Month: August 2025

Misuse of public funds in out of home care system linked to Allambi Care

The Minister for Families and Communities has confirmed in Budget Estimates Hearings today that the out of home care service provider that was subject of a forensic audit under Project Mareeba is Allambi Care. Out of home care service providers are responsible for ensuring vulnerable young people in NSW can be kept safe and secure where they cannot safely remain at home.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Youth Justice, Sue Higginson said:

“The report from Project Mareeba is sober reading, and the discovery that Allambi Care has engaged in the significant misuse of public money is a shocking revelation, but unsurprising. We have been watching the out of home care system outsourced, privatised and falling further into crisis for a long time now,”

“This provider receives some $70 million each year in public monies in order to provide care for some of the most vulnerable young people in NSW, this report reveals serious issues including a property investment scheme for senior employees that is profiting from money intended to support children,”

“Out of home care providers in NSW are a critical part of our program of supporting young people, there are many good providers that are compliant with the rules and who deliver critical services. It’s fundamental that organisations who are acting in bad faith are stopped and held to account,”

“I acknowledge that Minister Washington has been pursuing this much-needed greater oversight and is working to reform a system that was left in crisis by the former Coalition Government, but I am keen to hear how she will be ensuring that good faith organisations, particularly Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations will not be punished for the wrongs committed by other providers. It is Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations who are carrying the biggest load in this system because of the overrepresentation of First Nations children in the system,”

“This system needs to be accountable and safe, but we cannot allow critical services for vulnerable young people to be compromised by quick solutions that demand a one size fits all solution. This is a good step, but it’s just one of many,” Ms Higginson said.
For media contact: Dan Reid on 0421 926 233

Background:

Following the System Review into OOHC, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) engaged KordaMentha Forensic to conduct a forensic audit on a particular non-government OOHC provider (a non-ACCO ‘not-for-profit’ receiving +$70 million per year) to investigate specific issues identified through the system review process. The forensic audit found various issues of non-compliance and misuse of funds, including:

  • An unapproved financial scheme to personally benefit senior executives
  • This provider established a government-funded property investment scheme for senior staff, including the CEO
  • 12 properties have been purchased by senior executives, then rented back to the provider with a guaranteed 20% market premium, funded by the NSW OOHC program
  • General ownership/upgrades/maintenance costs were then incorrectly charged to DCJ instead of the investment property owners, for example:
    • rates,
    • water charges,
    • storm water upgrades,
    • building repairs/upgrades immediately after the purchase of property but before use in the OOHC program, including replacing hot water systems, new air conditioning systems, new blinds, new carpet, floor repairs, painting the entire house.
  • The provider has admitted these costs should have been borne by the property owners, but offered no explanation why OOHC funds were misused, instead.
  • Significant undeclared financial conflicts of interest
  • Unapproved subcontracting arrangements
  • Instances where the provider did not provide the necessary information to support the audit or assess compliance
  • The use of an accounting treatment that misrepresented the true financial position of the agency
  • Provider has represented itself to be in ‘deficit,’ while they were likely in surplus
  • Separately, $30 million in term-deposits were identified by the audit team

Greens join Vic Labor’s push for 2 day work from home: a productivity boon

Australians should have the legal right to work from home at least two days a week where it is practical and reasonable, according to federal Greens spokesperson for employment and workplace relations Senator Barbara Pocock.

Under the new Greens policy, employers would be required to positively consider reasonable requests to work from home at least two days a week, provided working from home was not at odds with the inherent nature of a workers’ role. 

Flexible work arrangements, such as the ability to work from home, have enabled millions of workers, many of them women, to balance care responsibilities with paid work. Legislating the right to work from home, where it is sensible and doable, will not only protect women’s access to the labour market and economic equality gains, it will also increase workforce participation and ultimately boost productivity.

Greens Leader and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters

“The Prime Minister supports Victorian Labor Premier Jacinta Allen’s push for legislating work from home two days a week. Now he has a chance to work with the Greens in federal parliament to make this a reality for those Australians whose jobs it suits.

“We know that for millions of Australians, especially women, the ability to work from home provides the flexibility they need to balance work with the other important things in their lives, including care. Many men are also looking for this flexibility, and it will help them be more involved in care responsibilities, and reduce commute time and cost for workers everywhere.

“In the same way that the Greens worked with Labor to establish the very successful Right to Disconnect, we want to work together to establish a reasonable right to work from home that will increase productivity and flexibility in workplaces.

“Given that most workers in Australia are covered by federal workplace law, it makes sense to create this right at the national level. We need a sensible, national approach.

Australian Greens spokesperson for employment and workplace relations, Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Working from home is not possible in all roles but where it is practical, workers should have a reasonable right to work from home for up to a couple of days a week. They should not be at risk of having that right arbitrarily removed when it is working in practical ways that boost productivity and help workers. 

“Women shouldn’t have to give up their careers to have a family. By improving work from home rights, we’re protecting women’s rights to work while caring for their families. This isn’t just a win for women, workers and families, it’s a win for our economy.

“The ability to work from home has many benefits, not only for women and carers – it also reduces the time spent on commuting, improves work-life balance, increases emotional and physical wellbeing, and boosts workforce participation and productivity.

“The Productivity Commission has found that working from home not only reduces breaks and sick days, it can be less distracting than working on-site, which can lead to improved productivity. Similarly, OECD research shows that working from home—especially in hybrid models—can boost productivity and employee well-being, provided businesses invest in digital tools and smart management practices.

“The Greens want to see real improvements in the conditions and rights of Australian workers that reflects the modern workplaces of 2025 and beyond. The Prime Minister has already acknowledged the benefits of working from home. Now he has an opportunity to work with the Greens to enshri

Minns Labor Government pushing ahead with $500,000 plan for Hampden Bridge in Kangaroo Valley

The Minns Labor Government is working to urgently repair the 127 year old Hampden Bridge in the Kangaroo Valley, with the first round of safety works nearly complete as part of a $500,000 three-point plan outlined to the Kiama and South Coast communities today.

The Minns Labor Government has acted quickly to ensure the bridge is safe for vehicle traffic and is investigating options for temporary or permanent replacement bridges for the longer term.

This follows concerns about the safety of the heritage bridge, which prompted a recent load limit reduction from 42.5 tonnes to 23 tonnes.

The $500,000 Hampden Bridge strategy is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to ensure the people of the Kiama area have the essential services they need and rely on, including road infrastructure to boost safety and efficiency for local communities.

This is in stark contrast with the former Government who in twelve years neglected to invest in improvements to Hampden Bridge. The Coalition failed to take significant action after part of the bridge fell on to roadway in 2020. In fact, the last significant bridge works were taken under the previous Labor Government.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison again inspected the bridge with Labor Candidate for Kiama Katelin McInerney, briefing local farmers and community members on progress.

The Minister was briefed by Transport for NSW engineers, who said that urgent night repair works on the bridge this month have proceeded smoothly and will be completed on schedule this week, with another round of major works to be planned and implemented. This work has provided confidence that the bridge can continue safely to remain open at 23 tonnes limit while Transport engineers assess the best way to proceed.

The Minns Labor Government’s three-point plan for urgent restoration of the historic bridge, which is under development by Transport for NSW, is:

  1. Undertake essential maintenance to keep the bridge safe. Night work to replace 12 damaged timber beams along the top of the truss is scheduled to be completed on Thursday 21 August, weather permitting. These repairs will support the continued use of the bridge at its current 23 tonne load limit and reduce the risk of further damage. A more complex program of strengthening work is being planned with another 12 timber beams along the bottom of the trusses to be replaced.
  2. Investigate the options for a temporary access across Kangaroo River, including a temporary bridge next to the existing bridge, or a detour option with an alternate river crossing. There are various constraints that need to be considered for these options which are currently being worked through.
  3. Invest $500,000 in planning for a permanent new bridge. Options for a new crossing are being developed by the Minns Government in consultation with the community and Shoalhaven City Council. Early design concepts, cost estimates and initial economic modelling will be part of the investigation process.

The community will be updated on the feasibility of crossing options once investigations are completed.

The Government is committed to completing this process as quickly as possible.

All investigation work will aim to preserve the heritage value of the existing bridge.

Transport for NSW has worked with freight operators to understand their concerns about long diversions which are creating cost and time impacts for them, particularly in the dairy industry.

The previous Liberal-National Government’s maintenance regime was inadequate. It failed to plan a permanent way to protect the increasingly fragile structure from further damage and to maintain access for the community and freight at 42.5 tonnes.

This unique heritage bridge is an icon of the Kangaroo Valley which provides critical connectivity across the Kangaroo River for the local community and freight travelling between the Illawarra and South Coast.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“Labor is getting on with the job, after more than decade of Liberal-National inaction, to finally deliver the infrastructure the people of Kangaroo Valley and Kiama deserve.

“The Liberals and Nationals failed to fund proper planning to ensure a safe, efficient crossing for local motorists and businesses.

“The Minns Labor Government has heard directly from the community and is investing $500,000 to provide short, medium and permanent solutions to ensure heavy freight can cross the Kangaroo River, including a new bridge.

“Delivering a new temporary or permanent bridge is a complex process and won’t happen overnight, but our teams are working as quickly as possible to increase the weight limit.

“We understand the impact the current load restrictions have on the freight industry and community. That’s why we are funding investigations for a long-term solution.

“We will present viable options as quickly as possible and I thank heavy vehicle operators and the dairy industry for their patience and ongoing cooperation while investigations are under way.”

Labor Candidate for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

“This is a very important issue for the community and I welcome the fact that Minister Aitchison has come here today to talk to locals about the situation and to offer positive solutions.

“Hampden Bridge is much loved but it’s done long service beyond what it was initially designed for.

“I will continue to push for an outcome for the community that ensures our road connections are not only restored but enhanced.”

Statement on Israeli Government’s decision to revoke visas for Australian Diplomats in the occupied Palestinian territories

At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution.

This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia’s decision to recognise Palestine.

We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.

Australia welcomes different races, religions and views, united by respect for each other’s humanity and for each other’s right to live in peace.

We safeguard our communities and protect all Australians from hate and harm.

The Australian Government will always take decisive action against antisemitism.

LECC to investigate police over serious misconduct in Lindy Lucena case

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) has confirmed in a letter to Greens MP Sue Higginson that it will investigate whether the conduct of police officers involved in the response to the assault, manslaughter and death of Ballina woman, Lindy Lucena, amounted to serious misconduct or serious maladministration.

Greens MP and spokesperson for justice, Sue Higginson said:

“This is a significant and necessary step towards justice for Lindy Lucena, her family and her community. On the night Lindy was violently assaulted and later died, a witness called triple-0 to report the incident just minutes from the Ballina Police Station. It took 55 minutes for police to respond and, when they did, they remained in their vehicle and failed to properly investigate the location,”

“The NSW Police have already interfered with justice for Lindy by refusing to declare her death a critical incident. This decision denied an immediate investigation with any oversight into the circumstances of the police failure of Lindy. When police fail in their duty in such serious circumstances, it should not be for police to investigate police to decide if their conduct was appropriate or not,”

“The NSW Police Force’s own Domestic and Family Violence Policy commits to a timely and professional response. Lindy got neither of these and it was clearly as a direct result of the actions of the police officers involved. This is why the LECC’s role is so important and I’m glad that they have agreed to undertake this investigation,”

“It shouldn’t come down to the family and loved ones of people who are failed by the police, or who are made victims by the police, to have to demand these types of investigations. Where police have had a role in the death of anyone, there should be an automatic and strong investigation by a truly independent and well-resourced watchdog,”

“My thoughts remain with Lindy’s family, friends and the Ballina community as they continue to seek justice for a loving mother, sister and local woman.”

LECC Letter to Sue Higginson attached.

File

AttachmentSize
Letter_from_Chief_Commissioner_re_Formal_complaint_death_of_Lindy.pdf207.76 KB

Misuse of public funds in out of home care system linked to Allambi Care

The Minister for Families and Communities has confirmed in Budget Estimates Hearings today that the out of home care service provider that was subject of a forensic audit under Project Mareeba is Allambi Care. Out of home care service providers are responsible for ensuring vulnerable young people in NSW can be kept safe and secure where they cannot safely remain at home.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Youth Justice, Sue Higginson said:

“The report from Project Mareeba is sober reading, and the discovery that Allambi Care has engaged in the significant misuse of public money is a shocking revelation, but unsurprising. We have been watching the out of home care system outsourced, privatised and falling further into crisis for a long time now,”

“This provider receives some $70 million each year in public monies in order to provide care for some of the most vulnerable young people in NSW, this report reveals serious issues including a property investment scheme for senior employees that is profiting from money intended to support children,”

“Out of home care providers in NSW are a critical part of our program of supporting young people, there are many good providers that are compliant with the rules and who deliver critical services. It’s fundamental that organisations who are acting in bad faith are stopped and held to account,”

“I acknowledge that Minister Washington has been pursuing this much-needed greater oversight and is working to reform a system that was left in crisis by the former Coalition Government, but I am keen to hear how she will be ensuring that good faith organisations, particularly Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations will not be punished for the wrongs committed by other providers. It is Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations who are carrying the biggest load in this system because of the overrepresentation of First Nations children in the system,”

“This system needs to be accountable and safe, but we cannot allow critical services for vulnerable young people to be compromised by quick solutions that demand a one size fits all solution. This is a good step, but it’s just one of many,” Ms Higginson said.
For media contact: Dan Reid on 0421 926 233

Background:

Following the System Review into OOHC, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) engaged KordaMentha Forensic to conduct a forensic audit on a particular non-government OOHC provider (a non-ACCO ‘not-for-profit’ receiving +$70 million per year) to investigate specific issues identified through the system review process. The forensic audit found various issues of non-compliance and misuse of funds, including:

  • An unapproved financial scheme to personally benefit senior executives
  • This provider established a government-funded property investment scheme for senior staff, including the CEO
  • 12 properties have been purchased by senior executives, then rented back to the provider with a guaranteed 20% market premium, funded by the NSW OOHC program
  • General ownership/upgrades/maintenance costs were then incorrectly charged to DCJ instead of the investment property owners, for example:
    • rates,
    • water charges,
    • storm water upgrades,
    • building repairs/upgrades immediately after the purchase of property but before use in the OOHC program, including replacing hot water systems, new air conditioning systems, new blinds, new carpet, floor repairs, painting the entire house.
  • The provider has admitted these costs should have been borne by the property owners, but offered no explanation why OOHC funds were misused, instead.
  • Significant undeclared financial conflicts of interest
  • Unapproved subcontracting arrangements
  • Instances where the provider did not provide the necessary information to support the audit or assess compliance
  • The use of an accounting treatment that misrepresented the true financial position of the agency
  • Provider has represented itself to be in ‘deficit,’ while they were likely in surplus
  • Separately, $30 million in term-deposits were identified by the audit team

HSU members strongly endorse wage increase for 50,000 health workers

Members of the Health Services Union (HSU) have accepted the NSW Government’s offer to increase wages and deliver benefits for more than 50,000 health workers across the state.

The agreement – which received over 90 per cent in support from the HSU membership – provides an 8.5 per cent increase over two years to a range of NSW Health staff, including allied health workers, hospital cleaners, scientists, security officers, and patient transport officers.

Health workers will receive an increase of 4.0 per cent plus 0.5 per cent in superannuation backdated from 1 July 2025.

From 1 July 2026, they will receive another increase of 4.0 per cent.

The agreement is consistent with the Government’s new Fair Pay and Bargaining Policy and delivers significant reforms to NSW Health Awards covered by the HSU.

These expanded benefits include:

  • payment of higher-grade duties beginning after 3 days or more instead of 5 days;
  • increased rest periods of 10 hours between rostered shifts, up from the current 8 hours; and
  • the requirement for 4 weeks’ notice of roster changes, up from the current two weeks.

The Government and HSU will now begin work to modernise, consolidate, and streamline over 50 existing industrial awards.

After 12 years of wage suppression and neglect of the health system, the Minns Labor Government abolished the wages cap and is working to rebuild the health workforce.

Health Minister Ryan Park:

“This is a great day for 50,000 health workers.

“We have worked closely and constructively with the Health Services Union to deliver on this significant agreement. I want to thank Gerard Hayes and his team for their constant and outcomes-focused engagement. 

“We’re paying health workers more, and we’re going to recruit more and retain more.

“More health staff, lower wait times, better health outcomes – it’s as simple as that.”

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis:

“This agreement marks a significant win for over 50,000 dedicated health workers across NSW. This is deserved recognition for the vital roles our allied health professionals, cleaners, scientists, security staff, and patient transport officers play in keeping our health system running.

“The Minns Labor Government continues the work of rebuilding the state’s essential services and reforming the industrial relations system.

“That work began with the scrapping of the Coalition’s wages cap which was in place for 12 years, introducing a fairer, modern bargaining framework, setting up an Industrial court and amending the Industrial Relations Act to include a new Object to achieve gender equality in the workplace.”

$20 million more to deliver Tripoli Way Extension in full

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing an additional $20 million to ensure the Tripoli Way Extension is delivered in full, bringing the Government’s total contribution since March 2023 to $40 million.

The Tripoli Way Extension will alleviate congestion on the Illawarra Highway in Albion Park by establishing an uninterrupted travel route connecting Terry Street in the east to the Illawarra Highway at Broughton Avenue in the West, by passing the town centre.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to ensure the people of Kiama have the essential services they need and rely on, including road infrastructure to boost safety and efficiency for local communities.

This investment unlocks the full scope of the $74 million project — including the much-needed future upgrade of the Terry Street and Tripoli Way intersection — with the balance funded by Shellharbour City Council and developer contributions.

In fact Shellharbour City Council, who are delivering this project had previously removed the works at the Terry Street intersection from the current scope of the project due to a funding shortfall. This investment means the council can get on with the job in full.

Committed to during the March 2023 election by Labor candidate for Kiama Katelin McInerney, the Minns Labor Government has already delivered $20 million for this project, with early works wrapping up this month. Completion is expected in late 2027.

This is in contrast with the former Government who after twelve years in Government, neglected to invest in or commence construction on this vital project, despite over 6,000 new people moving into Albion Park

In fact, in 2017 the Liberals decoupled the Tripoli Way bypass from the Albion Park Bypass project, significantly delaying the road and creating a traffic nightmare for Albion Park residents.

Long term Albion Park residents and those who have moved into new developments did so with the promise of infrastructure to keep up with the growing population, that is what the Minns Labor Government is delivering.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“For too long, this community has been waiting for the services and infrastructure it needs — from schools and hospitals to local roads. That’s what our government is focused on delivering.

“Voters have a choice about who will be strongest possible advocate for their community— and Katelin is someone who can be at the table when decisions are made.

“Katelin has shown she’ll work hard to make sure Kiama gets its fair share — and that’s exactly the kind of voice this community deserves in Parliament.”

Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Roads said:

“This additional $20 million ensures the full scope of the Tripoli Way Extension can be delivered, including the much-needed Terry Street intersection upgrade, so locals get the maximum benefit from this project.

“For too long, this community has had to live with congestion and delays because the former Liberal and National Government stripped Tripoli Way out of the Albion Park Rail Bypass in 2017.

“Kiama can’t afford to go back to the Liberal’s cuts, neglect and broken promises.

“Labor is getting on with the job, after decades of delays, to finally deliver the infrastructure the people of Albion Park deserve.”

Katelin McInerney, Labor Candidate for Kiama said:

“This is the investment our community has been waiting for. The Tripoli Way Extension will reduce congestion through the Albion Park town centre and make local roads safer and more reliable.

“This extension was first dreamed up in the 1960s, and with this additional investment it will become a reality.

“After twelve years of waiting we finally have shovels in the ground, and the funding we need to get the job done.

“Labor is listening to locals, fixing the mess left behind by the previous government, and delivering the infrastructure our growing community needs.”

Chris Homer, Mayor of Shellharbour City Council said:

“The Tripoli Way Extension is a vital project for our growing community, enhancing the efficiency and safety of our roads. This is a huge infrastructure project, and I thank the Minns NSW Government for this substantial funding announcement for Shellharbour’s next largest infrastructure undertaking, which will assist in getting the Tripoli Way Extension not only delivered but delivered right.”

NSW Ambulance snowmobiles ready for quick response on the slopes

People heading to the NSW snowy mountains this season will be safer on the slopes, thanks to four new state-of-the-art snowmobiles as part of NSW Ambulance’s Alpine operations fleet. 

The new vehicles can quickly respond to patients who injure themselves or experience a medical episode on the snow fields or in difficult locations in the alpine back country.

The snowmobiles, which replace four older models, are vital for reaching patients who are only accessible over snow.

These vehicles are used alongside the Kassbohrer, which is a large tracked-snowcat that can travel over difficult snow terrain, with the rear of the vehicle fitted-out as a fully operational ambulance that can transport patients.

The Alpine Operations team also use The Hagglund vehicle, currently leased from the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions, as well as 4WD vehicles.

Established in 1986, Perisher Ambulance Station has operated during the ski season for nearly 40 years, with paramedics ready to provide emergency care every day of the week.

The seasonal ambulance station operates each winter, with paramedics responding to patients experiencing a medical emergency, as well as major traumatic injuries including spinal injuries, concussions, broken bones and torn ligaments.

The Alpine Operations team work out of Perisher Ambulance Station from the June long weekend until the October long weekend, as well as from Jindabyne Ambulance Station all year round.

The ski season sees large numbers of people visit the region, with additional paramedics sent to both ambulance stations to cover the significant increase in demand.

Paramedic Amy Long is working her first season at Perisher Ambulance Station but is no stranger to the slopes. An experienced down-hill ski racer, Amy went to boarding school in Jindabyne and has celebrated Christmas at Perisher with her family for over 30 years – experiencing two white Christmases.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“NSW Ambulance have a wide range of vehicles that can travel over snow and difficult terrain in order to quickly reach patients in need.

“These new snowmobiles are a fantastic addition to the fleet and ensure that our Perisher paramedics have the very best equipment at their disposal so they can respond no matter the snow conditions, and no matter the medical emergency.”

Member for Monaro Steven Whan:

“Our region sees a significant increase in visitors each year throughout the ski season, and with the crowds comes an increased risk of injuries on the ski slopes.

“These new snowmobiles provide our hardworking paramedics with the very best equipment to respond quickly to those in need, and ultimately, save lives.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“People need ambulances no matter what the conditions – rain, hail or shine – or snow. Travelling or working in the snow doesn’t stop the range of medical needs that patients experience.

“With snowmobiles and our other specialised vehicles, the Alpine Operations paramedics at Perisher Ambulance Station can access patients quickly to ensure they receive emergency medical care, no matter where they are.”

Paramedic Amy Long:

“I remember coming to Perisher with school and thinking the paramedics who work there have a great job, and now I get to do it.

“The new snowmobiles are amazing as they enable us to get to patients in the snow fields quickly, and they will also be great when rescuing people in remote areas in the snow.”

Lifesaving natural hazards technology put through its paces

A device that retrofits onto existing infrastructure to deliver remote, real-time updates on water levels at road crossings is one of 15 innovations being considered in Phase 1 of the Minns Labor Government’s $3.3 million Natural Hazards Detection System (NHDS) program.

The program, led by the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer in collaboration with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, will test a broad range of innovative technologies to reduce the cost and impact from disasters caused by natural hazards.

The funded projects include technology which can be mounted directly onto flood depth water indicator signs on NSW roads and transmit data to emergency services, AI and night vision-enabled imaging, a stratospheric blimp-based imaging system and a network of sensors to measure soil and fuel moisture for fire management.

Successful Phase 1 recipients will develop their technologies and can apply for Phase 2, in which they will be deployed and rigorously tested at pilot locations in at-risk Local Government Areas identified by the NSW State Emergency Service and NSW Rural Fire Service.

The NHDS program is an outcome of the 2020 Bushfire Inquiry and 2022 Flood Inquiry to use new detection technology to improve the identification and warning of impacts of natural hazards.

For a full list of recipients and further program details, visit: https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/natural-hazards-detection-system

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

“We are investing in technologies and infrastructure to improve the way we communicate and respond to disasters, in the face of increasing risk from more frequent and intense natural hazards.

“By testing cutting edge technologies and new early warning systems, we can improve the way we predict and provide disaster warnings, and this program is yet another way we are finding solutions that work for our emergency services and the communities of NSW.”

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong:

“The National Hazards Detection System program is another example of the Minns Labor Government partnering with innovators to tackle the biggest challenges faced by our state.

“These exciting new technologies can make positive change in the lives of those most directly impacted by disasters caused by natural hazards.

“The Government is investing nearly $80 million to implement our Innovation Blueprint to cement NSW as the best place to innovate, connect with investors, and scale a business, which includes $20 million for the Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund to drive long term growth and productivity in Government priority areas, such as housing, Net Zero and energy transition and local manufacturing.

“With these investments, the Minns Government is supporting the next generation of researchers, scientists and other innovators to generate both social and economic benefits for NSW.”

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:

“With the constant change in our climate, floods and bushfires are occurring more frequently and we have a responsibility to ensure our communities are better prepared and more resilient to their impacts.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to protecting communities by ensuring they have adequate time to evacuate, and new hazard-warning technologies such as these will go a long way to delivering that.

“Having enough time to plan evacuation routes could save lives, and in locations such as the Northern Rivers and the Hawkesbury Nepean, give farmers advanced warning to move livestock to higher ground.”

Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte:

“These innovative technologies are changing the thinking on how we might best respond to natural hazards in the future.

“By supporting these companies to further develop and test their systems and devices, we will be able to provide real-time solutions for the prediction and management of both fire and flood hazards for NSW communities and emergency services.”