The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose by 0.1 percentage point to 4.1 per cent in January, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).Bjorn Jarvis, ABS head of labour statistics, said: “With employment rising by 44,000 people and the number of unemployed increasing by 23,000 people, the unemployment rate rose to 4.1 per cent.“The rises in both the number of people employed and unemployed saw the participation rate rise by 0.1 percentage point, to a new record high of 67.3 per cent. This was 0.8 percentage points higher than a year ago and 1.8 percentage points higher than March 2020.“The number of employed people grew by 0.3 per cent in January 2025, the same pace as the average monthly rise in 2024, but higher than the average monthly population growth of 0.2 per cent during 2024.“Most of the rise in both employment and unemployment in January reflected rises for women, with female employment rising by 44,000 and unemployment by 24,000. In contrast, male employment and unemployment both changed by less than 1,000 people.” Some of the increase in unemployment reflected more people than usual with jobs in January who were waiting to start or return to work. More information on this can be found in an article in this release.“As in the past three Januarys, in January 2025 we again saw more people than usual who had a job but were waiting to start or return to work,” Mr Jarvis said. The employment-to-population ratio rose 0.1 percentage point to a new record of 64.6 per cent. This was 0.8 percentage points higher than a year ago and 2.4 percentage points higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic. This change was underpinned by an increase in the employment-to-population ratio for women.“With a relatively large increase in female employment in January, their employment-to-population ratio rose 0.3 percentage points, to a record high of 60.8 per cent. This was 0.7 percentage points higher than a year ago and 2.9 percentage points higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic.“The rise in the number of unemployed women in January also saw their unemployment rate rise to 4.1 per cent, in line with the unemployment rate for men,” Mr Jarvis said.Hours workedSeasonally adjusted monthly hours worked fell by 0.4 per cent in January 2025. This again reflected a higher than usual number of people working reduced hours in January, but less so than in recent Januarys. This is explored further in an article in this release.“The fall in seasonally adjusted hours worked in January 2025 is the smallest we’ve seen over the past five Januarys, and much more in line with what we have seen in the past, before the pandemic,” Mr Jarvis said.Underemployment and underutilisationThe underemployment rate remained at 6.0 per cent in January 2025. This was 0.7 percentage points lower than January 2024, and 2.7 percentage points lower than March 2020.The underutilisation rate, which combines the unemployment and underemployment rates, rose 0.1 percentage point to 10.1 per cent. This was 3.8 percentage points lower than March 2020. The last time it was around 10 per cent, before the pandemic, was just before the Global Financial Crisis in 2008.Underlying trend dataThe trend unemployment rate remained at 4.0 per cent in January. It has been within a relatively narrow range of 3.9 and 4.1 per cent for the past 12 months.In trend terms, employment grew by around 34,000 people (0.2 per cent), which was at the same rate as the 20-year pre-pandemic average (0.2 per cent).Monthly hours worked grew slightly slower than employment, rising by 0.1 per cent.“The employment-to-population ratio rose marginally to a new record high of 64.5 per cent in January, while the participation rate remained at a record high of 67.2 per cent,” Mr Jarvis said.The underemployment rate remained at 6.0 per cent and the underutilisation rate fell slightly to 10.0 per cent.More information, including regional labour market data, will be available in the upcoming January 2025 issue of Labour Force, Australia, Detailed, on Thursday 27 January 2025.The ABS would like to thank Australians for their continued support in responding to our surveys.

The NSW Government has changed the law to make it easier to convict prison staff who have sexual relationships with inmates.Under the change, all sexual relationships between prison staff and inmates will be illegal, with staff facing criminal liability, including a potential prison sentence.The Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 passed the NSW Parliament last night and removes a requirement to prove that a sexual relationship between a member of staff and an inmate poses a risk to the safety and security of the prison.The strengthening of the misconduct offence was recommended by the Special Commission of Inquiry into Offending by Former Officer Wayne Astill at Dillwynia Correctional Centre.The inquiry found multiple failings in the management and culture at Dillwynia Correctional Centre and across the Corrective Services NSW system.The NSW Government accepted all 31 recommendations of the Inquiry, in full or in principle, as a commitment to lifting standards and restoring confidence in our prisons and improving safety for both staff and inmates.The change is one of a number of amendments introduced in the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment Bill 2024 to strengthen processes, enhance transparency, and improve Corrective Services NSW’s operations.The Government is rebuilding trust in the NSW corrective services system through:Installing hundreds of new CCTV cameras and a network-wide capacity to store and access footage for at least 90 days so that serious matters can be reviewed.Establishing a new Sexual Misconduct Reporting Line and new advocacy service to ensure inmates can voice concerns.All uniformed staff at Dillwynia Correctional Centre who work with inmates now have body-worn cameras.Mandatory training for all new Corrective Services staff working in female correctional centres.Corrective Services NSW has been elevated to a stand-alone agency directly accountable to the Minister and the Government.Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said, “Corrective Services staff engaging in sexual conduct with inmates is utterly unacceptable and a total abuse of authority, which is why it is now a crime in any circumstance.“Such behaviour indicates a deplorable abuse of the staff’s position and a breach of their duty of care to the inmate.“While the majority of our Corrective Services staff do the right thing, for those that don’t, the days of receiving a slap on the wrist are over.“We have provided $30 million for priority reforms so far in response to the Astill Inquiry, including setting up a sexual misconduct line to provide a free and confidential avenue for inmates to report illegal behaviour.“We’ve also increased the number of CCTV cameras in our prisons and boosted our capacity to store and access footage for at least 90 days, to enable serious matters to be reviewed more effectively.” 

The NSW Government is taking steps to bring forward the date of the 2027 NSW State general election by two weeks to 13 March 2027 due to a clash with Easter.The next NSW State general election is due to fall on 27 March 2027, the end of the Government’s four-year term. However, this date coincides with the Easter public holiday weekend (Good Friday, 26 March – Easter Monday, 29 March 2027). To bring forward the election date, the Constitution Act 1902 (NSW) permits the Governor to dissolve the Legislative Assembly up to two months prior to the end of its fixed four-year term if the election would otherwise clash with a public holiday.The proposal to bring forward the polling day by two weeks to avoid an Easter clash is informed by consultation with the Opposition and the NSW Electoral Commission.The Special Minister of State told NSW Parliament today that, subject to finalising consultation, the Government intends to recommend to the Governor, in due course, the making of a proclamation to dissolve the Legislative Assembly early, to achieve a 13 March 2027 election date.Usually, the NSW state election is held on the fourth Saturday in March after a Government has served a four-year term.The 2027 Election is the first time that the election has fallen on the Easter weekend since four-year term parliaments were approved by NSW electors at a referendum in 1995.Special Minister of State John Graham said, “Bringing the NSW election forward two weeks is a commonsense move. With so many people away on holiday, asking voters to get to polling booths over the Easter long weekend would create a logistical challenge for voters, but also a significant operational challenges for the NSW Electoral Commission in conducting the election.“There is no politics in this decision, it is a simple matter of reviewing where dates fall and what is a feasible and legal solution to working around the Easter break and public holiday period.”

The NSW Government will introduce legislation to Parliament today to confront hate speech and antisemitism by establishing a new criminal offence for intentionally inciting racial hatred.The Crimes Amendment (Inciting Racial Hatred) Bill 2025 responds to recent disgusting instances of antisemitic conduct and hate speech, and makes clear that inciting racial hatred has no place in NSW.The legislation will make it a crime to intentionally and publicly incite hatred towards another person, or group of people, on the grounds of race. The bill will establish a new section, 93ZAA of the Crimes Act 1900, with a maximum penalty for an individual of two years’ imprisonment, fines of up to $11,000, or both, while corporations can face fines of $55,000.The proposed offence will contain the following elements:It must be a public act;The public act must incite hatred;The incitement to hatred must be intentional; andThe intentional incitement to hatred must be on the basis of race.To ensure the implied freedom of political communication is protected, the new offences have been drafted to apply to specific conduct.The new section includes an exception for directly referencing religious texts during religious teachings.Criminalising the incitement of racial hatred is the latest measure taken by the NSW Government to respond to acts of racial violence and hatred. Other actions include:Introducing a new offence in the Crimes Act to ensure people of faith can attend their place of worship in safety and provide police with associated move on powers;Introducing a new offence in 93ZA of the Crimes Act directed to the display of a Nazi symbol on or near a synagogue or place of worship, Jewish school or the Sydney Jewish Museum;Amending existing graffiti offences to make it an aggravated offence to graffiti a place of worship; andEnsuring that hatred or prejudice as motive for an offence will be an aggravating factor on sentence regardless of the presence of other motives.The Minns Labor Government also increased funding for the NSW Engagement and Hate Crime Unit, the Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants (led by Multicultural NSW), and the NSW Local Government Social Cohesion Grants Program.This package of measures helps crack down on the recent escalation of troubling graffiti, racial hatred and antisemitism in the community.It also builds on the work of the NSW Police Force, with Operation Shelter conducting more than 300 proactive patrols daily, while Strike Force Pearl has doubled its fulltime dedicated detectives from 20 to 40.With these reforms, the NSW Government is sending a clear message about how seriously it takes racial hatred and antisemitism.Premier of NSW Chris Minns said, "Racial hatred and antisemitism have no place in our society, and we are making it clear with this law."These are strong new laws because this disgraceful behaviour must stop."NSW is a multicultural state. The people of NSW already stand against racial hatred, and we are making it criminal with this law."While this package confronts recent antisemitism, the new laws will apply to anyone, preying on any person.”Attorney General Michael Daley said, “Racial hatred is unacceptable – and under this new legislation, it will be a crime to publicly and intentionally incite racial hatred.“It is important for members of our community to be protected from conduct that causes them to fear for their safety, or to fear harassment, intimidation or violence.”

The Reserve Bank of Australia delivered long-awaited financial relief to mortgage holders, cutting interest rates for the first time in more than four years.The widely expected move to lower the official cash rate target by 25 basis points to 4.1 per cent on Tuesday was immediately followed by lenders vowing to pass the decrease on in full.The cut marks the start of a much-anticipated monetary easing cycle following 13 rate rises since May 2022, which left interest rates at their highest level in 15 years.(The Reserve Bank's highly anticipated decision will provide relief for the nation's homeowners. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)In its post-meeting statement, the board struck a hawkish tone, which will bolster economists' expectations of a shallow easing cycle."Some recent labour market data have been unexpectedly strong, suggesting that the labour market may be somewhat tighter than previously thought," it said."While today's policy decision recognises the welcome progress on inflation, the Board remains cautious on prospects for further policy easing."The rates market had priced in a 90 per cent chance of a cut ahead of the meeting, following a softer-than-expected underlying inflation print for the December quarter.But economists were less certain. Of the 32 economists polled by AAP, 22 per cent expected a hold.Sean Langcake, head of macroeconomic forecasting for Oxford Economics Australia, expected the bank to tread lightly from here on, delivering only two more cuts in 2025."This is an unusual economic environment for the RBA to be cutting rates in," he said."The labour market is beyond capacity, services inflation is running above 4 per cent, and momentum in consumer spending is improving."But the weaker-than-expected Q4 CPI print was enough to outweigh these factors and spur the RBA to cut."Mortgage holders have been struggling to keep up with high interest rates, with mortgage arrears rising steadily from the record low of one per cent in mid-2022.If lenders pass the cut on in full, borrowers with an average home loan of $641,416 can expect to save over $100 per month, according to financial comparison site Finder.The big four banks - Westpac, ANZ, NAB and the Commonwealth Bank immediately announced they would be passing on the rate cuts in full to variable rate home loans, effective February 28.Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the rate cut was very welcome news for millions of Australians."This is the rate relief Australians need and deserve," he said.(Jim Chalmers says it's the rate relief "Australians need and deserve" but there's more work to do. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)"It won't solve every problem in our economy or in household budgets but it will help."This is the soft landing we have been planning for and preparing for but we know there's more work to do."The RBA in its Statement on Monetary Policy, released alongside its rate decision, said it had underestimated how tight the jobs market would be.As a result, it expected underlying inflation to remain above the midpoint of its two to three per cent target range for longer than expected.

For the first time since 2017, there has been an annual increase in the proportion of students staying at school from Year 7/8 until Year 12. The proportion rose from 79.1 per cent in 2023 to 79.9 per cent in 2024, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).Growing even more was the proportion of students staying at school from year 10 until year 12, up 1.2 percentage points to 79.9 per cent between 2023 and 2024.The proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students staying at school from Year 7/8 to Year 12 increased from 55.9 per cent in 2023 to 56.7 per cent in 2024 (0.8 percentage points). Cassandra Elliott, ABS head of education statistics, said: “The overall growth in the proportion of students staying from year 10 until year 12 was largely driven by students at government schools, which was up 1.3 percentage points to 74.3 per cent in 2024. This compared to a 0.9 percentage point rise to 88.1 per cent for students at non-government schools.”Rise in full-time equivalent teachers improves student-to-teacher ratiosAustralian schools had 320,377 full-time equivalent teaching staff in 2024, a 2.8% rise from 2023.“With a rise in the number of teaching staff, the average student-to-teacher ratio across Australian schools fell to a new low since 2006 of 12.9 students to one teacher,” Ms Elliott said. “Independent schools had the lowest student-to-teacher ratios with 11.7 students to one teacher. Meanwhile, government and Catholic schools had 13.1 and 13.3 students to one teacher respectively.” 4.1 million students enrolled in schoolTotal school enrolments reached over 4.1 million across 9,653 schools in 2024, a rise of 1.1 per cent since 2023. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school student enrolments continued to grow, up 3.7 per cent from the previous year. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students now make up 6.6 per cent of all school students. 

Nine road trips have been equipped with strategically located charging stations allowing drivers of electric vehicles to experience the best of NSW, free of range anxiety.These curated routes take EV drivers through some of NSW’s most popular destinations, from pristine beaches and rugged mountain ranges to national parks and charming regional towns.To make EV travel easier for NSW drivers, EV charging stations are strategically located along each route, ensuring seamless recharging and eliminating any concerns about range anxiety.There are at least two fast-charging plugs and one destination charging plug per 100km. On average, modern EVs can now typically travel 400km on a single charge.Each route varies in length and highlights a mix of unique local attractions with something for everyone, including unique regional towns, gourmet food and cultural experiences.The nine EV-friendly road trips are on the Visit NSW website www.visitnsw.com/evroadtrips:Central Coast and Hunter Valley – a U-shaped 257km trip from Newcastle to Maitland Grand Pacific Drive – a 200km journey along the coastline from Sydney to Jervis Bay Greater Blue Mountains Drive – a 283km round trip from Sydney to the Blue MountainsSouthern Highlands to the South Coast – a 210km journey through the highlands and coastKosciuszko Alpine Way – a 171km drive through the Snowy MountainsSouthern Tablelands – a 100km trip taking in Goulburn and surroundsClassic Country – a 422km drive through the Southern and Riverina Murray tourism regionsLegendary Pacific Coast – an 819km, multi-day journey along the Pacific HighwaySydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive – a 406km trip through Australia’s southeastern cornerEach road trip has its own webpage which breaks the itinerary into stages and shows not just the EV charging options, but also the tourist attractions available along the route.The Minns Labor Government is investing $199 million to support the installation of thousands of publicly-available EV charge ports across NSW. This includes ultra-fast charging stations, destination and kerbside chargers. The NSW Government has awarded funding for more than 3,000 charge ports at more than 1,100 sites, with many more to come.These chargers give EV drivers confidence to travel to regional areas and give people living in the regions the freedom to choose an EV as their next vehicle.The EV Council awarded NSW 10/10 for the rollout of public charging infrastructure in its 2024 State of EVs report.Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said, “We are committed to making the state a leader in electric vehicle adoption and sustainable tourism.“Driving electric is not only better for the environment, but it’s also the most budget-friendly way to hit the road. Lower running costs means EVs offer significant savings for drivers.”Minister for Roads and Tourism, John Graham, said, “NSW offers world-class road trips along magnificent coastlines, beautiful countryside and stunning alpine ranges. These new EV chargers will mean all drivers can enjoy these epic journeys.   “The installation of EV chargers across regional NSW ensures our regional visitor economies can attract the growing number of EV drivers.”

The public is invited to have its say on two new schemes that fulfill election commitments and build on the NSW Government’s delivery of gaming reforms to address gambling harm and money laundering while supporting a thriving hospitality industry.From today, the community can give feedback on consultation papers for a proposed third-party exclusion scheme and proposed mandatory facial recognition technology to support a statewide exclusion register for NSW hotels and clubs with gaming machines.  Facial recognition technology will support gambling harm minimisation by removing the guesswork of staff identifying excluded patrons, often in crowded venues. There would still need to be human interaction to verify the match made by the system. Currently, the list of excluded patrons and images that venue staff need to memorise can be difficult to manage.The Government is building strict parameters into the reforms to protect people’s privacy to ensure hotels and clubs can only use facial recognition for the purpose of identifying excluded patrons. Venues will be prohibited from using the technology for customer tracking, surveillance and marketing purposes.The Government is also delivering on its election commitment to introduce a third-party exclusion scheme that would allow family, friends and venues to apply to ban someone experiencing significant gambling harm.Research estimates that more than a million Australians experienced harm in the past year because of another person’s gambling.It is proposed the minimum period for an exclusion order would be 12 months, with a maximum period of two or three years, with a temporary exclusion of 21 days while an application is considered.In addition to the consultation papers, the Government has also developed a draft facial recognition Code of Practice that gives pubs and clubs already operating the technology guidelines to support identification of self-excluded patrons.The code has been developed over several rounds of consultation with government, industry and community stakeholders, including cyber security and privacy experts.The Independent Panel for Gaming Reform provided advice on considerations for third-party exclusion and facial recognition technology in its Roadmap Report. The issues raised in this advice were incorporated in both discussion papers.   These measures are the latest in a suite of reforms introduced by the NSW Government to reduce gambling harm, delivering more in 22 months than the previous government did in 12 years, including:reducing the cash input limit from $5,000 to $500 for all new gaming machines;reducing the state-wide cap on gaming machine entitlements by approximately 3,000;banning political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines;banning external gaming-related signage, and internal gaming-related signage that can be seen from outside the venue;requiring that venues with more than 20 gaming machine entitlements have a Responsible Gambling Officer on duty while poker machines are in operation;mandating that venues keep an updated Gaming Plan of Management and a Gaming Incident Register;banning the placement of any signage or advertising relating to gaming machines either on, or visible from an ATM or EFTPOS terminal with cash withdrawal facilities;announcing a ban on gaming advertising from public transport; andestablishing the Independent Panel for Gaming Reform and commissioning its roadmap report, which the Government is considering.The Third-Party Exclusion Consultation Paper is available here: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/third-party-exclusion-pubs-and-clubs and Facial Recognition Technology in Pubs and Clubs Consultation Paper is available here:  https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/facial-recognition-technology. The consultation period will close on 14 March 2025.Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said, "The Minns Labor Government is committed to addressing gambling harm through evidence-based policy and it’s important that we get the balance right. “Third-party exclusions are designed to help those experiencing gambling harm and their loved ones when other avenues to seek help may have failed.“It recognises the physical, psychological, emotional and financial flow-on effects of gambling on a person’s family and friends.“This is complex reform which is why we are seeking feedback on a range of issues.“Facial recognition will also be an important harm-minimisation tool by providing another way to identify excluded patrons in crowded venue environments, which can often be challenging for venue staff.“I encourage everyone to have their say on these important harm-minimisation measures.”

The NSW Government has announced the Energy Security Corporation's first Investment Mandate, which outlines how the corporation will co-invest with the private sector in renewable energy projects for our state. The Energy Security Corporation is seeded with $1 billion to help build a more reliable energy system. It will work with the private sector to plug investment gaps in the market, ensuring NSW homes and businesses can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy. The key priorities for investment include short to long-duration storage projects that capture excess renewable energy, to maximise use of electricity generated from solar and wind.It will also cover projects that will upgrade infrastructure to ensure smooth operation of the grid coordinate and consumer energy resources in households, businesses and the community (such as virtual power plants).The Investment Mandate is a key milestone in establishing the Energy Security Corporation, allowing it to begin investigating investment opportunities throughout NSW.Mr Paul Peters has been appointed as interim Chief Executive Officer to kick-off the Energy Security Corporation’s activities. Mr Peters brings significant experience in investment and financing, as well as developing energy and infrastructure assets and industrial decarbonisation projects.The NSW Government will shortly appoint the inaugural Board.Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said, “NSW will invest $1 billion in critical projects to deliver more affordable, clean and reliable energy to homes and businesses across the state.“After a decade of privatisation, the Energy Security Corporation gives the people of NSW the chance to invest in their energy system.“I congratulate Mr Peters on his appointment, and I am looking forward to the Energy Security Corporation supporting projects throughout NSW.”Further information:The Energy Security Corporation will co-invest with the private sector on energy storage projects such as:Large-scale batteriesLarge-scale batteries store surplus energy generated by renewable sources like wind and solar, and release it when renewable generation is low or when demand for energy peaks.Community batteriesA community battery is a shared battery installed in a central location within a neighbourhood that can store excess solar energy generated from homes in a community.The stored energy can then be shared with other homes in the community when demand is high, like in the evening or when its cloudy.Pumped hydroHydro energy uses the force of moving water to create electricity. Hydro energy is capable of rapidly providing power on-demand, to supply electricity to consumers when it is needed.Virtual Power Plant (VPP)A Virtual Power Plant is a network that can connect your rooftop solar and battery to other participating homes and coordinate them, allowing them to work together.This means that if there’s a shortage of energy supply in the grid, the virtual power plant can draw on the collective energy to fill the gap. This can earn participating homes a profit from their excess energy.Many small projects, when connected and coordinated, can be as impactful as a whole power station.

Australian researchers are designing a global real-time monitoring system to help save the world’s coral reefs from further decline, primarily due to bleaching caused by global warming.Coral reefs worldwide are dying at an alarming rate, with 75% of reefs experiencing bleaching-level heat stress in the past two years. The World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef (GBR), considered the jewel in the crown of coral reefs worldwide and one of Australia’s most significant ecological and tourism assets, has been decimated by severe bleaching events since 2016, exacerbated by ongoing crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks and coastal development. A collaborative project led by the University of South Australia (UniSA), with input from Queensland and Victorian researchers, is integrating remote sensing technologies with machine learning, artificial intelligence and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to monitor and hopefully stall the damage to the world’s most fragile marine ecosystems. A multimodal platform will distil all research data relating to coral reefs, including underwater videos and photographs, satellite images, text files and time-sensor readings, onto a central dashboard for real-time global monitoring. UniSA data analyst and lead researcher Dr Abdullahi Chowdhury says that a single centralised model will integrate all factors affecting coral reefs and provide environmental scientists with real-time predictions. “At the moment we have separate models that analyse substantial data on reef health – including bleaching levels, disease incidence, juvenile coral density and reef fish abundance – but these data sets are not integrated, and they exist in silos,” Dr Chowdhury says. “Consequently, it is challenging to see the ‘big picture’ of reef health or to conduct large scale, real-time analyses.” The researchers say an integrated system will track bleaching severity and trends over time; monitor crown-of-thorns starfish populations and predation risks; detect disease outbreaks and juvenile coral levels; and assess reef fish abundance, diversity, length, and biomass. “By centralising all this data in real time, we can generate predictive models that will help conservation efforts, enabling earlier intervention,” according to Central Queensland University PhD candidate Musfera Jahan, a GIS data expert. “Our coral reefs are dying very fast due to climate change – not just in Australia but across the world – so we need to take serious action pretty quickly,” Ms Jahan says. Coral reefs are often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea”. They make up just 1% of the world’s ocean area but they host 25% of all marine life. The technology will bring together datasets from organisations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), the Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL) and Australia’s CSIRO. “The future of coral reef conservation lies at the intersection of technology and collaboration. This research provides a roadmap for harnessing these technologies to ensure the survival of coral reefs for generations to come,” the researchers say. The study has been published in the journal Electronics.  A video accompanying this release is available at: How can we save our coral reefs from dying?

The NSW Government is committing $3 million to improve health outcomes for patients, carers and families with end-of-life and palliative care needs in NSW.The funding for The End of Life and Palliative Care Research Grant Program aims to translate research projects into practical benefits and support collaboration between NSW Health, research institutes, community organisations, non-government organisations and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.Eligible agencies will receive up to $300,000 over three years for smaller-scale research projects and up to $600,000 for larger-scale research activity.Recipients of the funding will conduct research in the following priority areas:Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management for patientsCollaborative care models to improve experienceCulturally and socially inclusive care for Aboriginal, culturally and linguistically diverse, and LGBTIQ+ patients, carers, families and communities Psychosocial support for grief, loss and bereavement for patients, carers, families and communities. The Program will run a competitive application process to identify research projects. Expressions of Interest applications open on 14 February 2025 and will close on 23 March 2025.More information can be found on the NSW Health website here: NSW Health End of Life and Palliative Care Research Grant Program.Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “The Minns Labor Government is committed to improving the comfort and experience of people with life-limiting illnesses during what is an extremely challenging time for patients and their families.“I am proud to announce this initiative, which reaffirms our commitment and aims to translate projects into tangible benefits for people with end of life and palliative care needs in NSW.”Minister for Medical Research David Harris said, “I am pleased our Government is committing funding for research and innovation that is so critical to improving the experiences of palliative care and end of life patients and the community. “I appreciate all the hard work and collaboration efforts to implement this fantastic initiative.“Importantly, these priority research areas have been informed through extensive consultation with the NSW palliative care sector, including clinicians, policy managers, academics and advocacy groups.”

More support is being provided into North Queensland, with more than $100 million in extraordinary grants now available for flood-affected primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit agencies across flood-affected areas. The grants are the next round of disaster assistance activated by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments to support recovery and resilience for North Queensland communities impacted by recent flooding.The package activated today includes:$72.7 million grants package for flood-affected primary producers in North Queensland.$25 million grants package for small businesses and not-for-profit agencies impacted by the North Queensland floods.$2.4 million Rural Landholder Grants for owners or lessees of at least 10 hectares of flood-affected land.$1 million Emergency Fodder Support for eligible primary producers.Grants of up to $25,000 are available to flood-affected primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit agencies impacted by the North Queensland floods.In addition, grants of up to $10,000 are available to rural landholders or lessees of at least 10 hectares who sustained direct damage but are not eligible for other DRFA primary producer assistance.This assistance is available to eligible applicants in the local government areas of Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville and Yarrabah.Primary producers in the Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Flinders, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville and Yarrabah local government areas will have access to an Emergency Fodder Support Package with up to $1 million available for the purchase and transportation of fodder to sustain livestock and mitigate the impacts of flooding.These extraordinary assistance grants are jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under Category C and D of the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).For grant applications, contact QRIDA on 1800 623 946 or via www.qrida.qld.gov.au.Primary producers wishing to access the Emergency Fodder Support Package should contact the Department of Primary industries on 13 25 23.More on DRFA assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au or www.qra.qld.gov.au.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “These are tough times, but North Queenslanders are tougher. “My Government is making sure we’re providing whatever resources are required, right now and into the future as these communities recover.”Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said, “Our focus is getting North Queensland back on its feet – fast.“We’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those affected by the disaster to ensure they can recover quickly and come back stronger than ever.”Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Minister for Small Business Julie Collins said, “These grants will help reduce clean up and recovery costs for North Queensland small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations who were impacted by recent flooding.  Grants like this can make all the difference in helping to ensure impacted North Queensland farmers and small businesses can get back on their feet faster.  “Farmers and small businesses are at the heart of local communities so this funding is critical.” Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said, “Farmers, businesses and not-for-profit organisations are central to the North Queensland community, and we know that heavy rainfall and severe flooding has made operations very difficult.“The grants activated today will support businesses and farmers as the region moved to recovery, it will help farmers feed stock, and repair damage. “Recovery can take time. Our government is here for the long haul. The Albanese Government will continue working hand in glove with the Queensland Government to support communities in Far North and North Queensland.”Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said, "Small rural landholders in North Queensland would not be left to fend for themselves on the road to recovery.“Rural Landholders that have suffered direct damage from the event can also access grants of up to $10,000 to speed up their recovery,” Queensland Minister for Regional and Rural Development Dale Last said, "The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority is well prepared, with staff on the ground ready to assist.“These grants are being administered by QRIDA who have dedicated people ready to speak to primary producers, small businesses, not for profits and rural landholders about their applications and provide help where needed.”

With red roses and flowers being delivered by florists in the tens of thousands on Valentine's Day tomorrow, Australia Post has revealed its top ten picks for the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts this year.Based on 2024 delivery data1, wine deliveries saw the largest increase in the lead up to V-Day, with some cellar doors seeing a spike of up to 7000%, with Australians predicted to wine, not dine, their loved ones this year - or drown their single sorrows.  Along with enjoying a nice glass of vino, Australia Post predicts the top ten picks for the most loved-up V-Day gifts this year will be:  Wine Fashion clothing Lingerie Skincare Romantic novels Craft sets Health and wellbeingJewellery Music Hampers  Over 10 million parcels are expected to be delivered nationally in the two weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day this year. However, for a lucky few, their love will burn extra hot when they receive a firefighter calendar following last year’s delivery boom for these products, with a surge of over 500%. Where is the love? Across Australia, only one state can claim the title of the country’s love capital, and this year Cupid’s arrow is expected to hit the Northern Territory, taking the crown as the most romantic state according to last year’s data. Inspired by their deep red deserts and pink sunsets, Territorians were left swooning on Valentine’s Day as parcel deliveries spiked by 25% in the two weeks prior.  Tasmania and Queensland came in second and third place for most romantic states, seeing an 8% and 7% increase respectively.  Meanwhile, over in Western Australia, couples will have a lot of making up to do this year as the least loved up state saw an unusual 2% decrease in parcel deliveries in the lead up to Valentine’s Day last year, leaving many lovers out in the cold.   Australia Post Executive General Manager Parcel, Post and eCommerce Services Gary Starr said the nation’s love for Valentine’s Day continues to reach new, thoughtful heights.  “This is one of our favourite dates in the calendar at Australia Post, and we are expecting another busy delivery period in the lead up to Valentine’s Day.  “We love how Valentine’s Day gifts continue to evolve as customer habits shift, and that romantics might be more inclined to share a glass of wine with their loved one this year, or surprise them with their favourite romantic novel.  “For gifts that require an element of surprise, we remind customers to consider directing gifts to their nearest Parcel Locker,” he said.  Most loved-up states – full list:  NT – 26% increase in parcel deliveries in the two weeks to Valentine’s Day 2024TAS – 8% increase  SA – 7% increase  QLD – 6% increase  ACT – 5% increase NSW – 4% increase  VIC – 3% increase WA – 2% decrease 

The NSW Government is today announcing that the family of David Polson AM has the accepted the offer of a State Memorial Service.Mr Polson, who passed away on 10 February 2025, made significant contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community over his lifetime.His family accepted the NSW Government’s offer of a State Memorial, following his death at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital on Monday, aged 70.The State Memorial will be held on the morning of Wednesday, 12 March.As one of the first 400 men diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Australia in the 1980s at the age of 29, Mr Polson was a long-term survivor, with his commitment to advocacy supported by the 28 HIV drug trials he volunteered for over almost four decades.In 2021, he was recognised as a Community Champion by the National Association of People Living with HIV, Gilead Sciences and Positive Life NSW for his services to HIV education and awareness.In 2023, he was awarded Member of the Order of Australia for “significant service to community health through HIV education and advocacy”.He was the Emeritus Founding Chair of Qtopia Sydney, Sydney’s first Queer Museum that opened in Darlinghurst in 2024.More details on the March 12 State Memorial will be available in the coming weeks at NSW Government State Services.Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said, “David Polson was a ‘trailblazer’ for bravely continually challenging the HIV stigma.“His experience and advocacy contributed to life-saving medications and significant advancements with a far-reaching international impact for those living with HIV.“I have been honoured to work with David over a number of years as he continued to advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community including later in his life and know that his legacy will live on in the community for generations.”Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, Penny Sharpe said, “There are people alive today because of the courage and bravery of David Polson.“It is a fitting tribute that he has a state memorial to acknowledge his work and share the story of LGBTQIA+ activism in NSW and David’s role in it. “David Polson was a genuine hero of the community whose life profoundly helped others.”

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has developed an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tool for assisting in the estimation of biological sex from human skulls. The AI tool has the potential to accelerate the accurate identification of skulls, supporting investigators when results are needed rapidly, for example, in criminal analysis and severe natural disasters. (A volume-rendered CT scan featuring the five cranial traits used in the study.)Results published in Scientific Reports show the AI tool achieved an accuracy of 97 per cent, significantly outperforming the 82 per cent accuracy achieved by conventional methods used by human assessors.  The tool was developed in collaboration with The University of Western Australia (UWA), whose forensic anthropology experts provided labelled data and domain knowledge to support model development. CSIRO research scientist and joint first-author of the study, Dr Hollie Min, said imaging from a dataset of 200 computerised tomography - or CT scans - was analysed for sex-associated traits by the AI algorithm, with results then compared against human analysis.“Our AI tool produces its results approximately five times faster than humans can, meaning families waiting for results of investigations can receive news about their loved ones more quickly,” Dr Min said.   “This AI tool has the potential to support forensic anthropologists to enhance the accuracy of sex estimations, while reducing the potential impact of human bias."Dr Min also emphasised the importance of accounting for population-specific variations in skull traits.  “This collaborative study allowed us to address some of the perceived limitations of traditional methods and better account for diversity in forensic data,” she said. "Future research is needed, especially around expanding datasets to include diverse populations, enhancing the robustness and generalisability of the AI framework.  “Our goal is to provide forensic anthropologists with a reliable, interpretable tool to support their critical work, especially in cases involving individuals of unknown population backgrounds."This collaborative effort demonstrates the potential of AI to support forensic anthropology and advance the field with innovative and data-driven solutions. “Our team is currently looking for industry collaborators to develop and translate this technology for real-life applications,” Dr Min added. The CT database was collected at Dr Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital (RSWS) at Hasanuddin University, Indonesia.The paper, “Deep learning versus human assessors: forensic sex estimation from three-dimensional computed tomography scans” was published in Scientific Reports.  

The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia’s future, investing almost $12 million to upgrade regional airports across New South Wales. Airports are vital for regional communities, providing critical access to emergency healthcare, as well as commerce, industry, tourism and education. This funding, which is provided under Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program, will deliver essential upgrades – such as runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting and drainage – that improve safety, enhance accessibility and boost capacity at our regions’ airports.In Merimbula, Bega Valley Shire Council will receive almost $3.8 million to deliver stage two of Merimbula Airport’s runway extension. This will construct an 80-metre pavement extension at both ends of the runway, providing an 1,800-metre runway take-off length.The extended length will enable larger narrow-bodied aircraft to land, supporting emergency services including larger firefighting and military aircraft, as well as additional capacity for passenger services, boosting the economy and tourism and protecting the region’s community.Further north, in Moruya, Eurobodalla Shire Council will receive over $200,000 to reseal the runway, taxiways and apron pavement and replace the apron lighting at Moruya Airport. This will ensure the continued safe operation of the airport, safeguarding its role as a lifeline for the community and a gateway for access to vital services and for visitors to the region. Works will support the continued use of the airport by emergency services, including the RFDS and aerial fire-fighting even for night and low visibility operations, as well as regular passenger servicesOther works to be funded under Round 4 include:$5 million for Albury City Council to deliver a full runway overlay to improve safety and strengthen the surface for larger aircraft to land at Albury Airport. This will support visitor levels and emergency services, particularly during bushfire season;$1 million for Moree Plains Shire Council to upgrade the aeromedical apron, taxiway and parking bays at Moree Regional Airport, creating a 24-hour aeromedical facility;Almost $500,000 for Griffith City Council to replace the ageing runway lights at Griffith Regional Airport, which is critical for safety and ongoing operations, especially for RFDS and NSW Air Ambulance;$220,000 for Mid-Western Regional Council to upgrade stormwater drainage at Mudgee Regional Airport, which has experienced prolonged closure due to heavy rain affecting passenger and emergency medical flights;Today’s announcement builds on the nearly $100 million that has already been delivered to support 194 projects under the first three rounds of the program. For more information on the Regional Airports Program, including a full list of Round 4 projects in NSW, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/aviation/regional-remote-aviation/regional-airports-program. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said, “We’re backing regional communities by backing regional aviation, because we know our regions deserve access to critical services that only aviation can deliver. “Upgrades like these aren’t just improvements, they’re the difference between regional residents getting medical help, firefighters getting access during an emergency and economies growing through tourism.“We want our regions to remain connected to loved ones, healthcare and opportunity.” Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said, “Merimbula Airport is a critical access point for our community and emergency services during disasters, which is why I’m proud to deliver over $3.7 million towards this runway extension.“This upgrade will support larger aerial firefighting tanker aircraft to land when we need them most, make it easier for larger military transport to operate out of the airport, and also increase the safety for in-flight emergency recoveries.“The extended runway will also ensure Merimbula Airport continues to attract aircraft that support our local businesses and visitor economy – while keeping people connected to work, health services and family.”Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said, “I am absolutely delighted to see improvements at Moruya Airport which is a lifeline for our economy, cuts commuting times for local people, and helps get our local produce to national and international markets.“Not only that, but many people rely on air services for healthcare, emergency services, and to stay connected with family.“This investment will create more jobs, help local farmers, and support our social and economic connections across Australia. It’s great news for our regions.”

Thirty of the most inspirational women and girls across NSW were today announced as finalists for Women of the Year Awards 2025.The awards program, now in its 13th year, aims to recognise and celebrate revolutionary thinkers, everyday heroes, social advocates and innovative role models.Award categories include:NSW Premier’s Woman of ExcellenceNSW Aboriginal Woman of the YearNSW Regional Woman of the YearNSW Community HeroNSW Young Woman of the Year (ages 16-30 years)Ones to Watch (ages 7-15 years)The Women of the Year Awards ceremony is the centrepiece event of NSW Women’s Week 2025, a week-long celebration from Sunday, 2 March until Saturday, 8 March. The Awards are the NSW Government’s way of shining the light on the incredible talent and extraordinary women and girls from across our state.Women of the Year award recipients will be revealed at the Women of the Year Awards 2025 ceremony on Thursday, 6 March at the International Convention Centre, Sydney. The Award ceremony will be livestreamed for everyone to celebrate these inspirational women and girls.For more information about the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025, go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/awards-and-events/nsw-women-of-year-awards.Premier Chris Minns said, “The incredible group of 2025 finalists reflect how exceptional the women of New South Wales truly are.“From doctors, academics and scientists to community leaders and advocates – each and every one of our finalists have gone above and beyond in their respective fields.“On behalf of the NSW Government and our community, I congratulate each of the finalists, for you are all deserving of this recognition.”Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison, said, “We’ve had a phenomenal response to the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2025 program, with over 500 nominations across NSW. This is a record high, and we can absolutely confirm our 2025 finalists are some of the State’s most impressive women and girls.“This year’s group come from all walks of life, from scientists and researchers to entrepreneurs and strong advocates to stop domestic and family violence. They come from all across New South Wales – from Sydney to Walgett. “The NSW Women of the Year Awards is truly a leading recognition program, inspiring everyday women to reach their highest potential.”The Women of the Year 2025 finalists are (by Local Government Area):NSW Premier’s Woman of ExcellenceProfessor Annette Cowie (Armidale)Mariam Mohammed (Newcastle)Dr Vanessa Pirotta (Canada Bay)Karen Robinson-Iles (Sydney)NSW Aboriginal Woman of the YearMarjorie Anderson (George’s River)Aunty Fay Green (Walgett)Lisa Sarago (Bayside)Robyn Taylor (Penrith)Aunty Rhonda Towney (Parkes)NSW Regional Woman of the YearKate Cleary (Hilltops)Kirsty Evans (Orange)Jan Frikken (Eurobodalla)Penny Lamaro (Armidale)NSW Community HeroEnnia Jones (Newcastle)Kelly Lamb (Port Macquarie-Hastings)Mona Mahamed (Canterbury-Bankstown)Sandy Rogers (Tweed)NSW Young Woman of the Year (ages 16-30 years)Yeon Jae Kim (Hornsby)Zara Seidler (Woollahra)Jessica Luyue Teoh (Hornsby)Ones to Watch (ages 7-15 years)Chloe Croker (Goulburn Mulwaree)Jiayi Fang (Ku-ring-gai)Aurora Iler (Campbelltown)Ashleen Khela (The Hills Shire)Aish Khurram (Hornsby)Kat Mulcair (Yass Valley)Hayley Paterson (The Hills Shire)Waniya Syed (Camden)Lydia Tofaeono (Strathfield)Emilia Trustum (Richmond Valley)

An $8 million Community Relief Fund, jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments, is now available to councils impacted by flooding and severe weather, to allow them to kick off essential and immediate recovery activities.Funding of up to $1 million per Local Government Area is available for Burdekin, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, Whitsunday and Yarrabah Councils.The package, funded under Category C of the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), will provide timely and immediate support to impacted councils to remove waste and debris, clean-up properties, community facilities, playground and parks, and undertake other make safe activities as required by council to progress with local recovery.The latest funding follows disaster assistance already provided by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments in the wake of the devastating floods, including Personal Hardship Assistance payments to eligible residents and counter disaster assistance funding for councils.Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements activated so far:Personal Hardship Assistance SchemeEmergency Hardship Assistance Grants – $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of five or more to purchase immediate essentials like food, clothing and medicine.Essential Services Hardship Assistance – $150 per person, up to $750 for a family of five or more to assist with immediate needs following the loss of essential services at home for more than five consecutive days.Essential Household Contents Grants – up to $1,765 for individuals and up to $5,300 for couples or families to replace destroyed essential household contents such as bed linen and white goods.Structural Assistance Grants – up to $80,000 for uninsured, income-tested owner-occupiers towards the repair or replacement of a disaster damaged dwelling to return it to a safe and habitable condition.Essential Services Safety and Reconnection SchemeIncome-tested grants to help uninsured residents reconnect damaged services like electricity, gas, water or sewerage. Up to $5,000 per household.Disaster Assistance Loans and Essential Working Capital Loans for Primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits Disaster Assistance Loans up to $250,000 for eligible primary producers and small businesses and up to $100,000 for eligible not-for-profits will help re-establish operations by covering costs relating to repairing or replacing damaged plant and equipment, repairing or replacing buildings or resupplying stock or livestock.Essential Working Capital Loans up to $100,000 are available to help operators carry on business operations, including paying salaries or wages, creditors, rent or ratesCurrent NQ localities activated: Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, Yarrabah.Current NQ localities activated for the DRFA Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme:Burdekin: Airdmillan, Barratta, Carstairs, Cromarty, Giru, Groper Creek, Horseshoe Lagoon, Inkerman, Jarvisfield, Jerona, Majors Creek, Mona Park, Mount Surround, Rita Island, Shirbourne, Upper Haughton.Cairns: Gordonvale (targeted areas).Cassowary Coast: Cardwell, Damper Creek, Ellerbeck, Kennedy.Hinchinbrook: Entire LGAPalm Island: Entire LGATownsville: Alligator Creek, Arcadia, Balgal Beach, Black River, Blue Hills, Bluewater, Bluewater Park, Cape Cleveland, Clemant, Cluden, Crystal Creek, Cungulla, Florence Bay, Gumlow, Hermit Park, Horseshoe Bay, Idalia, Lynam, Majors Creek, Mutarnee, Nelly Bay, Nome, Oonoonba, Paluma, Picnic Bay, Railway Estate, Rollingstone, Rosslea, Saunders Beach, South Townsville, Stuart, Toolakea, Toomulla, West Point and Yabulu.Current NQ councils activated for DRFA assistance to support their counter disaster operations and the reconstruction of essential public assets:Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Tablelands, Townsville, Whitsunday, YarrabahFor more information, visit www.qra.qld.gov.au/funding-programs. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “In the worst of times we see the best of Australians. “We’ve seen that in recent days in Queensland, with Australians helping one another in their time of need. “My Government will make sure this region gets all the support it needs to get back on its feet.”Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said, “Queenslanders can be confident all levels of government were working to deliver the support needed today and in the months ahead.  “Natural disasters leave their mark and while the road to recovery is long, these communities won’t be walking it alone, we won’t stop until the job is done. “Support is flowing now and will continue as we work tirelessly to ensure the recovery process delivers what is needed for these communities.” Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said, “Councils across North Queensland are doing a remarkable job on the frontline, keeping communities safe.“I’ve been incredibly grateful for the excellent advice and reports I’ve received from mayors in this region over the past week. I am so thankful for their work supporting their communities. “This funding supports councils to continue prioritising community safety in the wake of the floods.“The severe rainfall and flooding has had an immense impact on the region with large amount of debris, silt and waste that requires immediate clean-up to protect the health of communities.“The Albanese Government will continue working hand in glove with the Queensland Government to support impacted communities through this event and into recovery.”  Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said, "Given the enormous toll across communities, providing timely government support is paramount.“We’re working closely with all impacted councils to understand and meet the unique and often complex recovery needs of each community.“The Queensland Reconstruction Authority has dedicated officers supporting all local governments affected across the north and will make sure the full benefits of this support package and others are extended to flooded areas of the region.”

NSW Ambulance has today welcomed 91 paramedics in training who were officially inducted into the service in a ceremony held at the State Operations Centre in Sydney, providing a further boost to frontline health services across the state.This marks the first induction ceremony of the year, with this cohort part of a Post Employment Tertiary Pathway (PETP) course. The paramedics in training are employed by NSW Ambulance while they complete a degree in paramedicine at university. They have just completed a comprehensive 12-week induction program at the NSW Ambulance Education Centre and begin their on-road training as paramedic students from tomorrow.The PETP course is facilitated over four years and provides an alternate pathway for people with no prior medical experience to become a paramedic with NSW Ambulance. Once these paramedics in training have completed their degree qualification, they can apply to be registered paramedics.Natalie Saridakis, formerly an emergency medical call-taker with NSW Ambulance, is one of 19 paramedic students who have joined this class after working in NSW Ambulance Control Centres.Brad Carr also starts his career as a paramedic student today, following in the footsteps of his paramedic father Dominic, who works as an educator for NSW Ambulance.Starting tomorrow, the paramedics in training will initially be posted across metropolitan and regional locations in NSW for the on-road training component of their course and will return to the NSW Ambulance Education Centre and their university regularly for additional training over the four-year course.Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “I’m thrilled to welcome 91 new paramedic students into the NSW Ambulance Service, boosting frontline health services and playing a critical role in the health and wellbeing of the community."By aspiring to join the paramedic ranks, these paramedics in training will become part of a legacy of service and dedication. The work they do not only changes lives but will uphold the values and standards of a profession that is deeply respected and admired.” NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said, "These paramedic students join an incredible team that is united by a shared commitment to provide emergency medical care and comfort to members of our community when it matters most.“Paramedics are not only healthcare providers but also trusted and respected individuals in our community.”Natalie Saridakis said, “For many years I was a carer for my mum, having frequent contact with the local paramedics.“I was always impressed by their compassion and kindness that it really inspired me to join NSW Ambulance.“I started out as an emergency medical call-taker, which was a great start, but right now, I am so excited to begin this new chapter.”Brad Carr said, “I am proud to continue a family legacy in becoming a paramedic.“My father has had a lengthy career, and I am looking forward to forging my own path.”