Category: NSW News

BreastScreen NSW is Australia’s first population-based screening program to introduce cutting-edge technology to support radiologists in interpreting a select range of mammography images.

The integration of machine reading technology will ensure BreastScreen NSW can continue to deliver a world-class service, while meeting the needs of NSW’s growing population.

Successfully used in similar international population-based screening programs, BreastScreen NSW undertook a world-first study to extensively evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of this new technology.

The study showed the technology produced comparable results to the existing screening program, without compromising cancer detection rates.

At least one radiologist will continue to read every woman’s image to look for the early stages of breast cancer, with machine reading technology providing additional analysis.

The new technology will complement the expertise of radiologists.

The use of this new technology will have no impact on womens’ breast screening experience.

For women aged 50-74, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early – before it can be seen or felt. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are recommended to screen from age 40.

Early detection not only significantly increases a person’s chance of survival it can also greatly reduce the need for invasive treatment like a mastectomy.

Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay.

For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at http://www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au/.  

Health Minister Ryan Park

“NSW is proud to lead the way in the introduction of cutting-edge technology to ensure the sustainability of the life-saving BreastScreen NSW program.”

“Planning for the needs of our growing population is critical and this is just one of the ways NSW is using new technology to complement and support the capabilities of our highly skilled, but globally in demand workforce.”

“At the same time, reducing the devastating impact of breast cancer on women is a priority and I’d like to thank the BreastScreen NSW team for their world-leading work.”

Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien AM

“In partnership with our expert radiologists, BreastScreen NSW is driving ground-breaking research and innovation that will ensure women have the best chance at detecting and treating cancer in its earliest stages.”

“By combining the strength of technology with the world-class expertise of our specialist radiologists, machine reading will help support the thousands of women accessing our state’s breast screening services, now and into the future.”

“We have seen record numbers of women book breast screening, with October the biggest month for bookings in the history of the BreastScreen NSW program. There are still far too many people who are overdue for their two-yearly screen and I urge all eligible women to book in their breast screen today.”

BreastScreen Clinical Director Dr Nalini Bhola

“BreastScreen NSW is focused on supporting our expert clinical workforce with the latest technology to facilitate the interpretation of mammograms across NSW.”

“The rollout of this technology was guided by our radiologists to ensure we maintain our excellent cancer detection rates and BreastScreen NSW can continue to deliver a world-class experience for our clients.”

“We are introducing the technology in a way that will allow close monitoring, to ensure we maintain our excellent standards of clinical quality.”

Australia welcomes today’s announcement of a ceasefire agreement to bring an end to the hostilities between Israel and Hizballah.

This is a critical step for alleviating immense human suffering and ensuring displaced communities on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border can return home.

An end to the violence in Lebanon will also assist in de-escalating heightened tensions in the region.

Australia has been a part of the international coalition pushing for a ceasefire since the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon.

We commend the tireless efforts of negotiators and call on all parties to adhere to the ceasefire deal.

An end to the violence in Lebanon must also be a catalyst for an end to the war in Gaza.

Australia reiterates calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unimpeded flow of aid, the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers, and for the immediate release of all hostages.

Residents of Wee Waa and surrounding areas are encouraged to share their experiences of primary health care through a community survey which is now open.

The community survey will help identify local health priorities and any barriers people are facing in accessing primary and community health services in Wee Waa.

Primary health care is the ongoing care that people receive from their local health practitioners. This includes general practitioners, allied health, and community health and wellbeing services. This ongoing care supports a person’s physical, mental and social wellbeing throughout their lifetime.

The survey is being conducted by the Wee Waa Collaborative Care project group. The Collaborative Care program is a community-centred approach to addressing primary health care needs in rural NSW. The program developed by Rural Doctors Network has been tested throughout regional NSW working in partnership with local community and health stakeholders.

With the support of NSW Health, the Collaborative Care program has expanded this year to include projects in Wee Waa as well as Liverpool Plains, Murwillumbah and Leeton. The expansion of the program will provide the support needed to identify new and innovative solutions to address the health and wellbeing of the Wee Waa community and surrounding areas.

The community survey is being supported by Narrabri Shire Council, Wee Waa Local Aboriginal Lands Council, local health providers and community support agencies. It is open until 15 December 2024.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“It’s important that we hear from the Wee Waa community about their experience of primary healthcare to help us gain a firsthand understanding of local healthcare needs.”

“The survey is open to all Wee Waa residents and seeks to capture a broad range of perspectives from people of all ages and backgrounds.”

“This is a crucial step in the Collaborative Care process and ensures that the voices of Wee Waa residents are at the forefront of shaping future health initiatives.”

“We’re expanding on the program to bring more Collaborative Care projects to the communities that need them the most.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler:

“Through this important initiative we want to build a clear picture of the primary healthcare needs of the Wee Waa community, based on real experiences.

“Our goal is to work collaboratively with local residents, council and healthcare providers to address gaps in primary care services and make healthcare more accessible for everyone in Wee Waa.

“Community feedback is essential in helping us provide health services that benefit residents and are the best fit for the community, including improved access to local practitioners and preventive care services.”

Justyn Walker, Collaborative Care Program Lead, Rural Doctors Network:

“Collaborative Care is designed to empower local communities to have a say in the healthcare they receive.”

“We believe local communities are the experts in their own needs. This survey is an important step in understanding the healthcare needs of local people in Wee Waa.”

Hundreds of people, including community members, health staff and volunteers, local Councils and stakeholders have provided valuable feedback on the design of the new $700 million Rouse Hill Hospital, with the latest stakeholder engagement summary released today.

The NSW Government is investing $700 million in the new Rouse Hill Hospital development, the first major public hospital built in western Sydney in more than 40 years, to meet the future healthcare needs of the growing north western Sydney community. 

The community had their say on the latest design for the project throughout August and September 2024, with 350 people attending in-person information sessions across Schofields, Castle Hill, Rouse Hill, Blacktown and at Westmead, with a further 90 stakeholders briefed. Additionally, there were almost 600 responses from the community to an online survey.

Feedback is informing the next stage of design of the new hospital, with input received from a broad range of consumers, health staff, community members and stakeholders including Dharug traditional custodians, multicultural community representatives, interest groups and local organisations, local residents and businesses, local Councils and NSW Government agencies. 

The feedback highlighted positive support for the delivery of a new hospital in Rouse Hill, with respondents interested in the hospital’s design, clinical services to be delivered and future hospital functions, as well as the patient, visitor and community experience.

The community was also interested in parking and access to the new hospital including proximity to public transport. As part of the project a new multi-storey carpark will be delivered, with the site location providing easy access to the Sydney Metro.

The project team has prepared a report about the engagement and answers to key queries by community members and stakeholders. The full report can be found here: Rouse Hill Engagement Report Nov 2024

The project team is now preparing an Environmental Impact Statement as part of a State Significant Development Application, which is expected to be lodged and placed on public exhibition in 2025. 

Ongoing consultation with a broad range of stakeholders and the community is essential to the hospital planning, design and delivery process and will continue throughout the project. 

The final scope for the Rouse Hill Hospital Development will be determined through the planning process but is expected to include:

• An emergency department and primary access clinic  
• Inpatient beds and day surgery services
• Short stay medical assessment services  
• Pathology, pharmacy, and medical imaging services  
• Outpatient and ambulatory care services including paediatrics, renal dialysis and antenatal and postnatal services      
• Virtual care and hospital in the home services 
• Prehabilitation, rehabilitation and lifestyle medicine

 The new hospital will be future-proofed and built with expansion zones, to ensure capacity for additional health services in the future.

The full scope of health services will be confirmed when planning and design is finalised. 

For information about the new Rouse Hill Hospital, including the stakeholder and community engagement summary visit: www.rousehillhospital.health.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Health Ryan Park:  

“I am delighted to see the interest the community is taking in their new hospital. This valuable feedback will help shape the new health facility to ensure it meets the healthcare needs of Sydney’s north west into the future.  

“The new public hospital for Rouse Hill is a key priority for the Minns Labor Government and it’s exciting to see the plans taking shape. 

“The former Liberal National Government had a long history of undelivered commitments with this project dating back to 2015. The Minns Labor Government, myself and the Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby are getting on with the job of delivering this $700 million hospital for the community in North Western Sydney.”

Peter Primrose, Labor Spokesperson for Kellyville:

“The new hospital will bring public healthcare closer to communities around Rouse Hill, Tallawong, Schofields, The Ponds, North Kellyville, Riverstone, Box Hill and Marsden Park.”

Warren Kirby, Member for Riverstone:

“We want the new Rouse Hill Hospital to reflect the diverse community of Sydney’s north west and consultation with the community and stakeholders will be key to this.

“The Rouse Hill Hospital was promised for many years under the former Government, yet no work was done to make those promises a reality. It’s good to be part of a Government who is dedicated to supporting our growing community with the public health infrastructure we so desperately need.”

Tunnelling for the third road crossing of Sydney Harbour is now more than 60 per cent complete, with the second stage of work on the Western Harbour Tunnel having passed above the Sydney Metro tunnel at North Sydney on its way towards Waverton.

Today marks the 12-month anniversary of the start of Stage 2 works from the Warringah Freeway at Cammeray, with 2.9 kilometres of twin three-lane road tunnels excavated by six roadheaders working around the clock.

So far, 5,800 people have worked on Stage 2, further enhancing the combined skills of the underground construction workforce in NSW.

Work on Stage 2 has recently passed underneath North Sydney and is progressing about 25 metres a week towards the harbour.

The 6.5 kilometre Western Harbour Tunnel is due to open to traffic in 2028 and importantly, will remain in public ownership.

As the first new road crossing of the harbour in over 30 years, the Western Harbour Tunnel will deliver time-saving benefits to motorists, with 20 minutes shaved off a journey between North Sydney and Sydney Olympic Park or Leichhardt.

The first stage of tunnelling work – twin 1.7km road tunnels to Birchgrove that connect into the Rozelle Interchange – is all but complete.

In late 2025, the largest tunnel boring machines ever to be put to work in the southern hemisphere will be assembled underground at Birchgrove and tunnel under the harbour floor to connect at Waverton.

Tunnel facts 

• Each roadheader can excavate 1,000 tonnes of rock per day – equivalent to the weight of three Boeing 747-200s
• In a world-first, Transport for NSW, in partnership with Stage 2 contractor ACCIONA, is trialling a remote control roadheader
• The team controlling the roadheader can remain 200 metres away from the rock face
• A total of 666,000 rock bolts have so far been installed on both stages of the project 

Minister for Roads John Graham said: 

“From WestConnex to Sydney Metro to the Western Harbour Tunnel, NSW has the premier underground construction workforce anywhere in the world and we want to thank the 5,800 workers for what they have achieved so far.

“At the 12-month mark of Stage 2, we are seeing great progress, with more than 60 per cent of the entire tunnelling task now complete and the project on schedule to provide the first new road crossing of Sydney Harbour in more than 30 years.

“Anyone who has crossed the harbour by road knows the system is constrained and the Western Harbour Tunnel will provide much-needed relief, slashing travel times by 20 minutes on a journey from North Sydney to Leichardt or Sydney Olympic Park.

More information about the design and landscaping of the public areas here

The State’s renewable energy network will receive a welcome boost with the Minns Labor Government approving a major large-scale battery valued over $1 billion.

The new battery to be located near Lithgow will play a key role in keeping the lights on during peak demand periods.

The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is among the biggest in Australia and will store excess energy from the electricity grid during non-peak periods. The battery will then ramp up quickly when households need power, during the busy morning and evening times.

The $1 billion Mt Piper BESS will utilise EnergyAustralia’s existing electricity infrastructure near Lithgow and will store up to 500MW / 2,000 MWh to power over 200,000 homes when needed.

The project will create 177 jobs during construction, with developer EnergyAustralia to invest up to $2 million into the Lithgow City LGA through a Voluntary Planning Agreement.

The Mt Piper battery adds to the State’s growing network of large-scale batteries to support the energy transition as coal-fired power retires.

Large-scale batteries are playing an increasingly important role to support solar and wind energy generation. They are steadily improving the strength and reliability of the energy network.

Under the Minns Government, there have been 30 renewable projects approved, including 14 large scale batteries.

Find out more information about Mount Piper BESS.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“With a $1 billion price tag, this battery is among the biggest in Australia.

“It stands ready to inject major capital investment, create jobs and provide Lithgow Council with $2 million to invest in local community projects.

“Large-scale batteries are crucial for our state’s energy future. They help store renewable energy, making sure that we have a reliable power supply even when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing.

“This project not only supports our transition to cleaner energy but it also strengthens our energy security and resilience. Investing in these batteries means a more sustainable and dependable energy system for everyone.”

The NSW Government has stepped up to help men’s mental health charity The Man Walk Australia, by contributing $100,000 to help them deliver their unique program to more men across the state.

The Man Walk Australia seeks to address the risks of mental health issues and suicide by fostering supportive relationships and improving men’s physical and mental health through regularly organised physical activity and social interaction.

Participants are encouraged to attend the activities when it suits to be with like-minded men, feel part of a community, and reduce any feelings of isolation and loneliness they may be experiencing.

The charity organises walks across Australia, including at 40 locations in NSW. Many of these locations are regional, stretching from Albury in the south to Tenterfield in the north.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, 13YARN on 13 92 76, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

The NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 is available 24/7 for advice and connection to local specialist mental health services for you or a loved one. You can also call the Transcultural Mental Health Line on 1800 648 911 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

For more information on The Man Walk Australia, including to find a walk near you or start one of your own, visit themanwalk.com.au.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Man Walk Australia creates a welcoming environment for men to get together, feel a part of a community and get active.

“This has a positive effect on mental health, so I’m delighted to be able to provide The Man Walk with this additional funding that will help the charity reach even more men in NSW.

“We know men tend to seek help for their mental health at a lower rate than women, especially in traditional settings, so it is important we strengthen community-based supports, such as those offered by The Man Walk.

“By breaking down barriers and creating a positive environment free from stigma or pressure, The Man Walk helps men feel comfortable in accessing support. 

“I know The Man Walk offer a walk in my electorate in Bellambi, but they have a range of locations spanning the whole of the state and are looking to add more.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“Suicide is the leading cause of death for men aged 15-44 and we know that loneliness and social isolation are major contributors to mental health distress.  

“Community organisations like The Man Walk can offer an essential lifeline for men who are struggling and may not feel confident to reach out for support.

“These organisations provide a positive space for men to spend time together, have regular and healthy conversations and feel less alone.”

Founder and CEO of The Man Walk Australia Mark Burns:

“The Man Walk charity is extremely grateful for this $100k grant and the long term support from Minister Park and NSW Government.

“The Man Walk has 40 active weekly walk locations across NSW.

“We have thousands of men walking regularly who have taken more 2.3 billion steps towards better mental and physical health while on The Man Walk.

“In just the past 3 months, we have had 5000 man walkers and 300 brand new walkers starting the day with a Man Walk.

“This funding will allow us to support and grow our existing walks, start brand new walk locations across NSW and fund the amazing Mental Fitness for Leaders education program that we offer our Manbassadors and Man Walkers every month.

“We will be providing regular feedback to Minister Park and NSW Health about the positive impact this grant will have on men, their families and their communities.

“A goal of our charity is to collaborate with other organisations like Relationships Australia to offer resources and education programs on managing emotions and decreasing gender violence.”

The NSW Government has received the Roadmap for Gaming Reform Report from the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform.

The government thanks the Independent Panel for preparing the report and conducting the cashless gaming trial.

The Independent Panel brought together, for the first time, a mix of industry representatives, harm minimisation representatives, law enforcement authorities, academics, community organisations and a person with lived experience to work on this difficult issue in a coordinated way to make recommendations to government on gaming reform.

I thank the Independent Panel for informing the design of the trial and overseeing its rollout.

Specifically, the Independent Panel examined the feasibility and acceptance of implementing cashless gaming technologies in clubs and hotels in NSW to gain insights from the technology on reducing money laundering and gambling harm.

I am informed the diverse stakeholder group worked constructively throughout the panel process as they designed and guided the approach the panel would take.

Establishing the Independent Panel and undertaking a cashless gaming trial was a response to the NSW Crime Commission inquiry in 2022, which recommended the government introduce a cashless gaming system to minimise instances of money laundering via gaming machines in pubs and clubs.

The scope of gaming reform considered by the Independent Panel has never been done before.

The implementation of cashless gaming could drive improved outcomes in addressing money laundering and reducing gambling harm and could also have major impacts on the NSW hospitality industry.

It is important the next steps are undertaken in a thoroughly considered way to ensure an economically sustainable hospitality industry in NSW.

The government will now consider the three volume, 530-page roadmap report and its 30 recommendations, and will not be rushing its response.

The Minns Labor Government continues with its work to reduce money laundering and gambling harm in clubs and hotels and has delivered more in 20 months than the previous government did in 12 years.

The trial of cashless gaming trial is one part of a suite of reforms to tackle money laundering and reduce gambling harm introduced by the government since it was elected, including:

• reducing the statewide gaming machine entitlement cap in June 2023
• banning political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines on 1 July 2023
• reducing the cash input limit on new gaming machines from $5,000 to $500 on 1 July 2023
• banning all external gambling signage in venues on 1 September 2023
• banning the placement of any signage or advertising relating to gaming machines either on, or visible from an ATM or EFTPOS terminal with cash withdrawal facilities and introduced Responsible Gambling Officers for venues with more than 20 machine entitlements, on 1 July 2024
• committing $100 million to harm minimisation – investing in research, treatment, services and reform.

The NSW Government also thanks the trial participants:

• the 14 licensed venues in metropolitan and regional locations across NSW that installed cashless gaming technology on 2,388 electronic gaming machines, more than four times the election commitment of 500 machines
• the three technology providers: eBet, IGT, Light and Wonder
• the patrons that signed up for the voluntary trial and those that participated in the research.

The government is now focusing on taking the time to consider the report and its recommendations and we will respond in due course.

NSW Police officers have voted overwhelmingly to accept the Minns Labor Government’s historic four-year pay agreement to recruit and retain police officers with highly competitive salaries.

For the first time in memory, police will be paid to stay, rather than incentivised to leave.

The vote was slated to run for two weeks but The Police Association of NSW (PANSW) this morning called the result with a majority of members having voted yes.

The reform also includes a one-off payment and improvements to allowances and pay-scales.

Voting on the offer opened on Monday November 18. As of yesterday, 70 per cent of PANSW members had voted on the pay offer – the largest turnout on record for such a vote.

The ‘yes vote’ in favour of accepting the offer was 96 per cent– an overwhelming endorsement of the Government’s pay offer by NSW police officers.

The reform was achieved under the Labor Government’s mutual gains bargaining framework, which replaced the former Liberal-National Government’s widely resented wages cap that drove police numbers and incomes backwards. 

The payrise is funded by reforming the Police Blue Ribbon Insurance (PBRI) scheme and bringing it into Government ownership to return money to front-line police and not into the profits of private insurance companies.

The new Enhanced Police Officer Support Scheme better supports injured officers, wraps services around them and is intensively focussed on helping them get back to work wherever possible.

Police Association members voted to accept:

• 19 per cent base pay increase to non-commissioned officers over four years, plus allowances which will enhance this base pay rise;
• Accelerated pay scales – it currently takes 16 years for a Probationary Constable to reach the top level of Senior Constable. It will now take just 10 years;
• Consolidation of pay scales for Senior Constables, Sergeants and Inspectors to remove overlapping pay scales, retain experienced officers much longer and accelerate progression for currently serving officers;
• Updated and improved allowances;
• Moving to a full-time equivalent (FTE) model to allow police to work part-time or job share if they can’t manage a full-time work load but don’t want to leave, a landmark reform;
• A one-off $5,400 Leadership Retention Payment to senior police officers who undertake a leadership and wellbeing training program focused on supporting and rehabilitating injured officers and helping them return to work wherever possible;

Under the new agreement, the starting salary of a Probationary Constable – including loading – will increase from $81,517 to $84,777 and further increase to $97,206 by 2027.

The salary of a Senior Constable Level 1 – including loading – will increase from 101,516 to 105,577 and further increase to $121,054 in 2027.

The Minns Labor Government’s work to support NSW Police officers and address the chronic shortage of police officers presided over by the former Liberal National Government has also included:

• abolishing the wages cap;
• setting up a historic new scheme to pay students to study to become an officer, which has already seen applications surge by 55 per cent over the previous year; and
• two recently announced programs specifically aimed at attracting both experienced officers and regional recruits. This is part of the NSW Government’s long-term plan to rebuild our essential services, including addressing the recruitment and retention crisis of frontline workers.

Thanks to Labor’s recruitment plan we are on track to see more than 1,000 recruits attest in 2025.

The Minns Labor Government was elected with a mandate to rebuild public services and reinvest in our front-line workforce and ensure we provide support when people in NSW need it most.

It’s part of our plan to build a better NSW.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“This four-year pay agreement with The Police Association of NSW recognises and rewards the efforts of our officers.

“We were elected on a mandate to fix the recruitment and retention crisis in essential services and that is what we are doing.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“I am proud and delighted to have delivered this historic breakthrough for our police. It’s the result of a lot of hard work over almost a year and tough negotiations.

“I want to pay tribute to the leadership of the Police Association of NSW. They are hard bargainers and go all out to achieve results for their members, NSW cops. Working together, we’ve achieved a monumental result for our cops.

“From day one in this job I’ve said I’m only here to back the police. Officers risk their lives every day to keep us safe and it’s critical we recognise and thank them with a pay rise they deserve.

“This is generational change that will pay police properly for the first time in more than a decade. It will attract a lot of recruits and, crucially, encourage a lot of experienced officers to stay on in a police force that values them, their service and their unique knowledge.

“The Former Liberal Government had no plan for recruitment, no plan for retention and they sent police wages backwards. That ends today under the Minns Labor Government.”

According to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), New South Wales is leading the nation in the worst possible way—513 businesses went under last month, the highest number of insolvencies recorded in any state.

Under the Minns Labor Government, our state’s small businesses are suffocating under rising costs and a government with no ideas.

Websites, website analytics, concierges and media releases are no substitute for economic leadership. NSW businesses are drowning, and the Minns Labor Government offers them nothing but more taskforces, inquiries, and roundtables.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but the Minns Labor Government has turned its back on them.

“Instead of tackling soaring costs, labour shortages and red tape, they offer band-aids and empty promises. This government is all about appearances, but appearances don’t pay the bills,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“The Minns Labor Government celebrates digital tools and concierges while ignoring the fundamental challenges businesses face.”
 
Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James said this is a government with no ideas, no outcomes, and no leadership.
 
“While 513 NSW businesses close their doors in just one month, the Minns Labor Government focuses on spin instead of solutions. Their obsession with bureaucracy and glossy announcements is failing NSW families and small businesses,” Mr James said.
 
In 20 months, the Minns Labor Government has shown it is incapable of delivering the leadership NSW needs. This is not the economic prosperity people were promised. NSW is not better off now than it was before March 2023—it’s worse.

This is not just about economics; it’s about saving livelihoods.