SYDNEY — New South Wales Premier Chris Minns announced plans to extend the state's apprenticeship program and to bring train manufacturing back to the Hunter region during a speech on Saturday. Minns delivered his address at the 2026 NSW Labor state conference in Sydney.

"The economy is nowhere near where we need it to be for working families, so today I want to speak about the next chapter in our plan to invest in workers, to grow the economy and to build the kind of industry that makes NSW strong," Minns said. "I'm not here to do a victory lap."

The government has identified Teralba and Broadmeadow as potential locations for a state-owned and privately operated train manufacturing facility. The Labor party indicated that this project involves a commitment of $12 billion over 15 years. This initiative is expected to create 780 jobs in site construction and 550 jobs in manufacturing.

During his speech, Minns criticized leaders insisting that millions of people reject pride in their grandparents and ancestors and instead conform to One Nation's version of an Australian monoculture. "And it means we stand up and defend Australian families of the Islamic faith when a political leader declares that there are 'No good Muslims'," he said.

Minns acknowledged the common belief within the Labor party regarding their electoral prospects but cautioned about the political landscape. "Now I know based on my 29 years in the Labor party you already believe we're going to win," he said. "But the truth is – with politics changing so quickly, we need to climb Everest just to stay where we are." He added that the campaign would face multiple parties rather than a single opposition and would test the party significantly. In May 2025, Labor's primary vote in NSW was 32%, the Coalition's primary vote was 26%, and One Nation's primary vote was 22%, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Why It Matters

The state's plans to extend its apprenticeship program and reintroduce train manufacturing to the Hunter region represent economic and workforce development initiatives. The proposed $12 billion investment over 15 years and the creation of over 1,300 jobs in construction and manufacturing could impact the region's economy and employment rates. These efforts coincide with the Premier's acknowledgment of a challenging political environment, as indicated by recent polling data and his remarks on the need for sustained effort in the coming campaign.