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I welcome the high demand for the Shingrix vaccine with over 487,000 doses already administered in the first 3 months of the program – and wish to assure the community the Australian Government is doing all it can to ensure eligible Australians have timely access to this important shingles vaccine.

I acknowledge some people may currently be experiencing difficulties accessing the vaccine because of this high demand, but there are vaccines ready to be administered all around the country and more being delivered on a regular basis.

Across the country, there are approximately half a million doses of Shingrix that are available to be administered – and more than 100,000 additional doses will be distributed nationwide over the coming fortnight.

The Australian Government is working closely with state and territory governments to ensure the distribution of Shingrix doses is equitable and adjusted to meet demand. The distribution of vaccines to local providers is managed by individual states and territories to ensure local supply is managed equitably and efficiently.

The Government is also working closely with the vaccine supplier, GSK, to explore options to bring forward additional deliveries of Shingrix into Australia.

Changes to the provision of the shingles vaccine under the Government’s National Immunisation Program came into effect on 1 November last year – with Shingrix replacing Zostavax. It takes time to distribute a new vaccine to healthcare providers across the country with the assistance of state and territory health departments.

Shingles vaccination is an ongoing program that is available to everyone over 65, First Nations people over 50, and immunocompromised people. For healthy individuals eligible for the program, there is no rush for a second dose, which can be given anytime between 2 and 6 months after the first dose of the vaccine.

It is also important to note that shingles is not contagious; it is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Vaccination is the best protection to individuals, but shingles does not pose the same public health threat as communicable diseases.

People wishing to receive their shingles vaccine are encouraged to let their local GP or pharmacist know, and they can book you in when doses are available.

Further information about the shingles vaccine is available on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Penrith Beach trial has made a big splash since its mid-December opening with more than 150,000 people visiting to escape the summer heat.

Thousands of local families from Western Sydney and beyond are taking advantage of the free site, enjoying the golden sands, the lake’s tranquil waters and the world-famous views of the nearby Blue Mountains.

Penrith Beach or ‘Pondi’ as it’s become fondly known, has quickly become a firm fan favourite with residents.

Some 154,084 people have now visited the beach as of 28 January – a staggering 25,000 visitors on average every week since its opening four weeks ago.

Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure figures show residents from the Penrith and Blacktown LGAs are the most frequent visitors to the former quarry site turned beach.

Many of the beach’s visitors are from suburbs including Penrith, Werrington, Castlereagh, Cranebrook, Glenmore Park, St Marys, Mount Druitt, Willmot and Marsden Park.

Penrith Beach’s trained lifeguards from Royal Life Saving Society NSW are on patrol every day between 10am and 7pm, monitoring the beach and providing first aid.

The beach has facilities including toilets, adult accessible change rooms, a fresh-water drinking station, a café and access for people with a disability.

Penrith Beach will remain open seven days a week until the temporary activation concludes on March 3. Until then, on-site parking using free car park passes are available online.

Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“I am pleased that more than 150,000 people have had the chance to experience the sun, sand, and scenic mountain views at Penrith Beach. 

“This free beach has been a huge success, and throughout summer, it has been embraced by the people of Western Sydney, especially families.

“If you haven’t visited yet, there’s still plenty of time to bring your friends and family down to Penrith Beach for a swim, a coffee and a day by the water.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Western Sydney residents have been asking for a beach of their own for decades now. It’s fantastic to say that we’ve that we have delivered this trial within 9 months of coming to Government.

“Previously, Western Sydney residents needed to travel 40 km to swim in Lake Parramatta, 63 km to Bondi Beach, or 75 km to visit either Cronulla or Manly.

“These days are thankfully now long gone and Western Sydney residents can cool off for a refreshing dip much closer to home.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown:

“After waiting many years for this area to be unlocked, it’s exciting that more than 150,000 Penrith locals have embraced this free facility over the summer to cool off.

“Seeing this beach flourish has been fantastic for our community, and I look forward to having more to say about this in the future.”

From 1 July 2024, venues with more than 20 gaming machine entitlements will be required to have a Responsible Gambling Officer on duty while poker machines are in operation, in the latest initiative by the NSW Labor Government to reduce gambling harm.

Responsible Gambling Officers will help identify patrons at risk of harm or displaying concerning gambling behaviour, refer them to gambling support information and services and facilitate requests for self-exclusion.

All hotels and clubs with gaming machines will also be required to keep a Gambling Incident Register and a Gaming Plan of Management as part of a suite of reforms being implemented to reduce risk of gambling harm and support people who may need help.

The new requirements are being implemented through amendments to the Gaming Machines Regulation 2019.

A position paper on the incoming requirements for pubs and clubs will be published online today. Industry stakeholders and harm minimisation organisations have been extensively consulted during the development of the paper and the Government’s approach.

 This will provide industry with certainty about the new harm minimisation measures, timeframes for implementation and enable staff to undertake the necessary training. 

Clubs with more than 100 gaming machine entitlements will be required to have additional Responsible Gambling Officers, to ensure enough sufficiently trained staff are available to support patrons and to ensure they have a reasonable workload across larger gaming floors.

 Responsible Gambling Officers and other people with specified roles will also need to complete Advanced Responsible Conduct of Gambling (ARCG) training under the proposed changes. 

 The proposed new requirements would be implemented in stages to allow NSW venues, staff, management, and training providers time to adjust. 

Read the position paper on Responsible Gambling Officers

The GambleAware phoneline 1800 858 858 is open 24 hours a day for anyone needing support. It is free and confidential.

Visit gambleaware.nsw.gov.au for more information.

The NSW Labor Government has already implemented a number of reforms to reduce gambling harm and prevent money laundering in NSW pubs and clubs including:

• reducing the cash input limit from $5000 to $500 for all new gaming machines
• reducing the state-wide cap on gaming machine entitlements by approximately 3000
• banning political donations from clubs involved in gaming
• establishing the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform to oversee a comprehensive trial of cashless gaming in NSW across 4430 electronic gaming machines – far exceeding the government’s election commitment of 500 machines
• banning external gaming-related signage, and internal gaming-related signage that can be seen from outside the venue.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:   

“The NSW Government is committed to gambling reform, reducing gambling harm and stopping money laundering and criminal activity associated with poker machines.

“Harmful gambling not only impacts individuals, but also their loved ones and the broader community.

“We know there is no single solution to address harm from gambling, which is why we are implementing a range of gambling reforms.

“In NSW, gaming machines represent the highest risk of gambling harm.

“One in three people who gamble regularly are considered to be moderate or high-risk gamblers according to the Problem Gambling Severity Index.

“The introduction of Responsible Gambling Officers is the next important step in supporting people who may be experiencing gambling harm.

“They will be across pubs and clubs where gambling is happening, and be alert to patrons at risk of harm or displaying concerning gambling behaviour and link them in to the support they need, such as the GambleAware hotline.

“It is great to have industry on board with our gambling reform agenda as well as harm minimisation organisations. Together we are making a real difference in tackling gambling related harm.

“The NSW Labor Government is committed to evidence-based gambling reform and has delivered more in 10 months than the previous government managed in 12 years.”

An ambitious reform and key election commitment to tackle the state’s housing crisis has been delivered with the official launch of Homes NSW, putting people back at the heart of housing and roofs over their heads.

This marks a once-in-a-generation reform to largest public housing agency in the southern hemisphere and an important first step to rebuild a broken public housing system.

Homes NSW will bring together the housing and homelessness services of the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) with NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC), the NSW Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) and key worker housing all under one roof – making the system more efficient and accessible.

Homes NSW has also been tasked with turbocharging the construction, maintenance and repair of social and affordable homes across our state.

This transformation will help those who need it most, at a time when the need for social and affordable housing has never been greater.

Homes NSW will:

• turbocharge and streamline the building and maintenance of all publicly owned and operated social homes across NSW.
• simplify and fix tenancy services, including maintenance, support, allocation of properties and transfers to improve outcomes for tenants and the tenant experience.
• focus on providing important homelessness services, with the goal of creating a state where experiences of homelessness are rare, brief, and not repeated.
• drive collaboration between the NSW Government, the Federal Government, sector experts and peak bodies, local councils, and Community Housing Providers to work closer together than ever before to address the state’s housing and homelessness crisis. This work will include:
  • ensuring NSW is in the best position to make use of the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund that provides funding to create thousands of new social and affordable homes across the state
  • bringing the housing maintenance call centre back into public hands – a once-in-a-generation opportunity to overhaul the way maintenance is administered across the state’s social housing properties and slash unnecessary bureaucracy
  • addressing the rising number of rough sleepers in NSW by better incorporating homelessness services and a clear commitment to the principles of housing first – you can’t solve homelessness if you don’t have homes for people to live in.

Since March 2023, the NSW Government has shown that is willing to work across all levels of both the public and private sectors, as well as the ability to think outside the box in addressing the state’s housing crisis, which includes:

• the creation of a pilot project for 3 sites at North Parramatta, whereby the NSW Government put to tender the search for a Community Housing Provider as a development partner, a process that mirrors one of the ways we will partner with CHPs in NSW for the HAFF
• immediate use of the Federal Government’s Social Housing Accelerator Fund, which has already seen hundreds of vacant homes refurbished and brought back online
• a state-wide audit of public and crown land to find surplus land that can be used to deliver much-needed homes for those in need
• significant planning reforms to cut through red tape at both local and state levels to slash delays and get the construction industry moving and building homes for people in need.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“You can’t tackle the housing crisis if you don’t have a strong social and affordable housing system – we need safe, good quality, accessible homes for people who need them most. Homes NSW is a crucial part of this work.

“Adequate housing is a basic human right and Homes NSW will be the driver of much needed and long overdue reform to the social and affordable housing sector.

“For too long, social housing in this state has been neglected – simple issues such as a leaking tap or even the ability to register on the waitlist have been unnecessarily complicated.

‘’That’s why this overhaul is needed. We’re breaking the chains of bureaucracy and empowering our tenants, as well as those who are in need of emergency housing, or on the social housing waitlist.

“I am sick and tired of public housing being the ‘worst house on the block’. NSW will rebuild a broken system, properly repair homes and better support our people which means we can build better communities and neighbourhoods.

“The creation of a single agency to manage social and affordable housing and homelessness services is a common sense approach and is positioned to provide support to the people who need it most.”

Homes NSW Chief Executive Rebecca Pinkstone said:

“I look forward to the challenge of building a thriving social and affordable housing sector in NSW.

“Homes NSW will deliver on the promise of more and better social and affordable housing in NSW. Our aim is to create the best social housing system in the country. We will work in partnership to maximise homes on the ground, reduce instances of homelessness and deliver a quality housing service for our residents.”

Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a Newcastle man following an investigation into alleged child grooming and the accessing of child abuse material under Strike Force Trawler.

Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by Sex Crimes Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.

As part of ongoing inquiries, a 26-year-old man was identified allegedly using a number of social media platforms to allegedly groom underage girls for sex, and to access and share child abuse material.

About 11.30am yesterday (Thursday 1 February 2024), strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Waratah where they arrested a 26-year-old man.

The man was taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with eight offences, including use carriage service to groom under 16 years for sex, use carriage service to send indecent material to person, use carriage service to solicit child abuse material, possess/control child abuse material-use carriage service, possess prohibited drug and three counts of use carriage service to access child abuse material.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 2 February 2024).

Inquiries under Strike Force Trawler continue.

The Australian Government has today imposed additional targeted sanctions on five entities with direct links to the Myanmar military regime.

These sanctions are designed to limit the regime’s access to the funds and materiel that enable it to continue to commit atrocities against its own people.

Two banks that enable the regime’s activities, Myanma Foreign Trade Bank and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank, will be subject to targeted financial sanctions.

Three entities that supply jet fuel to the Myanmar military, Asia Sun Group, Asia Sun Trading Co Ltd, and Cargo Link Petroleum Logistics Co Ltd, will also be subject to targeted financial sanctions.

These sanctions are a response to the regime’s ongoing repression of the people of Myanmar, escalating violence, and the continuing deterioration of the political, humanitarian and security situation.

They send a clear message of Australia’s deep concern for the regime’s ongoing actions, and its continued disregard for international efforts, particularly those of ASEAN, to seek a resolution to the crisis.

Australia will continue to closely monitor the regime’s actions and look for improvements on the ground. We will continue to use every lever at our disposal to press the regime for the cessation of violence, the release of those unjustly detained, unimpeded humanitarian access, and a return to the path of democracy.

In this context, we will continue to keep our targeted sanctions toward Myanmar under review.

We maintain our strong support for ASEAN’s efforts to resolve the crisis in Myanmar, including the constructive efforts of the ASEAN Chairs and Special Envoys. We call on the military regime to implement the Five-Point Consensus and engage meaningfully and positively with ASEAN representatives.

Critically, we remain resolute in our support for the people of Myanmar. They have demonstrated their courage and commitment to democracy, with determined resilience in the face of unspeakable atrocities. We will continue to ensure our humanitarian and development assistance reaches the most vulnerable.

For further information on Australia’s sanctions settings, please visit the sanctions regimes page on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

Australia will host the inaugural Australia–New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministers Consultations (ANZMIN) in Melbourne on 1 February.

Australia and New Zealand are the closest of friends – we share the bonds of history, geography and community.

We also share a common strategic outlook and vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

ANZMIN 2024 is an opportunity to strengthen our partnership, advance our shared interests with Pacific partners, and deepen our defence interoperability.

Our relationship has never been more important and our two countries are most effective when we work together.

Ministers will also meet for their respective Defence Ministers’ Meeting and Foreign Ministers’ Consultations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:

“We look forward to hosting Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Minister Judith Collins in Melbourne for the inaugural ANZMIN meeting.

“As our region is being reshaped, Australia and New Zealand are committed to ensuring our alliance evolves in line with our strategic circumstances, is responsive and fit-for-purpose, and that we listen and work with our Pacific partners.

“This visit will build on Australia and New Zealand’s shared security interests, long-standing links between our people and the enduring spirit of Anzac.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“Australia sees New Zealand as family. As we face sharper strategic challenges and a more complex world, our partnership is indispensable.

“As allies and partners in the region, we rely on each other for the security and wellbeing of our citizens, and our Pacific neighbours count on us to deliver for our shared interests.

“ANZMIN 2024 will chart a course for this new phase of our strategic partnership.”

His Honour Justice Derek Price AO will retire as the Chief Judge of the District Court of NSW and President of the Dust Diseases Tribunal after a remarkable career of more than 35 years presiding on the bench of 3 NSW courts.

Justice Price graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Laws in 1972, before moving to Dubbo the following year to become a partner with Peacocke, Dickens and King. Justice Price obtained a Master of Laws with Honours in 1974.

He was appointed a magistrate of the Local Court of NSW in 1988 before being appointed as an acting judge of the District Court in 1999, which became permanent the following year.

His Honour was appointed Chief Magistrate of the Local Court in 2002 and became a Judge of the Supreme Court in 2006. During his 8 years in the Common Law Division, Justice Price presided over a number of high-profile murder trials.

Justice Price became a Member of the Order of Australia in 2010 and was appointed Chief Judge of the District Court in 2014, as well as President of the Dust Diseases Tribunal. His Honour continued to sit in the Court of Criminal Appeal. He became an Officer of the Order of Australia in the General Division in 2020.

Justice Price has indicated his willingness to continue to sit on the Court of Appeal and this has been gratefully accepted by the Attorney General. Justice Price will retire on Friday 26 April.

Justice Price said:

“It has been an extraordinary privilege in my 35 years as a Judicial Officer to have been a Head of 3 jurisdictions, and a Justice of the Supreme Court”.

“I believe my career has shown that there can be successful promotion between all the courts and that the respective courts have much to learn from each other.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“I wish to thank Justice Price for his extraordinary contribution to the judicial system of NSW.

“Derek Price is a thoroughly decent man who has shown what can be achieved through hard work and determination. His career has left an indelible mark on the judicial system of NSW. He has shown exceptional skill and talent to rise to the top of his profession. What a great story he is. He has shown that hard work and dedication really make a difference.

“Serving as head of 3 jurisdictions is a remarkable record to look back on and he has been a trail-blazer by showing it is possible to rise up through the ranks. He is an inspiration to all young members of the legal community by showing it is possible to reach the highest ranks, no matter where you start out.”

The NSW Government has confirmed new appointees to the board of Venues NSW for the positions of Deputy Chairperson, Public Service Senior Executive Member, and 2 Member positions. 

The Cabinet has endorsed the following individuals for the respective roles:

• Ms Rosheen Garnon (existing member) to the position of Deputy Chairperson
• Mr John Quayle (existing member) to the position of Board (Hunter)
• Ms Melanie Hawyes to the position of Public Service Senior Executive
• Ms Stephanie Brantz to the position of Board
• Mr David Tierney to the position of Board.

Multiple roles were advertised for the board of Venues NSW in June 2023, as the position of Chair and Member of the Public Service were vacant, and multiple members were set to have their term expire in November.

The NSW Government instructed the Premier’s Department and the Office of Sport to lead a recruitment process for this role. 

An assessment panel shortlisted the candidates. The assessment panel was comprised of Office of Sport CEO Karen Jones, Diane Lesson (nominee of the Acting Secretary, Premier’s Department) and Axiom Managing Director Peter Perry. 

A selection panel assessed candidates on their skills, experience, suitability and capability. The selection panel was comprised of International Olympics Committee Vice President John Coates AC, Office of Sport CEO Karen Jones and Axiom Managing Director Peter Perry. 

Ms Stephanie Brantz has a background in broadcasting, including as a reporter, producer and commentator, is Chair of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Sports Diplomacy Advisory Council and is a Director on the Board of Football NSW. Ms Brantz also has a deep understanding of event acquisition and delivery in NSW, having been a member of the NSW Government’s ’10 World Cups in 10 years’ Advisory Committee and previously serving as a Trustee of the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust.

Mr David Tierney has 35 years of experience across a range of sectors, including construction and development, stadium and venue management, health and Federal and NSW State Governments. Mr Tierney helped to deliver the successful Sydney Olympic Games as part of the Sydney Organising Committee. Mr Tierney also played an important role in the transition of the facilities to their post-Olympics state as CEO of the Stadium Australia Trust and Founding CEO and Secretary of the Sydney Olympic Park Business Association. Mr Tierney’s extensive knowledge in capital works will be required as Venues NSW undertakes the redevelopment of Penrith Stadium and furthers plans for Hunter Park and Wollongong Entertainment precincts.

Ms Melanie Hawyes is currently Deputy Secretary, Crown Lands and Public Spaces, at the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. Ms Hawyes will serve in the position of Public Service Senior Executive on the Board of Venues NSW.

Ms Rosheen Garnon and Mr John Quayle are existing members of the Venues NSW board.

Mr Alan Jones AO and Mr Rod McGeoch AO will be departing from the board as their tenure expired on 30 November 2023.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“I would like to thank Rod McGeoch AO for the work he has done during his time on the Venues NSW Board, including his time as acting Chairperson. His contributions and stewardship have helped to steer Venues NSW towards the successful organisation it is today.

“As we look to the future, Venues NSW has a range of exciting opportunities and challenges on the horizon. With the inclusion of CommBank and Accor Stadium management, as well as the revitalisation of our Wollongong and Hunter venues, our path to making NSW and our venues the premier destination in the Asia-Pacific region is before us. 

“I would like to thank those that served on both the assessment and selection panel for their work throughout the process. Each of the candidates that have been selected are extremely qualified and will bring unique skills that will help boost Venues NSW.”

The NSW Government’s free virtualKIDS Urgent Care Service is now available to all children and families across the state, and has already helped almost 1,000 families since expanding late last month.

Families from across NSW are now able to access virtualKIDS via referral from healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Within a month of being elected last year, the NSW Labor Government committed to a statewide rollout – to help more families access the right care, at the right time, and in the right place.

virtualKIDS uses video conferencing technology to connect families with a clinical nurse to determine the best care pathway based on each child’s needs.

This may be visiting an emergency department, a consultation with a virtualKIDS expert paediatrician, a trip to the GP, or recovering at home with guidance for the family.

Around two in three kids referred to the Urgent Care Service avoid needing to step foot in an emergency department.

The NSW Government’s statewide rollout helps parents and kids avoid unnecessary trips to hospital and potentially long waits to be seen, especially if after-hours.

It also puts downward pressure on our emergency departments, which helps seriously ill children and adults to be seen sooner.

There is no cost to parents or carers if their child has a Medicare card – it is just like a visit to a hospital emergency department.

The successful virtualKIDS pilot began in August 2021 during the height of the pandemic and saw more than 20,000 COVID-positive children receive specialist care in the comfort of their own home.

Until this expansion, the Urgent Care Service was only for families within three local health districts that were home to specialist paediatric hospitals – South Eastern Sydney, Western Sydney and Hunter New England Local Health Districts.

The service continues to be delivered by the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN) and Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) in partnership with healthdirect.

Since accepting calls from across NSW late last month, almost 1000 children and their families have benefitted.

The service is expected to continue supporting at least 500 children and their families each month.

Parents and children calling healthdirect are assessed and, if appropriate, connected to the virtualKIDS service, where a clinical nurse consultant will review the child’s symptoms and medical history to determine the best course of action.

virtualKIDS Urgent Care Service is for children up to 16 with non-life-threatening health concerns.

Parents and carers should call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance or go to a hospital emergency department immediately if they have a life-threatening emergency.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Our Government has expanded the virtualKIDS Urgent Care Service to help families across NSW.

“This program is free and can help you and your child avoid a stressful trip to an emergency department.

“It allows families to be seen faster while reducing pressure on already stretched emergency departments and our frontline healthcare workers.

“The NSW Government is working hard to rebuild our health system and ease wait times, and urgent care teams are part of that.

“If you’re thinking about taking your child to emergency as a precaution, and it’s not life-threatening, just call healthdirect first and ask for a referral to virtualKIDS.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“The expansion of the virtualKIDS Urgent Care Service statewide will also see it provide specialist paediatric advice to clinicians in rural and regional hospitals, and to paramedics in non-emergency situations.

“The expansion of virtualKIDS forms part of the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver 25 Urgent Care Services in NSW by mid-2025.”

Dr Joanne Ging, Director of Clinical Operations at Sydney Children Hospitals Network said:

“The service has been well received by patients and their families, with more than two thirds of children accessing the service receiving the care they needed without requiring an emergency department visit.

“Commenced as a pilot in December 2022 across three local health districts (LHDs), the service has since benefited almost 3,700 patients, 85 per cent of whom are under five years of age, with eight per cent identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.”

Dr Paul Craven, Executive Director of Children, Young People and Families at Hunter New England Local Health District said:

“The service has significantly enhanced access to timely urgent care for children and their families, offering them a channel to receive reliable support from nurses or paediatricians, as well as primary care services, all from the convenience of their homes.”