Mark Speakman
Leader of the Opposition
Damien Tudehope
Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations
Natalie Ward
Shadow Minister for Transport
Kellie Sloane
Shadow Minister for Health
Gurmesh Singh
Shadow Minister for Regional Health
This week NSW will feel the full impact of a government that has stepped back and let unions set the agenda. Hospitals, public transport, construction sites and vital infrastructure projects are all facing major disruptions as unions prepare for widespread industrial action. Under the Minns Labor Government, union bosses run the show, and it’s the people of NSW who are left to pick up the pieces.
Chris Minns promised to govern for everyone, but instead he’s left NSW vulnerable to union demands. Our state deserves a government that leads, not one that bows out when it matters most.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said NSW residents are facing disruptions that should never have escalated to this level. The government’s failure to step in has left us with a week of shutdowns that impact not just Sydney, but communities across the state.
“It’s not about workers’ rights, it’s about a government too weak to bring balance. The people of NSW deserve a voice, yet under Chris Minns that voice has been drowned out by union interests,” Mr Speakman said.
Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Damien Tudehope said this isn’t just a week of disruption; it’s a wake-up call. The Minns Labor Government has shown that when it comes to union demands, they’re willing to put NSW second.
“We’re seeing our state held to ransom, and it’s very clear that Chris Minns has no plan to restore balance or protect the everyday services people rely on,” Mr Tudehope said.
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said a government’s role is to serve all of NSW, but this week’s disruptions show just how far the Minns Labor Government has strayed from that responsibility.
“The Minns Labor Government has stood by as union action disrupts the daily lives of countless people who rely on our rail network to get to work, school and essential services,” Ms Ward said.
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said that patients awaiting important surgery should not be paying the price for the Premier’s failures.
“Patients shouldn’t have their surgery cancelled because the Government has failed to negotiate with nurses. Our EDs are already stretched, and it is has never been harder to see a GP. Chris Minns is fighting our nurses when he should be focused on patients,” Ms Sloane said.
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said Labor is in government, but the unions are in charge.
“The Minns Labor Government has handed over control of New South Wales to the unions, letting union agendas dictate the lives of everyday people across the state,” Mr Singh said.
NSW’s week of industrial action: what to expect
CFMEU’s unauthorised walkout
On Tuesday 12 November, CFMEU members will defy administration orders, shutting down construction sites across the state.
Nurses and midwives strike
On Wednesday 13 November, nurses and midwives will hold a 24-hour statewide strike, disrupting healthcare services. As frontline workers rally outside Parliament to demand fair wages, patients across NSW will be left waiting.
RTBU’s rail halt
On Thursday 14November, the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union will halt rail operations, affecting Sydney and beyond. This government’s lack of action has left NSW commuters stranded, turning our public transport into a bargaining tool rather than a reliable service for the people.
ETU’s On-Going Infrastructure Delays
Nearly a year of action from the Electrical Trades Union has delayed critical energy projects, impacting everything from housing developments to state-significant infrastructure. Under Labor, communities across NSW are feeling the strain as essential infrastructure grinds to a halt
