Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government’s $189 million Bulk-Billing Support Initiative commences today, helping ensure the cost of seeing a GP remains accessible for families and households across NSW.

Introduced in the 2024/25 NSW Budget, the program protects bulk-billing for people needing a GP and reduces the strain on our emergency departments. It is the first time the NSW Government has made a direct intervention to protect bulk-billing rates.

The package provides a new, ongoing payroll rebate to clinics for contractor GPs that meet the bulk-billing thresholds of 80% of services in metropolitan Sydney, and 70% in the rest of NSW.

Clinics will also benefit from the waiving of $104m of historical payroll tax liabilities, which began accruing for contractor GPs under the previous government.

There are more than 2,300 GP clinics across NSW. The NSW Government’s Bulk-Billing Support initiative will protect the bulk-billing rates at GP clinics for families across the state, saving households money and reducing the strain on emergency departments.

NSW Health estimates that a 1 per cent decrease in bulk-billing equates to around 3,000 additional emergency presentations.

For large clinic networks like ForHealth, with 37 clinics across NSW, the Bulk-Billing Support Initiative will enable them to continue to serve their communities and keep bulk-billing rates high. ForHealth bulk-bills roughly 5 million patient visits each year around Australia, 2.5 million of which are in NSW. They are the largest bulk-biller in the country.

GP clinics in metropolitan Sydney must bulk-bill at least 80% of their patient services to be eligible for the ongoing payroll tax rebates. For GP clinics outside of metropolitan Sydney, a lower bulk-billing rate threshold of 70% applies to ensure broader access to the initiative.

Since the announcement in June, Revenue NSW, the AMA and RACGP were engaged in a specially formed working group to develop a practice note to assist clinics, their accountants and legal advisors.

Following these discussions, Revenue NSW released a comprehensive list of LGAs and suburbs in NSW where the 80% threshold is applied, as well as the Commissioner’s Practice Note and a flow-chart to assist clinics.

Previously, the AMA’s Dr Michael Bonning said of the Bulk-Billing Support Initiative that: “Legislating ‘no retrospectivity’ will provide certainty for practices and will minimise the risk of more closures of general practices in NSW.”

With this Initiative, the Minns Labor Government is keeping GP clinics open and appointments bulk-billed for families and households amid the cost-of-living crisis, while also reducing the strain on emergency departments.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We know that the federal Coalition’s freeze on Medicare rebates as well as the NSW Liberals and Nationals’ inaction on GP payroll tax had severe consequences for the access of GPs in NSW.

“With GPs becoming more difficult to access, people are either putting off seeing a doctor and allowing their conditions to deteriorate, or they are presenting to hospitals with non-urgent conditions. 

“The lack of GP access is having severe impacts on our emergency departments.

“The Bulk-Billing Support Initiative will stem declining bulk-billing rates, and foster greater access to GPs, and in turn, relieve pressure on our busy hospitals.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos:

“The Bulk-Billing Support Initiative comes after extensive consultation and cooperation with the peak-bodies to deliver a solution that alleviated financial stress for GP clinics and delivered real cost-of-living relief for families.

“This is the first-time the NSW Government is making a strategic investment to support bulk-billing rates and protect family budgets.”

CEO of ForHealth Andrew Cohen:

“At ForHealth we understand how important access is in healthcare, and especially in the current economic context. We are proud to be one of the largest bulk-billing general practice providers in NSW with roughly 2.5 million bulk-billed patient visits each year.

“This initiative from the NSW Government will help protect bulk billing accessibility at clinics like ours, throughout outer metropolitan and regional NSW. In many of these practices we are expecting the level of bulk-billing to increase as a result.

“The removal of any retrospective payroll tax liability for all medical centres is a weight off the shoulders of the industry as clinics will no longer be at risk of closure due to large historic tax bills.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments have today announced they will provide a combined $3.2 million to Paddle Australia to support the hosting of the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium from 1-6 October 2025.

The funding will be used by Paddle Australia for the organisation, staging, marketing and programming of the event.

Approximately 300 competitors from 50 nations will compete in the World Championships across ten events, supported by 100 coaches, officials and staff with an estimated 20,000 spectators expected to attend the Championships.

The World Championships will feature 10 medal events including Canoe and Kayak singles (C1 and K1), Canoe and Kayak Teams, and Kayak Cross, with Olympic Gold Medallists and local legends Jess and Noemie Fox scheduled to compete.

In recognition of the outstanding contribution the Fox family has made to the paddling community, the NSW Government have also announced that the island in the heart of Penrith Whitewater Stadium will now be known as Fox Island. This announcement reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to celebrate the achievements of female athletes.

The announcement follows the recent completion of a $3.1 million upgrade to Penrith Whitewater Stadium to enable it to stage the World Championships which included upgrades to the whitewater course and venue infrastructure, including new course gates and obstacles, a new timing system, refurbishment of pumps, stadium pathways improvements and canoe conveyor system upgrades.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:

“The Paddle Championships is another major international competition on our green and gold runway to the Brisbane 2032 Games.

“This is a world class event that will help inspire our next generation of canoe and kayak stars while adding to our investment in two Rugby World Cups, Netball World Cup and Women’s Asian Cup.

“The Fox family are incredible ambassadors not just for their sport but for sport full stop and deserve the Fox Island honour for all they have contributed to Australia.”

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“NSW is rightly proud of our Olympic, Paralympic and World Championship legacy, and we couldn’t be more excited to help host the 2025 International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships in the heart of Western Sydney.

“A large part of Australia’s most successful Olympics performance in history came down to two girls from Penrith, Jess and Noemie Fox who honed their skills through countless hours on the rapids here at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

“To recognise the significant contribution of the Fox family to Australian sport – from Jess and Noemie to their parents Richard and Myriam, we are very proud to also be naming the island at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, Fox Island.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“Penrith has a rich history of developing sporting talent that excels on the world stage, including World and Olympic Champion Jess Fox and inaugural Kayak Cross Gold Medallist Noemie Fox.

“We are proud of our world-class sporting venues which have hosted some of the biggest sporting events in the world, including the Penrith Whitewater Stadium and Sydney International Regatta Centre.

“The Fox family has made a tremendous impact to the local and paddling communities, and it is only fitting to have Penrith Whitewater Stadium become home to Fox Island.

“The 2025 Canoe Slalom World Championships will boost both the Penrith community and Western Sydney economy, and we look forward to hosting the world’s best paddle sport athletes and showing them some Penrith hospitality.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“NSW is the major sporting events capital of the nation, providing sports lovers with the opportunity to witness the best male and female athletes from around the globe in their back yard.

“I am sure Sydney sports lovers will ensure the 2025 Canoe Slalom World Championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium next October are the best World Championships ever.

“There is no doubt that the Fox family are the first family of paddling in Australia. The contributions that each of them has made have lifted the sport to new heights. I look forward to joining Richard and Myriam watch the girls fly down the rapids of Fox Island in October.”

CEO Paddle Australia Phil Jones said:

“Thank you to the NSW Government for their continued support of canoe slalom in Australia and this significant contribution to help us deliver the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

“The Penrith Whitewater Stadium is a proud legacy venue of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, and we are pleased to once again be delivering a world class event at this facility as we aim to inspire a new generation of participants and fans.

“Sydney is renowned for delivering incredible major events and we look forward to welcoming athletes and fans from around the world to Western Sydney for another marquee event.

“We want to build on the great success our athletes, in particular Jess and Noemie Fox, delivered for Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.  By hosting the World Championships in 2025 we can connect with even more fans and hopefully unearth future Olympic champions,” he said.

Three-time Olympic Gold Medallist and IOC Athlete Commission, IOC Board Member Jess Fox said:

“Following Australia’s most successful Olympic Games ever in Paris, we are excited to welcome the world’s best slalom paddlers to Penrith Whitewater Stadium in 2025.

“We have seen at recent World Championships and Olympic Games, how much fans enjoy our sport with packed crowds creating a wonderful atmosphere.  We know Penrith is primed to provide fans of our sport and Western Sydney locals with that same incredible atmosphere.

“I remember being a six-year-old in the stands for Sydney 2000 and an 11 year old in the stands when the World Championships were here in 2005, so to have that legacy 20, 25 years on, for me it means so much.”

ICF President Mr. Thomas Konietzko said:

““The NSW Government’s significant contribution for the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Penrith will help towards delivering a successful event. 

“Penrith has played a crucial role in producing the world’s best Canoe Slalom athlete Jessica Fox. After the resounding success of Paris 2024 which saw her sister Noemie win gold during the kayak cross debut at the Olympic Games, the World Championships at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium will be the perfect setting to inspire future generations, add to the legacy of Sydney 2000 and engage fans on the green and gold runway towards 2032 Olympic Games in Australia.” 

A brand-new city is set to rise around Western Sydney’s new Airport following the formal adoption of Bradfield City Centre’s Master Plan. The vision of Bradfield city will build on significant momentum already underway across the Aerotropolis, with the Nancy Bird Walton Airport set to open in late 2026.

In the future, the ambitious and city shaping project could provide over 20,000 jobs and 10,000 new homes – of which at least 10 per cent will be affordable housing. The Master Plan developed by the Bradfield Development Authority (formerly the Western Parkland City Authority), includes over 2 million square metres of mixed-use Gross Floor Space for commercial and retail opportunities.

It will be a unique walkable parkland city for residents, workers and visitors, with the plan outlining areas for commercial, light industrial, open and residential spaces across the 114-hectare mixed-use city centre, within 400m of the new Bradfield Metro station.

Expansive new public open space areas are proposed across the city centre, including:

• A two hectare city-scaled Central Park located adjacent to the Metro and bus interchange.
• A naturally integrated swimming area on Moore Gully.
• Major events space on Thompsons Creek for concerts and community events.
• New urban greening approaches to provide access to over 36 hectares of public open space on a 114-hectare mixed use site with amenities, shops and jobs.

Ahead of the opening of Western Sydney Airport in 2026, new development and infrastructure will also be accelerated following amendments to the Western Parkland City State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP). The SEPP provides an optional master planning process for owners of large or strategic sites in the heart of the Aerotropolis.

Planning for the Bradfield City Centre will have a strong focus on culture, creativity and innovation across the precinct’s vast green parkland environment.

Bradfield has also been designed to support a circular economy, with 80 per cent of rooftops to feature gardens or bio-solar systems to address urban heat and climate resilient design features to maximise energy efficiency and manage temperatures.

The development is backed by $1 billion investment from the NSW Government and will unlock billions more in private investment, with the first land release for a 4.8 hectare Superlot now going through an open market process. This process will inform the provision of essential services for the region, including future schools.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Superlot received widespread interest, both locally and internationally. Shortlisted EOI participants are now invited to bid to develop the Superlot in partnership with the Authority.

The appointment of Bradfield Development Authority’s first major privately funded development partner will follow in 2025.

The final approved Master Plan will be available here, including amendments that have been made in response to submissions received during public exhibition.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“Our Government is committed to building better communities in Western Sydney, with the masterplan for Bradfield City Centre setting out an exciting vision for a new world-class city.

“As we work towards the opening of Western Sydney Airport, this area has enormous potential to provide new employment and business opportunities in manufacturing, freight, health and agriculture.

“This opportunity to provide highly-paid, skilled jobs in the Western Sydney area is a fantastic opportunity, and I look forward to seeing Bradfield deliver for our community.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Under our Government, and now with the approval of the Master Plan, we have seen genuine momentum build around Australia’s first new city in over 100 years.

“More skilled jobs, close to where people live and the right infrastructure will improve the lives of young people and families in Western Sydney. While this city will not pop up overnight, the now approved Master Plan is set to drive major growth over the years and for generations to come.

“I look forward to watching Bradfield develop and evolve over the coming years.”

Bradfield Development Authority CEO, Ken Morrison said:

“This is a significant milestone for the development of the Aerotropolis. Investment needs certainty and this Master Plan helps provide that.

“The Master Plan is fundamental to driving a true legacy project at Bradfield City Centre. This 114-hectare site will become a vibrant, 24/7 global city, driving advancements in industry and act as a central gathering place for arts, culture, and entertainment, for Western Sydney’s diverse communities to enjoy and benefit from.

“The first land release at Bradfield City Centre for commercial, retail and 1,000 homes, is in a market process now, which will inform the provision of essential services, including future schools. The opportunity for a premier site adjacent to the 2 hectare Central Park in the heart of the city, has attracted interest from both local and international parties.”

Bradfield Development Authority Chair, Jennifer Westacott AO said:

“This Master Plan is backed in by world-class urban design and sustainability principles. It is the genesis for building an extraordinary new city underway now. This plan has capacity for 10,000 homes and over 20,000 jobs, as part of more than 100,000 across the Aerotropolis.

“Many new jobs will be ripe for the ever increasingly skilled, trained and educated workforce across Western Sydney. Imagine industries of the future like advanced manufacturing, robotics, AI, and quantum, with Bradfield acting as a magnet for innovation and investment across NSW and Australia.

“The Bradfield Development Authority is laser focused on building this city in partnership with the private sector, starting with Superlot 1 well underway, and fully leveraging Bradfield’s proximity to the new 24/7 airport. This will ensure local people and industries are connected with global opportunities, and visitors are welcomed to enjoy all that this new city and extraordinary region has to offer.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments have announced joint funding of $53.95 million to establish the TAFE NSW Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence – Western Sydney.

The centre, located at TAFE NSW’s Wetherill Park Campus, will deliver advanced education and training in manufacturing across the engineering, transport and renewable energy sectors, boosting Western Sydney’s competitiveness as a place for global manufacturers to do business. 

The Centre of Excellence will

• enable apprentices to access degree-level learning while retaining a focus on existing hands-on skills
• support the development of microskills and microcredentials, allowing TAFE NSW to rapidly respond to emerging skills needs in evolving high-technology industries
• give apprentices access to cutting edge equipment and technology, including smart factories, industrial 3D printing, and robotic and automated manufacturing
• establish arrangements with university partners to share knowledge and collaborate on course design and delivery, bringing Vocational and Higher education closer together
• develop partnerships with local industry to inform course design, provide access to expertise, and host apprentices and trainees, providing benefits to both employers and learners.

As the first of three TAFE Centres of Excellence in NSW, the Centre is a key part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to provide fully subsidised training to an additional 1,000 apprenticeships a year in advanced manufacturing and related industries. 

Increasing the number of people qualified in advanced manufacturing is vital to support a Future Made in Australia.

The Centre will strengthen the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system by delivering high-quality and responsive skills training to 10,000 learners over four years, tailored to the rapidly digitising manufacturing sector. 

This will ensure NSW and Australia has the diverse skills needed to support the country’s manufacturing sovereign capability.

The Australian Government is investing $325 million under the five-year National Skills Agreement that began on 1 January 2024, to establish a network of up to 20 TAFE Centres of Excellence in areas of high skills needs.

These Centres will help deliver a skilled workforce for strategically important industries to meet national challenges.

the Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“The Western Sydney Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence is a great example of the genuine collaboration that is happening between the Albanese and State Governments.

“Together, we’re putting TAFE at the heart of the vocational education and training sector, to the benefit of Australian businesses and workers.

“The Centre of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing will lead to the delivery of high-quality and responsive skills training in a sector critical to our economy.

“It will help boost collaboration between universities and TAFEs to grow a highly skilled workforce for a resilient manufacturing industry.

“I look forward to working with Skills Minister Steve Whan as we build a world-class vocational education sector that we all know is vital for us achieving a fairer society and a stronger economy.”

the NSW Premier Chris Minns:

“Today we are delivering what we promised. A TAFE manufacturing centre of excellence in Western Sydney providing fully subsidised training for manufacturing apprentices.

“This will create a pipeline of skilled workers so we have the fitters, machine operators and welders needed to support a thriving domestic advanced manufacturing industry in NSW. 

“This government is investing in the future of manufacturing, so workers have the latest skills and businesses have access to talent right here in Western Sydney.”

the NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan:

“We need skilled workers in advanced manufacturing to power our clean energy future, overcome supply chain challenges, and boost local production of renewable technology and products. 

“This Centre will shape workforces that can thrive in the modern manufacturing landscape. The TAFE NSW Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence – Western Sydney will be a game-changer for both local students and industries. 

“Our landmark investment in this Centre will ensure graduates will receive cutting-edge qualifications co-developed by TAFE NSW, industry, and universities, at no cost.” 

the Member for McMahon, Chris Bowen:

“Our area is already a manufacturing base, and this investment will cement our place in training and creating the jobs of the future.”

The NSW Government is proposing reforms to overhaul the broken Code of Conduct system for elected councillors, which is generating thousands of trivial complaints making it almost impossible to act swiftly and fairly on matters of genuine concern.

A discussion paper released today proposes a complete rewrite and simplification of the Model Code of Conduct as well as a number of new pathways for addressing poor councillor behaviour.

At over 100 pages long the current code of conduct framework is overly complex, distracts from robust democratic debate and is being increasingly weaponised for political reasons.

There were 4,289 code of conduct complaints lodged over the last three years alone, forcing councils to divert significant time and money from providing local services to resolve these complaints.

Proposed reforms would streamline the code of conduct down to 2-3 pages similar to the State Parliamentary code, and outline clear expectations of behaviour for 1,300 elected councillors.

The new code of conduct system would see minor complaints about councillor misbehaviour dealt with by a councillor’s peers and leave serious matters relating to conflicts of interest to be examined by the Office of Local Government.

The government is also putting forward reforms to improve transparency of council meetings to ensure decisions are being made openly and in the best interests of the community as a whole.

Key reforms outlined in the discussion paper, some of which would require changes to the Local Government Act 1993, include.

• Establishing a local government privileges committee of experienced councillors with mayoral experience to assess complaints made against councillors for misbehaviour, consistent with practices in other tiers of government (where the conduct does not meet the threshold for police or referral to another investigative body or tribunal)
• Removing private investigators from the councillor conduct process, while strengthening the investigative capability of the Office of Local Government to investigate and prosecute legitimate complaints (such as issuing penalty infringement notices where conflict of interest declarations have not been made)
• Banning private councillor briefing sessions, except in very limited circumstances
• Strengthening lobbying guidelines for local government
• Giving mayors more power to expel councillors from meetings for acts of disorder and remove their entitlement to receive a fee in the month of their indiscretion

The discussion paper is now open for community and sector feedback.

Submissions close Friday, 15 November 2024.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“The current councillor code of conduct system is fundamentally broken.

“It is too open to weaponisation, with tit-for-tat complaints diverting critical council resources and ratepayer money from the things that matter most to communities.

“The sheer volume of vexatious complaints being made is preventing the Office of Local Government from focussing its attention on getting crooks out of the local government sector.

“The options presented in this discussion paper put the onus back on addressing and resolving issues of councillor misbehaviour at a local level, rather than escalating complaints for the state government or private investigators to fix.

“It also puts forward options to strengthen the role of the Office of Local Government as the sector regulator, including expanded investigation powers for serious conflict of interest breaches and the ability to issue penalty infringement notices.

“For far too long the system has been abused. It’s time to restore public confidence in councils and ensure the dignity of this vital third tier of government is upheld.”

Kids living in the outback region of Brewarrina have the opportunity to learn new skills through a community-led pilot funded by the NSW Government to promote cycling in the area.

The Brewarrina Bike Kitchen pilot, which starts today, has been designed to boost cycling within the Brewarrina community by teaching participants how to build and maintain bicycles, and ride safely in the community.

The $110,000 pilot will be delivered by Tune Cycles through a $73,555 grant awarded under the NSW Government’s Transport Access Regional Partnerships (TARP) program, and $37,000 from the NSW Office of Sport for the purchase of bikes and helmets funded through the Sustainable Participation Partnership Program. 

The program is supported by the Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Lands Council and local schools. The Brewarrina Bike Kitchen was born out of discussions with community and school leaders who communicated a lack of activities for local youths and a desire to increase active transport opportunities within the town.

The pilot will not only increase mobility options for young people in a town where just under 20 per cent of residents do not have access to a registered motor vehicle (more than double the NSW average), but will also deliver improved health outcomes through new exercise opportunities.

Forty-four primary school-aged children from Brewarrina, Weilmoringle and Goodooga will take part in the Brewarrina Bike Kitchen pilot for 12 months. The participants, ranging from Years 3 to 6, have been selected after meeting and maintaining their existing educational outcomes at their respective schools.

The Brewarrina Bike Kitchen pilot kicks off on Tuesday 3 September for mentors followed by the youth workshop on Wednesday 4 September. The Bike Kitchen workshop will be open every Thursday from 3pm-5pm at the Brewarrina LALC for kids to access help to maintain the bikes.

Three additional workshops will be held over a 12-month pilot period where mechanics from online and mobile bike specialists Tune Cycles will teach participants bike handling and maintenance skills to ensure the bikes are well-kept.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Transport for NSW will fund the educational and training component of the program, and also travel for successful students who complete this repair workshop to attend a reward event for their participation in building a safer community.

“The aim is for these bikes to be utilised in an ongoing program after the pilot phase, ensuring sustainability and longevity.

“This pilot will provide essential training and education to community representatives who will serve as leaders of the Bike Kitchen for the student participants.

“Participants will acquire the necessary skills to mechanically fix and maintain bikes and ensure safe riding practices are encouraged and embedded within the community.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Sport and active recreation offer many benefits – including physical, mental and social – and the NSW Government’s funding of the Brewarrina Bike Kitchen will enable local indigenous children to develop a life-long love of cycling.

“I urge the kids and broader community to embrace this fantastic program so that it can continue for many years to come.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“Sport and active recreation play a vital role in role in community engagement and healthy lifestyles in Far West NSW, particularly among Indigenous communities.

“The Brewarrina Bike Kitchen will get more local kids active and healthy through cycling.

“The bike maintenance component of the program will also teach them important values of responsibility and commitment. 

“I commend the NSW Government agencies, Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council and Tune Cycles for bringing this project to life.”

Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Lands Council acting CEO Urayne Warraweena said:

“The Bike Kitchen is exciting opportunity for Brewarrina.

“Although we have limited health and fitness infrastructure, when we put together sporting activities like seasonal football our kids not only revel in the activity but it reveals a talent base of young athletes with extraordinary ability.

“As a remote isolated community, cycling should be an integral part of our active transport infrastructure but we have no facilities to support bike repairs which means the first mechanical issue sees the bike up against a fence to rust away.

“Our Bike Kitchen will upskill a local person to provide repair services. We hope this leads to other exciting developments in physical activity like walk and run groups, and we are now looking at getting a PCYC which will be a great future base for our bike program.

“This bike program will be loved by the kids and it will create an incredible launching platform of new sporting programs to inspire them towards good health, fitness and active transport.

“The pilot is also a great social opportunity for participants to interact with their peers and students from different schools.”

Tune Cycles’ Hayden Nosatti said:

“Our program is more than just bikes, it’s a catalyst for change.

“Bikes are not just giving kids a means of transportation, they’re unlocking a world of opportunity. Cycling isn’t just about getting from A to B, it’s about forging friendships, boosting health, and fostering a love for learning.

“Through creative means like helmet painting, we’re not just showcasing talent but also celebrating culture and heritage. Our program isn’t just about riding; it’s about riding high on life’s possibilities.”

The Minns Labor Government will ban the use of unaccredited emergency accommodation for vulnerable children in the foster care system, reversing the former government’s reliance on these inappropriate and costly arrangements.  

The announcement, made during Child Protection Week, follows numerous reports and distressing firsthand accounts that have revealed the terrible outcomes faced by children living in Alternative Care Arrangements (ACAs).  

In a recent report by the Advocate for Children and Young People, one young person compared their experience living in an ACA to that of a “dog being moved from cage to cage.” 

Alternative Care Arrangements:

• can cost upwards of $2 million per child per year,
• have cost $500 million over the last six years,
• often involve children being placed in hotels, motels and caravan parks with rotating shift workers instead of foster carers,
• are the placement option of last resort for children in the foster care system, and
• are provided by unaccredited agencies with limited government oversight who are not required to meet the NSW Child Safe Standards for Permanent Care.  

The Minns Labor Government has consistently flagged its concerns with the use of ACAs and has already taken decisive action to reduce the number of children in these arrangements by 72 per cent. As at 16 August 2024, there are 39 children in an ACA compared to 139 in November last year.  

Of the 39 children currently in an ACA, suitable alternative placement types have been identified for each individual, and efforts are ongoing to facilitate these transitions. The available options include returning the children safely to their parents, placing them with a foster carer or relative, or providing support in an intensive therapeutic care environment. 

The NSW Government has recently expanded Intensive Therapeutic Care capacity and recruited approximately 200 emergency foster carers to help support children being moved out of emergency accommodation. 

Within six months, unaccredited ACAs will be a prohibited placement type, which will complement other urgent reform measures already underway.  

The Government is also reducing the number of children in other types of emergency accommodation. Since November last year, the total number of children in all types of High-Cost Emergency Arrangements (HCEAs) has fallen from 506 to 376 – a 26 per cent reduction. 

The 2024-25 NSW Budget has invested $224 million in funding that will allow the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) to:

• re-enter the market as a foster care provider and expand the recruitment of DCJ emergency foster carers to include longer-term carers,
• introduce government-run intensive and professional foster care models,
• deliver government-run residential care for children where non-government providers are unable to offer stable placements,
• ensure children living in residential care are supported by high quality, accredited providers, and
• commence recruiting family time workers and additional caseworkers to undertake carer authorisation assessments. 

These initial measures will help rebuild the broken out-of-home care system and ensure that more children grow up in safe and loving homes in NSW.

The Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said:

“Since I became Minister, I’ve made it very clear that vulnerable children do not belong in hotels, motels or caravan parks with shift workers instead of foster carers.

“We acted early, and we’re already seeing meaningful results, with the number of children in unaccredited Alternative Care Arrangements falling by 72 per cent in just eight months.

“The former government let the child protection system spiral out of control, and the use of these emergency accommodation providers for vulnerable children skyrocketed.   

“The Minns Labor Government’s ban on ACAs is a critical step towards making the child protection system sustainable, and will put vulnerable kids on safer paths to brighter futures.

“Under our government, unaccredited emergency accommodation will become a thing of the past, which is long overdue.”

The Minns Labor Government will introduce a series of new measures to support NSW jobs and businesses and encourage the development of local industries, removing barriers to local growth.

These policy changes have the backing of workers and industry and will transform the way the government spends its precious procurement dollars on goods and services.

Working in partnership with local industry

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos will on Tuesday instruct the NSW Procurement Board to axe the previous Liberal-National Government’s prohibitions on local content rules.

Those rules made it unlawful for NSW government agencies to seek, or even consider, local employment and business growth opportunities at any stage of the procurement process, harming local businesses at a time when they needed access to valuable procurement opportunities.

NSW government agencies can now consider local content and local development opportunities when suppliers bid for government contracts.

‘If not, why not’ rules for local procurement

To ensure agencies embrace the policy reversal, Minister Houssos has issued a new direction to the NSW Procurement Board called ‘If not, why not’.

Under this direction, the NSW Procurement Board will mandate that NSW Government agencies engage with local NSW suppliers before going to tender for projects worth more than $7.5 million.

The new rules also mandate that if a contract worth more than $7.5 million is awarded to a supplier outside of NSW, agencies will need to undergo a ‘please explain’ process prior to the contract being awarded, outlining why a local supplier was not successful.

The definition of a ‘local supplier’ for the purposes of the ‘If not, why not’ direction is limited to NSW enterprises.

While upholding Australia’s free trade obligations that prevent discriminating against suppliers because of where they’re based or owned, this policy will refocus agencies on supporting jobs and local production in NSW.

This will assist with the Minns Labor Government’s plans to boost the competitiveness of NSW industries and help rebuild the manufacturing sector decimated by the previous Liberal-National Government.

‘Value for money’

Purchasing the cheapest goods and services does not always equate to ‘value for money’ for the people of NSW.

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

A more robust approach to ‘value for money’ considers factors like supporting employment opportunities and developing regional economies. With these changes, the NSW Government is delivering confidence to domestic and international investors and suppliers alike.

Establishing the Jobs First Commission

The Minns Labor Government will also legislate to create the Jobs First Commission to oversee the implementation and enforcement of local content measures. It will help grow domestic industries and jobs for local workers.

This includes enacting key measures including:

• A local content policy which will implement Labor’s election commitment to apply a minimum 30% weighting to NSW Government tenders worth more than $7.5 million that captures local content, job creation, small business and ethical supply chains.
• A Future Skills Guarantee with workforce targets, including that 20% of the trades workforce on NSW Government construction or infrastructure contracts valued above $7.5 million are apprentices.
• An independent advisory board with representation from across industry, small business, unions, and the public sector to provide ongoing engagement with, and advice on, government procurement policies as well as local development and industry growth strategies.
• Appointing a Job First Commissioner conferred with ‘name and shame’ and other compliance and enforcement powers. This will ensure all parties, including NSW agencies, adhere to the government’s procurement rules and standards, in particular the new tender weightings rules and local content and skills requirements.

The definition of ‘local content’ under the Jobs First Commission legislation will be any Australia or New Zealand-based enterprise.

In the seven years since implementing its Local Jobs First policy, the Victorian government has supported 40,000 Victorian jobs and demonstrated the potential impact of policies like these.

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

Together, these initiatives will also direct more work to the more than 100,000 apprentices and trainees currently registered in NSW and encourage even more to pick up a trade.

This announcement complements the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing procurement reforms.

The revocation of the previous government’s anti-local content provisions will take effect within 45 days, while the ‘If not, why not’ direction will come into effect on 1 January 2025. Consultation on an exposure draft of legislation to establish the Jobs First Commission is targeted to be released by the end of the year.

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos:

“Businesses and workers in NSW have so much to offer – not just to government but to all consumers.

“These changes will support our local industries and give them new opportunities to secure a larger slice of the NSW government’s $42 billion procurement spend.

“Our announcement today delivers the next step on an important election commitment we made to support local jobs and local businesses.

“The former government’s ideological zealotry harmed local industries, local businesses and local workers.”

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong:

“NSW has the most innovative and dynamic businesses in the nation. It makes sense for the NSW Government to invest in those companies.

“Our state has all the ingredients to be a manufacturing powerhouse, but we need to pull all of the levers available to realise that ambition. Government procurement is a powerful tool to boost industry growth.

“When boardrooms are making big investment decisions, they need to know that NSW has the skills and capabilities for manufacturing and these changes will send a powerful signal.” 

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan:

“Alongside our commitment to deliver 1,000 additional apprentices and trainees across NSW Government agencies, this announcement demonstrates our commitment to developing the skilled workforce for the state’s future.

“Local industry and business represent key players in workforce development across the state. Through this initiative we will open up more opportunities for young people to secure highly skilled, well-paid and secure jobs within their local area.”

Business NSW CEO Dan Hunter:

“Not only will this decision supercharge our manufacturing base, it will also boost local skills development and drive innovation.

“NSW has the biggest and most sophisticated private enterprise economy in the country, and this decision will go some way to ensuring we remain the best place to start and develop a business.

“NSW’s small and medium businesses have always been happy to compete with the big players when it comes to winning government contracts – they just need a level playing field.”

Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey:

“For too long, we’ve seen valuable contracts and opportunities sent offshore, at the expense of local workers and industries. The new ‘Jobs First’ approach, with its focus on local content policy and skills, will help ensure NSW public spending directly benefits our communities, workers, and apprentices.

“Unions pushed hard for a Jobs First Commission with oversight and enforcement powers, because it’s vitally important that local industry is supported to create sustainable, skilled jobs for NSW workers. We particularly welcome the targets for apprentices and trainees on major projects, which will help build the skilled workforce of tomorrow.

“This is a profoundly important policy shift which recognises that supporting local jobs and businesses sets us up for the future. This fosters innovation and stronger industrial capability, creating solid opportunities for the next generation of NSW workers.”

The importance of healthy eating for culturally and linguistically diverse communities is the focus of Multicultural Health Week 2024 which is encouraging everyone to get together to prepare healthy lunchboxes for work, school, or a day out.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park announced the theme for this year, ‘Celebrate culture through food with multicultural family lunchboxes’ and encouraged everyone to create delicious and healthy lunchboxes as a great way to teach children some positive lifelong habits.

One of Australia’s favourite chefs and multicultural health ambassador, Adam Liaw joins this year’s Multicultural Health Week to help promote healthy eating for adults and children by creating some family lunchbox recipes, as well as providing some healthy eating tips.

Research shows five serves of vegetables are recommended each day for adults for overall health and wellbeing and to help lower risks of cancer and chronic illnesses.

However, only four out of 100 adults and six out of 100 children eat enough vegetables. Studies reveal children eat about a third of their day’s food at school which is why it is important to add more vegetables to lunchboxes.

The Multicultural Health Week 2024 resources and program include:

• Video of Adam’s lunchbox challenge with Kerry and Marianne
• Adam Liaw’s multicultural family lunchbox recipes
• A two-minute video with Adam Liaw promoting healthy eating through multicultural family lunchboxes in English and available in Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional and Vietnamese.
• Four x 15 second videos with tips for healthy eating
• Multicultural Health Week poster, factsheet, and social media assets in English and 39 other languages
• Multicultural Family Lunchbox Challenge

Visit the Multicultural Health Week webpage and social media for more information and resources.

Healthy Eating Active Living is where you can find practical tips, tools, and free NSW Government programs to help you and your family make simple changes now to live healthier lives in the future. NSW Health also has a range of low cost, easy-to-make recipes for the whole family, including a weekly menu planner.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Multicultural Health Week is an important annual event which aims to improve health outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

“This year’s theme is centred on promoting healthy eating, specifically emphasising the link between culture, diet and food as represented by the humble but very important lunchbox.

“Adam Liaw’s recipes will inspire families to build their own multicultural lunchboxes with delicious and healthy foods including vegetables and fruit.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper:

“NSW is a diverse and cohesive multicultural society, and the health and wellbeing of our multicultural communities reflects the health and wellbeing of NSW as a whole.

“At the last census in 2021, 8.1 million people called NSW home with more than 2.2 million people speaking a language other than English at home, higher than any other state or territory.

“Let’s come together to celebrate Multicultural Health Week and use this great opportunity to show support for multicultural communities, celebrate cultural diversity, promote healthy eating and connect with each other through sharing stories and food.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce:    

“This year, I encourage everyone to get involved in Multicultural Health Week across schools, workplaces and community settings.

“These engaging resources will help all people, including culturally and linguistically diverse communities, eat in a way that is healthy and budget friendly.”

NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service Director Lisa Woodland:

“I’m pleased to take this opportunity to help launch the Multicultural Family Lunchbox Challenge in partnership with the Western Sydney Local Health District’s Prevention Education and Research Unit. This is a competition for young people from multicultural backgrounds to showcase their family lunchboxes, exploring healthy eating using foods from their culture.”

Chef Adam Liaw:

“I’m delighted to be part of Multicultural Health Week this year. Coming from a migrant family, I understand the unique challenges and barriers that multicultural communities may experience in accessing food and practising healthy eating.”

“Whatever your background or culture, the way you eat at home can easily be your inspiration for healthy eating.”