Category: NSW News

The NSW Government is today announcing the government’s support of the proposed amended Equality Bill to offer protections for members of the LGBTIQA+ community.

First introduced to NSW Parliament in August 2023 by the Independent Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich, this Bill has been subject to extensive consultation, including a Parliamentary inquiry.

The NSW Government has worked with the Member of Sydney on a number of proposed amendments.

The amended Equality Legislation Amendment (LGBTIQA+) Bill 2023 proposes various legislative changes, including:

• Allowing people to change their registered sex through an administrative process, without requiring surgery.
• Making hatred for or prejudice against transgender, gender diverse or intersex people an aggravating factor in sentencing.
• Updating terminology in laws to replace terms such as “HIV infection” and “suffering with AIDS” to “living with HIV/AIDS”.
• Clarifying in the Mental Health Act 2007 that expressing, or refusing to express, a particular gender identity does not that someone has a mental illness.
• Enabling a parentage order to be made for a child born through international commercial surrogacy, if it is in the best interests of the child and other criteria and important safeguards are met.

The changes to allow people to register a change of sex without surgery are simple changes that will bring NSW in line with all other jurisdictions across the country.

This follows ongoing work by the NSW Government to progress reforms that ensure all members of our community feel valued, respected and equal.

The Minns Labor Government has already fulfilled our election commitment to ban ‘LGBTQ+ conversion practices’ through the Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024, which passed the NSW Parliament in March.

The Premier also issued a formal apology in June to people convicted under discriminatory laws that criminalised homosexual acts, and passed legislation this year that meant more of these offences were able to be extinguished.

In September, the NSW Government supported all 19 recommendations delivered by the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes, which examined the unsolved deaths of LGBTIQ people and found shortfalls in historical responses by the NSW Government.

The Government has also announced that it is establishing the LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council, which will provide a mechanism for ongoing community consultation.

Penny Sharpe, Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council said:

“The changes proposed by the Equality Bill will make NSW a safer and more inclusive place – and they’ve been a long time coming.

“People in every other state of Australia are already able to change their sex without requiring surgery, and this legislation will bring us in line with the rest of the country.

“As a government, we’ve been committed to equality for a long time. Supporting this bill is our latest step to ensure every citizen in NSW is valued.”

Michael Daley, Attorney General of New South Wales said:

“The Equality Bill seeks to change multiple pieces of legislation to make NSW a more inclusive place.

“As legislators, it is our job to reflect the views of the community, and in this instance, it is clearly time for these pieces of legislation to be updated.”

The Sydney Opera House shells will be illuminated on Friday night as NSW welcomes King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Australia, with Sydneysiders and visitors invited to head into the city to see the spectacular projection.

Curated by the NSW Government, the projection consists of a four-minute photo montage from Their Majesties’ previous visits to the state and the nation. The images reflect the diverse ways in which Their Majesties have engaged with and celebrated NSW and Australia over the years.

The illumination will commence at 8pm on Friday, 18 October to coincide with Their Majesties’ arrival into Sydney.

This will be the King’s first visit as Sovereign – the first visit by a reigning monarch since Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited in 2011.

The NSW Government is honoured to welcome The King and Queen to Sydney and is inviting NSW residents to join the celebration.

Members of the public will also have the opportunity to see Their Majesties at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt on Tuesday afternoon, 22 October at 4.20pm. This opportunity will be followed by an impressive Fleet Review and fly past by the Australian Defence Force on Sydney Harbour concluding at 5.20pm.

For more information about the Royal Visit and the Sydney Opera House engagement visit: www.nsw.gov.au/royalvisit

Premier Chris Minns said:

“We are lighting up the Sydney Opera House to warmly welcome The King and Queen to our beautiful harbour city.

“The photo projection on the Opera House sails celebrates a historic moment – The King’s first visit to NSW as Sovereign – and is a fitting tribute.

“I also invite everyone to the Opera House forecourt next Tuesday afternoon to join The King and Queen.

“NSW is looking forward to hosting this milestone visit and I encourage everyone to make the most of it.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park is calling on more people to sign up as a NSW Ambulance GoodSAM volunteer this Restart a Heart Day so they can help save a life if someone near them has a cardiac arrest.

Minister for Health Ryan Park is calling on more people to sign up as a NSW Ambulance GoodSAM volunteer this Restart a Heart Day so they can help save a life if someone near them has a cardiac arrest.

NSW Ambulance attends to around 9,000 people in NSW who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year and statistics show only 12 per cent of people who receive resuscitation survive.

The GoodSAM app works by alerting registered responders when someone near them goes into cardiac arrest and a Triple Zero (000) call has been received.

The GoodSAM app has helped directly save 36 lives in NSW since it was launched in 2023.

Responders can opt whether or not to accept the alert and respond by providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), while at the same time, an ambulance is dispatched.

NSW Ambulance has incorporated the NSW public access defibrillator registry into the GoodSAM app, meaning responders can also see if an automated external defibrillator (AED) is located near a person experiencing cardiac arrest and use it to improve that person’s chance of survival.

John Cornell is one of the lucky survivors of a cardiac arrest, thanks to his fast-thinking teenage son and bystanders who sprang into action when he collapsed in March, and he is showing his support for Restart a Heart Day by sharing his story.

John said his cardiac arrest came out of nowhere while he and his son were out for a walk in Lawson, in the NSW Blue Mountains.

While John’s son Matthew called Triple Zero (000), community members began chest compressions and fetched an AED from a nearby public swimming pool, which they used to restart his heart.

When they arrived, paramedics took John to the emergency department at Blue Mountains District Anzac Memorial Hospital, before he spent 12 days in the Intensive Care Unit at Nepean Hospital, where he had another heart attack.

Fortunately, he has since made a full recovery.

Restart a Heart Day is an international campaign, coordinated in Australia and New Zealand by the Council of Ambulance Authorities, reminding people how to respond if they believe someone has suffered a cardiac arrest:

1. Call: Triple (000) and ask for Ambulance and follow their instructions
2. Push: begin chest compressions by linking your hands and pushing hard and fast
3. Shock: if available, use an AED to shock the person’s heart.

Members of the community can sign up as a GoodSAM volunteer and learn lifesaving CPR and how to use a defibrillator with NSW Ambulance paramedics, who will be at Parramatta Farmers Market, Centenary Square, Parramatta from 7.30am to 2.00pm today.

You can register as a GoodSAM responder if you’re 18 years old or over, and able and willing to provide chest compressions, which are easy and safe to do. You don’t need to have formal first aid or CPR training. To register, please visit: ambulance.nsw.gov.au/goodsam

In 2022, the NSW Government announced a $2.5 million partnership between NSW Ambulance and the GoodSAM responder app.  

Minister for Health, Ryan Park: 

“The best chance of survival for anyone having an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is receiving early chest compressions and defibrillation from an automated external defibrillator.

“The first eight minutes after someone suffers a cardiac arrest is crucial and for every minute a patient is in cardiac arrest and does not receive CPR or a shock from a defibrillator, their chance of survival drops by 7 to 10 per cent.

“Restart a Heart Day is a great opportunity to ask yourself if you know what to do if someone near you has a cardiac arrest and to familiarise yourself with the life-saving actions of ‘call, push and shock’ and sign up to GoodSAM.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan: 

“If you see a community member who has had a cardiac arrest, the best thing you can do is call Triple Zero (000) and start chest compressions. 

“Over 8,000 community members have already joined our free life-saving GoodSAM program and more volunteers will lead to more lives being saved.

“GoodSAM volunteers nearby will be notified as an ambulance is being dispatched and our emergency medical call taker will give you clear instructions and stay with you on the phone until paramedics arrive.”

John Cornell:

“There are so many people that I need to thank, but unfortunately I don’t know who most of them are.

“They call the blockage that I had in my heart ‘the widow maker’, and my family really took the brunt of the trauma of everything that happened.”

Supporting Australian storytelling, developing the next generation of creative talent, and a plan to grow the digital games sector are the key priorities of the new three-year screen and digital games strategy.

The NSW screen industry added almost $1.1 billion to the state economy in 2021-22 and is currently home to 51% of Australia’s screen production, and 49% of post-production businesses. To ensure NSW remains the leading screen state, the NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy will:

Invest in developing local talent and audiences, including:

• $1 million pilot program to address skills shortages will be developed and rolled out with TAFE, AFTRS and NIDA to fast-track entry level and mid-career below the line practitioners in the below the line workforce.
• $200,000 IP option fund to give producers the ability to purchase IP rights to turn home-grown novels, non-fiction work and podcasts into screen and gaming content, so we have more Australian stories on screen.
• $200,000 Community Film Festival Opening Night Fund will support communities share the vibrancy of screen stories with audiences from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, by bringing them together to enjoy screen community film festivals.

Role of Screen NSW

• New film friendly legislation will be introducedto ensure a strengthened standard of working.
• Address impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the sector: Screen NSW will convene an industry working group to help develop an Australian industry response to AI, and review funding guidelines.
• Priority hotline: The Head of Screen NSW will be given the authority to escalate critically urgent production issues for an urgent government response.

Supporting infrastructure

• Addressing the critical shortage of filming infrastructure in NSW, the NSW Government will develop new partnerships with the private sector to explore alternate options for studio space, including a second studio and Callan Park.
• Centre for Screen culture and digital innovation. Working with local government and industry partners, the NSW Government will support plans to establish a hub for creative workers across the industry.

Focus on developing digital games industry

The $466 billion global digital gaming industry is highlighted as an enormous opportunity. New incentives to support games production and increase NSW revenue for digital games to $406.39 million in 2027-28 include:

• Reducing Digital Games Rebate NSW expenditure minimum from $500,000 down to $350,000. The Rebate is designed to nurture homegrown developers, attract and retain work and talent to the state, and accelerate growth in the NSW digital games sector. While many larger, established studios currently access the Rebate, the lowered threshold mean it will now be more accessible to a broader range of digital games companies in NSW, including many independent studios that currently operate in the state. 
• Increased investment in the Digital Games Seed Development Program and Market Travel Programs. A flourishing games industry is one that includes large and small developers, an investment of$1.5 million over three years will support digital games producers to essential skills and build their industry networks and knowledge.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“Our people, our stories, and our skills – these are the reasons why more than half of Australian screen production happens here in NSW. This strategy sets out how the government and the industry could work together to build on that.

“While there has been a recent slowdown in global screen production, the Federal Government’s increased location offset will see Australia gain a greater share of that market. This strategy recognises the opportunities that brings, as well as the pressure that puts on NSW production facilities.

“We have identified ways of cutting the red tape that has made NSW a ‘No’ state when it comes to attracting productions. Backed by the introduction of a NSW Screen and Digital Games Act, we aim to make NSW a ‘Yes’ state.

“For the first time in NSW, we are putting digital gaming front and centre. This strategy sets out a ‘hothouse’ approach that backs existing high performing producers to support the ambitious target of 20% compound annual growth in the sector.”

Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said:

“I am thrilled to be able to drive this strategy and provide a path forward for our sector, working towards a vibrant and sustainable future for all screen practitioners and game makers in NSW.

“Storytelling has the power to unite and inspire, and as a state with such a rich depth of talent, we strive to be known as the place to create compelling stories. This is an exciting time for our sector as, while developing this strategy, we have taken stock of where the industry is at and looked forward to where we want to be in the next three years. This has informed our strategy and with this vital support we want to move forward with the industry and take it to new heights.

“I am confident this strategy will provide assurance that Screen NSW are committed to supporting NSW stories and storytellers.”

Background

The strategy outlines four strategic priority focuses to support and sustainably grow the screen and digital games sector. These include:

• Creating stories: We lead the way in making enriching, high calibre stories and cultural content for local and global audiences.
• Building sustainable growth: Our businesses are globally recognised, connected and competitive. High quality, accessible spaces help them grow and create jobs that are future proofed and sustainable.
• Improving capacity and capability: We set best practice standards to ensure workers have career pathways, are respected, safe, appropriately remunerated and supported in their career ambitions.
• Developing audiences to increase demand: Local content finds and delights diverse audiences locally and around the world.

New legislation: The strategy includes proposed new legislation to ensure screen friendly approaches across local councils and state government agencies.

In 2025, the NSW Government will introduce the NSW Screen and Digital Games Act to strengthen NSW as a film-friendly jurisdiction, reduce red-tape and provide the highest level of cooperation across government with filmmakers to maximise opportunities for the sector. This will strengthen elements of the Making NSW Film Friendly Premier’s Memorandum and incorporate an updated Local Government Filming Protocol.

Renewed Screen NSW agency: The strategy will provide Screen NSW with greater independence and will build its capacity to continue to strengthen and grow the industry. This will mean:

• Shortening investment approval timeframes, contracting and payment terms.
• Legislation will be introduced for the Film and Television Industry Advisory Committee to include digital games representation and renaming the board to reflect this update.
• The Head of Screen NSW will be given the authority to escalate critically urgent production issues for an urgent government response.

The full strategy available is here: Screen NSW – NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy

The first of 100 public preschools to be built by the Minns Labor Government has opened today, as work continues to ensure every child in New South Wales has the best possible start to their education.

Attached to Gulyangarri Public School in Liverpool, the new public preschool will welcome up to 80 preschoolers each week, providing expanded access to quality, free, early education in South West Sydney.

Importantly, this preschool is co-located with the primary school, easing students transition into kindergarten and full-time schooling, while easing pick up and drop off for parents with older students at the same school. 

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic $769 million investment to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027, doubling the existing number of public preschools across the state. Once complete more than 9,000 families and children will benefit from access to fee-free, high quality early education in their local community.

Tenders to build 85 of these public preschools are being released by the end of the year, with the first tranche of tenders out to market, including for preschools in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions.

The NSW Government’s work towards delivering universal preschool across the state is in sharp contrast to the former Government, who over twelve years failed to build a single public preschool. 

Research shows that children who participate in a quality preschool education program for at least five days a fortnight in the year before school are more likely to arrive at school equipped with the social, cognitive and emotional skills they need for learning.

With the first preschool now open to students, the Minns Labor Government is on track to deliver its commitment of 100 public preschools in full by 2027.

Children can enrol in public preschools if they turn 4 on or before 31 July in the year before starting school.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said: 

“This was one of the largest, and most important commitments we made prior to the election, and it’s fantastic to reach this milestone.

“We know that early childhood education has lifelong benefits for our states young people and is key to getting parents back into the workforce.

“As a government there is no better investment than young people and their education.

“No matter where you decide to raise your family in New South Wales, you should have access to quality, fee-free early education for your children – and that’s exactly what we’re working to deliver.

“One down, 99 to go!”

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

“It is wonderful to open the first of our Government’s 100 new public preschools and see Liverpool’s youngest learners begin their educational journey here at the new Gulyangarri Public Preschool. 

“This is the first step in a major expansion in access to preschool for families across NSW. The Minns Labor Government is investing in our future by giving many more children access to quality preschool before they start school.

“We made this historic commitment to deliver the biggest expansion in public preschools in NSW’s history because we strongly believe all children should have access to high-quality early education, no matter their postcode.”

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:

“Access to a free, public preschool is a gamechanger for so many families in Liverpool and beyond, and I am delighted that Liverpool will be the first of many communities to access this fantastic initiative.

“We know how important early childhood education is in improving opportunities for children and families for years to come.

“The cost of early childcare has previously limited access for many parents. This affordable option, co-located with local public schools, is a lifeline for those families to get their children into a quality preschool.”

Gulyangarri Public School principal Ian Tapuska said: 

“The new public preschool will help form strong connections between children, families and school staff, foster a sense of belonging, and help teachers understand and meet the individual needs of children when they start school.

“The preschoolers will become part of our public education family, and we look forward to supporting a positive transition to school for our youngest learners.”

NSW Ambulance staff from across southern NSW have today been recognised for their service and dedication at a special awards ceremony in Goulburn.

Among those being recognised are paramedics and control centre staff who responded to a fatal truck crash in Thirroul earlier this year, as well as those who successfully assisted with a premature birth and resuscitation.

Other NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers were acknowledged with Long Service Good Conduct medals, Certificates of Appreciation, Commissioner Unit Citations, while others were recognised for attaining or expanding their qualifications.

The Goulburn Awards and Recognition Ceremony is the second of three events being held in 2024 to recognise NSW Ambulance staff and volunteers from across the state. The first ceremony was held in Port Macquarie with the third to be held in Sydney in December.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This ceremony is about recognising the hard-working NSW Ambulance clinicians, control centre staff and volunteers who serve our communities so effectively, day in and day out.

“Today, we honour the dedication of our clinicians and control centre staff whose tireless efforts make our communities safer, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

“I also want to thank and recognise the exceptional care paramedics and call takers deliver to the people of NSW during their times of greatest need.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM:

“The NSW Ambulance staff being recognised today have shown they can perform their duties to the highest standard even in the most challenging situations.

“Each award is not just an acknowlegement of individual excellence, but a celebration of the collective spirit of teamwork and resilience that defines our NSW Ambulance and wider NSW Health community.

“Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for being there to service your communities in their time of need. Your role is incredibly appreciated.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“It is a privilege to stand here today and recognise the extraordinary contributions of our award recipients. Their ability to remain calm under pressure and provide critical care in life-threatening situations is a testament to their training and character.

“As well as awarding the Commissioner’s Unit Citation and Commissioner’s Certificate for those who attended a fatal truck crash in Thirroul earlier this year, we are also recognising our paramedics for their long and diligent service with Long Service Good Conduct medals, the National Medal and the National Emergency Medal.

“Today, we celebrate not just their achievements, but the profound impact they have had on countless lives. We are proud to recognise the invaluable work they do every day.”

A brand new raised pedestrian crossing outside Ryde Public School is one of the projects being funded by the NSW Government to make it easier for kids to walk, ride or scoot to school.

The new “wombat crossing” on Argyle Avenue, Ryde, will include fencing and concrete blisters to slow vehicles outside Ryde Public School, making it safer for kids to cross before and after school and for community members to access Top Ryde Shopping Centre.

The new crossing is part of a $10 million Get Kids Active fund, a Minns Labor Government initiative that is delivering projects around primary schools that make it safer and more comfortable for students and their families to walking, scoot or ride to school.

The new program, announced in early 2024, has seen grants of up to $800,000 secured by 24 councils to deliver new projects.

The Get Kids Active program has also brought bike skills courses into the school yard, to increase kids’ confidence and safety awareness when on two wheels.

So far, over 1000 students at 18 schools across NSW have enrolled in the school holiday courses, learning about safely crossing the road with their bikes, correct helmet fitting, riding on ramps and taking part in fun-filled activities like relays.

The Get Kids Active program will give primary school children and their parents more confidence to ditch the car trip to and from school, and consider walking, bike riding, scootering or skateboarding instead.

The funding announcement comes as applications open for another $60 million in Get Active NSW grants for councils across the state.

From 14 October 2024, councils can apply for grants in this latest round of Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active and Get Kids Active funding programs. Upgrades that can be delivered through these programs include new footpaths and cycleways, and improved safety features for bike riders and pedestrians.  

Shortlisted applications will be prioritised to ensure that 40 per cent of funding is for Regional Outer Metropolitan projects, and 15 per cent is for projects in Western Parkland City.

Last year, 108 Get NSW Active projects were completed with a total grant value of $35.1 million. Of these, 50 projects were completed in greater Sydney worth $21.8 million and 58 were completed in regional and outer metropolitan areas worth $13.1 million.

Minister Haylen:

“The raised wombat crossing outside my own kid’s primary school means they can be seen clearly by oncoming cars, and those cars are slowing down to navigate the bump.

It’s a small piece of infrastructure, but it gives me a big boost of confidence knowing that my kids can walk, ride or scoot safely to school.

“With Get Kids Active program, we want to invest in small infrastructure projects like wombat crossings to make everyone’s walks to school safer, no matter where they live in the state.

“It’s been brilliant to see how this program can make a difference in front of the school gates, now we’re working with the Department of Education on the other side of the school gates to deliver more in-school infrastructure, like bike and scooter parking.”

Ryde Councillor Lyndal Howison:

“Ryde streets are busy with a lot of traffic congestion. By giving kids safer options to walk, ride or scoot to school, it will open these travel options up as a viable alternative to jumping in the car.

“It’ll be good for the kids who are out there getting active, and better for everyone else as more cars come off the streets.”

Executive Director of Active Transport Anna Bradley:

“Data shows less than one in four NSW school children currently walk or ride to and from school, while Transport’s community consultation revealed over 70 per cent of parents and carers ideally want to be walking to school with their children most days.

“In designing the program, Transport for NSW undertook extensive consultation with parents, carers and community groups which revealed there was a strong interest for children to use active transport more often, as it provides good exercise and quality family time.

“We also consulted with Aboriginal communities in Redfern, Tamworth and Bourke to understand their journey to school experiences and local perspectives.

“This program is making small but meaningful infrastructure and education interventions to make it easier for kids across the state to find active and independent ways to travel to school.”

Tenants in more than 1,000 NSW social housing properties are saving on their energy bills, thanks to energy efficient upgrades delivered by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments.

Backed with matched funding by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, the $175 million Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) is providing crucial upgrades to reduce energy bills, keep homes more liveable year-round, and lower emissions.

Upgrades include new heat pump hot water heaters, solar sharing systems, ceiling insulation, electric stoves and split system air conditioners.

Since the initiative’s launch in January this year, households in Regional NSW and Western Sydney have received these upgrades with more to be rolled out across the state.

The upgraded properties so far are a mix of NSW Government-owned and managed homes, along with those managed by Aboriginal community housing providers.

Approximately 24,000 social housing dwellings in NSW are set to benefit through the course of the initiative to June 2027.

SHEPI is a collaboration between the Commonwealth and NSW Governments including the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Homes NSW, the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO), and both Aboriginal and Community Housing Providers.

Along with energy upgrades to their home, tenants are provided with information and guidance on how to best operate their home as efficiently as possible with the new features.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen:

“The Albanese Government is driving down energy bills with social housing upgrades to help bring cost of living relief to some 24,000 NSW homes.

“Working with the Minns Government to deliver better energy performance in social housing means warmer homes in winter, cooler homes in summer and cheaper bills year-round.”

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson:

“This milestone shows that the strong Albanese-Minns partnership is making a real difference right now for social housing tenants, who are among the least able to afford energy efficiency upgrades, and yet most affected by energy costs.

“The Albanese Government is making sure everyone can benefit from technologies that improve the energy performance of their homes.”

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson:

“This program is a crucial initiative that demonstrates our commitment to improving the living conditions of social housing tenants in NSW.

“The installation of solar systems, heat pumps, and insulation across NSW social housing is a significant step towards creating homes that are more affordable to maintain and better equipped to withstand changing environmental conditions.”

For more information on the SHEPI program, visit Upgrades for Social Housing | NSW Climate and Energy Action.

The Asylum Seekers Centre will be able to expand primary care clinics and meet the increasingly complex health needs of some of Sydney’s most vulnerable residents, thanks to a grant of more than $1 million from the NSW Government.

Minister for Health Ryan Park today announced funding of $1.07 million over three years for the Centre, which will help employ more clinical staff to manage the growing number of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the asylum seeker community.

The funding will also help the Centre address the increasing need and cost of medicine for members of the community without access to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The Asylum Seekers Centre is a not-for-profit organisation that was established in 1993 and offers practical and personal support to people seeking asylum. The Centre also provides primary healthcare services for people seeking asylum with limited Medicare eligibility through a specialist nurse-led health service with volunteer GPs and other specialists.

The Centre’s health service runs four GP clinics per week and has seen an 81 per cent increase in visits since June 2022. The complexity of visits has increased due to growing mental health presentations, an ageing population, and increased demand for pharmaceuticals, compounded by rising costs.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This funding will allow people seeking asylum to access critical healthcare services they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

“Without access to the valuable work of the Asylum Seekers Centre, patients would often have nowhere else to turn but to our already busy emergency departments.”

Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper:

“NSW settles a significant proportion of people fleeing conflicts in Australia. They are an important part of the NSW community and we must ensure they have access to the services they need.

“We are proud to support the Asylum Seekers Centre to facilitate access to essential primary health care to those who need it most.”

Asylum Seekers Centre CEO Frances Rush OAM:

“The Asylum Seekers Centre Health Clinic relies on the support of the state government, as well as the generosity of our GPs, physiotherapists, and others who provide their services for free, including partner organisations that provide free access to optometry and dentistry.”

“The Asylum Seekers Centre is appreciative of both the Minister’s support for the Centre’s Health Clinic and the recognition of the often-precarious plight that people seeking asylum in our state face.”

“Without access to the Centre’s pharmaceutical services, many people seeking asylum would not have the means to access life-saving medication – a priority healthcare right for all.”

“This funding will go a long way to help address the great need in our community, enhancing the health and lives of people seeking asylum.”