Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government has reasserted its commitment to strengthening the states resilience against biosecurity threats and welcomed the release of the Natural Resources Commission’s (NRC) final preliminary report into the ongoing biosecurity risks of introduced species.

The preliminary report, ‘Reducing Risk, Securing the Future – NSW Invasive Species Management Review’ delivers on an election commitment and provides a comprehensive overview of the priority risks and impacts of invasive species in NSW, including the effectiveness of management strategies set up by the former Government.

Invasive species are a serious threat to landscapes, with more than 340 weed and 40 pest animal species causing extensive impacts to the NSW economy, environment, and communities.

Concerningly, the report highlights that the former Government dropped the ball when it came to effective management of invasive species, with the cost of invasive species to NSW ballooning from $661.2 million in the 2000s to $1.9 billion in 2022-23.

This year’s Minns Government budget included a record $946 million allocation for biosecurity, with an additional $60 million announced recently to rebuild essential infrastructure across the State’s network of research stations where work is ongoing to address biosecurity and other threats.

The report further projects that without concerted action by 2030 new incursions could cost the state $29.7 billion annually.

This preliminary review will now open for consultation with industry, experts and stakeholders, with a final report to be published before the end of the year, including a framework and recommendations to address the impacts of invasive species moving forward.

The New South Wales Government has made it clear that strengthening the state’s resilience, response and protection against biosecurity threats is a priority, with the NSW’s first Independent Biosecurity Commissioner Dr. Marion Healy appointed this year.

In line with the preliminary report recommendations of the NRC the NSW Government is also:

• Investing $26 million between 2023 and 2025 to deliver the Feral Pig Program and expanded Feral Pig and Pest Program
• Updating regional pest animal management plans and developing annual operations plans to outline how priority pest animal will be targeted though local control programs
• Developing an updated Local Land Services compliance policy to guide the agency’s strategic approach to pest animal and weed compliance
• Rolling out the $10 million Good Neighbour Program to tackle pest and weed infestations on private property neighbouring public land
• Reviewing the regulatory and policy settings for priority pest and weed species

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Government commissioned this report so we could understand the problems we inherited from the former Nationals/Liberal Government’s management of this critically important area.

“While the NRC was developing this report we haven’t sat still – we’ve got on with the job and started addressing the feral pig problem, fixing the system’s governance by creating the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner role and appointing Dr Marion Healy, plus providing record funding for biosecurity and NSW local land services.

“We are committed to responding to the NRC report comprehensively and we are already reviewing the current compliance settings to make sure they are fit for purpose.

“In addition, we will be making sure that public land managers are not only compliant but are leading the way in how they manage the public estate for future generations.

“As a government we will continue to provide education and guidance about what is required to assist all land managers comply with their biosecurity responsibilities.”

---

• FileReducing Risk, Securing the Future – NSW Invasive Species Management Review (PDF 3.14MB)

Communities in Western Sydney have been given a first look at the new purpose built Supportive and Palliative Care Unit to be delivered at Westmead Hospital.

The new Unit is part of the $93 million allocated for capital investment as part of the NSW Government’s World Class End of Life Care Program and will feature contemporary supportive and palliative care bedrooms with ensuites, communal areas, meeting spaces, outdoor areas and plenty of natural light.

The location, within a rooftop expansion zone on Level 5 of the Clinical Acute Services Building at the Westmead Hospital, was selected following a comprehensive campus-wide site investigation. The location is close to complementary health services within the hospital, while also providing for patient and family privacy, and access to outdoor space.

The planning and design of the new Unit have been informed by extensive consultation with Supportive and Palliative Care health professionals, carers and community members. The new Unit will provide a culturally sensitive and home-like space to provide care, places for gathering and family, a multi-faith room and access to an outdoor veranda area from all rooms.

The NSW Government’s $93 million capital investment in the World Class End of Life Care program will deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities across the state. Other locations to benefit from the Government’s funding for enhanced palliative care units include Wyong, Orange, Tamworth and Penrith.

Planning and design for the new Westmead Hospital Unit will continue over the next few months, with a focus on interiors, landscaping, fittings and equipment.

Construction timeframes will be confirmed following the completion of the design process and once a building contractor has been appointed.

For more project information, visit the website:
World Class End of Life Care Program – Health Infrastructure NSW

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The new dedicated Unit will provide purpose-built facilities within a home-like setting for palliative care staff to deliver care and support to patients and families during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives.

“The new Supportive and Palliative Care Unit at Westmead Hospital will provide access to mostly single patient rooms, family and communal spaces, a multi-faith room and access to the outdoors from all rooms. The location will provide a private and sensitive space.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis:

“I’m pleased to see this important project progressing which will provide high-quality end-of-life care to further support local patients and their families.”

“Having access to family and communal spaces, the outdoors and a calm, homely space were common themes during recent consultation undertaken as part of the planning for the new Unit. We have listened to families and included these features in the new Supportive and Palliative Care Unit, which will be a suitable space for patients and their loved ones at such a difficult time.”

Hospitals and patients will be hit hard tomorrow because of the Minns Labor Government’s mismanagement of wage negotiations with our hard-working nurses and midwives.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Labor’s failure to negotiate an outcome comes after successive budget cuts and empty promises.

“It’s shocking that a government claiming to care about essential workers can let it get to this point. Nurses and midwives should be in our hospitals caring for patients, not out on the streets striking while the Government can’t get its act together,” Mr Speakman said.

This strike adds to the growing unrest within the public sector, with firefighters and transport workers also taking action. The Minns Government is losing control of essential services, leaving NSW in disarray.

Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said that our nurses have been failed by the government. “Ryan Park and Chris Minns need to front up, take responsibility for the chaos and apologise to the people whose healthcare will be impacted by this strike tomorrow.

Chris Minns promised stability, but all he’s delivered is bungled promises and deliveries.

Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Damien Tudehope said that Chris Minns and Ryan Park created this mess and it’s their job to fix it.

“This is a direct consequence of the NSW Labor lying to nurses across NSW before the election and making promises that they had no intention of keeping,” Mr Tudehope said.

“They have failed our nurses and midwives, and they are failing the people of NSW. Enough is enough – it’s time for this government to show some leadership and take responsibility for the chaos they’ve caused.”

The Opposition is demanding Chris Minns and Ryan Park return to the negotiating table and resolve the crisis before further damage is done to NSW’s already strained health system.

The NSW Shadow Minister for Digital Government and Customer Service James Griffin is calling on the Minns Labor Government to come clean on the extent of cuts to the Service NSW ‘Business Bureau’.
 
In a shambolic display at Budget Estimates, Minister Jihad Dib, who is responsible for Service NSW, today contradicted evidence given by his Ministerial colleague a week earlier.
 
In an appearance at Budget Estimates last week, Minister Steve Kamper, the Minister for Small Business, was asked whether staff at the Business Bureau would be retrenched as part of foreshadowed cuts at Service NSW. Minister Kamper stated “they’re not being retrenched. I’ve got the Business Bureau fully funded”. When asked whether there would be any changes to the Business Bureau at all, Minister Kamper answered, “No.”
 
In stark contrast, Minister Dib today would not confirm that no retrenchments would be made to the team at the Business Bureau.
 
The Business Bureau provides essential support to small businesses during the current cost of living crisis. Since its inception in October 2023, it has dealt with 160,000 business inquiries and delivered more than 24,000 hours in personalised advice. However, the Minns Labor Government is now proposing an $11.7 million cut in funding to the Bureau, or 31% of its budget.
 
“It seems that no one is in control of the decimation of Service NSW. One Minister claims there will be no changes, the other Minister wouldn’t say the same. At the end of the day, there are hard -working staff who don’t know whether they’ll have a job once these guys sort out what is going on.
 
“Service NSW was once the shining light of citizen engagement and was envied right across Australia. Unfortunately, it looks like it is going through a world of pain under this Minns Labor Government,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“I am concerned that the Minns Labor Government have given up on pursuing the critical digital reforms initiated under the former Liberal and Nationals Government which would have continued to make life easier for citizens. Service NSW seems to be spiralling even further out of control under this Minns Labor Government. The Minister had a chance today to clarify whether they’re cutting more people or not, and instead his answer has just led to more confusion for staff at the Business Bureau.” said Mr Griffin.

A company developing novel technology to monitor and forecast potentially toxic blue-green algae blooms in NSW waterways is among 10 NSW companies to receive funding support through the $1.89 million Natural Hazards Technology Program (NHTP).

CyanoLakes’ innovative state-wide blue-green algae bloom forecasting system uses satellite remote sensing technology and machine learning to provide early warnings for algal blooms in lakes and large river systems. The technology will enable water quality to be monitored 10 times more frequently in remote areas, improving advanced warning times, and allowing agencies to better manage the serious threat posed to humans and animals. 

The NHTP is supporting 10 NSW businesses to field-test their innovative technologies to address challenges faced by nine NSW Government agencies in preparing for and responding to natural hazards.

These agencies include Fire and Rescue NSW, Forestry Corporation of NSW, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, the Department of Customer Service, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service, and WaterNSW.

The program fosters a diverse range of technological advancements. These include:

• an AI-powered multilingual emergency warning system to ensure effective communication with culturally and linguistically diverse communities
• real-time data analysis and modelling of driver behaviour during natural hazards like floods and fires, enhancing public safety and streamlining evacuations
• drone-based recognition and assessment of hazardous trees following a fire operation.

Further information on the 10 businesses can be viewed at the NHTP webpage.

Minister for Innovation, Science & Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This funding demonstrates the NSW’s Government commitment to innovation and technology to help improve our response and preparedness to natural hazards.

The $1.89 million Natural Hazards Technology Program actively supports innovative NSW businesses to refine and improve their technologies for market, while helping solve many of the challenges faced by NSW agencies in the management of natural hazards.”

“Supporting innovative NSW businesses to field-test their technologies with NSW Government agencies allows them to bring their innovations one step closer to commercialisation and build relationships to increase opportunities for future collaborations.

“The Program also improves NSW Government agency awareness of innovation possibilities in natural hazards management and operations through exposure to new homegrown technology.”

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:

“Technology can play an important role in how we model, predict and respond to naturals hazards and emergencies, and this program helps us find solutions that work for our emergency service agencies and, ultimately, the communities of NSW.

“This program supports local innovation by providing an opportunity for NSW businesses to test and showcase their technology, building on the work already being undertaken across emergency services agencies.

“These businesses are taking creative and innovative approaches to the complex challenges presented by natural hazards, whether that is making warning systems more accessible or helping predict floodwaters.”

Cyanolakes CEO, Dr Mark Matthews said:

“The Natural Hazards Technology Program grant gives us a unique opportunity to field-test our technology with WaterNSW to refine the product and ensure it provides accurate information. It helps us better understand their needs and build relationships, which will hopefully lead to further market opportunities in the state and beyond.

“Ultimately, it’s about keeping communities in NSW safe by taking full advantage of the rapid advances in the satellite imagery industry.”

Coniston will be the next Illawarra train station to receive plans for a much-needed accessibility upgrade, with design and investigation work for the station funded under the Government’s $800 million Safe and Accessible Transport program.

The design of the upgrade at Coniston Station will consider new lifts, changes to paths around the station to improve access, tactile ground surface indicators (TGSI) to assist the sight-impaired and increase safety at night, accessible car parking, kiss and ride zone, bus stop upgrades, bicycle parking and upgraded lighting and CCTV to boost station security.

Planning work at Coniston, including consultation with local stakeholders to better understand the community’s needs, is expected to take 9-12 months to complete.

Once this development work is complete and depending on funding for the delivery of the project, the government can move to planning approval, and the tender process, followed by construction.

It follows the completion of station upgrades at Unanderra, Bellambi and Dapto. Unanderra passengers are making the most of new lifts, while passengers at Dapto and Bellambi are enjoying improved ramp access.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build better communities for NSW. To ensure we’re creating and building on well-connected, well-serviced neighbourhoods.

A plan to build a better NSW.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen MP:

“In 2024, it’s not acceptable that a person in a wheelchair or a parent with a pram can’t easily access a station in NSW.

“We committed to upgrading train stations to make them more accessible, safe and secure for the people who need them the most, and that is what we are delivering.

“Transport hubs should be safe and welcoming places for everyone. That’s why the NSW Government is committing $800 million to the new Safe Accessible Transport Program, to make sure our public transport is as safe and inclusive as possible.”

Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park MP:

“It’s fantastic that the ball is now rolling to have Coniston Station upgraded.

“If you live nearby, make sure you get involved in the consultation, so we can be sure this new station works for the community.

Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully MP:

“Making sure that everyone can access their local train station has been a priority of mine.

“The improvements to Unanderra and Towradgi stations has not only improved the stations, but also access to them.

“With Wollongong City Council encouraging the NSW Government to consider the area around Coniston Station for further housing development, it’s important that we also examine upgrades to the station that will improve its accessibility.”

Thousands of people across NSW will be able to access treatment for ear infections, wound management, nausea, gastro, acne, muscle and joint pain at their local pharmacy, boosting access to fast, convenient healthcare across NSW.

Health Minister Ryan Park announced at the Pharmacy Guild’s Pharmacy Connect Conference last night in Sydney that work is underway to expand pharmacists’ scope of practice including the following conditions:

• Acute otitis media (middle ear infection)
• Acute otitis externa (outer ear infection)
• Acute minor wound management
• Acute nausea and vomiting
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
• Mild to moderate acne
• Mild, acute musculoskeletal pain

Subject to appropriate training and ongoing work in implementation work, the expanded service delivery could commence as soon as 2026.

NSW Health is consulting with universities on the development of suitable training as well as the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia on request supports for pharmacists including:

• Condition specific training; and
• Upskilling in clinical assessment, diagnosis, management and clinical documentation.

NSW Health has also agreed to authorise individual pharmacists who have successful completed the Queensland pilot training to deliver selected services in NSW from January 2025 onwards.

More than 490 pharmacies across the state have participated in the oral contraceptive pill trial since it began, delivering more than 1,800 consultations to women in NSW.

This follows the successful completion of the first phase of the trial in May 2024, which saw more than 3,300 NSW pharmacists provide more than 18,000 consultations to women aged 18 to 65 with symptoms of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI).  The UTI service transitioned to usual pharmacy care from 1 June 2024.

The third and final phase of the trial allowing pharmacists to manage common minor skin conditions is underway and will be running until early 2025.

A detailed evaluation of all three phases of the NSW Pharmacy Trial will be provided to NSW Health in 2025 and will inform future expansion of services.

Expanding the scope of practice of pharmacists forms part of the NSW Government’s broader efforts to alleviate pressure on GPs.

According to the Federal Department of Health & Aged Care, there were fewer GPs in NSW in 2023 than there were in 2019.

The GP shortage is having a significant impact on the state’s emergency departments.

While the Minister for Health continues to work with the Commonwealth on the challenges facing primary care, for its part, the NSW Government just this week announced the commencement of its Bulk Billing Support initiative.

It also follows the NSW Government’s half a billion dollar emergency department relief package announced in the state budget in June, which seeks to build more pathways to care outside the hospital, as well as improving patient flow within our hospitals.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We know that it is becoming more difficult to access a GP than ever before, with people often waiting days or even weeks before they can find an appointment.

“By empowering pharmacists to undertake consultations on more conditions, we can relieve the pressure on GPs and end the wait times.

“People should be able to access treatment as and when they need it, and the expansion of this important initiative will improve access to care.”

Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW Branch President David Heffernan:

“Whether it’s providing ten million vaccinations during COVID or treating over 18,000 uncomplicated UTIs over the past year, pharmacists have shown that they are able to offer more of the everyday healthcare patients need.

“These changes will mean that patients aren’t forced to present to hospital for a simple ear infection just because their GP can’t see them.

“It’ll mean easier access to everyday healthcare for everyone in New South Wales.”

Pharmaceutical Society of NSW President Luke Kelly:

“The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia thanks Minister Park and the NSW Government for the confidence they have shown in pharmacists following the success of the NSW Pharmacy Trial, and for leveraging pharmacists’ expertise to expand access to health care.”

“NSW residents will benefit from more timely access to care for a broader range of conditions at their community pharmacy.”

“PSA is committed to workforce preparation, including training, education, practice support and upskilling of pharmacists to undertake and deliver these services.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart MP:

“Families from across the Heathcote electorate have been telling me how difficult access to General Practitioners has become in recent years.

“We know that the GP shortage is hurting families in New South Wales and that the NSW Government needs to do what it can to make access to everyday healthcare easier.

“That’s why I’m so proud to be part of a Government that is taking action and empowering our highly skilled pharmacist workforce to play a larger role in healthcare.”

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to the recovery of the endangered White’s Seahorse today 132 baby seahorses have been released off Little Beach near Nelson Bay.

Following today’s release, a total of 1,000 White’s Seahorses will have been released into Port Stephens this year as part of the Government’s push to support the recovery of the local populations of this iconic threatened species.

To rebuild habitat for the released seahorses, 400 primary school students from 15 schools across the Hunter joined the Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty and Minister Kate Washington MP for Port Stephens today and helped deploy an additional 15 ‘seahorse hotels’ they had made as part of the ‘Seahorse Saviours school program’.

There are now 60 seahorse hotels installed in Port Stephens by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) team at The Pipeline and Little Beach dive sites.

These hotels start as artificial habitats, and rapidly become covered in algae, sponges and corals, that over time, cause the artificial structure to collapse, creating a new natural habitat that is perfect for seahorses.

The iconic White’s Seahorse is listed as an endangered species in NSW, making it Australia’s only threatened seahorse species and the second endangered seahorse worldwide.

Loss of natural habitats is the main cause of decline in White’s Seahorse numbers, as the coastal estuaries and embayments in which they live are subject to human population pressure and extreme weather events.

The flood events of 2021 and 2022 had a major impact on White’s Seahorse habitats, with shallow water seagrass, sponges and soft corals all experiencing massive declines.

This program has been supported with funding from the Albanese Government’s Saving Native Species grants program

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“On 7 September we acknowledge National Threatened Species Day, and what better way to respond than to deploy 132 captive-bred White’s Seahorse into Port Stephens to help this iconic species recover.

“While White’s seahorses in Port Stephens have significantly declined over the past decade, the implementation of the Government’s new captive-breeding program and installation of seahorse hotels are positive steps towards their recovery.

“We hope these stocking events will help the White’s seahorse re-establish a home here at Port Stephens and will ensure the recovery of this iconic and beloved Australian species.

“I wish to thank the Albanese Government for their funding support for this program.”

Minister Kate Washington & MP for Port Stephens said:

“It’s very special to be releasing baby seahorses to make their home in seahorse hotels in PortStephens.”

“This initiative highlights the NSW Government’s commitment to preserving Port Stephens’ unique marine life and restoring our important ecosystems.”

“I’m delighted to see local students getting firsthand experience in marine conservation, by building and installing seahorse hotels.”

“The successful breeding of these baby White’s Seahorses is a testament to the dedicated staff at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute.”

The NSW Government has appointed former NSW Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt and former NSW Leader of the Opposition, John Brogden as Co-Chairs of the upcoming NSW Drug Summit.

The Co-Chairs will work with attendees to develop and prioritise solutions that aim to improve the health and wellbeing of the community and address other important issues including:

• Equity, respect and inclusion
• Safety and justice
• Keeping people safe
• Integrated care and social support

The Regional Health Minister Ryan Park has also confirmed the Drug Summit will host two regional forums in Griffith on Friday, 1 November and Lismore on Monday, 4 November.

The regional forums will ensure the unique experiences of people in regional NSW are reflected in the deliberations of the summit.

The Drug Summit will bring together medical experts, police, people with lived and living experience, drug user organisations, families, service providers and other stakeholders to provide a range of perspectives and build consensus on the way NSW deals with drug use and harms.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I’m so pleased to announce today the appointment of two respected co-chairs to lead this important process.

“Former Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt and former Opposition Leader John Brogden bring a wealth of experience and have a deep understanding of the sensitivity, and complexity of issues that will be canvassed at the Summit.

“They both bring experience of being in public office and working with communities to find solutions to complex issues.

“Taking the Summit to regional areas like Lismore and Griffith is integral because we know that drug use impacts communities in many different ways. The drug summit will bring people together to find new ways forward to tackle this incredibly complex and difficult problem.”

Co-Chair Carmel Tebbutt:

“Twenty-four years ago, I participated in the first Drug Summit, which saw important improvements to drug treatment services and policy.

“While much has changed since then, we know illicit drug use still causes significant harm to individuals, families and communities.

“I am honoured to serve as Co-Chair for the 2024 Drug Summit and look forward to the summit bringing together diverse perspectives to develop compassionate and effective evidence-based actions.”

Co-Chair John Brogden AM:

“Ultimately, we want to save more lives.

“The summit will listen to professionals and, importantly the community, to see how we can do that across all areas where government and the public intersects with drug use and related crime.”