Category: NSW News

Jennifer Black has been appointed as the new Mental Health Commissioner. With over 30 years of experience in mental health advocacy, policy development, and service reform, she will lead the Mental Health Commission of New South Wales in its efforts to improve mental health outcomes across the state.

The Commission, an independent statutory agency, works with government and communities to ensure accessible mental health support, particularly for those at risk. Central to its mission is amplifying the voices of individuals with lived mental health experiences and their families.

Ms. Black previously served as CEO of the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, where she championed greater collaboration between government agencies, service providers, and the community to improve mental health services across Queensland.

In addition, Ms. Black held leadership roles as the Victorian Deputy Mental Health Complaints Commissioner, to help improve accountability and transparency in the mental health system, and she was seconded to the Victorian Ombudsman’s office, focusing on systemic reform and advocacy for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Her appointment is expected to bolster the Commission’s leadership in improving mental health and wellbeing outcomes across the state by strengthening mental health services and policies in NSW, ensuring that people have access to the support they need during times of distress.

Ms. Black will begin her role as Mental Health Commissioner on Monday, October 14, 2024.

About the Mental Health Commission of NSW
Established under the Mental Health Commission Act 2012, the Commission promotes collaboration among public agencies to provide comprehensive services for those with mental illness, reporting directly to the Minister for Mental Health.

Passengers arriving at Sydney Airport’s T1 International terminal will have faster and smoother journeys when Uber PIN technology launches on 24 September.

The new feature comes as Sydney Airport is set to introduce a dedicated kerbside Uber pick-up zone closer to the international terminal exit to reduce wait times, relieve congestion and improve pedestrian safety ahead of the school holidays.

Uber PIN allows passengers arriving at Sydney Airport’s T1 International terminal to request an Uber X by generating a code on their smartphone, heading to the new Uber pick-up zone and getting right in, rather than having to request, wait and locate their driver. While the current pick-up area is up to 200 metres from the terminal doors, the new spot will be located less than 20 metres away.

The upgrade puts Sydney Airport in line with other global airports, including Melbourne Airport, where the technology has been found to slash wait times in half for Uber customers, reduce crowding and enhance passenger and driver satisfaction.

Journeys from the airport in rideshare vehicles have surged by more than 10 per cent in the last year alone, now representing around half of all pick-ups.

To allow the 12-month trial to go ahead, the NSW Government has listened to key stakeholders calling for the change, putting in place an exemption to existing point to point transport regulation.

The Point to Point Transport Commissioner is requiring a number of controls to keep people safe, including new signage and barriers, a traffic supervisor, and clear reporting of trial outcomes.

Based on data and modelling, Sydney Airport is confident the new pick-up zone and PIN technology will result in better traffic flow and more organised pick-ups. The changes also mean Uber drivers have a dedicated area to wait for passengers, which is expected to reduce congestion and parking in local roads and streets.

Existing rideshare arrangements at domestic terminals will remain the same. If the trial is successful, the government will consider amending the regulation on an ongoing basis, with the option to roll out Uber PIN and dedicated pick-up zones at other terminals.

Taxi ranks, other rideshare operators and private vehicle areas will continue to operate as normal.

New Sydney Airport pick-up maps can be access here.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“Terminal 1 is Australia’s global gateway, and we want to roll out the welcome wagon for our international guests and returning travellers.

“After a long flight the last thing you want is a long wait. It’s unacceptable that people are copping chaos to get a ride, especially early in the morning or late at night with heavy luggage in tow.

“This is about giving people as many transport choices as possible after a long flight. Whether you’re taking an Uber, a taxi, or a train from the airport – the last leg of your trip should be as smooth as possible.

“Everyone deserves to enjoy all the great things Sydney has on offer, and I’m pleased to announce an additional way the NSW Government is helping to improve the airport experience.”

Point to Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing said:

“Safety is my priority, and I have directed Uber to put in place a number of controls ahead of the Uber PIN 12-month trial at Sydney Airport T1.

“Throughout the 12-month trial, my team will continually monitor safety and compliance at the pick-up zone.

“Our regulatory framework is intended to allow service providers the flexibility to respond to consumer preferences by adopting new technology and business models – while ensuring the safety of passenger services is not compromised.”

The NSW Government has today released a review of the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) response to mental health incidents in the community, developed by the NSW Police Force.

The NSWPF responds to more than 60,000 mental health incidents in the community every year and this figure has increased by around 10 per cent annually since 2018.

In most cases a criminal offence has not been committed, there is no threat of violence and a weapon is not involved.

Last year, the NSWPF commissioned a review into its role and response to mental health incidents within the community. The scope included:

• Examine the demand on the NSWPF in responding to mental health incidents in the community;
• Review the training officers receive;
• Define the role of police in responding to mental health incidents in the community;
• Review the current operational model;
• Review potential options for alternate response models.

As part of the review, Senior Police travelled to the United Kingdom to consider its ‘Right Care, Right Person’ model which ensures the right agency – that being the agency that can help the most – responds to mental health related incidents.

To be clear, in incidents where a weapon or a direct threat to life is involved, police respond.

The NSWPF’s report notes that while police are best equipped to respond to incidents involving criminality and public order, other health professionals are able to provide more appropriate care for people experiencing mental health crises.

It also acknowledges that police as the primary responder can potentially escalate a situation and that the high volume of police deployment to mental health related matters can also have flow on impacts to other community safety issues, limiting resources of police to respond to other matters.

The NSWPF and NSW Ministry of Health share the same goals: safer care for people experiencing mental health in the community, the safety of health professionals who provide care, and reserving police involvement in their care to situations when it is necessary for the safety of the person or community.

The NSWPF and NSW Ministry of Health have set up a working group of senior officials to consider the findings of the report and to develop options for an alternative response.

Additionally, the NSWPF has newly established the Mental Health Command to strengthen engagement and enhance police interventions when responding to mental health incidents.

The Command will provide oversight, strategic guidance and advice as well as engage with external stakeholders.

The Mental Health Command is part of an ongoing commitment to enhancing policing services and the safety and support of the community.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“There is consensus that people experiencing mental ill health need appropriate medical care.

“This is a complex issue and it’s important we have the right processes and support in place to address mental health incidents within the community.

“The NSWPF is responding to an extraordinary number of mental health-related calls each year, these officers go above and beyond to serve the community.

“We want to explore an alternate model so police can respond to crime first and foremost, and those experiencing mental ill health can receive the right care.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“The wellbeing and safety of NSW residents will always be a priority for the NSW Government. We are witnessing a shift in the prevalence and type of mental illness, as such a new response must be considered.

“We hear the calls for change from the sector and the recent NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into community mental health, and we know action cannot wait. This report is our first step in exploring the pathway forward to an alternative model.

“It takes a whole of Government approach to address mental health – NSW Health will continue to work with the NSW Police to identify changes to the state’s emergency response for people experiencing mental health crisis.”

The new 14-storey Paediatric Services Building (PSB) at the $619 million Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW) Stage 2 Redevelopment has reached its full height of nearly 70 metres.

As the centrepiece of the hospital’s redevelopment project, the new 14-storey Paediatric Services Building (PSB) will provide new and expanded critical and acute healthcare services.

Minister for Health Ryan Park and Member for Parramatta Donna Davis will visit the site today for a traditional ‘topping out’ ceremony to mark the significant construction milestone.

The building will include:

• A new and expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• A new and expanded Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
• Cancer services including a new day oncology treatment centre and inpatients units
• New perioperative unit containing operating theatres, cardiac catheterisation labs and interventional laboratory
• Statewide service for burns, offering inpatient and outpatient facilities
• A new pharmacy and oncology pharmacy
• A new Surgical Short Stay Unit

Internal and external works for the new building are well underway, including installation of facade panels, designed to illustrate the movement and reflections of the local waterways and riverbanks adjacent to the hospital.

Around 300 workers are currently working at the site each day, and this is expected to increase to around 500 a day at the peak of construction and fit out. The building is due to be completed in 2025.

The redevelopment also includes a new multi-storey car park, a revitalised ‘KidsPark’ forecourt with new food and beverage options for staff, patients and their families, an Aboriginal Gathering Space, three new playgrounds to suit children of all ages and abilities, a pet park, and refurbishment of existing spaces within the hospital, including:

• Relocation of the Clinical Research Centre, Gait Analysis Laboratory and Pathology Collections into new fit-for-purpose spaces
• Expansion of pathology laboratories
• Pathway upgrades for improved pedestrian movement through the health precinct

The Stage 2 Redevelopment of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead is being delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, with Roberts Co as the principal contractor.

The NSW Government is committed to delivering on the health infrastructure and technology for communities across NSW, in particular, focusing on the parts of the state that need it most.

It will invest $3.4 billion in 2024-25 to upgrade hospitals and health facilities across the State as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget ensuring patients continue to receive high-quality care in their local community.

Of this, nearly $1 billion will be allocated towards rural and regional health capital works projects, and over half a billion towards Western Sydney hospitals in 2024-25 alone.

Key investments in the 2024-25 NSW budget include:

• a further $47.8 million in the upgraded Ryde Hospital to deliver expanded and upgraded health services for Ryde and surrounding communities, which will include a new emergency department, inpatient wards and cutting-edge imaging and diagnostic services;
• hundreds of millions of dollars in additional funding to deliver ongoing hospital redevelopments at Eurobodalla, Temora, Liverpool, Integrated Mental Health Complex at Westmead, Moree, Nepean, Cessnock and Shellharbour Hospitals
• $265 million for the upgrade of Port Macquarie Hospital to provide a greater range of clinical services, including emergency and maternity services for the communities of the Mid North Coast
• $250 million in a critical maintenance program at hospitals and health facilities across NSW.

The NSW Government is committed to continuing to build on our previous investments in important infrastructure projects for the State, including:

• Canterbury Hospital redevelopment;
• Fairfield Hospital redevelopment;
• Additional beds for Mount Druitt Hospital & Blacktown Hospital; and
• A brand new $700 million hospital to be built at Rouse Hill.

The delivery of the Children’s Hospital at Westmead Redevelopment also builds on the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering Brighter Beginnings for the children of New South Wales.

Part of the Government’s $40 million Family Start Package in the 2024-25 NSW Budget will boost the public paediatric allied health workforce with an additional 32 staff, providing access to allied health services for 3,600 more children each year, of which the Children’s Hospital at Westmead play a role.

Find out more information the redevelopment of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The construction of the new hospital building and the significant investments to enhance existing health services will ensure The Children’s Hospital at Westmead continues providing world-class facilities for children and their families from all over NSW, as well as clinicians and researchers.

“These new, cutting-edge healthcare facilities will set the standard nationally and globally for paediatric healthcare.

“One of my key priorities in Government has been to improve the first 2,000 days of a child’s life. This project helps to achieve this goal through ensuring kids have high quality healthcare infrastructure”.

“Once complete, the new 14-storey building will support children requiring acute and critical healthcare across multiple departments, combining cancer services, operating theatres, intensive care, pharmacy, and inpatient units in one place.”

Donna Davis MP:

“The Children’s Hospital at Westmead is a key driver of growth in this area, and its significant expansion will help bolster an environment for deeper collaboration and innovation through all aspects of health care delivery.

“The completion of the redevelopment will establish the Westmead Health Precinct as one of the largest health, research, education and training precincts in the world.” 

Cathryn Cox PSM, Chief Executive, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network:  

“This significant investment in redeveloping The Children’s Hospital at Westmead will provide our leading healthcare and research professionals with access to modern healthcare facilities, technology and equipment.

“The redevelopment is creating contemporary facilities to revolutionise frontline medicine while fostering improved healthcare outcomes for children across the country to live their healthiest lives.”

NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs are set to receive a boost with the NSW Government opening the latest round of its Surf Club Facility Program.

Surf live saving clubs can apply for $5.4 million in funding for new and upgraded facilities with grants up to $1 million available.

The Program aims to keep surf life saving clubs modern and accessible, helping surf life savers to better protect beachgoers.

Projects that encourage the participation of women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ are a priority of the Program.

Grants will be awarded across three categories for projects that involve the upgrade, restoration or construction of new surf life saving facilities.

Category 1 offers grants up to $100,000 for facility improvement projects and closes on 14 October 2024. Category 2 offers grants up to $400,000 for small-medium construction projects and Category 3 offers grants up to $1 million for large construction projects with both closing on 11 November 2024.

Find further information and apply.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“With the surf life saving season just a few weeks away, we’re providing an additional $5.4 million to our surf life saving clubs to help them protect swimmers and keep people safe at the beach.”

“This is part of a four-year $16 million commitment from the NSW Government to ensure NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs continue to deliver a world-class service.

“This program is making a real difference with more people from all sections of the community now participating in surf life saving.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“As the weather warms up we know that the red and yellow flags on our beaches will be a welcome sight and this investment will support our volunteers by providing them with club facilities they need to support communities.

“The NSW Government is investing in new equipment, safety campaigns and upgraded facilities to support surf lifesaving volunteers and the work they do to keep swimmers safe.”

President of Surf Life Saving NSW Peter Agnew said:

“We are pleased to see the NSW Government acknowledge and support the amazing contribution made by our volunteer lifesavers and surf clubs in NSW.”

“Our lifesavers and Nippers deserve safe, secure, and accessible facilities. We have 129 clubs across the state, with over 78,000 members, and this program allows those members, who do such important work volunteering at our beaches, to focus on saving lives.”

Sydney’s bid to become the world’s seventh Marathon Major host city could boost the NSW visitor economy by up to $300 million over a decade, according to projections.

The benefits of joining the big six world marathons: New York, London, Boston, Tokyo, Chicago and Berlin is becoming clearer as the Sydney Marathon prepares for the starter’s gun this Sunday.

Assessors from around the world are in Sydney to evaluate the delivery of the marathon and its overall participant experience before deciding whether to bestow Sydney Marathon with Abbott World Marathon Major status in 2025.

Sydney marathon has grown rapidly from 5,300 entrants to 25,000 this year, but major status will send interest to another level, drawing runners from across Australia and all around the world.

Analysis undertaken by Destination NSW suggests major status for Sydney would be worth an extra $300 million to the state’s visitor economy over a decade as runners flock to add another star to what is currently known as the “six stars” – those who have completed all six major marathons.

Entrants would grow from 25,000 to an estimated 33,300 in 2025, delivering visitor economy expenditure of $22.8 million.

By 2027, Destination NSW estimates that expenditure would grow to $26 million in 2027, with 37,800 local and international runners.  

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham:

“Becoming a World Marathon Major is not just about the prestige of the Sydney Marathon joining the big six – Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. It is about becoming a bucket-list city for runners around the world and the ongoing visitor and economic boost that will provide for NSW.

“More than 840,000 people have applied to run in the London Marathon next year and 320,000 in Tokyo. If Sydney is to join this group, we expect runners from interstate and across the world wanting to take their place on the start line – every one of whom will need a hotel room, may bring family and other support with them and will likely want to enjoy a holiday while here in NSW.

“This is the critical year for Sydney to gain Marathon Major status and I urge Sydneysiders to get out and cheer on the runners, raise the atmosphere and back the event towards the next level.”

“I am so excited about the prospect of the Sydney Marathon becoming a World Marathon Major. How could competitors not want to run the most beautiful course in the world? Good luck to all runners.”

Delivering their Interim Directions report, the independent Freight Policy Reform Panel has made key recommendations to support an efficient logistics supply chain in New South Wales.

The Reform Panel has taken a broad look at the industry, with analysis showing freight volumes are estimated to increase by 26 per cent across NSW between 2021 and 2041, with a 40 per cent increase in Greater Sydney alone.

The release of the paper marks some immediate actions for government and industry to undertake and the opening of the second round of consultation ahead of the Policy’s finalisation by the end of the year.

The Interim Directions Paper looks at the end-to-end freight logistics chain, focusing on both industry and network policy.

Key industry issues considered by the paper include supporting decarbonisation, better planning and protection of industrial land, using data and information to inform decision making and addressing skills shortages.

The paper also makes recommendations on network issues such as pricing, infrastructure resilience and the future of ports, rail and road within the freight system. Specific actions include:

• Addressing data gaps in freight movements to support future infrastructure investments.
• Better planning for freight corridors and industrial spaces, including prioritising the final business case and planning for the Western Sydney Freight Line.
• Enabling 600 metre rail shuttles between Port Botany and Sydney’s intermodals for more efficient freight movements.
• The finalisation and implementation of the NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy to optimise use of the road network for modern heavy vehicles.
• The improvement of access and coordination between rail networks, including an immediate review of the NSW Rail Access Undertaking.

The Interim Directions Paper also includes the Panel’s endorsement of a package of 20 of 21 recommendations in the Willett Review of the Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy and Ports and Maritime Administration Act.

The recommendations to be considered by government are designed to improve turnaround times and congestion while processing container freight at Port Botany, designed to put a greater emphasis on incentives that reward port efficiency rather than focusing on poor performance.

Port Botany is the second largest processor of container freight in Australia with around 2.8 million containers being processed per year and 90 per cent of imports travel within a 60 kilometre radius of the port. The reforms are designed to make that process smoother and easier for shipping lines, stevedores and landside road and rail operators. Government will now consider the Port Botany recommendations ahead of the final Freight Reform Policy.

The Panel recognises a new approach is needed to continue to deliver safer and more connected transport while lowering emissions towards zero for both road and rail.

Consultation is continuing, with an information session to be held on Monday 23 September, with online submissions accepted until Wednesday 23 October 2024.

Visit Transport’s webpage to read the Interim Directions Paper and register for the information session by Friday 20 September 2024.

From anime to celebrations of multicultural groups or science fiction flicker fests – film aficionados and local film festivals organisers across the state are set to benefit from a new funding program that supports opening nights.

The new Community Film Festival Opening Night Fund will offer grants of up to $5,000 for established community film festivals to bring communities together in country cinemas and suburban centres to celebrate and connect through film.

Culturally diverse, regional, emerging, and genre-specific communities will be supported to grow the reach and impact of their established film festivals through the new $200,000 program announced by the Minns Labor Government. The fund will assist film festivals across the state to host opening night celebrations for their community. 

The new program is designed to complement the existing funding available for film and community festivals in the state, including Screen NSW’s Audience Development Fund and other government support Destination NSW’s Regional Event Fund.

The Community Film Festival Opening Night Fund will open for applications today, 11 September 2024. For further information visit the Screen NSW website at screen.nsw.gov.au

Minister for the Arts, Music and Night-Time Economy, Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

“Every June for the last 71 years, Sydney’s State Theatre rolls out the red carpet for the opening night of the Sydney Film Festival. We want to do the same thing and roll out red carpets for opening nights right across NSW for these community film festivals.

“Community film festivals are often run on small budgets, driven by the sheer passion of a community. We know rising costs are making it harder to put on events. This fund will help ease some of that burden, and allow these communities to continue to celebrate their stories.

“Film festivals with a strong community base have the ability to introduce and attract new audiences to the cinema, in an era of streaming from the couch. The opening night is an important moment to celebrate, as it presents an unmissable experience.

“This program is focused on enriching the experience of community connection, growing audiences and the appreciation of stories, and celebrating the way we see ourselves.

Polish Film Festival Director, Magdalena Ambrozkiewicz said:

“Polish Film Festival welcomes the introduction of this new funding opportunity. Film festivals like ours play a vital role in strengthening the cultural fabric of our community, ensuring diverse stories and traditions are celebrated and preserved for future generations. Government backing for such festivals is essential for sustaining and expanding these events, particularly in the face of rising costs and the ongoing challenge of recovering pre-COVID attendance levels. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Polish Film Festival this year, we look forward to continuing our mission of showcasing Polish culture and the rich narratives of Polish cinema to inspire and connect our community.”

Background

• There are over 70 different film festivals run right across NSW. The new funding program greatly expands the number of small film festivals receiving NSW Government support.
• New Community Film Festival Opening Night Fund offers grants of up to $5,000 for established community film festivals to engage with their communities via an Opening Night celebration, which is a key opportunity to maximise audience impact and reach.
• This new fund complements existing Screen Audience Development Fund grants, which range from up to $10,000 for a single year to $10,000 – $50,000 p.a. in multi-year funding.
• Eligible festival organisers will be able to apply for funding of up to $5,000 to cover specified costs outlined in their budget. Approved activities and costs may include:
• venue hire,
• equipment costs,
• marketing and promotion,
• subsidising tickets for select community representatives,
• AusLan interpreters
• transport and travel costs and other associated costs.

The Minns Labor Government has welcomed today’s release of the Productivity and Equality Commission’s latest housing report Review of Housing Supply Challenges and Policy Options for New South Wales.

This report was commissioned by Premier Chris Minns who tasked Productivity Commissioner Peter Achterstraat with investigating and providing evidence-based recommendations about the barriers impacting housing supply, including in the construction industry.

The Commissioner was also asked to investigate barriers which are holding up the delivery of different housing and development types that are sought by renters and owner-occupiers.

The Review made 32 recommendations grouped into four key themes:

1. Free up construction capacity to build more homes quicky: Prioritise capital spending; rapidly remove barriers to density in the most feasible locations; and be sparing with subsidies for developers. 
2. Streamline the development process: legislate a mechanism to resolve bottlenecks, including after DAs have been approved; retain and improve infrastructure contributions; and create a pro-housing regulatory environment.
3. Help the construction sector to deliver: shift the migration intake and recognise worker skills; grow the construction workforce and build capacity; and support innovation and productivity. 
4. Ensure a diverse and equitable supply of homes. 

The NSW Government is now considering the report and will develop an action plan that will identify which recommendations the Government can take up immediately with a priority placed on recommendations that will help unblock bottlenecks and support increased housing supply.

The review builds on critical analysis by the Productivity and Equality Commission in previous housing reports looking into how density can be done well and ideas on better land use.

Today’s report provides new insight into why doing nothing is not an option. This follows the Commissioner stating in his last housing review, “If we don’t act, we could become a city with no grandchildren.”

The paper found that between 2016 and 2021, Sydney lost twice as many people aged 30 to 40 as it gained. 35,000 came to Sydney, but 70,000 left.

It also found that while Sydney has among the highest average wages in Australia, over recent years it has consistently lost population to other states and regional NSW.

While there is more to do, the Minns Labor Government has made bold strides to reform the planning system in NSW.

This includes:

• Creating fairer housing targets. We’re rebalancing growth with a focus on well-located homes close to existing infrastructure.
• $253.7 million to continue the overhaul of the planning system and planning reforms.
• The largest rezoning in NSW history and the largest ever investment in the state’s history with $5.1 billion dedicated to delivering social and affordable housing.
• An international pattern book design competition to support our low-rise and mid-rise reforms and fast track pre-approved designs.
• A land audit of vacant government owned land that will unlock 30,000 homes including 8,400 public homes built by the government.
• Established a $2.2 billion infrastructure fund to make sure key infrastructure is in place to support development.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to confronting the housing crisis head on and that means ensuring we have more supply.

The NSW Government thanks Commissioner Peter Achterstraat for the work in this latest report.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“We won’t back away from the challenge ahead of us – building thousands of new homes near existing infrastructure for a generation of young people locked out of housing.

“The Commissioner warned in his last report that we’re at risk of being a city with no young people.  Doing nothing is not an option.

“This means honestly assessing the conditions we are working in, and thinking innovatively about what we can do better like this report does.

“I want to thank Commissioner Peter Achterstraat for the work on this report.”

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“As it cites in its foreword, this report is ‘about looking our housing challenge in the face – it is also about practical solutions.

“We welcome the latest insights from the Productivity and Equality Commissioner and look forward to working through his recommendations.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Government is confronting the housing crisis head on – and that means making sure we create changes to help increase housing supply.

“We’ve already introduced some of the biggest planning reforms in NSW history and are keen to consider and act on recommendations from important reviews like this from the Commission.”