Category: NSW News

More children will get free health and development checks with the Minns Labor Government today announcing $7.2 million for 881 early childhood education and care services across NSW.

The NSW Government opt-in Health and Development Checks in Early Childhood and Care program supports health professionals to visit early childhood education and care services to conduct the checks for four-year-olds to help identify additional support the children may need before school.

More than 7,000 children have received a free health and development check in their early childhood education and care service since the program began in 2023.

The checks assess various aspects of the child development, including problem solving skills, listening, talking and, social skills. Physical growth and dental health will also be monitored.

The program aims to make it easier for more services to offer the checks.

Eligible services received up to $7,500 to support:  

1.  Staffing to support services to deliver the health and development checks

2. Provision of private space to conduct the checks.

3. Support to address health and development needs identified through the checks.

The checks offered through early childhood education and care services provide families with a free alternative to visiting a doctor or Child and Family Health service.

Nearly half (44 per cent) of NSW children are not developmentally on track when they start school, according to the most recent Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data.

All preschools and long day care services can participate in the Health and Development Checks in Early Childhood Education and Care program by contacting their local health district.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to give kids across NSW the best start in life.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Health and development checks provide families with valuable information about their child’s growth and development.

“Offering the free checks at early childhood education and care services makes it easier for working families to participate and ensures there is early intervention for students who need it.

“The Minns Labor Government is supporting long term health and development outcomes for all children across NSW, regardless of their family’s postcode, income or circumstances.”

Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park said:

“Starting school is an exciting time, but with two in five children starting school developmentally off track we need to do more to support young children and their families.

“Providing health and development checks for four-year-olds in preschools or long day care centres makes it far more convenient for busy families to help their children have the best start to school.

“These checks especially in the first 2,000 days help families get the information they need to support their child’s development and to seek help, if needed.”

New high-tech traffic signals to test the latest lifesaving vehicle systems have been switched on in the NSW Central West, as the Minns Labor Government continues to focus on making our roads safer into the future.

While Cudal is a small town that doesn’t have any traffic lights itself, it is home to the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre (FMTRC), a NSW Government facility focused on global innovation in road safety.

The signals, installed at two intersections within the research centre, are a crucial part of Transport for NSW’s new advanced safety testing of connected vehicles.

The eight traffic signals equipped with the latest Cooperative Intelligent Transport System (C-ITS) systems will enable safe scenario testing of wireless alerts that notify drivers if they are likely to run a red light, if there is a cyclist or pedestrian on the road, or of upcoming road work.

The signals can also receive transmissions to notify them of an approaching emergency vehicle that should get priority passing through the intersection.

The Minns Labor Government has invested $600,000 in the new traffic lights infrastructure to broaden connected technology tests at the Cudal facility, including new fibre optic wiring and site-wide 5G capabilities.

The improvements follow an announcement in August that the facility would quadruple in size to 100 hectares to expand the current track to a four-kilometre loop circuit able to test heavy vehicle safety systems at highway speeds.

Plans for the expansion are expected to go on public exhibition in coming months with work due to start in 2025.

Upgrading the research centre improves Transport’s capacity to become a global leader in innovation by exploring cutting-edge technologies to improve road safety and efficiency.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“These are the first traffic lights for the facility at Cudal but, as we strive to drive down the road toll in NSW, they definitely won’t be the last safety initiative the teams will help to develop, test and refine here.

“Adding this connected infrastructure to Transport’s world-class testing site gives local and international researchers and developers a place to run real-world scenarios without risk. The other cars, pedestrians and cyclists using the intersection at our Cudal site are soft targets, not real people, cars or bicycles.

“There is a wonderful community curiosity and pride in this facility and the groundbreaking work happening in here the Central West. It’s fantastic to be sharing the site with the community at an open day today.”

Independent Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“This month marks 91 years since Australia’s first automated traffic lights were installed in Sydney.

“At the time it was a massive leap into the future and it’s exciting to see this research into the new frontier of smart traffic signals and phasing happening right here in the NSW Central West.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Orange Stephen Lawrence said:

“We want our roads to be as safe as possible. There are already vehicles coming off production lines with the ability to receive and send information to traffic signals and by developing and improving our own smart traffic systems in NSW it puts us in the front seat to bring the safety outcomes to our streets.

“This work complements and expands on the real-world trials of connected traffic systems underway in Sydney, and helps us work with our partners in other states and local industry to align advancements for safer outcomes on Australian roads.”

Independent Member for Calare Andrew Gee said:

“It’s amazing to see the Central West play a leading role in research that will help determine the path ahead for connected vehicles and intelligent transport systems in this country, and advance international research in this field.

“At a national level, work is underway to develop a safe, consistent and harmonised approach to coordinated and connected systems on our roads. The Transport team here at Cudal have been making key contributions towards this, that will be enhanced and advanced by the new CITS system at the testing centre”

TfNSW Director Future Mobility Evan Walker said:

“This site and our in-house team are a pillar of integrity in the global vehicle testing landscape.

“Our work bridges the gap between research advancements and seeing how this technology practically performs on our roads to make sure new vehicles and transport technologies meet the highest performance and safety standards, and deliver what they promise.

“We are NSW Government owned and operated and everything we do, design and deliver at the site is geared towards safety and sustainability improvements across the board. This includes testing emerging software and hardware solutions from across the globe, including the ongoing advancement of systems like Transport’s world-leading SCATS system to deliver those outcomes.”

The NSW Government has made appointments to the board of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA), including a deputy chairperson and two new members.

Associate Professor Amelia Thorpe and Nicholas Nichles have been appointed following a rigorous public expression of interest selection process. Additionally, existing member Chris Honey has been appointed deputy chairperson.

ILGA is a statutory decision-maker responsible for a range of liquor, registered club, and gaming machine regulatory functions including determining licensing and disciplinary matters.

The appointments follow the end of the term of appointment for outgoing deputy chairperson Sarah Dinning, and also fill vacancies that existed on the board.

Mr Honey, who was appointed a member of ILGA earlier in 2024, has been named deputy chairperson until the end of his current appointment term (11 February 2027). Mr Honey has extensive experience in the advisory and restructuring field, including working extensively in highly regulated sectors.

Associate Professor Thorpe and Mr Nichles have both been appointed for four years commencing 6 November 2024.

Associate Prof Thorpe is with the Faculty of Law & Justice at the University of New South Wales and an Acting Commissioner of the NSW Land and Environment Court.

Mr Nichles was previously a Consul General and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for Australian Government agency Austrade, based in the US.

The new appointments bring the ILGA board membership to seven.

The new appointments will join chairperson Caroline Lamb, new deputy chairperson Mr Honey and current members Cathie Armour, Jeffrey Loy APM and Dr Suzanne Craig.

For more information about ILGA, visit: https://www.ilga.nsw.gov.au/

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“I would like to thank Sarah Dinning for her contribution to the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority, including during her service as deputy chairperson.

“ILGA has an important role to play as the administrative decision-making authority for liquor, registered club and gaming machine licensing decisions in NSW.

“An exhaustive selection process was undertaken for these new appointments in accordance with legislative requirements and including the engagement of an independent probity advisor.

“Chris Honey has brought significant expertise to the board since his appointment and Amelia Thorpe and Nicholas Nichles will bring their substantial experience, expertise and leadership to ILGA.”

ILGA chairperson Caroline Lamb said:

“Mr Honey joined the ILGA board earlier this year and has proven himself to be an invaluable board member with his energy and considerable skills and experience in the advisory and restructuring field.

“The ILGA board also welcomes A/Prof Thorpe and Mr Nichles to the board.

“People appointed to the ILGA board must be of the highest integrity and promote fair, transparent and efficient decision-making.”

Motorists in the Western Sydney suburbs of Blacktown and Baulkham Hills have collectively claimed more than $1 million in toll relief for each suburb under the Minns Labor Government’s $60 weekly toll cap.

Blacktown last week became the first suburb to pass $1 million in total toll relief claimed, followed by Baulkham Hills this week.

Other car-reliant suburbs like Auburn, Merrylands and Marsden Park are now closing in on the same milestone for toll relief.

More than 3,000 motorists in both Blacktown and Baulkham Hills have claimed toll relief so far – evidence that Labor’s $60 weekly toll cap is getting relief to where it is needed in the most heavily-tolled areas of Sydney.

More than 224,000 claims have been made, with $60.5 million already returned to motorists. The average rebate is $284.

More than 11,000 motorists have received quarterly toll relief rebates of more than $1,000 since the program started.

Tolling data shows it is the motorways that get people in and out of Western Sydney that are most commonly used by those claiming toll relief. They are:

• WestConnex
• M2 Hills Motorway
• Westlink M7

Data shows motorists claiming toll relief are generally hitting the $60 toll cap by midweek, with journeys on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays the most common days on which toll journeys are refunded.

There is $60 million in relief available to be claimed for trips made in the third quarter of the year between 1 July 2024 – 29 September 2024.

Toll relief is supporting motorists as the NSW Labor Government works on tolling reform to fix the damage wrought by the toll road privatisation of the former government.

The Liberal Party legacy left a total toll bill of $195 billion in nominal terms that must be paid by motorists out to 2060, on top of the billions they have already paid.

The NSW Government is currently preparing its response to the independent Toll Review of Professor Allan Fels and Dr David Cousins, which described Sydney’s toll road network as an unfair and poorly-functioning patchwork of numerous different price structures, with those in Western Sydney financially impacted the most.

Eligible drivers who have spent more than $60 a week on toll trips since 1 January can claim the toll relief via the Service NSW website with the rebate calculated and claimed each quarter.

Once your toll account details are linked to your MyServiceNSW Account, claims can easily be lodged.

Motorists can claim up to a maximum of $340 per week for each tag or licence plate number, as part of a “fair use” provision in place to ensure the program’s integrity.

People can claim their 2024 toll spend until 30 June 2025.  

To claim, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/claim-the-toll-relief-cap and follow the step-by-step instructions including linking your toll account to your MyServiceNSW Account.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said:

“The $60 toll cap is one of the most important cost-of-living measures the NSW Government is providing, and it is heartening to see that the relief is getting to where it is needed most – Western Sydney.

“We know people are doing it tough, and our toll cap is making it fairer for drivers that heavily rely on toll roads.

“Suburbs like Blacktown, like Baulkham Hills, are the places where paying tolls is really not a choice, it’s a fact of life.

“Motorists have so far claimed more than $1 million in toll refunds in each of these suburbs and we know every dollar is important in stretched family budgets.”

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The data tells us that it is the people whose journeys start and end in Western Sydney that are claiming the lion’s share of toll relief, and this is where it is needed most. These suburbs have fewer public transport alternatives.

“Toll relief is rolling out as we progress with toll reform. The current system is a poorly-functioning patchwork of numerous different price structures that has created complexity, inefficiency, inequities and unfairness, with those in Western Sydney financially impacted the most.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“It’s good to see eligible motorists saving an average of $284 per quarter which is a massive boost for household budgets and could make the Christmas bills that little bit more manageable.

“We encourage motorists to apply, the online claims process is easy to use and support is available in Service NSW Centres or by calling 13 77 88.

“I encourage everyone to check their eligibility via the Service NSW website and to make a claim.”

Western Riverina communities will soon benefit from new and expanded healthcare facilities with the new Clinical Services Building a key component of the $250 million Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment nearing completion.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park and the Member for Murray Helen Dalton today toured the new hospital’s state-of-the-art Clinical Services Building, which will provide contemporary, high-quality healthcare under the one roof.

The new Clinical Services Building is on track for completion in the coming months. This will be followed by an operational commissioning period before health services are safely transferred from the current hospital to the new facility. It is expected to open in early 2025.

The new hospital will include:

• An expanded Emergency Department
• Two operating theatres, and an additional procedure room in the perioperative suite
• A new and expanded ICU
• Expanded medical imaging services and pharmacy services
• Maternity and birthing and paediatric services
• Surgical and medical wards with four new mental health inpatient beds to care for people over 16 years of age with low complexity mental health conditions who require a short stay admission
• New aged care and rehabilitation beds
• Three palliative care rooms, a family lounge and an outdoor terrace within the medical inpatient unit to provide end of life care for patients
• An expansion of ambulatory care space for the community to access more specialist clinics including renal, oncology, hospital in the home, and expanded outpatient services.

The new three storey Clinical Services Building is located behind the existing hospital and when it opens, it will be accessible through the existing main entry until the new main entry is completed. Health services are continuing to operate during construction.

Once the new hospital opens, work will focus on carpark construction, refurbishment of the Ambulatory Care Hub and landscaping of the health campus.

For more information about the Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment visit: https://gbhredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:

“When complete, the purpose-built Clinical Services Building will house all major health services under the one roof, significantly transforming patient, carer and staff experience.

“Griffith and surrounding communities will benefit from a bigger Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit and an additional procedure room in the operating suite at the new Hospital.

“An expanded medical imaging department will also deliver improved radiology services with a new CT and nuclear medicine service in purpose build and designed spaces.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to improving healthcare in rural and regional communities.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton:

“The Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment will support contemporary models of care and improve healthcare experiences for our community.

“I’m glad this new hospital has been designed in close collaboration with staff and clinicians and includes inpatient rooms with ensuites, a new café and landscaped community courtyards and gardens.

“Projects like this one not only support the health and wellbeing of our community, but also deliver direct and indirect jobs in health, construction and related industries.”

The NSW Government has released results from its annual Women in Construction survey, highlighting the need for stronger efforts to promote gender diversity across the sector.

With over 1000 responses from NSW construction workers and businesses, the survey revealed a positive trend: the number of women entering the industry has risen by 12.5% in the past year, and of the businesses surveyed women now make-up 20% of the construction workforce.

Key challenges identified by both men and women, include a lack of work-life balance (62%), lack of flexible working hours (51%), and insufficient mentoring and leadership training (47%).

The survey also showed that achieving work-life balance and flexible work options are critical for staff retention, with 40% of workers considering leaving jobs due to difficulties balancing their work and personal responsibilities.

Some concerning statistics were highlighted, with 69% of women reporting some form of gender-based discrimination in the past year, and 33% experiencing workplace sexual harassment.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to creating safer and more respectful workplaces, and the SafeWork NSW Respect at Work strategy continues to drive efforts to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace through education and enforcement.

To address these issues, the NSW Government is leveraging its procurement power to ensure contractors introduce flexible workplace policies and encourage development of mentoring programs to support women’s long-term success in the industry.

Through the Culture in Construction Taskforce, several major infrastructure projects including Transport for NSW, Mulgoa Road Upgrade Stage 1 and Health Infrastructure NSW, Randwick Children’s Hospital Redevelopment are piloting the Culture Standard which includes capped working hours and a five-day week. Initial findings of the piloted projects suggest improvements to recruitment and retention of women in construction.

In addition, the NSW Government’s Women in Construction Industry Innovation Program works with industry and contractors to implement flexible workplace and supportive policies, making construction a more appealing career choice for women.

Earlier this year, the government announced $2.2 million in funding to support initiatives to attract and retain women in construction and build more inclusive cultures.

The survey findings will guide the future direction of the government’s Women in Construction program, addressing entrenched issues and ensuring continued progress toward increasing women’s participation in the industry.

To find out more, and see the full survey results, see the Women in Construction program.

Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen said:

“The NSW Government is currently building some of the largest infrastructure projects in Australia, and we want women’s participation in these projects to be a standard in the industry and not the exception.”

“This is an important step in helping all our workers feel respected and valued, listening to what women are calling out for, and showing our commitment to equitable workplaces.

“Government can and should leverage its procurement power to increase women’s participation, and Transport for NSW is implementing this across its projects.

“The workforce delivering Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 enabling works will be supported by wellbeing initiatives from the Culture in Construction Taskforce’s Culture Standard, which include a target for 40% female staff participation during project enabling works, flexible working hours and on-site mental health first aiders.

“It also includes a move to a five-day working week on the construction site, a reduction from the six-day working week that’s a frequent barrier to women entering the industry.”

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

“We are committed to increasing women’s participation in the construction industry – this is essential for building a workforce that reflects our diverse communities.

“Change doesn’t happen overnight, but this report shows that targeted programs, like Women in Construction, can produce positive results.  This report and the feedback I hear generally tells me that we still have a long way to go, across industry, in providing a workplace culture that encourages women to participate.  Government is doing good work with industry, particularly large employers, but the change needs to happen in every workplace.

“Let’s continue working together for a stronger, more inclusive construction industry—one where gender equity and progressing women’s careers is at the forefront of progress.”

Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison said:

“The future of our trades industry lies in embracing the diversity and capabilities of all workers. It’s important that we’re creating a safe, inclusive and dynamic workforce that welcomes and supports women in all trade roles.

“The insights gathered from the annual Women in Construction Industry Survey will guide the future direction of our programs, ensuring our actions are informed by the experiences of women in the sector.

“We know there is more work to be done, and the NSW Government is working with industry to ensure we drive change by removing barriers and creating supportive pathways for women to thrive.”

As part of the Minns Government’s commitment to deliver more well-located homes close to jobs and transport, the community surrounding the future Orchard Hills Station is being consulted on the precinct’s Stage One rezoning proposal.

The proposal for the rezoning has been placed on public exhibition for community comment on the Orchard Hills Stage 1 rezoning proposal and structure plan.

The draft plans propose a new mixed-use local centre at the Orchard Hills Station, with opportunities for retail, commercial, and community uses.

Following consultation on precinct planning which began in 2022, this proposal includes thousands of new homes and up to 4,000 local jobs.

The precinct will be centred around a series of walkable and connected centres, home to local shops and entertainment, supported by crucial local infrastructure updates and around 50 hectares of public open space, including recreational and sporting fields.

Providing a catalyst for urban growth in the area is the Orchard Hills Station, currently under construction, which will service passengers taking off at Western Sydney International Airport.

The documents on exhibition also provide the community and landowners with certainty over the future intent for the remaining stages of the Orchard Hills precinct, which could provide capacity for more homes, new centres and more employment land. Development in these areas would be subject to future rezonings.

The rezoning proposal and draft structure plan builds on the feedback provided by the community on the Orchard Hills discussion paper in late 2022.

Orchard Hills was identified as a precinct suitable for state-led rezoning under the existing Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek (GPEC) strategic planning framework and the $73.5 million Rezone and Build initiative. The state-led rezoning process commenced in mid-late 2022.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will consider all feedback provided by the community during exhibition to inform a final rezoning and structure plan to be delivered in 2025.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Western Sydney’s transformation continues to meet the growing needs of a changing population.

“Orchard Hills is a great opportunity to provide much needed housing as we strive towards our National Housing Accord Target of 377,000 homes by 2029.

“The NSW Government is getting on with the job of delivering more homes and the infrastructure needed to support growth, actively planning for the region’s future.

“We stand ready to capitalise on the development opportunities that the new Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line, Western Sydney International Airport and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis will bring for communities like Orchard Hills.

“We are also seeking to provide certainty for current landowners over the future intent of the other stages of the Orchard Hills precinct.

“The work of the Independent Community Commission, Professor Roberta Ryan, will continue to support this exhibition process to assist the community and landowners with the rezoning proposal.

“We are now looking to create accessible, well-located housing in Orchard Hills. These future homes will be close to transport, schools and public spaces with opportunities for new cycleways and walkways to improve connectivity.”

Used Car Safety Ratings released today show the wide gap between a safe second-hand vehicle and a poor performer in a crash.

The NSW Government is urging used car buyers – particularly young people and their parents looking for a first car – to use the guide to buy a car that protects most for a particular price point.

The annual guide shows a driver of the lowest rated vehicle is ten times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash than a driver in the safest vehicle.

Footage released today by the NSW Government shows the dramatic difference in outcomes when a 2012 Great Wall V200 and a 2012 Holden Colorado were crashed head on.

The one star-rated Great Wall is decimated in the crash, putting driver and passenger at risk of serious injury while the four-star Colorado provided significantly better safety protection.

The 2024 Used Car Safety guide rates 404 vehicles manufactured since 2000. Of those, 110 earned an “excellent” five-star rating – four more than in 2023 and 55 more than in 2022.

The best of the five-star vehicles are marked as a ‘Safer Pick’, with 60 per cent of those vehicles available to purchase second hand for less than $10,000.

Safer picks include:

Mazda 3 (2013 – 2019)

Toyota Camry (2011 – 2022)

Volkswagen Touareg (2011 – 2019)

Cars that received a very poor one-star rating include:

Ford Fiesta (2004 – 2008)

Hyundai Accent (2000 – 2006)

Toyota Camry (1997- 2002)

Holden Commodore VT/VX (1997 – 2002)

The vast majority of the vehicles given a ‘Safer Pick’ rating were manufactured from 2008 onwards, demonstrating the benefits of more advanced safety equipment and design improvements like electronic stability control and advanced occupant protection systems.

The ratings, which are in their 32^nd year, were produced by Monash University in partnership with Transport for NSW and other transport agencies around Australia and New Zealand to help motorists choose the safest used car that fits their budget, needs, and lifestyle.

The guide is available at https://towardszero.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-10/ucsr-brochure-2024.pdf

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The hunt for a second-hand car has generally focused on a car that will not break down. No one wants to buy a lemon.

“What is just as important is considering which used car delivers the safest performance for your budget. Your choice might literally save your life. 

“The Used Car Safety Ratings guide provide simple, reliable safety information at no cost into the hands of vehicle buyers.

“I urge parents of young people who may be looking for a first car to consider safety above all else and if you can buy a vehicle that is the safest in its category or price point, do so.

“A driver behind the wheel of the lowest-rated vehicle is ten times more likely to be killed or seriously injured compared to a driver in the safest vehicle. The choice is that clear.”

“With more than 60 per cent of the best-rated cars available for $10,000 or less, you don’t have to pick the most expensive car on the market to make a safer choice.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“For drivers in regional NSW, distances of travel are longer and many people use older vehicles, so choosing a vehicle with a high safety rating increases your chances of surviving a crash.

“The 2024 Used Car Safety Ratings guide helps regional drivers find the safest options, ensuring they are well-protected no matter where their journey takes them.

“Cost of living, particularly in regional areas, is an important issue for the Government and that is why we are encouraging everyone considering purchasing a second-hand car to use this guide to ensure they choose a safe vehicle.”

Scientia Professor Helen Christensen AO from UNSW Sydney and the Black Dog Institute is being recognised as the NSW Scientist of the Year in the 2024 Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering.

Professor Christensen is one of 10 exceptional researchers, innovators, and educators being honoured at the Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering, held at Government House in Sydney tonight.

Professor Christensen’s selection as Scientist of the Year is in recognition of her pioneering work in digital mental health research, which has significantly influenced mental health care practice both in Australia and internationally.

In 2000, she developed the digital intervention program, MoodGYM, to reduce depression in young people, which has been used by millions of people across more than 160 countries.

She served as the Executive Director and Chief Scientist at the Black Dog Institute from 2011 to 2021, while her work creating a model of suicide prevention has been incorporated into national and state suicide prevention plans.

She will receive a trophy and $60,000 in prize money.

Nine category winners are also being announced tonight, each receiving a trophy and $5,000 in prize money:

• Excellence in Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Chemistry or Physics
  Professor Susan Coppersmith, UNSW Sydney
• Excellence in Biological Sciences (Ecological, environmental, agricultural and organismal) Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen, Macquarie University
• Excellence in Medical Biological Sciences (Cell and molecular, medical, veterinary and genetics)
  Professor Stuart Tangye, Garvan Institute of Medical Research
• Excellence in Engineering or Information and Communications Technologies
  Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo, University of Wollongong
• NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year (Biological Sciences)
  Dr Ira Deveson, Garvan Institute of Medical Research
• NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year (Physical Sciences) –
  Dr. Jiayan Liao, University of Technology Sydney
• Leadership in Innovation in NSW
  Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle, University of Technology Sydney
• Innovation in NSW Public Sector Science and Engineering
  Dr Annette Cowie, NSW Department of Primary Industries and University of New England
• Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics Teaching in NSW
  Jodie Attenborough, Tottenham Central School

Full details of all winners can be found at:

NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering | Chief Scientist

Premier Chris Minns said:

“These awards are about recognising and thanking our state’s most outstanding scientists, engineers, and teachers.  

“Professor Christensen’s work has helped millions of people worldwide.

“Her online self-help courses to help address common mental health disorders have been pioneering.

“Mental health support is vital for so many people. Professor Christensen has improved support for people in NSW, and people around the world.

“Mental health is one of the pressing challenges of our time, and Professor Christensen’s innovations have made an important impact.”

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Tonight is the NSW Government’s chance to recognise some of the leaders from NSW’s world-class research and innovation community.

“We celebrate not only research excellence, but visionary work that is driving the establishment of new high-tech companies to tackle some of our state’s most difficult problems.”

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Hugh Durrant-Whyte said:

“Tonight, we celebrate leading thinkers in areas as diverse as quantum physics, synthetic biology, immunology, cybersecurity and satellite telecommunications.

“We acknowledge the work of established senior academics as well as lauding the contributions of our best early career researchers.

“My congratulations to everyone honoured tonight, and especially to 2024 Scientist of the Year, Professor Helen Christensen, for her profound impact in the critically important area of mental health.”   

2024 NSW Scientist of the Year Professor Helen Christensen said:

“I’m deeply honoured to receive this award from the NSW Government.

“It’s exciting to see this recognition for scientific work in mental health—an issue now seen globally as the leading health concern, even surpassing cancer, obesity and COVID.

“Mental health science has the power to transform lives. We’re at a tipping point, where advancements in genetics, AI, and software engineering, are reshaping our understanding of mental illness, the impact of societal factors, and how technology delivers proven treatments to those who need them.”