Category: NSW News

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis has delivered an address to the Industrial Relations Society of NSW annual conference in Wollongong where the theme is ‘A new hope: The next golden era of industrial relations’.

It’s a theme which encapsulates the spirit the NSW Government has taken over the past year delivering on the following:

• Scrapped the wages cap.
• Delivered public sector workers their biggest pay rise in over a decade.
• Tackled the scourge of silicosis by leading a national ban on engineered stone.
• Established a framework for a silica worker register to track and care for workers exposed to silica dust.
• From July 1 the re-established NSW Industrial Court will provide workers with access to workplace justice and improved workplace safety with specialist judges.
• Started the Respect at Work Advisory Council.
• Established a cooperative way of bargaining for the state’s public sector workers.
• Increased penalties for serious WHS breaches.
• Closed loopholes that allow businesses to insure against WHS fines as a cost-of-doing-business.
• Toughened criminal penalties for assaulting retail workers.
• Passed laws to ensure union and business representation on the icare board and put injured workers at the centre of care.
• Making SafeWork NSW into a standalone regulator

The NSW Government has taken enormous strides to fundamentally improve workers’ rights over the past year delivering on key election promises and providing more for employees across the state.

The Minister told the conference unions and public sector employers are already undertaking mutual gains bargaining training to encourage cooperative and constructive bargaining.

She added: “Working together we can move to a more cooperative approach to wage negotiations based on trust and good faith.

“This will ensure that the best outcomes are available to the people of NSW.”

In the coming months the NSW Government will fulfill other election promises:

• Legislating an industrial manslaughter offence.
• Reforms to give gig workers rights at work and access to the IRC.
• Ensuring local government workers have greater protections.
• Introduce a portable long service leave scheme for community sector workers.

Minister Cotsis told the conference the Minns government has made the repair of industrial relations and work health and safety a key priority of our policy agenda and it will continue to build a better NSW.downloadDownload as PDFprintPrint this page

Today the NSW Government held a special Cabinet meeting to hear from and draw on the experience of respected advocates for the prevention of domestic and family violence.

This was an important step in the NSW Government’s commitment to make sector informed investments into domestic and family violence, with all departments and portfolios of governments to be engaged in this response.   Cabinet was addressed by:

• Dr Hannah Tonkin the NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner;
• Ms Christine Robinson CEO of the Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre (Wirringa Baiya) and member of the NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team (DVDRT)
• The Honourable Marcia Neave AO Commissioner of the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence; and
• Rosie Batty 2015 Australian of the Year and founder of The Luke Batty Foundation and the Never Alone Campaign.

Experts shared their experience in relation to the outcomes of the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence and their implementation.

The NSW Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to taking urgent action as well as looking at long term reform to prevent domestic and family violence across our state.

The NSW Government is finalising an emergency package that will look at:

• crisis responses in NSW and frontline services;
• primary prevention; and
• early intervention.

We are also looking at reforms to the justice system to better protect victims.

We will consider all options. Nothing is off the table. We understand there are gaps in the system.

We know that crisis responses will not be enough. That is why we will also work on developing medium and long-term solutions to address domestic and family violence.

The NSW Government extends our sincere thanks to the advocates who addressed Cabinet and generously shared their experiences and expertise today.

We also thank all those across NSW who have lent their voices to this important cause, over recent weeks as well as historically. We know that we can and must do more – we also know we have a responsibility to listen and learn. We are committed to continuing to do both.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic and family violence, please call the toll-free  number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for support on 1800RESPECT or visit 1800respect.org.au

The NSW Government will provide $300,000 to a peak community group to research and implement innovative new strategies, aimed at helping older people to transition more quickly from hospital to aged care when they are medically ready to be discharged.

The collaborative regional project, led by the Community Industry Group (CI Group), will support the implementation of a volunteer coordinator program which will assist with transitioning older people into residential aged care facilities (RACFs).

The lack of available local RACF beds has been a major challenge in recent years, particularly in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, where despite the implementation of a range of strategies around 90 patients on average await residential care placement on any given day.        

Minister for Health Ryan Park has welcomed the collaborative project, which will also fund research to better understand and address the needs of longer stay older patients in hospitals.

“We remain committed to implementing initiatives aimed at reducing any unnecessary lengths of stay in hospital being experienced by older people waiting for RACF placement in the Illawarra region,” Mr Park said.

“Collaborative projects like these are important in addressing delays in discharging older people from hospital which can slow patient admission times.”

CI Group CEO Nicky Sloan said the organisation is uniquely placed to deliver regional collaborative projects to address this critical issue.

“This funding will enable us to work with local stakeholders including aged care providers, the Local Health District, the Primary Health Network, local Councils, Dementia Services Australia as well as the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care to deliver three important initiatives aimed supporting the discharge of older people into an aged care service,” Ms Sloan said.

In a phased approach, three initiatives will be rolled out by the CI Group, as follows:

• RESEARCH: Research into the drivers of discharge delays of older people into residential aged care facilities, as well as a review of the ability of aged care services to meet the needs of these older patients.  This research will be led by Professor Kathy Eagar and well-known aged care expert, Paul Sadler.
• TRANSITION VOLUNTEERS: The creation of a team of discharge support volunteers, to be known as the Supported Transition Assistance Response Scheme (STARS), to assist the process of transfer for each person from hospital to an aged care home or their own home.
• TASKFORCE: Establishment of a multi-agency regional health and aged care taskforce to oversee these projects and develop a regional health and aged care plan to address the ageing demographic needs. 

The community is being encouraged to share their feedback on the proposed design to revitalise the much-loved and iconic Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo.

On exhibition until Thursday 30 May 2024, the new design honours the heritage of the buildings by retaining the Wran building, and transforms the heritage listed Boiler House, Turbine Hall, Switch House and Ultimo Post Office buildings to create four flexible, dynamic exhibition spaces.

The NSW’s Government’s $250 million investment in a heritage renewal will reorient the museum’s main entrance and create a new public square and entry via The Goods Line to enable better connection with surrounding precincts and public transport.

Audiences and community will benefit from improved exhibition and programming spaces and allow the Powerhouse Museum to accommodate international exhibitions and increase the community’s access to the renowned Powerhouse Collection of more than 500,000 objects.

The visitor experience will be improved through easier visitor circulation, expanded programming, and increase its use for the community.

Key features of the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo design include:          

• Four flexible, dynamic exhibition spaces that allow the museum to create and present high quality, internationally leading museum exhibitions across the applied arts and applied sciences and featuring the Powerhouse Collection.
• New public domain spaces including a 2000sqm square at the northern end of The Goods Line, the Post Office Courtyard on Harris Street and an internal courtyard accessible from Macarthur Street.
• Establishing one central, intuitive, and accessible visitor circulation system to access exhibition, program, and education spaces to support a high-quality visitor experience.
• Reorienting the museum’s entrance to the Goods Line, improving access from the light rail and Darling Square. A newly activated façade housing creative industries along Harris Street, which will improve the museum’s contribution to the Ultimo streetscape.
• Separating front-of-house and back-of-house operations from exhibition and circulation spaces.
• Dedicated spaces designed for the Powerhouse learning programs, enabling the museum to create immersive educational experiences, workshops and programs catered to students and learners of all ages.
• Conservation of the heritage-listed original Power Station buildings for their ongoing adaptive reuse by the Powerhouse.

Get more information on the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) and supporting Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and make a submission by Thursday 30 May 2024.

Infrastructure NSW is available to support the community to understand the detailed and technical information through community information sessions held throughout the Public Exhibition period. 

Get more information or book a session on the Powerhouse Ultimo.

The NSW Government will carefully consider all submissions on the revitalised designs to ensure the community’s voice is actively incorporated into the future of the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo.

Five formal consultation periods for the project have been held between 2020 and 2024, with the 6thnow underway. Each has included engagement with the local community, neighbours, stakeholders, government authorities and agencies. The feedback received has been considered during the evolution of the project. Engagement with the community will continue during upcoming phases of the project, including detailed design, construction and operation. All feedback has been used to help inform the current EIS, as part of the SSDA.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“The Powerhouse is one of Australia’s oldest and most important cultural institutions. This heritage revitalisation will transform the museum and ensure future generations can continue to enjoy an exceptional experience when they visit the museum.

“The new and improved plans bring the museum into the 21st Century and make good on our commitment to retain and improve the focus of the museum on applied arts and sciences.

“Importantly, in this modest revitalisation we are honouring the history of the museum by revealing the heritage elements of the original Ultimo Power Station buildings and refurbishing the Wran building to achieve greater museum functionality.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Releasing the design for revitalisation of the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo is a major milestone for the project and for the future of the museum.

“The design demonstrates how the museum will be revitalised, whilst maintaining the heritage and character of the buildings.

“We are confident we are providing what the community wants for the future of the museum and we are encouraging anyone interested to have their say.”

Powerhouse Museum Ultimo Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said:

“The design addresses specific community and stakeholder feedback through extending the lifespan of the built form, acknowledging and celebrating the social significance of the Wran Building, addressing circulation and legibility and improving sustainability.

“The revitalised Powerhouse Museum Ultimo will reopen with more and increased quality exhibition spaces. This will be achieved by decluttering the spaces, removing mezzanines allows full use of the spaces. This will restore and reveal the original heritage in the buildings and create high-quality flexible exhibition spaces.

“This revitalisation will celebrate the best of the museum’s past while adding new and enhanced exhibition and programming spaces, along with educational spaces for future generations to engage with the applied arts and sciences.”

The NSW Government is seeking applications for a new advisory council designed to improve understanding of issues affecting LGBTIQ+ people across the state.

Fulfilling an election commitment, the LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council will provide a mechanism for ongoing community consultation and contribute to the development of a NSW Government LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy.

The Advisory Council will provide ongoing advice to the NSW Government as it delivers on a range of initiatives and commitments designed to promote equality and inclusion for LGBTIQ+ communities.

These initiatives include:

• implementing new legislation to ban LGBTQ+ conversion practices
• supporting Qtopia, the permanent home for the LGBTQIA+ museum at the former Darlinghurst police station, through a $6.7m commitment
• completing a legislative review to improve equality and inclusion for LGBTIQ+ people, and
• referring a review of the Anti-Discrimination Act to the NSW Law Reform Commission.

The 16-person Advisory Council will reflect the diversity of LGBTIQ+ communities in NSW.

Applications are being sought from people over 18 years of age with respect, influence and status within LGBTIQ+ communities and a demonstrated commitment to cooperation, inclusion and diversity.

People from First Nations, and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Applications can be submitted at the LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council webpage.

The Minns Government is also establishing a Cross-Portfolio Committee on LGBTIQ+ Issues, bringing together senior government officials with community representatives, that will coordinate efforts across government and enhance collaboration and partnerships.

This Committee will work with the Advisory Council to develop a whole of government LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy.

Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, Penny Sharpe said:

“There has been incredible progress to advance the equality and inclusivity of LGBTQIA+ communities in NSW but there is more to do.”

“The advisory Council is an election commitment that will help us do that work.”

Today, the NSW Government and the Government Architect NSW, is launching an interactive map to showcase some of the best there is to offer in well-designed low and mid-rise homes.

The people of NSW have been living and enjoying the beauty and character that these homes bring to a neighbourhood for over a century.

This map not only highlights why good design is important, but it also showcases examples of these homes that are already in our backyard. Showing that these homes add to the value of a neighbourhood and complement the existing heritage and surroundings.

The NSW Government’s planning reforms will drive the delivery of dual occupancies, townhouses, terraces, manor houses and smaller apartment buildings. Over the last decade we have seen a decline in these types of homes being built, creating what is commonly referred to as the “missing middle.”

As we increase the delivery of new homes, we want to maintain design standards so that generations to come also have the opportunity to enjoy communities and suburbs which have been built with a sense of personality.

As the Government prepares for the Pattern Book process to begin, it invites communities and industry to use this map to inform their understanding of good design and the examples of low and mid-rise housing that are already part and parcel of NSW towns and cities.

The Government Architect NSW has collated a wide range of designs, typologies, styles and layouts from a diverse range of architects.

Suburbs like Glebe, Surry Hills, Redfern, Waverton and many more were historically built using this type of density – and they are still standing more than one hundred years later, supporting vibrant communities with diverse housing types.

Greater density is better for the environment and ultimately costs the taxpayer less.

A recent NSW Productivity Commission report found that between 2016 and 2021, Sydney lost twice as many people aged 30 to 40 as it gained. 35,000 came to Sydney, but 70,000 left.

That means we lost young talent and young families; the workers and innovators that we need to support our community and economy.

This map will shine a light on what the NSW Government’s planning reforms aim to achieve, while allowing the community to see that these types of homes are already a part of our city and our neighbourhoods.

To use the map, visit the NSW Government Architect website, and for more information on the proposed housing reforms, including low and mid-rise, visit the NSW Planning Portal.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Terraces, townhouses and smaller apartments have a significant role to play in creating housing options for families as we confront the housing crisis.

“Good examples of low and mid-rise housing are already part of Sydney’s past and can be part of Sydney’s future.

“A mix of housing types are needed so that there are housing options available for all stages of life.

“This interactive website and map shows the community what is already in their backyard and what we want more of.

“We’re focussed on getting the balance right between building new homes and protecting the character of communities.

“Heritage and new homes can coexist. We want to make sure the future homes and apartments across NSW are made for our climate, allow for natural light and look to include community spaces.”

NSW apprentices facing hardships now have the chance to get the financial help they need to succeed, with applications open for the 2024 Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarships.

The $2.25 million government investment supports apprentices who are experiencing financial difficulties or personal hardship in completing their work and training. 

150 successful applicants will receive a $5000 scholarship annually for 3 years, totalling $15,000. 

Previous recipients from across NSW have included Indigenous apprentices, people with disabilities, women in non-traditional trades, and mature-aged people from regional NSW, highlighting the program’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

Currans Hill resident, Felicity Pettiford was awarded a scholarship in 2020, which greatly assisted her through her apprenticeship. She’s now a head carpenter building residential homes across the state and is a keen promoter of women in trades.

The scholarship is named after Bert Evans AO, who was former CEO of the Metal Trades Industry Association, Chair of the NSW Board of Vocational Education and Training and NSW Apprenticeships Ambassador.

Since 2014 the scholarship program has provided support to more than 900 apprentices across NSW.

The Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship is part of the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Roadmap (2024-2026), which will drive the development of apprenticeships and traineeships in NSW over the next 3 years, taking an inclusive and learner-centred approach.

Eligible first-year apprentices, including school-based apprentices throughout the state are encouraged to apply. Application forms must be submitted before Friday 31 May 2024. 

For more information visit the Skills NSW website.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“The continuation of the Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship shows our commitment to ensuring that all apprentices in NSW, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to succeed in their chosen trades.

“The financial commitment by the NSW Labor Government, totalling $2.25 million over 3 years, is an investment in the future success of these apprentices and the growth of our skilled workforce.

“Through these scholarships, we are not just providing financial support; we are investing in the future of our workforce and our economy.

“These apprentices represent the future of our skilled workforce, breaking barriers and contributing to a more diverse and dynamic industry. 

“The experience of past recipients demonstrates the transformative impact of the scholarships on apprentices’ lives and careers.”

Head Carpenter, All About Carpentry Felicity Pettiford said:

“My Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship greatly helped me throughout my apprenticeship. 

“With the money, I was able to pay for my tools, toolboxes, and fuel each week and buy a reliable car

“Being awarded a Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship makes you feel good. It reassures you that you’re doing well and you’re on the right path.

“Good luck to all the 2024 Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship nominees.”

The NSW Opposition is calling on the NSW Labor Government to consider urgent bail reforms when Cabinet meets today.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Liberals and Nationals are urging immediate action to implement commonsense bail reform.
 
“The Opposition has put forward three measures that will improve safety for women who are victims of family and domestic violence,” Mr Speakman said.

“The Government’s response needs to be holistic and far broader than just bail reform, but this is a good starting point.”
 
“The NSW Labor Government can consider our proposals today, which address violence against women, improve protection for victims and survivors of domestic violence and enhance community safety.”
 
The NSW Opposition has proposed a three-point initial bail reform response:
 
1.      Expanded use of electronic monitoring devices to bail on serious domestic violence charges.
2.      Expanding grounds for staying the granting of bail for serious personal violence charges.
3.      Removal of the power for registrars to determine bail for serious personal violence charges where bail is opposed, given the widespread audio-visual capacity across our courthouses enabling magistrates to make orders from centralised locations if necessary.
 
The Opposition will consult on the initial three-point plan and on any other measures which are suggested to be appropriate.
 
“The NSW Opposition is committed to working constructively across the Parliament to ensure meaningful action is taken to reduce and prevent domestic and family violence across our state,” Mr Speakman concluded.

More than one year on from the election of the Minns Labor Government renters across NSW have been let down by the Government’s failure to implement key rental reforms.
 
“We are in the midst of Labor’s cost of living crisis with renters struggling every day paying sky high rents,” Shadow Minister for Fair Trading Tim James said.
 
“Over Labor’s year in power, rents in Greater Sydney have increased by more than 13%. The proportion of rental housing accessible to a median income earner in NSW has fallen from 35% in 2022-23 to 28% in 2023-24. By contrast, the Liberal and Nationals Government achieved a record high of 48% in 2020-21.”
 
“The Minns Government has shown little urgency to ease the pressures on households, and has little to show for renters after a year in power despite all of its rhetoric before the election.”
 
“The Government continues to drag its feet on progressing key planks of agreed rental reform including prohibiting no grounds eviction, establishing a portable rental bond scheme, as well as making it easier to have pets in rentals.”
 
“The only thing it has done so far is abandon its promise to end secret rent bidding in favour of undefined transparency measures.”
 
“We’ve seen no outcomes yet on any of these policies.”
 
“The government appears unable or unwilling to make key decisions about how these schemes will be run.”
 
“The NSW Rental Commissioner was meant to give renters a voice but has so far delivered little real action due to being under-resourced and under-funded.”
 
“With Parliament sitting next week, the Government needs to get on with delivering for renters. Every second the Minns government continues to delay, NSW renters pay the price,” Mr James concluded.

The NSW Government has announced the roll out of more bus services in the Tweed region to cater for an expected increase in demand when the new Tweed Valley Hospital opens.

Starting from Monday 6 May various bus route timetables will be overhauled to better connect the Tweed Valley region to the new hospital. 

Route 609 from Murwillumbah will receive an additional 10 trips each week to the new hospital. These include morning and afternoon services timed to help frontline staff get to and from the hospital as their shifts start and end.

Other improvements include:

• Route 600 (Banora Point to Tweed Mall, via Tweed City and the Tweed Hospital) will be extended to operate between Tweed Heads West and Coolangatta from Banora Central. 
• Route 601 will be amended to operate from Tweed Mall to the new Tweed Valley Hospital to service staff, patients and the community. 
• Route 605 will be extended to operate between Murwillumbah and Tweed Mall via Powell Street and Keith Compton Drive. Murwillumbah residents will be able to stay on the same bus to Tweed Mall where they can connect with Queensland Translink services.
• The 603 service will also stop at the new bus stops on Cudgen Road, outside the hospital entrance.

Before the new hospital opens on 14 May, existing route 600 and 601 buses will continue to deviate via Powell Street to service the existing hospital — however when the new hospital opens services will travel via Wharf Street at Tweed Heads and will no longer deviate via Powell Street.

For detailed timetable information visit Trip Planner.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The NSW Government understands how important it is for patients, visitors and staff to have easy access to the new Tweed Valley Hospital.

“The new bus services we’re delivering will provide the vital access to healthcare, employment and opportunity critical to people in the Tweed.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“Many of the people visiting the new hospital are likely to have mobility issues, so providing better bus services that run direct to the facility is going to be an enormous benefit for them.

“I’m pleased to see the new services will start one week before the opening of the hospital in order to help people become familiar with the new arrangements.”

NSW Duty MLC for Tweed Emily Suvaal said:

“The NSW Government is proud to be investing in improvements to public transport in our growing regional communities and I encourage everyone in the Tweed region to take advantage of these new services.

“I also congratulate Transport for NSW and bus operator Kinetic for the work they’ve put in to deliver improvements to public transport that will benefit so many community members in the Tweed region.”