Category: NSW News

Motorists in NSW are now closer than ever before to getting behind the wheel of their first electric vehicle (EV) with the NSW Government’s NSW EV Strategy legislation passing through the NSW Parliament.
The NSW Government has committed $490 million towards EVs, helping to cut taxes, provide $3,000 rebates and install ultra-fast EV chargers right across the State.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said these incentives make NSW the best place in Australia to buy and drive an electric vehicle.
“This is a comprehensive suite of measures, which ensures we have the right mix in place to boost the take-up of electric vehicles and give people access to the latest technology,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The strategy also starts us down the road of long-term tax reform as we embark on phasing out stamp duty on electric vehicles and making sure everyone who drives on our roads contributes to their funding and maintenance.”
Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said the NSW EV Strategy is nation-leading and will ensure at least 50 per cent of new cars sales are EVs by 2030.
“To achieve net zero emissions by 2050, the majority of new cars sold in NSW need to be EVs by 2035,” Mr Kean said.
“This is the beginning of an EV revolution in NSW, with more drivers set to benefit from lower taxes and $3,000 rebates on their next EV purchase.”
“Our Strategy is all about helping more drivers to benefit from the latest and best driving technology and I welcome the cross party support for the legislation.”
Drivers who have registered a new, eligible EV after 1 September 2021 can apply for a refund of the stamp duty and one of the 25,000 rebates worth $3,000. Applications will open on 1 November 2021.
Also from 1 November, eligible electric vehicles will be able to use Transit T2 and T3 lanes until at least 31 October 2022, making travelling in an EV even easier.
Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said the EV Strategy would help to reduce air and noise pollution created on the State’s roads.
“The transport sector currently makes up one-fifth of carbon emissions in NSW, with almost half of those coming from passenger vehicles,” Mr Stokes said.
“This policy will give the green light to industry to increase model availability and cut the costs of EVs.”

NSW’s heavy rail network is the first in the country to transition to 100 per cent net zero emissions, four years ahead of schedule.
Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said it was a massive achievement for Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink.
“Our rail operators have smashed the net zero target of 2025 by becoming the first heavy rail network in Australia to transition to completely green energy,” Mr Stokes said.
“Transport is one of the largest consumers of energy, and we are investing in renewables for a greener future for our customers and our state.
“With over 3,200 timetabled train services every weekday, our rail network is not only the vital lifeblood of NSW, but is now leading Australia’s transition to a decarbonised public transport network.”
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland says the existing electricity supply contract had flexible terms to allow for the expansion into green energy and now comes entirely from certified renewable sources.
“Through this agreement, Sydney Trains has accelerated our original goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2025 to an immediate, greener reality, placing the railway at the forefront of NSW Government action on emissions reductions.
“Our electricity supply contract is 100 per cent renewable from now to the end of financial year 23/24, and we are preparing to go to market to test solutions to maintain a commitment to renewable energy into the future.”
Sydney Trains has also committed to reduce energy consumption by at least 10 per cent by 2025, through solar energy generation at 27 locations across the network, lighting upgrades and improvements in train operations.

Families, individuals and businesses across NSW will benefit from a targeted $2.8 billion package developed to accelerate recovery following the three month lockdown due to the Delta COVID-19 outbreak.
The NSW Government’s Economic Recovery Strategy released today includes funding to stimulate economic activity in cities and regions with a strong focus on rebuilding and supporting businesses, helping the hip pocket and boosting jobs.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Treasurer Matt Kean today revealed that as part of the package, households of school-aged children in 2021, will receive $250 in vouchers to stimulate spending and economic activity.
“One of the biggest challenges for so many families during lockdowns was learning from home, and now as life returns to normal we want to encourage people to get out and boost economic activity,” Mr Perrottet said.
“In many senses this is a ‘Thank You’  that will go some small way towards helping family finances that took a big hit and at the same time supporting businesses and jobs.”
The $250 in vouchers will be available through Service NSW in early 2022. The vouchers will be available to households which had a school-aged child in 2021.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the people of NSW had shown great strength and ingenuity throughout the pandemic, supported by more than $10 billion in NSW Government measures throughout the winter 2021 lockdown, and the latest package would position the State for a safe, robust and rapid recovery.
“This package will boost confidence, provide fresh opportunities and support NSW to return to a way of life we know and love,” Mr Kean said.
“But we don’t just want to recover what we lost, we want to bounce back better than ever – and this package lays the foundations to do exactly that.”
The NSW Government’s Economic Recovery Strategy includes:

• $500 million to restore consumer and business confidence, including the expansion of Dine & Discover and Stay & Rediscover accommodation vouchers;
• $250 million to support jobs and skills, including help for job seekers to retrain or upskill;
• $212.2 million to boost vital sectors, including additional funding for the performing arts sector, an Alfresco Restart Package, and support to bring our cities back to life;
• $200 million to boost regional NSW, including support for events, facilities and local infrastructure, and housing; and
• $75 million to boost communities across the state, including support for tourism, events, sport and recreation.

The strategy also assists those most impacted during lockdown including:

• $739.3 million in household and social support, including housing support for vulnerable Aboriginal communities, expansion of solar rebates, support measures for victims of domestic and family violence, and vouchers to parents who have facilitated home learning for their children;
• $495 million in education support to address learning gaps for children in need and to help schools adapt to future possible learning disruptions; and
• $130 million for a mental health recovery package to provide immediate access to help for anyone whose mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 24 Hour Economy Commissioner will take on the additional role of NSW COVID-19 Recovery Commissioner to oversee the implementation of the Economic Recovery Strategy. For more information and to view the full strategy visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/economic-recovery-strategy

Strike Force Trawler detectives have charged a woman following an investigation into alleged online child exploitation offences in Sydney’s west.
In August this year, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) began engaging online with a woman from the state’s south.
Police will allege in court that the woman believed she was speaking with the mother of a 9-year-old girl and engaged in sexually explicit conversations about acts she wished to perform on the child, and planned to meet the mother and child for sexual activity.
It is further alleged she believed she was speaking with a 14-year-old girl and engaged in sexually explicit conversations about acts she wished to perform on the child on a separate occasion.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested the 48-year-old woman at Liverpool Railway Station just before 10am on Tuesday (19 October 2021).
She was taken to Liverpool Police Station and charged with two counts of use carriage service-groom person procure under 16 years, use carriage service transmit/publish/promote child abuse, and use carriage service-procure child under16 years for sexual activity.
The woman was refused bail and appeared at Liverpool Local Court the same day, where she was formally refused bail to reappear at Parramatta Local Court on Friday 10 December 2021.
Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by the CEIU into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.
Regular covert online investigations are conducted by the CEIU; and police in NSW work closely with their law-enforcement colleagues interstate and overseas.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

More than $530 million will be invested in reviving events across the state and getting tourism back on track as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
The tourism and events recovery package includes:

• $250 million for the expanded Stay & Rediscover scheme providing a $50 voucher to all NSW adults to redeem at accommodation premises across NSW;
• $150 million to support the recovery of major event activity across the state including $50 million for a Regional Events Package to support major events, festivals, agricultural shows and community events across the regions.
• $60 million for an Aviation Attraction Fund to incentivise international airlines to re-commence flights to Sydney;
• $6 million to bring business events back to the city;
• $50 million for the CBDs Revitalisation Program to support events and activations in CBDs across Greater Sydney and surrounds; and
• An Event Saver Fund to provide immediate support to organisers if events are cancelled or disrupted by any public health orders during the 2021-22 summer.
• $25 million for the Festival Relaunch package – to stabilise established commercial and not-for-profit festivals, big and small, so they can program with confidence into 2022/23.
• $10 million for a Recovery Marketing Campaign including an extension of the successful roadtrips campaign launched in 2020

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this package would bring back tourists and supercharge the businesses and attractions that contribute $38 billion to our economy, making the state one of the world’s most popular destinations.
“Millions of people around the world dream of visiting Sydney and our regional areas. This package not only ensures they can, but that they’ll experience the very best of what we have to offer,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s also great news for people right across our state, reviving events and businesses and bringing our major drawcards back to life.  Importantly, more than 300,000 people rely on our tourism industry and our aim is to reclaim our position as one of the world’s favourite destinations.”
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the much needed investment will help revive shuttered businesses and bring tourism providers back to their vibrant best.
“This was a one in one hundred year event which severely damaged our tourism industry,  operators barely hung in there as they lost bookings, customers and staff, now as we rebuild we can do so with confidence,” Mr Ayres said.
“For our visitor economy to reach its full potential we need event owners to dream big, airlines to fly in and for locals and visitors to embrace our world class venues and hospitality with enthusiasm once again.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said getting tourism back on track and reviving the visitor economy is key to our economic recovery.
“We know NSW is the best place to live, work, learn and play, but this is about bringing visitors back, boosting business and serving up the best of what NSW has to offer to the world,” Mr Kean said.
“We want to support citizens to get out and explore their own backyard, give our events sector the confidence to get back to business and send the signal to the airline industry that NSW is and always will be Australia’s gateway to the world.”
24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said the lights of our cities have been dimmed for too long.
“Whether you are heading back to the office, in town for a show or a game, or meeting some friends for an alfresco drink, we want to make going into city centres a magical experience”.
The tourism recovery package is a key part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy.

Sydney’s Tech Central precinct is on track to become a global technology hub with the approval of anchor-tenant Atlassian’s new headquarters and more land rezoned ready for the arrival of new technology players.
Minister for Jobs and Investment Stuart Ayres said Atlassian had received planning approval to build its 40-storey headquarters on the YHA site and the Government had rezoned the Parcel Post building.
“With Atlassian HQ set for construction and the Western Gateway sub-precinct rezoned, the planning controls are now in place to transform this tired transport hub into something to rival Silicon Valley,” Mr Ayres said.
“Tech Central will be home to 25,000 jobs over 24 hectares once fully developed. Atlassian’s headquarters alone will accommodate 5,000 operational jobs in the world’s tallest hybrid timber tower.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the approvals were a significant milestone in what would be the largest government-led urban renewal in the State.
“The revamp of Central Station and delivery of Tech Central will create a commercial core in the City’s south that would include a public domain with new open space, shops and cafes all on top of the rail corridor.
“This project is a vote of confidence in the Sydney CBD and brings new employment space close to Central Station, providing easy access to jobs, homes and services.”
The $546 million Atlassian tower is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2022, with completion expected by 2026.
A competitive design competition is underway for the Parcel Post building and Henry Deane Plaza, which is scheduled to be finalised later this year. Detailed development applications are expected to follow. For more information, visit: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Plans-for-your-area/State-Significant-Precincts/Central-Sydney-Precinct

More than 50 tender opportunities for architects, engineers, project managers and builders are available as the NSW Government begins the next stage of its historic school building program.
The 44 new and upgraded school projects represent a $3.3 billion investment in NSW public schools and will create more than 16,000 jobs – helping businesses and people across the state begin to recover from the recent COVID-19 outbreak.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government is focused on the economic recovery of the state and also giving kids the best start in life.
“NSW is learning to live with COVID, and today’s announcement provides further certainty to businesses and school communities,” Mr Perrottet said.
“COVID restrictions put a pause on a number of school construction projects, but these are back, and now we are calling on businesses to tender for the next stage of the school building program.
“For our kids to be the best and brightest they need the bricks and mortar to support them and we’re delivering that in spades.”
Minister Mitchell said the $3.3 billion investment would create thousands of jobs helping turbocharge the State’s pandemic recovery while delivering better schools for students.
“This building blitz will help drive our economic recovery by supporting jobs in communities throughout NSW providing a much-needed boost to businesses, families giving our economic rebound a valuable springboard,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Our record investment in school infrastructure will see thousands of tradies with tools in hand building new and improved schools giving our kids the best chance to achieve their academic potential.
“This package of works continues the government’s investment in school building with 50 new and upgraded schools delivered in 2020 and a further 18 already delivered in 2021.”
The 44 new and upgraded school projects are in addition to the 85 schools currently being delivered.
The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12 students across Greater Sydney return to the classroom today, with more than 148,000 students leading the first stage of the 800,000 public school students returning over the next week.
To help students catch up on any learning loss experienced due to COVID-19 lockdowns and learning from home, the NSW Government has announced the extension of the COVID Intensive Learning Support Program into next year.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said following the positive reception and uptake of the 2021 program, the NSW Government was committing an additional $383 million to continue to support students next year.
“We know our students are resilient but there’s no doubt that 2021 has been a tough year, with many students learning from home for twice as long as last year,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Early insights from the ongoing evaluation of the program show that students are bouncing back thanks to the intensive tutoring delivered through the program, and we are committed to helping them do so again next year.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the tutoring program, which has been delivered by educators in partnership with classroom teachers, had exceeded its employment goal.
“This program has employed more than 7,500 educators to date in government schools alone, providing employment opportunities right across the State,” Mr Kean said.
“Building on this success, the extension of the program will not only provide extra support for students to ensure their learning remains on track but also additional employment opportunities for our fantastic teachers and educators.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the COVID Intensive Learning Support Program was first introduced in Term 1 this year to help students, who had fallen behind after last year’s disruptions, improve their core knowledge and skills.
“This program is based on research which demonstrates that small-group tuition is highly effective at getting students back on track,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Principals and teachers I have spoken with over the last few months have been unanimous in their support for the program in meeting their individual school and student needs.”
“Our additional investment for 2022 will continue the focus on literacy and numeracy and enable us to strengthen the provision of online tuition, ensuring greater accessibility to meet student need.”
The Department of Education will work with schools and key stakeholder groups during Term 4 to refine the program to ensure the greatest benefit is delivered for students who need it most.
More information will be provided by the Department to schools during Term 4.

The NSW Government is investing $21 million to expand the Aboriginal mental health and suicide prevention workforce as part of $131 million mental health recovery package.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the lockdown has exacerbated underlying mental health conditions and added to people’s distress levels, especially among groups known to be at greater risk of suicide.
“As we return to doing the things we love with the people we love, we want to make sure that no-one is left behind,” Mrs Taylor said.
“We know that mental health issues and thoughts of suicide can emerge in the weeks, months and years after a trauma, so our focus over the next two years is connecting people with the most appropriate services and support as early as possible.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said the four-year investment will allow for the recruitment of 18 FTE Aboriginal Care Navigators and 18 FTE Aboriginal Peer Workers across NSW.
“Culture plays a crucial role in our resilience and mental wellbeing, especially for First Australians who have a powerful connection to our beautiful land and their ancestors,” Mr Harwin said.
“If culture is understood, respected and valued throughout the mental health journey, it can speed up the recovery and keep people safe from acting on thoughts of suicide.”
The funding will allow every Local Health District and Specialty Network to employ Aboriginal Care Navigators and Aboriginal Peer Workers.
Aboriginal Mental Health Care Navigators will be responsible for supporting Aboriginal people and their families to connect with the most appropriate service within and outside the local health district. They would also provide ongoing support and contact with these individuals and families.
Aboriginal Mental Health Peer Workers will be embedded within public mental health services and responsible for providing culturally sensitive support, particularly in emergency settings. They would also link them to other supports, such as suicide prevention services, drug and alcohol services, and Aboriginal community services.
The $131 million package builds on the $2.6 billion 2021-2022 NSW mental health budget – the largest mental health investment in the state’s history

The NSW Government is investing in sporting clubs and multicultural communities to provide support for people whose mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $130 million investment over four years will fund initiatives to offer mental health resources to local sporting groups, training opportunities for community members and a multilingual mental health line.
“The pandemic’s impact on people’s mental health throughout our state has been significant,” Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said.
“It’s important we establish valuable touchpoints for mental health support out in the community.”
Mrs Taylor joined with Minister for Sport and Multiculturalism Natalie Ward to announce a $3 million commitment over one year to the Mental Health Sporting Fund, providing tailored mental health programs to local sporting groups.
The first funding round of this type was announced in early 2020, with 24 local sporting bodies receiving grants.
“We have now more than doubled the contribution from the last funding round, so many more sporting groups can take part in this important initiative,” Mrs Taylor said.
Mrs Ward said sporting clubs are vital to our community and a great way to deliver critical mental health resources.
“Like nothing else, sport brings local communities together,” Mrs Ward said.
“Our local sporting groups give us a unique opportunity to have important mental health messages delivered directly to the community in a way that is informal and accessible.”
The Mental Health Recovery Package also includes an investment of $3.2 million over four years to establish a multilingual Mental Health Line, the first of its kind in NSW.
The line will open in November and will be available in more than 30 languages, staffed by senior clinicians.
“When it comes to mental health, accessibility is a key issue associated with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds attempting to access support,” Mrs Taylor said.
“This brand new line, a first in NSW, will remove those cultural and linguistic barriers.”
These initiatives form part of the record $130 million investment over four years for COVID-19 mental health support, building on the $2.6 billion announced for mental health in the 2021-2022 Budget – the largest mental health investment in the State’s history.