to fix the heavy rail network the Liberals neglected for 12 years.”

NSW Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“This was the moment patience turned to jubilation.

“These communities will now be better connected to jobs, education, health and entertainment across Sydney.

“This morning shows how popular this service will be. Imagine it when the Bulldogs are playing a home game at Belmore or communities are gathering for Lakemba Nights.

“It took a Labor government to fund this project, and we didn’t have to sell off a hospital or a motorway to do it.”

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“The people of the Bankstown electorate are so excited that this day is here! Our local businesses are ready to welcome Metro riders to Bankstown – so come and visit us for a manoush, a bahn mi or just say g’day!

“I want to thank the thousands of people that have contributed to this achievement and to the community for their patience. This is a massive day for our community and all of Sydney.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“This is a huge day for the Inner West. With the magic of Metro more people in our community will choose public transport more often and that’s a win for everyone.

“I want to thank everyone for their patience through the disruption and the thousands of workers whose efforts have got us to this moment.

“From today, our community gets the benefit: faster, more frequent and more accessible public transport, and better connections to work, education, entertainment and to each other right across Sydney.”

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:

“People across the inner south-west now have fast, direct access to central and northern Sydney opening up job opportunities and connecting people to education, sport, health and tourism like never before.

“I’ve been talking to local businesses and they’re looking forward to finally having the roads clear of the pink buses and full of people experiencing everything Canterbury has to offer.

“I’ve been speaking to students who say they’re relieved the metro has finally opened and excited about getting to high school and Uni so much quicker. Lakemba to Macquarie University in 44 mins instead of over an hour will make their lives so much easier.”

“It’s taken a lot of work and patience to get to opening day and I want to thank everyone involved.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson said:

“What an exciting day for my community, as the Southwest Metro officially begins passenger services marking a major milestone for public transport across Sydney.

“This project will connect many in my community to work, education and services, making it easier for people to get where they need to go.”

Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-sen Li said:

“Today, residents across Sydney’s southwest are better connected than ever – families, workers and students can now get where they need to go far more quickly and safely. This metro is about making everyday life easier and opening upnew possibilities for our community.”