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The NSW Government is seeking feedback on a proposed amendment to the Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan. The proposed amendment would allow aerial shooting as an additional option for the control of wild horses alongside the existing methods such as trapping and rehoming, and ground shooting.

Kosciuszko National Park’s ecosystems are under threat. There is widespread recognition of the urgent need to reduce numbers of wild horses to protect more than 30 native threatened species.

These include the critically endangered southern and northern corroboree frogs, the endangered mountain pygmy possum, the endangered Guthega skink and she-oak skink, the vulnerable broad-toothed rat, the critically endangered Kelton’s leek orchid and blue-tongued greenhood, and the critically endangered fish stocky galaxias. Wild horses also erode and compact soil and reduce water quality in streams and wetlands.

Under the current plan, the NSW Government is legally required to reduce the wild horse population to 3000 in 32% of the park by 30 June 2027. However, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will not be able to meet that target using only the existing control methods.

The most recent count of wild horses in the park using global best practice and peer-reviewed methodology estimated there are between 14,501 and 23,535 horses across the park.

The ability to conduct aerial shooting as a control method, consistent with the highest animal welfare standards, could be an important addition to current techniques to reduce the wild horse population.

The community is encouraged to provide input on the proposed amendment until 11 September 2023. A final decision will not be made until all feedback has been considered.

Find out more about Managing wild horses in Kosciuszko National Parklaunch.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe:

“Kosciuszko National Park is the largest national park in NSW. It has Australia’s tallest mountains, rugged landscape and plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. It’s one of the jewels of our national parks’ crown but it is in grave danger. Precious ecosystems and endangered native species and their habitats are at risk of extinction due to introduced animals, including wild horses.

“Recent reports show that without action, wild horses could tip threatened species to extinction. There are simply too many wild horses for the park to cope.

“NSW is not on track to meet the wild horse population target under the legislated Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan, which is why we must consider the introduction of aerial shooting, carried out by skilled, highly trained shooters to the highest animal-welfare standards.

“We have an obligation to save these native animals, but we only have a limited window of opportunity to do so. If they become extinct, they are lost forever.

“From members of the public to commercial park users, scientists to community leaders and business owners, the government wants to hear your feedback on this proposed change.”

Background information

Threatened species in the Kosciusko National Park:

At least 32 NSW-listed and Commonwealth-listed threatened species and 4 ecological communities are at risk from wild horses. They’re considered vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.

Ecological community

• Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens
• White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland
• Snowpatch Feldmark in the Australian Alps bioregion
• Montane Peatlands and Swamps of the New England Tableland, NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin, South East Corner, South Eastern Highlands and Australian Alps Bioregions

Animals

• Stocky galaxias
• Northern Corroboree frog
• Southern Corroboree frog
• Alpine Tree frog
• Guthega skink
• She-oak skink
• Mountain Pygmy possum
• Broad-toothed rat

Plants

• Caladenia montana
• Mauve Burr-daisy Calotis glandulosa
• Max Mueller’s Burr-daisy Calotis pubescens
• Archer’s Carex Carex archeri
• Raleigh Sedge Carex raleighii
• Leafy Anchor Plant Discaria nitida
• Pale Golden Moths Diuris ochroma
• Clover Glycine Glycine latrobeana
• Pale Pomaderris Pomaderris pallida
• Rice Flower Pimelea bracteate
• Prasophyllum bagoense
• Prasophyllum innubum 
• Kelton’s Leek Orchid Prasophyllum keltonii
• Kiandra Leek Orchid Prasophyllum retroflexum
• Alpine Greenhood Pterostylis alpina 
• Slender Greenhood Pterostylis foliata 
• Blue-tongued Greenhood Pterostylis oreophila
• Anemone Buttercup Ranunculus anemoneus
• Monaro Golden Daisy Rutidosis leiolepis
• Feldmark Grass Rytidosperma pumilum
• Perisher Wallaby-grass Rytidosperma vickeryae
• Alpine Sun-orchid Thelymitra alpicola
• Black-hooded Sun Orchid Thelymitra atronitida
• Swamp Everlasting, Swamp Paper Daisy Xerochrysum palustre

Counting wild horses

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service undertakes annual horse population surveys in Kosciuszko National Park, using the international best practice method for accurately estimating the population of large mammals over wide geographic areas. These surveys are published online. The next survey is due to occur in October 2023.

The population of wild horses in the park at the time of the most recent survey (November 2022) was assessed to be 18,814, with a 95% confidence interval of 14,501 to 23,535.

On current trends, using the control methods approved under the current plan, it is estimated that the population of horses on 30 June 2027 will still be more than 12,000.

Current wild horse control methods include:

• mustering and passive trapping and rehoming
• passive trapping sees horses enter traps of their own accord
• in 2022 around 430 horses were re-homed from the park
• mustering and passive trapping and transporting to a knackery or abattoir
• ground shooting, including in trap yards.

Protecting the heritage value of wild horses

The Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan identifies the heritage value of sustainable wild horse populations in identified parts of the park.

The plan requires 3000 wild horses to be retained in 32% of the park to protect this heritage value. The proposed amendment to the plan does not change this requirement.

Feedback on the draft amendment

Stakeholders including members of the public can provide a written submission via an online survey, online submission form, email or post. The ‘Have your say’ submission form will open Tuesday 8 August. Public exhibition closes 11 September 2023.

A proposed plan, representations from the public and a summary of these, any representations from the Secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment, National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council and Heritage Council of NSW, and any advice from the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Community Advisory Panel, will be provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage.

The Minister will consider the draft amending plan and whether to adopt it under the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act 2018.

Adults living with cystic fibrosis can now access state-of-the-art care in Australia’s first dedicated Cystic Fibrosis Specialist Service ward at Westmead Hospital, in western Sydney.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park was joined by Member for Parramatta Donna Davis to mark the official opening of the $65 million facility, which was fully funded by the Commonwealth Government.

Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler said the purpose-built ward in the Westmead Health Precinct will provide essential support and treatment for people living with this common genetic disorder, which impacts approximately 3,600 Australians.

“This dedicated facility will provide highly specialised care and treatment for adults living with cystic fibrosis,” Mr Butler said. 

“There is no cure for cystic fibrosis but treatment has come a long way, and with an improvement in treatment comes an increase in the life expectancy of people living with the condition.

“On average, a person with cystic fibrosis needs to be admitted to hospital once a year which requires a high level of multidisciplinary care from doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and dietitians.

“This service will make a big difference to patients and their families.”

Mr Park said the new facility will provide more pathways for patients with cystic fibrosis to receive specialised treatment for this complex condition.

“This facility will go a long way in improving treatment outcomes for those in our community with cystic fibrosis,” Mr Park said.

“The 16-bed inpatient unit has four airborne infection isolation rooms and a specialised outpatient unit which will make a world of difference to patients and their families, with expert staff focused on cystic fibrosis able to deliver more personalised care.

“This will also provide us with opportunities to enhance our research capabilities to better understand and treat the disease in future for those living with the condition.”

The contemporary outpatient unit features 10 consultation rooms, four single rooms for day-stay patients, a procedural room and a dedicated research area for clinical trials and diagnostic services.

Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Graeme Loy said the Cystic Fibrosis Specialist Service is another great example of health innovation within the Westmead Health Precinct.

“People with cystic fibrosis are now living longer than ever before thanks to massive improvements in treatment and care,” Mr Loy said.

“This new facility offers an exciting opportunity to carry out new research and clinical trials and offer patients world-leading treatments for this disease.”

A commemorative plaque in honour of 27-year-old Sydney doctor, Malay Rana, who died in 2015 following complications from cystic fibrosis, was also unveiled at the facility.

“There are still many like Dr Malay Rana, who lost his life at just 27 years old, who need specialised services and continued research to provide quality and quantity of life,” Mr Loy said.

“Dr Malay was a strong advocate for people living with cystic fibrosis and was dedicated to raising community awareness and campaigning for improved speciality services within NSW and now here we are today, opening this facility in his honour.”

Dr Malay’s family were involved throughout the planning and design stages of the project and valuable insights were provided, creating person-centred inpatient and outpatient services tailored to the needs of cystic fibrosis consumers.

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said the ward will enhance the already extensive suite of healthcare services that are available at Westmead.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity this specialist service brings to those living with cystic fibrosis across the region,” Ms Davis said. 

“This purpose-built ward will build further on what the incredible Westmead Health Precinct already offers as a major centre for education, research, innovation and jobs.”

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition affecting the lungs and digestive systems because of a break down in the exocrine system that is responsible for producing saliva, sweat, tears and mucus.

The Westmead Health Precinct is one of the largest health, education, research and innovation precincts in Australia and is a key provider of jobs for the greater Parramatta and western Sydney region.

More than $3 billion has been committed by government and our precinct partners to upgrade and expand the Precinct’s health services, education, research and innovation facilities over the coming years.

A new women’s refuge is being delivered in the Western Sydney LGA to support women fleeing domestic and family violence.

On completion, this site will increase the number of available women’s crisis accommodation sites in the Western Sydney region to nine, with a total of 13 Specialist Homelessness Services providing supports to women and children in the area.

Supported through $5.8 million in capital funding grants, the site will comprise 12 units and is expected to come online around November. It is being developed by community housing provider – Evolve Housing with support service provisions delivered through Women’s Community Shelters in partnership with Parramatta Women’s Shelter.

The new refuges are being built under the Government’s $426.6 million Core and Cluster Program which will support for more than 2,900 women and their children each year.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said the NSW Government has invested more than $32.5 million to bolster support for Specialist Homelessness Services in Western Sydney.

“This funding will help deliver crucial homes for vulnerable women and children with $21.4 million dedicated specifically to Western Sydney homelessness services across the LGAs of Cumberland, Parramatta, Blacktown and the Hills Shire,” Minister Jackson said.

“Securing safe housing remains a critical hurdle to overcoming domestic violence and is a key contributor to women’s homeless in NSW.

“Delivering the refuges under the Core and Cluster model ensures victim-survivors have access to all the support services they need to get help, stay safe and plan for the future.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said the NSW Government was proud to partner with community housing providers and frontline service providers across the state to deliver much needed crisis accommodation and support to vulnerable women and children at risk.

“The unique nature of the Core and Cluster model is that it enables a woman to leave a violent relationship or home with not only her children but any family pets as well,” Minister Harrison said.

“Many women stay in violent homes because they are afraid of what will happen to their animals if they leave. This model alleviates some of that fear and empowers women in crisis to leave and seek support.”

Evolve Housing CEO Lyall Gorman said the new site was well placed to meet the needs of women and children in crisis.

“These safe homes offer a way out to women who find themselves trapped in abusive relationships, providing them with a secure environment that not only ensures physical safety but also offers emotional support, counselling, and additional resources to assist women and their children to reshape their futures,” Mr Gorman said.

“By offering protection and a pathway to independence, these safe homes empower women to break the cycle of violence and reclaim their autonomy.”

“Once complete, the ground floor of the site will host communal areas for women to come together, as well as a private office space with ensuite and two private rooms for support delivery.”

“The facility also provides a secure and private outdoor recreation area, secure basement parking for staff and tenants, close proximity to public transport, local amenities and mainstream support services.

“The building will be retrofitted with security features such as electronic controlled entry, CCTV, and external lighting to optimise safety for occupants.

“A mix of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom self-contained lockable dwellings ensure we can meet the varying accommodation needs of women with or without children and all dwellings will have individual entrances and be fully self-contained with either a private courtyard or balcony in addition to communal and external areas for pets.”

Women’s Community Shelters CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM said specialist domestic and family violence services were a lifeline for women and children leaving abuse.

“Women’s Community Shelters is proud to be collaborating with Paramatta Women’s Shelter, with their committed volunteer Board, deep local knowledge and strong connections in the area, and our wonderful long-standing partner, Evolve Housing.

“Together, we will deliver exceptional support. We are committed to pursuing innovative opportunities to continuously evolve our service delivery model which is informed by the lived expertise of our clients,” Ms Daniel said.

“This partnership represents true collaboration between the NSW Government, the domestic violence and housing sectors, amazing local communities and philanthropy.”

The NSW Government has welcomed the decision of the nurses and midwives to endorse the government’s pay offer.

The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association held a statewide ballot of members with nearly 60 per cent voting today to receive a 4.5 per cent salary increase, including 0.5 per cent superannuation. 

A 4.5 per cent increase under the Government’s Fair Pay Policy is the biggest pay increase for NSW nurses and midwives in over a decade.

The Government is continuing to work with other public sector unions on the resolution of other negotiations.

The wages cap is obsolete following the NSW Government’s pay offer and will formally end in September.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“The Minns Labor Government made a commitment to scrap the wages cap and deliver a pay increase to our frontline health workers including our nurses and midwives,” Mr Park said.

“We are committed to supporting our essential frontline workers and we’re working hard to recruit, retain and support our workforce.”

Minister for Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Minns Government is getting on with the job of fixing the recruitment and retention crisis in essential services and valuing our essential workers.”

“The Liberal-National’s wages cap eroded trust between essential workers and government, suppressed wages and led to the staffing crisis. The wages cap is dead.”

“The people of NSW deserve world class public services. We will continue to keep people at the heart of all of our work.”

The Sydney Opera House sails and more than a dozen landmarks around Sydney will be illuminated green and gold tonight in support of the Matildas as they continue on a glorious path in their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 campaign.

The Matildas take on Denmark tonight at Sydney’s Stadium Australia at 8.30pm.

The Sydney Opera House will be lit up from 6pm, while the Central Station Clock Tower will also go gold and the lighting inside the Central Station Concourse will go green and gold in tribute.

Sydneysiders may also catch glimpses of other buildings to be lit green and gold including the State Library, The Art Gallery of NSW, Luna Park, Commbank Stadium in Parramatta, The Calyx in the Royal Botanic Gardens, ICC Sydney in Darling Harbour, International Towers Barangaroo, plus the Novotel Sydney Central, Hyde Hacienda (Circular Quay) and The Argyle (The Rocks).

The Matildas, ranked 10th in the world, need to win over Denmark, ranked 13th, to continue to the quarter-finals.

Messages of support are being displayed today across screens on the transport network including the Sydney Metro and train stations, buses, light rail and on ferry wharves, as well as across more than 100 Service NSW centres.

Tonight’s match will also be screened at the FIFA Fan Festival at Tumbalong Park, in Darling Harbour, which is providing a lively and very popular destination for crowds to join in on the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 atmosphere, with fans encouraged to attend. 

The FIFA Fan Festival site shows every game for free on large screens, along with live performances and street food.

Sydney is in the grip of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 fever with forthcoming matches expected to continue breaking viewing records across the world. Sydney is hosting games in all remaining stages right through to the final at Stadium Australia on Sunday 20 August. 

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is firmly on track to be the biggest ever, with 1.65 million tickets across the tournament’s 64 games sold. 

Visit FIFA Fan Festivallaunch for more information about everything taking place.

For those unable to visit the FIFA Fan Festival, councils across Sydney and NSW will also be screening FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 gameslaunch.

Fans are encouraged to use public transport to travel to the game and the live sites. Visit transportnsw.infolaunch to plan your trip.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“We couldn’t be prouder of the Matildas making it through to the final 16 and finishing at the top of their group for the first time. 

“The World Cup has brought our city and state alive.

“We are taking this even further by turning NSW green and gold to cheer on the mighty Matildas. 

“NSW is so proud to be playing such a significant role in hosting this World Cup.

“With all of NSW behind them, let’s cheer the Matildas on to the next round of the World Cup!”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: 

“It is awesome that Sydney will shine green and gold tonight. This is a defining moment for the rise of women’s sport.  

“We are thrilled to have the Matildas here in Sydney tonight and it is great knowing our city is hosting the final in a few weeks’ time.”

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:  

“I know it will be a packed house at Stadium Australia tonight with fans cheering on our Matildas as they aim for a spot in the quarter-finals. 

“I encourage everyone to don the green and gold, get to the game or a community fan site, to witness this once in a lifetime opportunity.”  

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The Matildas have made Australia proud and we’re all going green and gold tonight.

“The Matildas are superb role models that women and girls can aspire to.” 

The NSW Government will invest $2 million to support research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in NSW, including in the state’s Riverina.

Premier Chris Minns announced funding for the research has now been approved and said it will go a long way in helping to better understand the incidence of MND across NSW.

“This $2 million investment delivers on our election commitment to fund research on MND in the Riverina,” Mr Minns said.

“It’s estimated that Motor Neurone Disease affects around eight per 100,000 people in Australia, and we know around 90 per cent of cases occur sporadically, without any apparent reason or family link.

“The NSW Government has committed this funding to support people affected by MND and to better understand the causes of the condition.”

“The funding will be allocated using a merit-based assessment and in close consultation with key academic groups.”

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the $2 million commitment arose as a result of community concerns of potential MND clusters in parts of NSW.

“MND is a rare, progressive neurological disorder which causes rapid degeneration of muscle activity and can impair walking, talking, breathing and general functioning,” Mr Park said.

“That’s why this research is so important, so we can better understand the causes and, hopefully, improve treatment and outcomes.”

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said there are many theories about the causes of sporadic cases of MND and there is extensive and ongoing international research in the space.

“With this funding, we will put NSW at the forefront of MND research – working with industry partners to better understand the occurrence of MND,” Mr Harris said.

“NSW Health will liaise with key academic groups and implement a merit-based process to deliver the NSW Government’s commitment to MND research.”

NSW Health monitors the rate and distribution of MND cases through routinely collected hospital admission and mortality data.

Nationals MPs from both Queensland and NSW have joined farmers to call for swifter action and more funding to stop the invasive red fire ant from marching across the border.

New documents detailing the new four year eradication plan, and the revised 2023/24 work plan have revealed delays by Labor Governments are severely hampering the response.

The implications include reduced activity on the ground and the risk of missing the current winter treatment window, as well as delays in engaging personnel, purchasing bait and deploying surveillance measures.

NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said the setback is extremely concerning after a new outbreak was discovered just 5.5km from the state.

“NSW is at extreme risk of being invaded with the distance now close enough for a single queen red fire ant to fly across the border and start an infestation here,” Mr Saunders said.

“At the July 13 national agricultural ministers meeting, all governments committed to ongoing fire ant eradication but so far only NSW and Queensland have tipped funding into the kitty.

“The NSW Government needs to take this more seriously. It should be calling on Federal Labor to do what’s needed now, instead of waiting until it is too late.”

The failure of the Commonwealth and other states to commit their funding has resulted in a reduced budget of only $84 million for 2023/24, which is $49 million short of the $133 million required for full eradication.

This will lead to a 50% reduction in the proposed treatment area and a huge reduction in targeted surveillance and public communication.

Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said the arrival of the pest would have a catastrophic impact in the Tweed.

“Fire ants kill off native plants and animals and damage ecosystems beyond repair, they sting people, pets and livestock and can result in the closure of parks, playgrounds and beaches,” Mr Provest said.

“Our region benefits from millions of dollars in tourism every year and restricting the use of our backyards and public spaces will put that vital income at risk.

“Border residents frequently travel in and out of NSW and we need to ensure everyone is on the lookout for these highly invasive pests that can be found in hay, potted plants, mulch, soil, sand, turf and on agricultural machinery.”

President of the Tweed Cane Growers Association Robert Hawken said fire ants pose a risk to farmers, crops and machinery.

“Fire ants have no natural predators in Australia, therefore their population is rapidly expanding,” Mr Hawken said.

“Producers of small crops and vegetables need to be concerned that fire ants can eat through seeds, tunnel through the roots and stems of crops and damage irrigation systems and machinery.

“NSW needs to do a much better job than their Queensland counterparts in controlling the spread of this very invasive and dangerous pest.”

The Opposition welcomes the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Religious Vilification) Bill 2023 through the NSW Parliament, making it against the law to incite hatred towards, serious contempt for or severe ridicule of someone based on their religious beliefs, affiliation or engagement in religious activities.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Coalition supported the Bill as a natural next step of the work done by the previous government to support and protect the state’s religious and multicultural communities.

“From fighting for religious freedom to banning nazi symbols, and passing legislation to protect against public threats of or incitement to violence, we have been steadfast in our commitment to making NSW safer and more welcoming for people regardless of their religious affiliation or cultural background,” Mr Speakman said.

“It is a foundational principle of the Liberal Party that people’s freedom to worship and come together in celebration of their unique cultures is worth defending. We will tirelessly continue to stand up for communities across NSW and their needs.

“NSW has been the beneficiary of a strong multicultural and multifaith community, and the Opposition supported the legislation to ensure that our communities can continue with the cultural and religious activities without fear of vilification.”

Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens said people’s freedom to believe or not believe in a religion is a fundamental human right.

“The right to faith is protected in the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and is a well-respected right in many other areas of discourse,” said Mr Henskens.

“People should not be vilified because of their beliefs or their connections with faiths or religious organisations.”

Shadow Multiculturalism Minister Mark Coure said he had been an advocate for addressing a gap that religious stakeholders had been raising, extending vilification protections in the Anti-Discrimination Act to include religion and providing an important protection for people of faith.

“This approach allows our community to continue to express and challenge views in a peaceful and productive way, with one of the exemptions being good faith discussion and debate” Mr Coure said.

“This is something that has cemented NSW as the multicultural success story it is today, ensuring that people can carry on their own religious practices and expression. NSW has embraced migrants since the earliest days of settlement and we continue to welcome new communities, setting an example to the rest of the world as a peaceful and harmonious multicultural society.”

The NSW Nationals is encouraging people to have their say on the planning and design of the State’s three new Palliative Care Units, that were announced under the former Coalition Government.

Shadow Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the Liberals and Nationals committed $93m to the project as part of a $743m package that was unveiled in June last year.

“The Labor Government is up to its old tricks, trying to take credit for an incredibly important project that we developed to ensure people have access to the greatest possible comfort when they are at the end of their life,” Mrs Taylor said.

“On top of the expansion at Wyong, Nepean and Westmead and the brand new facilities at Orange and Tamworth, our package also made way for an extra 600 medical staff and improved access to pain management services.

“As a former palliative care nurse, I know how significant this upgrade is and that is why I am encouraging the community to come forward to have input in the planning process.

“But it was the Liberals and Nationals that did the ground work to provide better palliative care in all parts of the State, and the fact that Labor is trying to convince people that this initiative is their own is disgraceful.”

The $743 million was allocated by the Liberals and Nationals in the 2022- 23 budget to provide funding over five years to:

· Redevelop and refurbish NSW palliative care facilities.

· Employ an extra 600 nurses, allied health professionals, doctors, and support staff.

· Boost hospital capacity and implement best-practice models for supportive and       palliative care.

· Improve access to pain management services for patients with life-limiting illness, to help patients and their family and carers.

· Improve services for people with late stage chronic and degenerative conditions, and cancer.

· Further strengthen outpatient and community health services.

· Support consumer choice and excellence in end-of-life and palliative care.

· Strengthen virtual care, transport and equipment programs.

· Improve partnership with non-Government organisations, primary care and aged care services.