Category: NSW News

The NSW performing arts and live music sector will be further supported with $85 million in NSW Government funding to provide artists and performers with increased confidence to take their place on centre stage and help kick-start the state’s economy.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the $85 million package included an extension for the Performing Arts Relaunch package and a grant to music charitable organisation, Support Act, to assist individual performing artists.
“As we continue to work through this current phase of the pandemic, the $80 million extension of the Performing Arts Relaunch package will support our wonderful performing arts and live music sector to continue to confidently return to the stage and deliver the vibrant, diverse and inspiring works we have missed so much,” Mr Franklin said.
“The additional $5 million grant that we are providing to Support Act as part of this package will help to bridge the gap for assistance for those not eligible under other Government funds and ensure our state’s artists are not left behind as a result of disruptions caused by the pandemic.”
“The arts are crucial to helping communities across NSW heal, unite, and inspire as well as being essential to our state’s economic recovery.”
CEO of Support Act Clive Miller said the funding will offer critical relief to support the health and welfare of people working in the music industry.
“The funds announced today will ensure that those hardest hit will be able to access crisis relief through Support Act to help pay the rent, put food on the table, pay urgent medical bills and stay connected with family and community,” Mr Miller said.
Chief Executive of Live Performance Australia Evelyn Richardson said the package will benefit the economy and increase the confidence of the sector.
“The arts and entertainment industry are a critical part of rebooting the economy which has once again been acknowledged by the NSW Government. This package will enable companies to keep shows on stage and people in work and provide much needed business confidence to continue investing,” Ms Richardson said.
The $85 million package is on top of $125 million in funding announced in 2021 to support the performing arts and live music sector. Applications for the Performing Arts Relaunch package are open to eligible NSW venues, promoters and producers to relaunch performing arts activities. For more information, including guidelines and to apply for funding, please visit the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.

Teachers will welcome students back into classrooms across the state today with vaccinations, rapid antigen testing and mask wearing to play a key role in limiting the spread of the virus and keeping school communities safe.
Premier Dominic Perottet said this was an exciting day for students, and parents and carers can be assured that a wealth of COVID safe measures are in place to ensure minimal disruption to the 2022 school year.
“The best place for students to learn is at school and getting our young people back to face to face learning is an important part of the plan to live with the virus,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We have worked hard to ensure that every school is a safe environment for students, teachers and school staff. We have distributed 8.6 million rapid antigen test (RAT) kits to all schools to ensure that students and staff are able to test for the virus twice a week for the first two weeks of term.
“RAT kits have also been distributed to all early childhood education centres so that educators are able to undertake surveillance testing for COVID-19 twice a week.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said she was thrilled to see students walk through school gates and welcomed back to the classroom by their teachers.
“Teachers and students put in an enormous effort last year while they were learning from home, however we know that being at school has so many social and developmental benefits for children, beyond what they learn in the classroom,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The Department of Education had worked closely with NSW Health to deliver supplies to all schools ahead of students’ return today to make schools as safe as possible.
“Vaccinations remain one of our strongest defences against COVID-19 in our schools and with all staff having received at least two doses of the vaccination, it’s encouraging to see that our students are also increasingly getting vaccinated.”
More than 80 per cent of children in the 12- to 15-year-old age group have had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 78 per cent are double-dosed. In the 5- to 11-year-old age group, more than 39 per cent of children have had their first dose.
Other COVID safe measures including physical distancing, ventilation, mask wearing and cohorting will continue to work to limit the spread of the virus, while school year groups will be separated as much as possible with staggered start, break and finishing times and designated playground areas, tuckshop lines, toilets and classrooms.
“With all these measures in place, we’re confident that students will be able to return to the activities they love while staying COVID safe,” Ms Mitchell said.
More information on COVID safe measures in schools is available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families

From Monday, 7 February non-urgent elective surgery requiring an overnight stay will return to 75 per cent capacity in private hospitals, and up to 75 per cent of pre pandemic activity levels at public hospitals in regional and rural NSW where they are able to do so.
The temporary suspension of non-urgent elective surgery requiring an overnight stay in both public and private hospitals from 10 January was necessary to ensure there was sufficient staffing and hospital bed capacity in NSW to meet the extra demands caused by the Omicron wave of COVID-19.
All emergency surgery and urgent elective surgery in NSW continues to be performed during this challenging period. The majority of non-urgent elective day surgery has also been continuing in public and private hospitals.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said with COVID-19 hospitalisations stabilising, non-urgent elective surgery requiring an overnight stay can now begin to resume in a safe and staged manner from Monday, 7 February.
“I am pleased to announce that from next week non-urgent elective surgery will resume at private hospitals and in some of our public hospitals that are in a position to do so in regional and rural NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The reintroduction of non-urgent elective surgery will be done in a phased manner to balance the ongoing potential need for extra capacity in our hospitals and the need for people in NSW to access their elective surgeries as quickly as possible.
“We recognise the effect these necessary restrictions have had on the lives of people  requiring non-urgent elective surgery and I want to assure them we will be doing everything possible to return to full capacity in all of our hospitals as soon as possible.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said private hospitals will retain some capacity to assist public hospitals by taking patients if necessary and will also continue to take public patients for non-urgent elective surgery to ensure equity of access.
“I want to thank the private hospitals in NSW who have supported our public hospitals and the NSW community during this challenging period and will continue to do so after non-elective surgery resumes next week,” Mr Hazzard said.
“NSW has a strong healthcare system, both public and private, and an exceptional workforce who have continued to provide world class care for their patients throughout this pandemic.
“Our hospitals remain under pressure due to COVID-19 so only our public hospitals that are in a position to resume non-urgent elective surgeries without compromising their ability to care for COVID-19 patients and patients with other medical conditions will do so.”
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said people in regional NSW will be pleased to see a resumption in non-urgent elective surgery as we return to a normal operating environment.
“It’s been a challenging time, but our doctors and nurses and support staff have worked tirelessly in our regional hospitals to support people in need of urgent care,” Mrs Taylor said.
“More of our workforce is returning and this will mean our public hospitals will be in a position to restore non-urgent services, and I thank the people of regional NSW for their patience.”
Acting Deputy Secretary of NSW Health Wayne Jones said it is expected that a number of regional and rural public hospitals will have the capacity to resume overnight non-urgent elective surgeries from Monday 7 February, while metropolitan public hospitals will remain focused on the demands associated with caring for COVID-19 patients, with the situation under constant review.
“Where necessary local health districts may also re-impose temporary restrictions at a hospital in the event of a local outbreak to ensure the community are kept safe and can access hospital care if required,” Mr Jones said.
Mr Jones said patients due to receive non-urgent elective surgery who have been impacted by the restrictions are encouraged to seek medical attention should they experience a change in their condition so they can be clinically reviewed and re-prioritised to a more urgent category if required.
In 2020-21 the NSW Government provided an extra $458.5 million to fast-track elective surgeries which were delayed as a result of the Federal Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic last year, and a further $80 million has been provided as part of the 2021-22 NSW Budget.
The NSW Government has committed more than $4 billion to the NSW health system to manage the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020.

Liberal candidate for Bega, Dr Fiona Kotvojs, welcomed the NSW Government’s billion dollar COVID business support package that will help local small businesses that were hardest hit by the Omicron wave.
The NSW Government package includes financial support for small business to buy rapid antigen tests to help keep their workers safe, and a new Small Business Support Program to assist businesses to help keep their workers employed.
Dr Kotvojs said the targeted package will help local businesses who have been doing it particularly hard after floods, bushfires, and a lack of tourists caused by the pandemic.
“As someone who runs three small businesses, I know how important this help will be for local businesses to get through the effects of the Omicron wave.”
“Support with the costs of rapid antigen tests for their workers and the extension of the Commercial Landlord Hardship Grant, as well as the Small Business Support Program providing payroll assistance to businesses will be of great help,” Dr Kotvojs said. “This package of measures is a good example of the strong, practical measures that the Government is providing to businesses to help them get through COVID and bounce back.”
Premier Dominic Perrottet said while case numbers are now declining, the NSW Government is determined to support those businesses that have been most affected during this wave of the pandemic.
“NSW is tracking better than expected and confidence is returning. And as we did with earlier recoveries, we will come through this recent challenge stronger than ever,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We’ve got the backs of businesses, as we have throughout this entire pandemic.”
The Small Business Support Program helps those businesses with annual turnover of between $75,000 and $50 million with a decline in turnover of at least 40 per cent.
It provides eligible businesses a lump sum payment of 20 per cent of weekly payroll with a minimum payment of $500 per week and a maximum payment of $5,000 per week.
In addition, the existing Small Business Fees, Charges and RAT Rebate will be increased by 50% from the current $2,000 limit to $3,000 and employing businesses will be able to use the rebate to obtain RATs.
This will support worker availability by helping reduce costs to small businesses and enabling healthy staff who have been exposed to COVID-19, but test negative, to return to work.

Tens-of-thousands of students will commence study at TAFE NSW this week, with a robust plan in place to minimise the risk of COVID-19 on campus and help staff deliver classes safely.
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said TAFE NSW students attending TAFE NSW campuses will need to check in with QR codes, wear a mask and observe social distancing.
“TAFE NSW is responsible for training 80 per cent of all apprentices across the state and is also delivering critical skills to prospective workers in industries like healthcare, community services and hospitality,” Mr Henskens said.
“It is important that we get people back in the classroom where they can get the skills and training they need for the jobs they want.”
TAFE NSW has secured a supply of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) and has set up a dedicated COVID-19 Taskforce to provide staff and students with advice about testing and isolation protocols.
Test kits have arrived at TAFE NSW campuses. TAFE NSW will supply RAT tests for use by employees and students, where there is an industry or employer requirement to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test.
Employees who are exposed to COVID-19 at a TAFE NSW site, will be provided with advice about their testing and isolation requirements via the TAFE NSW COVID-19 Taskforce. Students who are required to take a RAT as part of their work placement program will be supplied with test kits if the workplace is unable to provide a test.
“Thank you to all the TAFE NSW teachers and staff who have worked with us during this challenging time to ensure that students can return to class in a safe way in coming weeks,” Mr Henskens said.
“There has never been a better time to study at TAFE NSW. If you want real-world skills for a job that is in-demand, explore the range of course options available at a campus near you.”
Details about TAFE courses and upcoming information sessions is available online.

NSW will leverage its world-class cell and gene therapy expertise to establish Australia’s first commercial-scale viral vector manufacturing facility at Westmead.
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Minister for Jobs, Investment, and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government is now seeking partners to co-invest.
“New South Wales has led the nation investing over $120 million to expand its advanced biomanufacturing footprint, including $25 million to develop our viral vector capability,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Upscaling the 25 litre viral vector pilot facility at Westmead Health and Innovation District to 550 litres, will help address the global demand in gene and cell therapies.
“Most importantly, expanding the capacity of the facility will ensure Australians have faster access to next generation medical treatments that will save and improve lives.”
Viral vector technology delivers genetic material into cells and has been in use since the 1970s. The planned viral vector manufacturing facility in NSW will provide ground-breaking trial therapies for infections, cancer and genetic diseases.
Mr Hazzard said the NSW Government will be seeking interest from companies with commercial and bio-technology expertise to co-invest in the Westmead-based facility.
“With gene therapies and COVID-19 vaccines straining global manufacturing capacity in recent years, viral vector manufacturing services are in high demand worldwide,” Mr Hazzard said.
“In Australia alone, we have two million people living with a genetic disease. Local production will ensure we can run more research trials and increase treatment options.”
Mr Ayres said the facility will manufacture high-quality clinical grade viral vectors and will serve the Australian, broader Asia-Pacific and global markets.
“The gene therapy and cell therapy sectors are experiencing phenomenal growth and upscaling our viral vector manufacturing will keep NSW at the forefront of this industry,” Mr Ayres said.
“Westmead Health and Innovation District is a recognised hub for innovative research and this facility will boost jobs for NSW and provide access to new groundbreaking therapies and treatments.”
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the NSW Government was committed to fostering world-class medical research.
“NSW is leading the nation in this space and we want to harness our cutting-edge research and development and continue to create an innovative, diversified and globally competitive economy,” Mr Henskens said.
Expressions of Interest for co-investment have commenced. To register your interest contact HI-Commercial@health.nsw.gov.au or visit hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/commercial.

Eligible accommodation providers across the State can now register to take part in two of the NSW Government’s new voucher programs – Parents NSW and Stay NSW.
Both programs will be implemented using the existing Dine & Discover NSW infrastructure.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said families will be able to access the Parents NSW vouchers and Stay NSW vouchers from February.
“This stimulus is just what families and businesses need with school holidays concluding. Parents across all communities have made huge sacrifices during the pandemic and we want to say thank you to all of them,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Eligible customers will soon be able to redeem their $250 worth of Parents NSW vouchers and $50 Stay NSW voucher with registered Stay NSW businesses, which is a huge win for the accommodation and tourism sectors which have been especially hard hit by the pandemic.
“The voucher programs will have a multiplier effect on the economy – and this will encourage families to spend a night or a weekend exploring Sydney or a regional town, while also spending on sightseeing and other activities.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the vouchers form part of the NSW Government’s $2.8 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy announced in October and come on the back of the more the $1billion COVID business support package announced this week.
“These vouchers are a win-win for industry and families and encourage more families to explore our incredible State and bolster local economies,” Mr Kean said.
“We’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with industry throughout the pandemic and this is another program that will help keep businesses open and keep workers in jobs.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said with millions of vouchers to be issued to NSW residents soon, businesses should get ready to boost their income by registering for both programs.
“To take part in the two programs, businesses only have to register once through Service NSW. Once approved, all accommodation providers need to do is simply download the Service NSW for Business app and start scanning vouchers,” Mr Dominello said.
“Whether you’re a hotel in Sydney, motel in rural NSW or a holiday park on a coastal town, we want you to take advantage of this stimulus and see more customers come through your doors.”
Businesses will be paid within ten days after redeeming a voucher.
Customers can pool multiple Stay NSW vouchers with friends or family for the same booking at registered accommodation providers, big or small. Parents NSW vouchers can be combined and used to redeem $250 off your accommodation account.
Bookings made through third party providers such as online booking platforms and travel agents are not included in the program.
Participating businesses will be able to redeem vouchers seven days a week, including public holidays. Customers will be able to search for participating accommodation providers on the easy-to-use hotel finder.
Discover NSW registered businesses do not have to re-register to accept Parents NSW vouchers, but can still register if they have yet to do so.
For more information on how to register a business, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/register-business-stay-nsw-vouchers

Parents and carers of children enrolled in all primary schools in NSW will benefit from a new $155 million program for Before and After School Care (BASC) services to provide greater support and access to BASC services.
The $500 voucher will assist families who use BASC services by covering the parent gap fee component of their session fees.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said BASC services were more important than ever as families retuned to work following the holidays.
“It’s been a challenging past couple of years for parents of school-aged children. Many have had to juggle the demands of supervising their kids’ education at home while working remotely, or even foregoing paid work,” Mr Perrottet said.
“These vouchers for before and after school care will help alleviate some of the financial pressures on NSW families and provide greater flexibility and more options for those who need to work.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said that both providers and users of BASC would benefit from this announcement.
“These vouchers are all about providing affordable access to care for families, particularly after a tough two years that have disrupted access to school and BASC,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Every family with children at a NSW primary school is eligible for one voucher per child, which will provide each child with approximately 60 sessions of free BASC.”
The NSW Department of Education has partnered with Service NSW to roll out the program, which will be delivered through Service NSW and will follow a similar premise to the current Dine and Discover Vouchers.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said BASC providers will be able to register to redeem the vouchers from 7 February and parents will be able to apply for, and utilise, the vouchers from 28 February.
“This is a win for families as they can apply for, store and redeem their new vouchers via the Service NSW app, similar to Dine & Discover and other vouchers like Active Kids and First Lap,” Mr Dominello said.
“Eligible families will receive their vouchers in their app just like the Dine & Discover program with providers able to quickly scan the QR code on the spot or use the unique voucher code to redeem.”
Providers and customers can register and apply online via a MyServiceNSW account, in the app, or by visiting their nearest Service Centre.

Supporting the legal profession, with a particular focus on regional NSW, and ensuring access to justice for all, as we continue to live with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be major priorities in 2022 for the new President of the Law Society of NSW, Joanne van der Plaat.
While this week marks the traditional Opening of Law Term in NSW, many official events, religious services and ceremonies, including the Law Society’s annual Opening of Law Term Dinner, have been postponed due to the current Omicron outbreak.
Ms van der Plaat will now deliver her Opening of Law Term Presidential Address at the 2022 Law Term Dinner on Monday 28 March 2022.
In the meantime, Ms van der Plaat, a regional solicitor from Cooma in the state’s Snowy Mountains region, has outlined her five main priorities for 2022:
supporting the legal profession’s health and wellbeing
finding ways to better support the profession, courts and clients in rural and regional NSW
human rights in NSW
responding to the impacts of COVID on the justice system
judicial resourcing.
Ms van der Plaat said that, as the state continues to adjust to living with the pandemic, she will work hard to actively champion a legal profession of more than 37,000 NSW solicitors, to government and the wider community.
“My experience, starting out as a legal secretary in a small Sydney firm, to working as a paralegal and licensed conveyancer in a large international firm, to the last 13 years as a lawyer in rural NSW, has given me an invaluable insight into the joys, challenges and opportunities we each face in the profession,” Ms van der Plaat said.
“We have learned some valuable lessons during COVID-19 and there are more lessons to be learned and opportunities to be taken.
“I want to ensure all solicitors continue to have access to practical, applicable information and services that will help them run their practices or move forward in their careers – as has been the Law Society’s mission since its inception 180 years ago.
“I am looking forward to engaging with the legal profession, the government and the courts in navigating the ongoing challenges of COVID to ensure we continue to thrive and succeed in our professional and personal lives and provide the best service possible to our clients,” she said.
“This includes advocating for ongoing investment in the justice system (as is regularly seen in the health, education and transport sectors), which will provide long term economic benefit for our state and ensure the rights of civil society are met.
“Through the Law Society’s Thought Leadership program, I want to explore a number of issues relating to human rights in NSW.
“As our profession grapples with a fast changing legal landscape, we have an opportunity to participate in a meaningful debate about the role that human rights can play in a modern society, and the impact that the pandemic has had on human rights awareness and expectations.
“I also believe there is an appetite to look positively towards our future and for the Law Society to lead the profession in supporting mental health and wellbeing.
“Our individual and collective wellbeing, in terms of what brings us joy, keeps us connected and allows us to remain engaged and thrive professionally and personally is something we now talk about in the workplace.
“The three values that guide me each day are being kind, being humble, and having a sense of humour.
“Having that direction and motivation keeps me feeling positive and purposeful,” she said.
Improving awareness and perceptions of legal career opportunities in regional NSW is another priority Ms van der Plaat’s plans to focus on this year.
“As a country lawyer, I am keen to promote and raise awareness of rural practice, not as an alternative career, but as a challenging and rewarding career,” she said.
Ms van der Plaat nominated President’s Charity for 2022 is Sober in the Country, a grassroots rural charity leading social impact and change across rural Australia.
“Like many Australians, I have witnessed the devastating impact excessive consumption of alcohol has on individuals and their relationships with family and work,” Ms van der Plaat said.
“It can be difficult to reach out for assistance with everyone knowing who you are, more so in the country.
“I hope to use my time as President to raise awareness for the incredible support Sober in the Country provides and raise vital funds for them to continue their work.”
Ms van der Plaat said she is humbled to be representing the state’s solicitors as President in 2022.
“I look forward to leading, supporting and growing a legal profession which has given so much to me over the years,” she concluded.

Businesses, workers and the performing arts across NSW are all set to benefit from a major financial support package of more than $1 billion to help those that have been hardest hit by the Omicron wave.
The package includes financial support for small business to buy rapid antigen tests (RATs) to help keep their workers safe and a new Small Business Support Program to assist businesses to help keep their workers employed.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said while case numbers are now declining, the NSW Government is determined to support those businesses that have been most affected during this wave of the pandemic.
“As part of the package, we are introducing the Small Business Support Program to help support businesses that experienced the worst effects of the Omicron wave,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We are also providing support to business to help reimburse the cost of rapid antigen tests for their workers, extending the Commercial Landlord Hardship Grant and delivering additional funding for the performing arts sector.
“This targeted package provides support for businesses who experienced cashflow issues and the immediate economic impacts of the Omicron outbreak.
“NSW is tracking better than expected and confidence is returning. And as we did with earlier recoveries, we will come through this recent challenge stronger than ever.
“We’ve got the backs of businesses, as we have throughout this entire pandemic.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the support package would provide a statewide response to the Omicron wave of the pandemic, targeting those businesses that need it the most.
“Our regions have felt the impacts of Omicron, and it’s critical we give them a helping hand to recover and get local economies humming again,” Mr Toole said.
“This package shows that the NSW Government continues to have the back of residents and businesses in the bush with practical measures to ensure they keep their workers safe and businesses open.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said we know some businesses in NSW have faced challenges and it is vital we get them the support they need to stay afloat and keep their workers in jobs.
“As we continue to protect the health and safety of our community, we have to ensure our economy is resilient and our businesses are supported so they bounce back from this most recent phase of the pandemic,” Mr Kean said.
“The Small Business Support Program helps those businesses with annual turnover of between $75,000 and $50 million with a decline in turnover of at least 40 per cent by providing a payment covering up to 20 per cent of their weekly payroll.
“By ensuring businesses keep their doors open and their employees paid, we are confident our economy will bounce back strongly as it did last year.”
Small Business Minister Eleni Petinos said the program was important to ensure small businesses have the resources and cash flow they need to survive this outbreak and bounce back.
“We know that the over 800,000 small businesses in NSW are the lifeblood of local communities and that many of these businesses experienced challenges due to the Omicron wave of the pandemic,” Ms Petinos said.
“This package will help relieve some of the costs of small business including keeping workers safe, assist with cash flow and support small businesses to continue trading.”
The Small Business Support Program provides eligible businesses a lump sum payment of 20 per cent of weekly payroll with a minimum payment of $500 per week and a maximum payment of $5,000 per week.
In addition, the existing Small Business Fees, Charges and RAT Rebate will be increased by 50% from the current $2,000 limit to $3,000 and employing businesses will be able to use the rebate to obtain RATs.  This will support worker availability by helping reduce costs to small businesses and enabling healthy staff who have been exposed to COVID-19, but test negative, to return to work.
For more information please visit nsw.gov.au.