Month: September 2023

The NSW Government will undertake a review of retail trading laws on Anzac Day, to consider whether retail stores should remain closed for more of the public holiday.

Currently, traders such as supermarkets and fashion retailers are required to stay closed until 1pm on Anzac Day under the Retail Trading Act 2008.

Certain businesses are automatically exempt from the rule, such as pharmacies, petrol stations, markets, cafes and takeaway restaurants.

There has been debate in recent times about whether Anzac Day is being appropriately recognised and what, if anything, should be done to ensure all Australians have the opportunity to take part in commemorations.

Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, landing in Gallipoli in 1915, and is one of Australia’s most important occasions.

The day is marked by a number of traditions, including dawn and sunset services, veteran marches, and wreath laying ceremonies.

Trading restrictions allow workers and business operators the opportunity to participate in commemorative and community events and pay their own respects.

Restrictions currently differ amongst Australian jurisdictions, with retail outlets open from early afternoon in some states (including NSW), closed all day in other states, while no restrictions are enforced in both territories.

The Government invites interested parties to share their views on the changes to trading hours on Anzac Day. This will help inform the government’s decision.

People and groups can upload a written submission through the NSW Government Have Your Say websitelaunch or via email to anzacdayretailtrading@customerservice.nsw.gov.aulaunch.

The closing date for submissions is 5pm, 20 October 2023. 

Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis said:

“I am looking forward to hearing from business groups, unions, RSLs and other stakeholders about how they feel about this potential change.

“We want to hear whether retail workers and other parties would appreciate a greater opportunity to commemorate Anzac Day in NSW.”

Hundreds of young women and their children in South Western Sydney will benefit from a $9 million investment aimed at improving their long term safety, resilience and wellbeing.

The NSW Government has partnered with the not-for-profit and private sector on a collaboration to provide early intervention services to support pregnant women and mothers under 25 and their children.

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington launched the service, Village Connect – A hub for parents, with partner agencies including health and wellbeing provider Sonder, Karitane and Uniting NSW.ACT.

The service integrates three key elements including Sonder’s 24/7 support app which is an easily accessible digital platform for information, as well as personal guidance via chat or phone.

The app diverts young parents from crisis situations, with trained professionals available 24/7.

Karitane and Uniting NSW.ACT will match clients with more complex needs to more intensive and tailored supports to address challenges faced by young parents.

Together, these services provide a holistic approach to meet a family’s needs when they arise and as their circumstances change.

The model, known as the Investment Approach for Social Impact Strategy (IAFSIS), is aimed at improving the lifetime outcomes for young parents and their children.

The Department of Communities and Justice will work closely with the Department of Education and NSW Health to deliver program outcomes and ensure sufficient wraparound supports are available.

A successful evaluation of the IAFSIS model may see it replicated across NSW.

Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington, said:

“It takes a village to raise a child and this initiative is bringing the village together to deliver support to young mums when they need it most.

“This innovative collaboration between the NSW Government, Sonder, Karitane and Uniting is designed to help young mums be the parent they want to be.

“We are collaborating to empower families by giving them the support they need during the difficult early days, so they stay strong, healthy and safely together.”

Advocate for Children and Young People, Zoe Robinson, said:

“This investment is a welcome step forward in supporting young parents and their children to thrive.

“The benefits of wrap around supports for these young families, will be evident for years to come.”

The NSW Government is investing $5 million over four years to support children and young people who have lost loved ones through homicide.

Grace’s Place is the world’s first residential trauma recovery centre providing tailored support for children impacted by violent crime.

It was named in honour of the late Grace Lynch, who became a strong voice for victims of crime following the murder of her daughter Anita Cobby.

Based in Doonside in western Sydney, Grace’s Place provides accommodation, counselling, and support for up to 12 children and their carers from NSW and across Australia.

Grace’s Place is managed by the Homicide Victims Support Group (HVSG), a critical service providing information and training to the public, police and professional bodies about what is required to support the needs of family members affected by homicide.

Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“Grace’s Place is leading the nation, caring for children and young people who’ve seen the worst of humanity.

“Children who’ve lost a parent in the most horrific circumstances need intensive, holistic support and care.

“The NSW Government is backing Grace’s Place so traumatised children and young people get the support they need to heal and have hope for a brighter future.”

Homicide Victims Support Group Executive Director Martha Jabour said:

“Grace’s Place will be available for family members and their children 24/7.  No longer will police from the NSW Police Force have to find a place of respite and security for children at a crime scene. A phone call will allow us to look after the children left behind after these horrific crimes to get assistance in a safe and caring environment.

“Grace’s Place will be a beacon of hope for children confronting the horrors of homicide.

“Children who come to Grace’s Place will get help in dealing with the violence they have seen, heard, and felt. We will be able to help them process the death of someone they love in a domestic homicide surrounded by counsellors, support staff and their families.

“We are so pleased that the Government is helping us to make such a difference to the survival of children from a very young age.  We will have specific programs, therapy strategies and counselling programs to help children from the ages of 3 to 18 years of age.

 “NSW leads the way in helping children impacted by the horror of homicide, children from all over Australia are welcomed to come to Grace’s Place for assistance.”

MP for Blacktown, Stephen Bali said:

“Children impacted by the loss of a parent in tragic circumstances need a trauma focused approach to support and care.”

“Grace’s Place, through the dedication and vision of Martha Jabour, provide innovative and valuable care and support.”

“I applaud the Minister and the NSW Government for their investment and for supporting these children and young people.”

Water rescue first responders are preparing for a hot and busy summer ahead, as they mark the commencement of the 2023/24 boating season this Labour Day long weekend.

NSW Maritime, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Police Marine Area Command, and Surf Life Saving NSW have converged on Botany Bay near Sans Souci to highlight the inter-agency cooperation needed to keep waterways safe.

This coincides with a NSW Maritime statewide operation over the long weekend to educate boaters about safety, ensure they meet licencing requirements and check they are appropriately equipped for a safe day on the water.

Predictions of a hot and dry summer have been confirmed with the declaration of an El Nino climate driver, putting water rescue groups on alert for another busy season on the state’s coastal and inland waterways.

Last year, there were 11 boating-related fatalities on NSW waterways and 48 drownings along the state’s coastline.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring our emergency services and first responders have all the tools they need to keep the marine community safe, including specialised training and the latest technology.

To help lift the capability of rescue services, three new Marine Rescue NSW rescue watercraft (jet skis) will soon be operational on Sydney waterways, with two of these to be used on Botany Bay and Port Hacking. These small and maneuverable watercraft will allow for rescues in areas larger vessels cannot reach, such as those close to the coastline.

The boating season launch coincides with the conclusion of National Safe Boating Week, which this year highlighted the importance of wearing the right type of lifejacket and knowing how to maintain it.

For the latest water safety informationlaunch

More information on boating in NSW

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“This long weekend marks the start of what we expect to be a very busy season for our personnel and volunteers. We urge people to act responsibly and look out for each other in and around our waterways so we can all enjoy and make the most of a safe boating season.”

“Seeing Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Maritime, NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW join forces on Botany Bay today provides an opportunity to recognise the people working tirelessly to keep us all safe on the water, and we ask the community to also prioritise safety while having fun this summer.”

“Each team has different strengths, capabilities and areas of focus, but we are all united when it comes to safety on NSW waterways.”

Minister for Police Yasmin Catley said:

“There’s nothing better than a hot summer day out on the water but it’s important that we stay safe while having fun.”

“I know the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command will be working around the clock this summer to help keep our waterways safe and I thank them for the important work they do.”

NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said:

“We’re calling on all skippers to check their vessels and safety equipment. Lots of boats will have been sitting idle over winter, so it’s crucial to give them a proper once over before heading out on the water.”

“We still see too many boaters without a lifejacket. Sadly, all five boating deaths this financial year were people not wearing a lifejacket. Our message is simple – service your lifejacket, take your lifejacket, and wear your lifejacket – it can only save you if you wear it.”

NSW Police Force Marine Area Commander Acting Superintendent Siobhan Munro said:

“We know that when the temperatures rise, the community flocks to our waterways so we are putting people on notice that police will be patrolling all the state’s waterways including dams and rivers and any dangerous and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”

“We will be conducting drug and alcohol testing as well as compliance checks – so make sure that your vessel is in good working order, know your vessel’s capabilities and don’t go beyond its limits. Our goal is to get you home safely.”

Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott said:

“Marine Rescue NSW is coming off its busiest year on record with volunteers completing more than 4,500 rescue missions across the state.”

“Always wear a lifejacket and log on with Marine Rescue NSW, if you don’t return as planned, we will initiate a search.”

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said:

“We are headed for an extremely hot and dry summer and are expecting a major surge in numbers on beaches and waterways this season.”

“Swim between the flags, make sure you supervise your children, wear a lifejacket where it’s necessary, and if you do that, we’ll have a great summer and keep everyone safe.”

Experienced corporate executive, councillor and former NSW Deputy State Director, Richard Shields, has been appointed as the NSW Division’s State Director.

Party Member for almost three decades, Richard brings extensive political and corporate experience to building successful state and federal Liberal campaigns. He has worked as an advisor for former federal Ministers Andrew Thomson and Senator Helen Coonan in the Howard Government, and headed up government relations for the Insurance Council of Australia and the Westpac Group.

Richard is also an experienced campaigner, working on numerous successful local, state and federal election campaigns.

“Since my first taste of political and campaign success as the President of the UNSW Liberal Club, I have been committed to the success of the Liberal Party,” said Mr Shields. “It is an honour and a privilege to lead the professional wing of our Party.”

“I bring to the role decades of political and campaign experience, and I look forward to using this experience to assist our Party in winning the next federal and state elections.”

“Labor’s failure to develop a plan addressing cost of living crisis and deal with the significant economic challenges facing NSW and Australia make the next federal and state elections winnable.”

“I look forward to working with the President, Jason Falinski to continue building our Party, and with the help of our members identifying future political candidates that best represent our diverse community.”

Chris Stone thanked the NSW Liberal Party Members and MPs for their support and encouragement over his years with the NSW Division.

“My years working for the NSW Liberal Party have been some of the most satisfying in my career,” Mr Stone said. “I am grateful for the incredible opportunities that I’ve had and the relationships that have been forged in the heat of campaigns.”

“As State Director I have had the honour of contributing to the victories of governments that have changed our state and our nation for the better. I’ve also had the opportunity to serve and support our Party Members, which is a particularly treasured part of my role.”

NSW Liberal Party President Jason Falinski said Richard Shields is an experienced and incredibly capable campaigner who will be able to take the organisation in a positive direction.
 
“The Party is in great hands with someone of Richard’s calibre, someone who has both the political experience and the ability to successfully deal with organisational challenges that face all large political parties.”
 
Mr Falinski also offered deep thanks to the outgoing State Director Chris Stone for his outstanding and dedicated service.
 
“On behalf of all Members of the NSW Division, I cannot thank Chris enough for the magnificent job he’s done in often challenging circumstances. He has been a devoted servant of the Liberal Party, and we continue to value his sage advice and look forward to his continuing involvement with the Party.”
 
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman congratulated Richard Shields on his appointment as the NSW State Director.

“I have known Richard for many years,” Mr Speakman said. “As the Parliamentary Party holds the Minns Labor Government to account over its numerous broken promises, I look to Richard’s strong effort leading the Party secretariat to support this work.”

“I would also like to thank Chris for his tremendous work over the years for our Party. His multiple state and federal campaign victories for our Party will not be easily equalled.”
 
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Duttton welcomed Richard’s appointment and thanked our out going State Director.
 
“We need a strong Party organisation in the lead up to the next federal election; with Richard leading our team in NSW, we will be ready to campaign on our vision for a better Australia under a Liberal government.”
“He has big shoes to fill, and I thank Chris Stone for all of his work for the Liberal Party as an adviser, campaigner and indeed State Director.”