NSW Coalition targets the Tobacco black market

The NSW Coalition has unveiled tough new laws aimed at shutting down the state’s black market tobacco trade, promising to make New South Wales the hardest place in Australia to sell illegal cigarettes and vapes. The proposed legislation would give authorities the power to close shops caught selling illicit tobacco for up to a month, with landlords able to cancel leases if closure orders are issued. Repeat offenders could face up to seven years in jail or fines of $1.5 million, as the opposition responds to growing community concern about organised crime and the spread of illegal tobacco outlets across Sydney and beyond.

Health and community groups, including the Cancer Council and Lung Foundation, have backed the crackdown, warning that the rampant sale of illicit tobacco is undermining public health and fuelling criminal activity. Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said the time had come for serious action, with the number of illegal tobacco traders in NSW rising by 25% over the past five years. The Coalition’s plan aims to disrupt organised crime, protect local businesses, and prevent a new generation from being exposed to cheap, unregulated cigarettes

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Trackside Youth Hub Opens in Armidale

A Community Vision Realised

17 June 2025 marked a significant milestone for youth services in the New England region, with the official opening of Trackside, Armidale’s new Youth Hub and Community Service Centre.

Located at 234 Brown Street in a refurbished former railway building, Trackside is the result of a true community collaboration. Transport for NSW generously provided the building for community use, with the lease held by the Women’s Shelter Armidale. Over the past 12 months, a dedicated working group of local service providers and government departments has shaped a sustainable model to respond to the real needs of young people in the region.

The Hub offers 24/7 access to essential services from crisis accommodation and meals to health, housing, and education supports, along with laundry and bathroom facilities. A commercial kitchen will also provide training opportunities for young people. It is a welcoming space to hang out, recharge, and take positive steps towards a better future.

At the heart of Trackside is a philosophy of empowerment. Project leader Penny Lamaro shared a powerful metaphor at the launch, likening the Hub to a beehive, where the Queen is not chosen, but becomes a Queen through the right environment. In the same way, Trackside seeks to provide that supportive environment for young people to find their strength and shape their path.

The opening was attended by a wide cross-section of the community, including students from Armidale Secondary College, Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan MP, Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland, and Councillors Brad Widders and Susan McMichael. Their presence reflects the shared commitment across the community, government, and services to supporting our young people.

It was a privilege to join in celebrating this incredible initiative. Trackside is proof that when a community comes together with a shared vision, we can build the foundations for young people to thrive. As we often say — it takes a village to raise a child — and this village has truly delivered.

Fresh Footprints in Tamworth

Changing the Story for Young People

During my recent visit to the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council, I had the privilege of hearing firsthand about Yilaan.gaal Dhina. A youth justice program that’s doing things differently and getting real results.

Yilaan.gaal Dhina, meaning “Fresh Footprints” in Gamilaraay, was co-designed with young people involved in the justice system. The program is led by the Tamworth Justice Collaborative, a partnership of 14 local organisations, including the LALC, NSW Police, and community services. It brings a place-based, culturally grounded approach to turning lives around, one young person at a time.

Over just 16 weeks, the program supported five high-risk young people through employment with the Walaaybaa Rangers, skills development, cultural mentoring, and access to essential documentation, health checks, and broader support.

The results speak volumes:

·         Police contact with participants dropped by up to 77%

·         One young person moved into full-time employment

·         Two secured stable housing

·         All gained skills, qualifications, and a sense of hope

·         Their peer group also saw a 29–39% reduction in offending

This isn’t just good policy, it’s smart community leadership. And all at a fraction of the cost of detention.

That’s why I was proud to bring this story into the NSW Parliament, moving a Notice of Motion recognising the program and delivering an Adjournment Speech to ensure the work being done in Tamworth is heard loud and clear across the state.

The program now has over $1 million in Federal support through 2027, but more is needed. Local businesses are being encouraged to get behind the next phase, which aims to double the number of participants and expand into a sustainable social enterprise.

I want to thank Fiona Snape, Joanne Stead, and all those involved in this important work, and to the young people who shared their stories with honesty and courage. Your fresh footprints are leaving a mark.

Tamworth is leading the way, and I’ll continue to advocate for this model to be supported and replicated across regional NSW.

Discovery Pass cut in Regional Communities

Last sitting week, I moved a motion in the NSW Parliament calling on the Government to reinstate the 3- and 6-month TrainLink Discovery Passes, affordable options that regional people have relied on for years to stay connected.

The longer-term Discovery Passes allowed students to travel home from university, older residents to stay socially connected, and families to attend medical appointments or special events without breaking the bank.

But without any consultation or notice, the Government quietly removed these passes earlier this year, replacing them with more expensive 14-day and 30-day options. For regular users, this has nearly doubled the monthly cost of regional travel.

The Government calls it a "pause", but there's no timeline for return, no public explanation, and no modelling on how this affects people across rural and regional NSW.

I’ve heard from so many of you, people in Armidale, Griffith, Wagga, and beyond, who’ve told me how much this is hurting. As I said in Parliament, regional people shouldn’t have to beg for services that metro passengers take for granted.

I'll keep fighting to see the pass reinstated, the booking system fixed, and regional voices heard. We deserve fair and affordable access to public transport, just like anyone else.

Regional Solutions Leading the Way on Housing in NENW

On 17 June, I had the pleasure of attending the New England North West Housing Report briefing, hosted by Business NSW at UNIPLAN Group in Armidale.

The event showcased what can be achieved when regional communities come together to lead, rather than wait to be told. It was an inspiring example of the strength and determination that defines Country NSW, a region that doesn’t just highlight problems but works together to deliver solutions.

Developed in partnership with Housing Now, the NENW Housing Report brings forward practical, well-considered recommendations to tackle one of our biggest challenges: housing affordability and supply.

• From strengthening the independence of planning decisions,

• Using AI to fast-track straightforward development approvals,

• Investing in our local planning workforce, the report presents a clear roadmap to create more diverse, accessible housing in our region.

What makes this initiative stand out is the collaborative spirit behind it. Business NSW New England North West convened regional roundtables, bringing together councils, housing providers, and the business community to drive the conversation. The result is a strong, solution-focused report that puts regional priorities on the table, not as an afterthought, but as a model for reform across the state.

I want to commend Diane Gray and the entire Business NSW NENW team for their leadership and hard work in producing this important report.

In Country NSW, we are no strangers to challenges, but we meet them with grit, innovation, and a can-do attitude. This report is yet another reminder that the best ideas often start right here in the regions.

The Hon. Aileen MacDonald & Dianne Gray.

Celebrating 100 Years of Women in the NSW Parliament

This past week offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the incredible legacy of women in the New South Wales Parliament and the importance of continuing their work.

On Friday, 20 June, I attended a special lunch hosted by The Women’s Club in Sydney, where members and guests gathered to hear from Dr Wendy Michaels OAM, author of A Battle-axe in the Bear Pit. Dr Michaels shared powerful insights from her biography of Millicent Preston Stanley MP, the first woman elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly in 1925.

Millicent was a trailblazer, known for her fierce advocacy for women and children, her passionate oratory, and her refusal to be silenced in what was then very much a man’s world. Her legacy continues to inspire those of us who serve in the Parliament today.

I thank Jo Munro, President of The Women’s Club, for her warm hospitality and for keeping the legacy of strong women leaders alive through community, conversation, and celebration.

Then on Monday 23 June, I joined fellow Members of Parliament and distinguished guests for a Centenary Dinner in the Strangers’ Dining Room at Parliament House, hosted by The Hon Greg Piper MP, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

It was a wonderful opportunity to honour the women who broke down barriers, and to connect with both current Liberal women and pioneering former Members who paved the way for representation and reform. I am especially proud to stand alongside my Liberal colleagues in continuing that legacy of public service.

As we mark this centenary, I’m reminded that while we’ve come a long way, there’s still more work to do to ensure equal opportunity and support for all women in politics and public life.

Standing Up for Victims’ Rights in the Justice System

This month in Parliament, I spoke in support of the Victims Legislation Amendment (Victims Registers) Bill 2025. A reform that strengthens how our justice system supports victims of serious crime.

As the Shadow Minister for Youth Justice, I work every day to ensure young people have the support they need to turn their lives around, but justice must also serve victims. They deserve to be informed, respected, and heard.

This bill introduces a new obligation for agencies to notify victims, especially in serious cases, that they are eligible to join a victims register. Too many people simply don’t know this right exists. The change keeps the current opt-in model but ensures victims can make that choice with the information they need.

Victims' registers can be powerful tools, providing updates, peace of mind, and a voice in critical decisions like parole but they only work if people know about them.

This reform helps close that gap, without compromising autonomy or retraumatising those who wish to move on.

It’s a small but significant step toward a justice system that listens better and supports more effectively.

Keeping Our Health System Accountable: A Look Inside the Health Care Complaints Committee

When something goes wrong with your healthcare in NSW, the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) is where you can turn for help.

Established in 1994, the HCCC is NSW’s independent watchdog for healthcare, handling complaints about doctors, nurses, hospitals, and all health service providers across our state. They don’t just file complaints away; they assess each one, work to resolve issues where possible, and investigate serious complaints that raise questions about public health and safety. When problems are found, they can take action ranging from requiring additional training to pursuing disciplinary proceedings.

But who watches the watchdog? That’s where our Committee on the Health Care Complaints Commission comes in. As a joint committee of NSW Parliament established in 2023, we act as a filter ensuring transparency and accountability in how healthcare complaints are handled.

Our job is to review the HCCC’s performance, examine their annual reports, and identify changes needed to improve their operations. This Monday, Commissioner John Tansey appeared before our Committee to answer questions about the HCCC’s 2024 Annual Report, the Commission’s culture, and their ongoing work. I took the opportunity to focus my questions on First Nations engagement – ensuring the HCCC’s processes are culturally appropriate and accessible to all NSW residents.

This parliamentary oversight matters because healthcare touches everyone, and when it goes wrong, you need robust systems in place. Our Committee’s work means the HCCC must regularly explain their decisions to elected representatives, their work is scrutinized in public hearings, and our questions drive real improvements in how complaints are handled. Through this process, we ensure that when you or your family need healthcare in NSW, there are strong, accountable systems working to keep you safe.

Honouring the Fight Against Childhood Cancer

There’s nothing more devastating than hearing the words: “Your child has cancer.” For families across regional New South Wales, it changes life forever.

Childhood cancer is rare, but its impact is massive. Every year in Australia, over 1,000 children are diagnosed. Around 200 will not survive. Those who do often face lifelong effects from harsh treatments, chronic pain, infertility, developmental delays, and heart damage.

But there is hope.

The Children’s Cancer Institute is leading the charge to change those outcomes. Through breakthrough initiatives like Zero Childhood Cancer and Anya’s Wish, researchers are working to find safer, targeted treatments, treatments that attack the cancer, not the child.

Anya, from Armidale, lost her life to osteosarcoma at just 19. Peta, a vibrant nine-year-old with big dreams of becoming a vet, passed away after a fierce and hopeful fight. Their stories are tragic but they are also powerful reminders of why this research matters.

Their families are turning grief into action. They are raising funds, driving awareness, and backing science to give future kids a better chance.

Now it's our turn.

We must support the research. Back the care. And believe that we can and must do better.

Because no child should be lost to cancer. And no family should walk that road alone.

Australia Post Community Grants Now Open

Applications are now open for the 2025 Australia Post Community Grants program, offering up to $10,000 in funding for locally led projects that strengthen community connections and improve mental wellbeing. This year, an additional $250,000 in grant funding is available to support initiatives in disaster-impacted communities, with a focus on fostering resilience and mental health support.

If you're working on a community initiative that helps people connect and thrive, especially in areas recovering from hardship. I encourage you to apply. Applications close at 11:59pm AEST on 7 July 2025.

Honouring a Trailblazer in NSW Politics

It was a great pleasure to attend a special lunch at The Women’s Club with Dr Wendy Michaels OAM, celebrating 100 years since Millicent Preston Stanley MP became the first woman elected to the NSW Parliament. Dr Michael’s moving biography, A Battle-axe in the Bear Pit, brought Millicent’s courage to life, a powerful reminder of the progress women have made in public life and the work that still lies ahead.

Thank you to President Jo Munro and the Women’s Club for their warm hospitality and for continuing to champion women’s voices and leadership.

Walk with Christ

On Sunday the 22nd June, I had the privilege of joining over 20,000 people in the heart of Sydney for the Walk With Christ procession — the largest in its history. It was incredibly moving to walk alongside families, young people, clergy, and cultural groups from across the city, all united in public witness to our shared faith.

The spirit of reverence and joy was present as we walked through the streets. Events like this remind me of the strength and beauty of our Christ believing community and how faith continues to inspire hope, unity, and purpose.

credit Giovanni Portelli

from photography/Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney

Looking Ahead

The contrast between Labor’s tired, directionless government and the vision outlined by our Leader Mark Speakman couldn’t be clearer.

While the Minns Government continues to stall, failing to address the cost-of-living crisis, abandoning regional communities, and letting infrastructure and services decline, the NSW Liberals are focused on rebuilding and restoring confidence.

We have a plan to build more homes, back small businesses, and ease the pressure on hardworking families. By returning to responsible economic management, we will reduce debt, drive growth, and deliver targeted support where it's needed most.

There is a better way forward for NSW. With strong leadership and practical, forward-looking policies, we can get our state working again, for everyone.

I want to thank you for your continued support and belief in our shared values. It means a great deal to me. If you have an event coming up in your community or would like me to visit, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m always keen to connect and listen.

Kind regards,
Aileen

Copyright © 2025  Aileen MacDonald, All rights reserved.

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