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Today, the Minns Labor Government will introduce the Mental Health Legislation Amendment Bill to the New South Wales Parliament, as work continues to strengthen the state’s Mental Health Review Tribunal to better support families and victims.  

The bill will directly respond to issues raised with the Government recently around social media use by forensic patients and the decision process for granting of forensic patient leave. 

The NSW Government’s bill will require oversight of leave for forensic patients by judicial officers, where currently members of the tribunal without a legal background have the capacity to approve leave.  

Under proposed changes, decisions regarding leave, other than escorted leave, will require current or former judicial officers to be part of the decision-making panel. This change will be made through an amendment to the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020. 

The Government will also seek to make it clear the tribunal may impose conditions to restrict or prohibit forensic patient’s access to social media or other forms of online communication while on leave or release. 

While there are currently no restrictions on the types of conditions that can be imposed for release and leave orders, social media and other online communication are not directly referenced. The explicit inclusion of social media as something to be considered for restriction reflects community expectations that it be addressed by the tribunal, in the same way alcohol, drug testing and travel restrictions are when making leave or release decisions. 

These changes are part of the NSW Government’s ongoing work to ensure the state’s forensic system is accountable and reflects the feedback generously provided by those with a lived experience. This follows the $2.4 million recent investment in the Mental Health Review Tribunal to enable it to improve records, upgrade IT systems and develop a new case management system. 

The NSW Government will continue to explore avenues to improve and strengthen the Mental Health Review Tribunal in consultation with stakeholders, experts and those with a lived experience in this space.   

Attorney General, Michael Daley said: 

“I am very keen to make sure that victims of crime are better served by the justice system.

“The Government understands that victims have endured pain and distress and we need to ensure that all aspects of the justice system operate in a way that eases their suffering.

“I believe these changes will provide a better level of support for victims and their families.”

Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson said: 

“I want to sincerely thank those who engaged with the Government on the need for this change, particularly Rebekah Porter and all families of victims. Your strength in advocating for change in the face of heartbreak is incredible. 

“Thank you also to my parliamentary colleague Phil Donato for helping lead the way and being a strong advocate for his community.”

Member for Orange, Philip Donato MP said:

“I welcome this decision of the government to reform legislation, ensuring that judicial officers will be empowered to make these important judicial decisions.

“I thank Minister Jackson for her prompt response, and for initiating this reform to better reflect community expectation and providing additional safety measures,”

The Broken Hill community is set to benefit from major infrastructure projects underway at the Broken Hill Health Service, including a new mental health unit, an upgraded emergency department and new key health worker accommodation.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park recently toured one of the key worker accommodation units and inspected progress of the Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment which includes the construction of a new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit (MHIPU) and upgraded Emergency Department (ED).

The new Acute MHIPU is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, and has been co-designed with mental health clinicians, consumers and carers with lived experience.

A separate $12 million upgrade of the hospital’s ED includes a full internal refurbishment and reconfiguration of the current ED, making it a bigger and more efficient space to deliver lifesaving emergency care.

As part of the NSW Government’s Key Worker Accommodation (KWA) Program, 20 new modern staff accommodation units have also been delivered to the hospital campus, adjacent to existing staff quarters.

The two-storey accommodation complex features 10 new fit-for-purpose units on each floor. Once completed, each of the 20 new units will be fully furnished and self-contained, featuring a light-filled living and dining area, kitchen with quality appliances, bedroom with robe and ensuite, an internal laundry, and a screened verandah.

This investment will assist the Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) in recruiting and retaining healthcare workers., Staff are expected to move into the new accommodation early next year once works are complete.

FWLHD is one of three regional Local Health Districts to benefit from a $45.3 million investment to deliver accommodation for health workers under the KWA Program, which is being delivered in partnership with Health Infrastructure. Other Local Health Districts include Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW.

Broken Hill is the second FWLHD site to receive new accommodation under the program. Two cabins, each with two units, were delivered in Balranald earlier this year.

More information about the KWA Program and Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment is available at http://www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/.

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is proud of its investment to enhance health services for the Broken Hill community, with significant health infrastructure investments under way to support patients, staff, and the community.

“Witnessing the roll-out of the Key Worker Accommodation Program on the ground in Broken Hill has allowed us to appreciate the innovation and well-thought-out design, which we will further build on through our $200.1 million program to increase key worker accommodation across rural and regional areas announced in the most recent 2024-25 NSW Budget.

“We know that securing suitable accommodation in rural areas can be difficult, so the new units will make it easier for healthcare workers looking at making the move to a rural or regional town to live and work.

“The upgraded Broken Hill Health Service Emergency Department will provide improved patient flow and will also better meet the critical health needs of the region, featuring tailored treatment spaces for children and those requiring mental health services.”

Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson:

“The new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit is going to be a real asset to the region, providing a modern and contemporary therapeutic space which has been co-designed with people with lived experience of mental ill health, their families, carers and staff.

“I want to personally thank everyone here at the Broken Hill Health Service for their ongoing advocacy and support for these upgrades. We know how important it is to have these services in community.

“It is so encouraging to hear how construction of the new unit is progressing. The new mental health facility will ensure communities in and around Broken Hill will have access to comprehensive mental health support services with modern amenities.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler:

“Broken Hill is a unique community with great opportunities to offer healthcare workers thinking about moving to the bush. I have met many health workers in Broken Hill who came from areas such as the east coast but who went west, loved it and decided to stay.

“Now, with the construction of the new Mental Health Unit and upgrade of the Emergency Department underway and the new accommodation units, this will help to attract and retain more health workers out west.

“The 20 additional new accommodation units will be a very welcome addition to Broken Hill Health Service and the community, and we are looking forward to move-in day once all of the units are completed in early 2025.”

The NSW Labor Government has sped up delivery of new funding to Wingecarribee Shire Council repair roads and transport infrastructure damaged during natural disasters.

Wingecarribee Shire Council is among the first in the state to sign a pioneering pilot funding agreement with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW, streamlining the distribution of disaster recovery funds.

Previously, councils faced significant financial strain as they had to finance infrastructure repairs upfront and wait for reimbursement from other levels of government. 

Now, through the newly established Tripartite Agreements, councils like Wingecarribee Shire Council can access advance funding at the onset of each reconstruction phase.

The Tripartite Agreements mean less financial pressure on councils, faster road repairs for communities and enhanced collaboration between government agencies.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“When a region is hit by a natural disaster, the last thing councils need to worry about is coming up with the cash to restore essential road and transport infrastructure.

“The new pilot agreement the NSW Government has struck with councils will now help more councils get on with the job faster, knowing they have the funds they will so desperately need.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“The Tripartite Agreements are a great example of all levels of government working with communities to develop new solutions that improve disaster response. 

“We are committed to building on the success of these agreements and rolling out more support to help communities rebuild faster after disasters.” 

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“For too long councils have struggled to get timely access to disaster road recovery funding and this is why the government introduced the new Tripartite Agreements to speed up the process.

“With $3.3 billion allocated over the next four years for natural disaster road recovery funding, the Minns Labor Government is working hard with the Albanese Labor Government to roll out funding faster than ever before.

“Regional communities can now rebuild roads and restore vital transport links more quickly thanks to the collaborative efforts of councils, Transport for NSW and the NSW Reconstruction Authority.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“Securing advanced funding for Wingecarribee Shire Council is a vital step forward in rebuilding our community after the devastation caused by natural disasters.

“These funds will directly support the repair of roads and essential infrastructure, ensuring safer and more reliable connections for everyone in our community.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Goulburn Bob Nanva MLC said:

“The Tripartite Agreement pilot is a major advance in disaster recovery, and importantly, it paves the way to better procedural preparedness.

“I commend the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW for leading this new way of rebuilding roads and transport infrastructure.”

The Central Coast has powered up its electric vehicle (EV) charging network as part of the NSW Government’s expansion of charger sites around the state.

As part of round 2 of the EV Destination Charging grants program, 17new EV charger sites, featuring 30 charging ports, will be installed across the Central Coast.

This initiative aims to support the growing number of EVs traveling to tourist destinations across regional NSW.

The $20 million EV Destination Charging grants program is rolling out over 1,300 EV charge ports at more than 500 sites, ensuring convenient charging options for both visitors and locals state-wide.

These chargers complement the 189 fast charging stations that the NSW Government has allocated funding to under the NSW EV Strategy.

There will be a fast-charging station funded every 100km along all major regional routes across NSW.

The program has seen a diverse range of applications from tourism businesses and councils, with accommodation operators such as motels, hotels and caravan parks, leading the way in securing funding.

New Central Coast charger site locations include Budgewoi, Kulnura, Pretty Beach, West Gosford and Wyoming where they are installed in a mix of motels, hotels, hospitality venues and other places where visitors and locals flock.

Round 3 of the grant program is now open to applications, targeting EV charging gaps along established regional NSW road trip routes.

For more information on available funding or if you are a business, council or landowner in regional NSW looking to attract more visitors to your destination by hosting an EV charger visit: https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/business-and-industry/programs-grants-and-schemes/electric-vehicles/electric-vehicle-destination

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“I welcome this funding and what it means for tourism in our region.

“By expanding our electric vehicle charging network, we’re not just improving convenience for residents and visitors; we’re also powering our local economy as more EV drivers mean more business for the Central Coast.

“The NSW Government is also encouraging more people to adopt electric vehicles. This transition is a win-win as it benifts our enviroment and our local community.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“Electric Vehicles provide a fantastic alternative for environmentally concious car owners. The NSW Government is committed to investing in our EV infrastructure, ensuring that no matter where you travel, charging is available.

“With more and more drivers switching to electric vehicles, more people are planning their trips around EV charging locations.

This funding will ensure that the Central Coast continues to be a destination for all travellers, no matter how they travel.”

Member for the Entrance David Mehan said:

“This funding will help boost tourism to our area and provide greater EV charging opportunities for drivers.”

Today, the Summary Offences Amendment (War Memorials and Other Protected Places) Bill 2024 will resume in NSW Parliament for its Second Reading Debate.

The proposed amendments to the Summary Offences Act 1998 come in response to a disturbing increase in vandalism incidents, including attacks on the Pool of Reflection at the Hyde Park War Memorial and the more recent attack at Fairfield RSL War Memorial where seven brass war memorial plaques, with the names of 192 Veterans who served during World War I, were stolen.

This Bill seeks to enhance the legal protections for war memorials statewide. Specifically, it ensures that anyone who vandalises the Pool of Reflection at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park will face criminal prosecution under strengthened laws. This Bill broadens the definition of a war memorial to encompass all shrines, monuments, statues and similar structures, as well as clarifying associated features such as gardens and pools.

The proposed legislation increases the maximum penalties for wilfully damaging or defacing a war memorial to 50 penalty units ($5,500) or 2 years imprisonment, or both. This marks an important increase from the current maximum penalty of 40 penalty units ($4,400).

Shadow Minister for Veterans Robyn Preston said our war memorials stand as enduring tributes to the brave men and women who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we cherish today.

“There is no place in our society for those who seek to deface or desecrate these sacred sites. By introducing tougher penalties, we are sending a clear message that NSW will not tolerate any disrespect towards our history or those who fought for it.”

“The last time this legislation looked to increase penalties for the damage and desecration of war memorials and other protected places was in 2007. This has not worked to deter such disrespectful acts. Offences have continued to increase since 2007. 

Penalties must be tougher, and definitions clarified for summary offences of war memorials and other protected places. It should not have to be left up to a judge and jury for an indictable offence, under the Crimes Act 1900, to decide whether signs of respect are owed to the people who fought for the freedoms we have today,” Ms Preston said.