NSW Department of Communities and Justice in the news

NSW Parliament passed the Justice Legislation Amendment Bill (No 2) 2026, strengthening bail laws for youth offenders, ensuring life sentences are permanent, and enhancing protections for vulnerable complainants.

The NSW Government has introduced reforms to bolster the justice system, focusing on sexual offenses, residential rehabilitation, life imprisonment, and terrorism prevention.

The Minns Labor Government is strengthening youth crime prevention and response through extended bail laws, new voluntary diversion pilots for at-risk children, and reforms to doli incapax.

PWDA recommends expanding the NSW coercive control law to protect people with disabilities from abuse by carers and support workers.

NSW Department of Communities and Justice acknowledges and improves engagement with Aboriginal people, learning from their history and resilience.

An Aboriginal Correctional Officer finds pride and support in their role at DCJ, helping their community.

The NSW ombudsman criticized the Department of Communities and Justice for determining unborn children are at risk of harm and for its limited intervention powers without family consent.

NSW launched a new Out-of-Home Care Carer Strategy to provide enhanced support and resources for foster carers, including increased financial aid and training.

NSW launched a new 'Out-of-Home Care Carer Strategy' to provide enhanced support, increased allowances, and more resources for foster and kinship carers.

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice is criticized for routinely closing pre-natal child protection reports due to a lack of caseworkers, leading to unaddressed risks for unborn children.

Moree Local Court is introducing Circle Sentencing in August 2026, a program involving Aboriginal Elders in the sentencing of eligible Aboriginal offenders, aiming to strengthen community involvement and accountability.

Child Protection and Permanency's Phase 3 restructure, announced on August 3rd, has led to staff concerns about inadequate information and caseworker support, with requests for more details and extended consultation currently unanswered by the Department of Communities and Justice.

The NSW Government is investing $75 million to secure the future of disability advocacy services across the state, supporting 20 organizations and extending contract lengths for stability.

NSW will launch its first LGBTQIA+ legal service by 2027 to provide specialized legal support and reduce barriers to justice for the LGBTQIA+ community across the state.

NSW child protection staff, represented by the Public Service Association, are protesting the DCJ's EVOLVE reform program, citing defective implementation and a failure to address frontline worker concerns and understaffing.

The Office for Youth has re-established young people's involvement in government decisions, conducting consultations, publishing reports, and funding community programs to address their needs and concerns.

The NSW Government has accepted recommendations from the Bondi Junction Coronial Inquest, committing to significant reforms in mental health services, emergency response, and community safety.

The NSW Government will not expand the racial hatred offense to other protected attributes after reviewing the Sackar Report, citing concerns about freedom of expression and consistent legal application.

CareSouth's foster care program will conclude in June 2027 after the NSW Department of Communities and Justice opted not to renew its contract, prompting concerns for the transition of children and staff.

CareSouth's foster care program will cease on June 30, 2027, as its contract with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice will not be renewed.