Category: NSW News

The Minns Government is continuing work to support Western NSW communities with the announcement today the $2 million subsidy scheme for commercial flights in Western NSW will continue at least until November 2025.

The agreement will allow for the continuation of subsidies on flights from Dubbo to Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge operated by Air Link and from Sydney to Cobar operated by FlyPelican.

The NSW Government and the Far North-West Joint Organisation (FNWJO) subsidy agreement will provide residents, workers and industry in Western NSW with continued access to air services helping to reduce travel times in rural and remote NSW.

Subsidised air travel is vital for the delivery of essential services such as health, childcare, justice, family and community services, with doctors, specialists, nurses and social workers among the frequent fliers travelling to and from Western NSW.

As part of the Government’s continued commitment to Western NSW, work is also underway to deliver the Regional Development Trust $15 million Airstrips Improvement Package.

The package will upgrade rural and remote airstrips to improve access for emergency services, health professionals and other essential services in some of the most remote parts of the state.

An audit of remote and rural airstrips across 19 local government areas and the unincorporated area in Western NSW is underway to prioritise those most in need of upgrades.

Work on the airstrips and related infrastructure is expected to start before the end of the year.

Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“For Sydneysiders, air travel is an easily accessible convenience but for people living in Western NSW it is not so easy.

“This funding will help commercial operators offer a two-way service connecting regional NSW with essential workers, trades, and services that they often depend on.

Independent member for Barwon, Roy Butler said:

“Western Air Services flights provide people in remote areas with much-needed access to health services, social engagements, and major economic benefits to our primary industries.

“For many people in my electorate these flights are not a luxury but an absolute necessity, especially given the vast distances people need to cover in the west of the state.

“I want to thank the Minister for her understanding of the importance of this issue when I raised it with her, and for her following through to ensure the continuation of these vital air services.”

Retiring Far North-West Joint Organisation Chairman, Councillor Barry Hollman said:

“This is a very exciting announcement, and I thank the NSW Government and particularly the Minister for Western NSW, the Hon Tara Moriarty, MLC for her responsiveness.

“Just as commuters on the recently opened Metro in Sydney described the new train service as ‘transformational’ and ‘life changing’, the same can be said about the provision of these air services to the remote far North West area of the State.

“The Government has certainly gone the extra mile to assist our remote communities.

Chief Executive Officer, Fly Pelican, Marty Hawley said:

“Today we welcome this announcement from the NSW Government and we look forward to continuing to service these critical flights for the far North West region and its communities.

“Flight services to our remote regions are critical, and we are very pleased with today’s announcement to ensure the far North West region remains connected.”

General Manager, Air Link Airlines, Ron O’Brien said:

“This funding plays a crucial role in maintaining reliable air services that are lifelines for the communities of Bourke, Walgett, and Lightning Ridge.

“Regional air services help to bridge distances and improve quality of life for residents in regional NSW by facilitating economic development and enhanced connectivity for businesses and residents alike.

Global ratings agency Moody’s has maintained NSW’s Triple-A credit rating with a stable outlook, despite the state’s $11.9 billion GST hit from the Commonwealth Grants Commission.

The determination follows the NSW Government’s ongoing work to stabilise the state’s debt.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey announced in the 2024-25 Budget that gross debt is projected to be $9.3 billion lower under this government by June 2026.

In its credit opinion, Moody’s cites the state’s strong governance and management as a factor in its determination.

The stable outlook reflects Moody’s expectation that the large and diverse NSW economy will remain resilient “despite slower growth and higher interest rates, continuing to underpin its capacity to service the state’s growing debt burden.”

Further rationale includes:

• A mature and strong institutional framework within the Commonwealth, including partnership programs.
• A proven history of fiscal resolve and strong liquidity.

Moody’s is clear that considerable challenges remain to the state holding its Triple-A credit rating. 

It states that new recurrent spending and inflation pressures will continue to hinder a return to a net operating surplus.

In addition, Moody’s notes that infrastructure spending will see fiscal deficits persist.

The NSW Coalition delivered the biggest deficits in the state’s history and handed over a record debt that was on track to reach $188 billion.

The Minns Labor Government continues the work of bringing the state’s debt under control.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This determination is an acknowledgment of the difficult work that has been done to wrangle the state’s debt back under control.

“We accept that stress remains on the Triple-A rating and Moody’s provides a sobering reminder of the work still ahead.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government will continue to rebuild the state’s finances while delivering targeted cost-of-living relief to families and households across NSW.

“We will maintain our fiscally disciplined approach as we build a better NSW, working hard to repair the public services our communities rely on.”

Early works for Stage 2 of the Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment is set to begin next year, with a project team recommencing work to deliver the redevelopment. 

The NSW Government is investing $180 million in the Lower Mid North Coast Health Service project, bringing together the Manning Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2 and Forster-Tuncurry health facility projects to boost health services for communities across the region. 

Detailed design is completed for Stage 2 of the Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment and the scope includes refurbished and improved inpatient accommodation, improved connectivity across the campus and extended telehealth services.

The Hunter New England Local Health District is undertaking further clinical services planning for the Lower Mid North Coast Health Service project, and recently commenced consultation with staff and stakeholders to support this planning. 

Pending the appointment of a contractor, early works for the redevelopment is expected to start in 2025. This will involve the demolition of the current Administration Building to make way for the construction of the new inpatient accommodation building. 

Some hospital administration staff will be relocated to allow commencement of the demolition works.

The project is being delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with Hunter New England Local Health District.

For more information about the project, email HI-manningforster@health.nsw.gov.au or visit hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/manningforster.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park

“The recommencement of the project team for the Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment is an important step, and we are excited to see the Lower Mid North Coast Health Service project moving forward.

“As Regional Health Minister, I’m deeply focused on improving access to care in our regional, rural and remote communities and I’m so thrilled we’re recommencing work on this important project.

“As the project progresses, there will be continuing opportunities for staff, clinicians and the broader community to have input in helping shape the redevelopment.” 

Labor Spokesperson for Myall Lakes Emily Suvaal:

“The investment in the Lower Mid North Coast Health Service Project will enable delivery of modern hospital and health facilities that will help meet the future health needs of communities in Taree and the wider Manning Valley region, including Forster-Tuncurry.

“The Minns Labor Government remains committed to delivering on the health infrastructure and technology our NSW communities so desperately need and deserve.”

A Central Coast business is among one of the first seven NSW food and beverage manufacturers to win a NSW government low interest loan to help boost productivity, create jobs, and deliver advanced manufacturing capabilities.

The loans, delivered as part of the Government’s Regional Development Roadmap, will help boost productivity, create jobs, and deliver advanced manufacturing capabilities. 

East Coast Beverages based in Kulnura, is one of the only family-owned and operated juice companies left in Australia suppling its products to Woolworths, Coles, IGA, SPAR, and Foodworks.

The company will use the loan to install automated technology including high speed conveyors, bottling equipment, and advanced line cleaning systems.

Under the $5 million pilot program, the loans can be used for projects such as installing automated production lines, upgrading bottling lines, or buying equipment that will enable products to be exported more efficiently.

The NSW Government is assisting good businesses grow so they can increase demand for local produce, add value to their products, boosting revenue and creating jobs into their regions.

The food and beverage manufacturing sector is a major employer in regional NSW, which is already home to companies such as Nestle, Ferrero, Stone and Wood, Sanitarium and Simplot Foods.

Last year the sector across NSW had an annual turnover of $42.5 billion and employed more than 66,000 people.

Find out more about the Regional Development Trust Fund.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“East Coast Beverages is one of the region’s success stories and the Government is committed to helping businesses like this grow, create more jobs and benefit local producers and the community.

“Across the state we are committed to strengthening the farming sector and regional economies by encouraging and assisting local businesses.

“We are always willing to support businesses that add value to local produce, expand their production capacity and employ locals.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“East Coast Beverages is a fantastic family-owned business based in the highly productive Central Coast hinterland, who will continue to go from strength-to-strength with this NSW Government support.

“They are just one of the businesses helping grow the Coast’s considerable renown as a region that produces, manufactures and exports fine food and beverages and adds to the vibrant local foodie scene.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“East Coast Beverages is a symbol of all that is wonderful about our Central Coast hinterland, producing high quality products, while creating local jobs and boosting our local economy.

“It has been fantastic to see the rise of East Coast Beverages from a small family-owned and operated local juice company to a dominate player in the Australian juice market and we all love buying their products from outlets across the Central Coast and beyond.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting our local food and beverage manufacturers such as East Coast Beverages to continue to move from strength to strength with the award of a NSW Government low interest loan.”

Communities impacted by bushfires, floods or severe weather events will be able to stay connected after natural disasters, with a $5 million fleet of new technologies being rolled out by the NSW Government.

In a significant step forward as the bush fire season nears, the technologies will provide backup connectivity for communities and emergency responders.

Cells on Wheels

This includes four Cells on Wheels units, which connect to the internet by satellite to provide free public Wi-Fi access.

Each asset can provide Wi-Fi coverage up to 500 metres away, while units can be linked to cover an even wider area.

Self-powered and mounted on trailers, the units can be dispatched in a matter of hours to provide temporary Wi-Fi connectivity to communities when regular telecommunications infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.

This will provide essential internet access to people so they can contact family, apply for support, access documents, or lodge insurance claims, even when local networks are down.

The Cells on Wheels, also known as COWs, are due to be delivered this summer following the NSW Telco Authority awarding the contract to regional communication specialist Pivotel.

The delivery of the COWs delivers on a Minns Labor Government election commitment as part of the Western Sydney Floods Resilience Plan.

Portable Connection Units

Additionally, Service NSW has introduced eight Portable Connection Units which will provide Wi-Fi internet access in disaster recovery centres for staff and locals.

These are easily transportable and can switch between local mobile networks to provide internet connection for up to 100 devices.

Satellite-enabled Service NSW vehicle

A new satellite-equipped Service NSW vehicle has now hit the road.

Using Starlink satellite technology, this allows a mobile service centre to be established anywhere at any time, with its own independent broadband connection, ready to help customers.

Along with allowing Service NSW to set up temporary offices anywhere, locals will be able to connect to the internet via a public Wi-Fi hotspot.

Public Safety Network

In addition to keeping the community online, the Government is also delivering new technologies to help emergency services personnel get on with their vital work.

The Public Safety Network is the communications network used by emergency services and is critical for keeping emergency and essential services connected during a crisis.

Public Safety Network sites are similar to a mobile phone base station, typically featuring a tower and an equipment shelter.

To quickly restore Public Safety Network outages caused by natural disasters damaging infrastructure, three fire-resistant portable communications shelters can now be deployed.

These will be able to replace destroyed shelters within around a fortnight, greatly reducing the time needed to fully restore a site.

The NSW Telco Authority will also position 18 new trailer generators across the state, ready to be transported to Public Safety Network sites which have lost power in an emergency.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Telecommunication networks can be limited, damaged or destroyed during emergencies – at a time when they’re needed most.

“We know this adds to stress, with people unable to connect with family members, or access post-emergency information.

“This technology will help people contact loved ones and stay connected in times of need.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“When an emergency or natural disaster occurs, connectivity is crucial, and the new technology we are rolling out will make it easier for people to contact loved ones, access support and even commence insurance claims.

“We already have a reliable radio communications system for first responders, but natural disasters can damage this infrastructure. The NSW Government is delivering innovative technologies including COWs and PCUs to provide an important backup when traditional networks are down.

“Whether it’s flooding, fires or extreme weather events, these solutions can be rapidly deployed to impacted areas, helping communities stay connected and get back on their feet.”

Managing Director of NSW Telco Authority Kylie De Courteney said:

“NSW Telco Authority is committed to bringing people and communities back online faster than ever when disaster strikes.

“This investment into innovative technologies means the NSW Government can now better respond during and after a crisis and restore connectivity for community and emergency services alike.”

Chief Executive of Pivotel Peter Bolger said:

“We are immensely proud to be awarded this contract to deploy our broadband Cell on Wheels solution and we commend the NSW Government for leading this groundbreaking initiative in Australia.

“Engineered for rapid deployment, Pivotel’s advanced mobile communication units are critical in bridging the communication gap during disasters like floods and bushfires, ensuring access to continuous and reliable communication services when they’re needed most.”

A special Star Ceremony will be held this morning at the Anzac Memorial in Sydney’s Hyde Park to commemorate the 25^th Anniversary of Australian service in East Timor.

Representatives of the veteran community will each place a special star into the Hall of Memory to remember the service and sacrifice of those Australians who served in East Timor between 1999 and 2013.

Over 18,000 Australians served in East Timor, including members of the Australian Defence Force, Australian Federal Police personnel, as well as civilians. Their contribution came at a cost, with six Australians paying the ultimate sacrifice.

Military involvement in East Timor began in 1999 when the East Timorese people were given the opportunity to vote on whether they wanted independence from Indonesia. Pro-Indonesia militia groups began attacking civilians, 1,400 civilians died, and around 500,000 people were displaced from their homes.

Indonesian President BJ Habibie announced on 12 September 1999 that the country would withdraw from East Timor and allow peacekeepers to enter.

The United Nations Security Council authorised the formation of a multinational force known as the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) led by Australia.

This deployment of troops to East Timor in 1999 was Australia’s largest since the Vietnam War.

Today’s commemorative address was provided by RSL NSW Director Mr Paul James, who served in the Army Reserves on Operation RESOLUTE (Border Protection) in 2009-10 and Operation ASTUTE (Timor-Leste) in 2012.

A national service will also take place at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial in Canberra, attended by NSW Minister for Veterans, the honourable David Harris MP.

Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:

“Twenty-five years ago, Australians were deployed to Timor-Leste, then known as East Timor, to lead a multinational peacekeeping force in response to a humanitarian and security crisis.

“The service of Australians and those of other nations who formed the International Force East Timor assisted the country as it achieved independence, and established itself as an independent democracy.

“Thank you to the men and women who served in East Timor.”

RSL NSW Director Mr Paul James said:

“During my deployment to Timor-Leste in 2012 and 2013 the United Nations forces handed over law and order to the Timorese, and in early 2013 the ADF and NZDF elements withdrew after being deployed since 2006 as the International Stabilisation Force.

“What I remember most from my deployment to Timor-Leste is the warmth and kindness shown by the Timorese. Many of those who I met had suffered from decades of violence and conflict.

“Every veteran and police officer that served in East Timor from 1999 to 2013 should be proud of how they provided safety, support and hope to this little nation.”

Repairs and betterment works are now underway for more than 40 landslip sites on Wisemans Ferry Road in Spencer and Gunderman on the Central Coast, thanks to $28.3 million from Albanese and Minns Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Wisemans Ferry Road experienced widespread damage including embankments with landslides and rockfalls at multiple locations, after major flooding and storms in 2022.

The road will be restored to its pre-disaster function and become more resilient to future natural disasters, as part of Essential Public Asset Reconstruction and Regional Roads Transport Recovery Package initiatives.

These initiatives help local councils in NSW rebuild road and transport infrastructure projects in disaster-impacted communities.

Alongside current road pavement rehabilitation, over the coming months Wisemans Ferry Road will see works across four interconnected segments to rectify several critical landslide and embankment erosion issues.

Completion of the Wisemans Ferry Road project is anticipated in June 2026, weather depending.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister:

“The Albanese and Minns Governments are committed to working with Central Coast Council to build a stronger and more reliable road network that keeps local communities connected and freight operators moving.

“Restoring and improving vital infrastructure such as Wisemans Ferry Road helps local communities respond and bounce back more quickly to any future natural disasters.”

the Member for Robertson, Dr. Gordon Reid:

“I welcome the collaboration between the Federal and State Labor Governments to start these much-needed rehabilitation works along Wisemans Ferry Road.

“I know through conversations with my community that safety along Wisemans Ferry Road is a top priority, being one of the primary roads in and out of the area.

“As an emergency doctor, it is vitally important that frontline services can access these communities easily and safely.”

NSW Minister for Planning, Paul Scully:

“We have seen Wisemans Ferry Road severely impacted by weather events in recent years so this investment in upgrading more than 40 landslip sites is important.

“When repair works are undertaken in disaster prone areas, we want to make sure they make the area more resilient for the future.

“These works on Wisemans Ferry Road are long overdue for the community to return to their normal travel routes around the area.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“We know Wisemans Ferry Road is vulnerable to severe weather events, and this funding will help Central Coast Council to both carry out necessary repairs and to ensure the local road network is more capable of withstanding future natural disasters.

“This funding will provide a boost to Council, to improve the local roads that people use every day to travel to work, see their families and get to medical appointments.

“Working together, we can help communities remain connected or re-connect faster following a severe weather event.”

NSW Minister for the Central Coast David Harris:

“These extensive rehabilitation works are a huge win for residents, visitors and freight operators who rely on Wisemans Ferry Road.

“These works will improve safety significantly while also ensuring the region can bounce back quicker.

“I’m proud to be part of a government providing funding which will improve the daily lives of regional communities.”

Gosford MP Liesl Tesch:

“Wisemans Ferry Road has been significantly impacted by severe weather events and the local community are very happy to see work progressing to not only restore the road, but ensure it’s improved for the long-term benefit of all locals and visitors.

“The Central Coast deserves to have infrastructure that can recover more quickly from these types of disasters, allowing life to get back to normal more quickly.

“Simply repairing the damage without addressing the underlying problems would eventually be more costly for all concerned.”

Central Coast Council Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff:

“The long-awaited works have been much anticipated by the community after many natural disasters and storm events impacted local roads and the day-to-day life of locals, as well as visitors to the area.

“Since the time that emergency works were undertaken to reinstate road access and ensure safe use of the road, Council has continued to work on delivering solutions to get the road back to working order and to better withstand future natural disasters.

“We are excited to have successfully secured funding from the Australian and NSW Governments and for the remediation works on Wisemans Ferry Road to now be underway.

“This is a very welcome milestone for the community and the tourism industry, and we thank the Australian and NSW Governments for their funding support.”

The Minns Labor Government has passed legislation today that will greatly enhance the delivery of regional economic development and to build stronger communities across rural and regional NSW.

Significant changes to the Regional Development Act by the Government, have lifted community confidence in how taxpayer funds will be used in regional NSW following years of porkbarrelling and mismanagement by the former Nationals/Liberal Government.

The NSW Government is committed to delivering change and ensuring government investments are targeted and will make a real positive difference to people and communities.

The modernised Regional Development Act reflects the community feedback and 232 submissions received in response to the community engagement on the Bill.

This engagement also included hearing from rural and remote council Mayors and general managers, regional Councils, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Business NSW, NSW Farmers, Regional Development Australia, regionally located Universities and the NSW Aboriginal Women’s Advisory Network.

The new legislation provides a robust framework for how the Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust supports community needs and economic development in the communities it is designed to serve.

The changes introduce independent accountability, greatly improve cooperation between all levels of government and provide greater transparency in funding arrangements for regional development projects.

The Regional Development Act has now been modernised with:

• Updated objects of the Act to reflect the contemporary needs of rural and regional NSW and encourage cooperation and collaboration with all tiers of government including local government
• Broader types of financial investment that can be provided from the Regional Development Trust to better respond to the challenges and opportunities in rural and regional NSW
• Reinvestment enabled into the Regional Development Trust by government, private sector and non-for-profit organisations
• Strengthened accountability and transparency through new governance and reporting provisions requiring the publication of an annual report, investment strategy and governance framework so the public have a clear understanding of the focus and investment of the Regional Development Trust
• A mandate that the Minister must establish a Regional Development Advisory Council so that independent expert advice is a constant component of the administration of the Regional Development Trust.

As part of the modernised Regional Development Act, the Regional Development Advisory Council will provide independent advice and oversight on investments from the Regional Development Trust.

Community members interested in shaping the future prosperity of regional NSW are encouraged to apply to become part of the NSW Government’s Regional Development Advisory Council.

Expressions of Interest for the new Advisory Council opened on 11 September 2024 and close on 11:59PM Wednesday 9 October.

For more information about the Regional Development go to: www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/regional-development-roadmap

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Updating the Regional Development Act is an important milestone that ensures investments into rural and regional communities from the Government’s $400 Regional Development Trust are strategic and provide real benefits for regional communities.

“This new Act represents the full delivery of the Regional Development Roadmap to update our regional development framework. This is in addition to the establishment of the regional development advisory council and the investment of $400m into the regional development trust.

“The Trust will invest where it is needed most and support projects that deliver meaningful benefit to regional communities.

“With these changes, regional communities can have full confidence that investments are made in a fair and transparent way underpinned by independent expert advice.”

NSW Ambulance staff who have provided exceptional care to their communities have been honoured at public events held across NSW to celebrate Ambulance Appreciation Day.

More than 150 NSW Ambulance staff were recognised for commendable acts of courage and going above and beyond in their role in saving lives across the state.

NSW Ambulance Appreciation Day events were held at the State Operations Centre and ambulance stations across the state, including Central Sydney, Liverpool, Woy Woy, Blacktown, Hamilton, Kingscliff, Wagga Wagga and Bathurst to publicly recognise and celebrate our paramedics and ambulance staff members for their achievements and extraordinary care they have provided.

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM attended the event at Central Sydney Ambulance Station and acknowledged the dedication and compassion of NSW Ambulance staff.

Among those recognised today were Cameron Edgar, Associate Director Helicopter Operations, Guy Blanchard, Duty Aeromedical Manager and critical care paramedic Garth Thomson who all started with NSW Ambulance on the same day 30 years ago.

Other awards presented include the Commissioner’s Commendations for Courage and Service, Commissioner’s Unit Citations for Courage and Service, and service recognition clasps to dedicated staff with more than 30 years of continuous service.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The outstanding care paramedics and NSW Ambulance staff provide to the community is second to none and today we recognise a special cohort who have gone beyond the call of duty for the people of NSW.

“Those receiving awards today have shown exceptional care to the community and remarkable courage, but I also want to acknowledge all NSW Ambulance staff who put patient care at the centre of everything they do.”

NSW Health Secretary, Susan Pearce AM:

“NSW Ambulance Appreciation Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the professionalism and specialised skills of NSW Ambulance staff and recognise the important work they do around the state in the pre-hospital setting.

“I am immensely proud of all the paramedics, doctors, nurses, control centre staff, corporate staff and volunteers who are being acknowledged and awarded today.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan:

“Today is about celebrating the remarkable achievements of NSW Ambulance staff from across the state and recognising their hard work and exceptional skills.

“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our staff on the road, in the air, at our stations, airbases, control centres, offices and State Operations Centre for your dedication in providing excellent care to the NSW community.”

The Minns Labor Government will support all nine recommendations from the NSW Parliament’s inquiry into government procurement, paving the way for more transparent, fair and effective practices.

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos referred the matter to the parliamentary inquiry in response to concerns about the decline in local manufacturing and a lack of local content policies under the previous Liberal-National Government.

The NSW Government welcomes all of the report’s recommendations which will see:

• An expanded definition of ‘value for money’ so that opportunities for job creation and local industry support can be factored into government spend,
• The amending or removal of obstacles to opportunities for small and medium size enterprises to bid for government contracts,
• Improved compliance and assurance with procurement policies and directions,
• New measures to ensure timely feedback is offered to all parties involved in a competitive tender bid.

Under the previous Liberal-National Government, thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of major contracts were sent abroad. What came back were delays, cost blowouts and, ultimately, inferior products.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to reforming government procurement to encourage the development of local industries and remove barriers to local growth.

The inquiry’s recommendations complement the suite of reforms already commenced by the NSW Government, including:

• Mandating that agencies engage with local NSW suppliers before tendering for contracts worth more than $7.5 million, and if the contract is awarded to a supplier outside NSW, to undergo a ‘please explain’ outlining why it wasn’t,
• Revoking rules which made it unlawful for NSW government agencies to seek, or even consider, local employment and business growth opportunities at any stage of the procurement process,
• Slashing red tape for small and medium enterprises who contract with the NSW Government, and increasing the threshold for direct engagement to $250,000,
• Announcing plans to legislate a Jobs First Commission which will mandate local tender weightings and minimum skills requirements, and monitor their implementation,
• Announcing plans to create a debarment scheme to ban dodgy suppliers from engaging with the NSW Government.

Last year the NSW Government spent approximately $42 billion on goods and services.

Chaired by the Hon Dr Sarah Kaine MLC, the inquiry received 64 submissions from a range of stakeholders including industry, unions, associations and councils, academics and members of the public. It held a series of public hearings to hear first-hand from industry professionals, key stakeholders and government agencies. 

The inquiry’s first report, and the full NSW Government response are available on the NSW Parliament website at <https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3014>.

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos:

“We have the opportunity to be smarter with our procurement dollars, better leveraging them to deliver better outcomes for businesses and workers across NSW.

“The inquiry’s report made it clear that there is significant reform required to ensure the effective operation of the procurement framework to maximise value-for-money for taxpayers.

“By reforming the way the government spends its precious procurement dollars we can unlock new opportunities for local suppliers and small businesses.

“The inquiry’s findings demonstrate that the reforms we have already put in place have us on the right path. There’s clearly more work to be done to make sure more of the NSW Government’s $42 billion spend can go to support local jobs and local industries.

“I thank the committee for their work and look forward to receiving their final report.

inquiry chair Dr Sarah Kaine MLC:

“This is an important inquiry, given the vital role government procurement plays in the NSW economy. With almost $42 billion spent each year, we need to make sure that this spend factors in the overall impact and cost to our community not just the ticketed price.

“I am pleased the Government will be supporting all nine recommendations, it highlights this Government’s commitment to ensuring our procurement system is fit for purpose, and to leverage the power of government procurement to promote local jobs and foster our local manufacturing industry.”