Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to create a safer New South Wales and increase protections for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, with a suite of significant reforms announced today. 

To be introduced to Parliament in September, these reforms include new offences to respond to the danger posed by repeated and intentional breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs), an entirely new scheme to help prevent domestic and family violence and other reforms to address gaps in existing legislation.

These reforms include:

Strengthening the penalties for repeated and serious breaches of an ADVO

The NSW Government will move to amend the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007, to create two new aggravated offences for certain breaches of an ADVO. This will include a new offence for knowingly contravening an ADVO with intent to cause harm or fear and a new offence for repeated breaches of an ADVO.

The current offence of breaching an ADVO carries a maximum of 2 years’ imprisonment and/or a $5,500 fine.

The new offence for knowingly contravening an ADVO will be directed at serious or harmful breaches of ADVOs due to an offender’s intention to cause harm or fear to the protected person. It will carry a maximum of 3 years imprisonment and/or an $11,000 fine.

The new persistent breach offence will be directed at repeated breaches of an ADVO. Where a person knowingly contravenes an ADVO three or more times within a 28-day period, it will be punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a $16,500 fine.

The addition of this offence reflects and responds to the fact that persistent breaches within a short timeframe indicate an escalation of behaviour and therefore a greater risk.

Introducing Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders

Reflecting the gravity of Domestic and Family Violence, the NSW Government will introduce Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders (SDAPO), adapted from the Serious Crime Prevention Orders scheme, which responds to organised crime.

Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders will allow the court to impose any conditions considered appropriate to prevent the person’s involvement in domestic abuse. This includes positive obligations such as a requirement to inform police of any dating profiles they create or use.

The orders will be able to be sought by the Commissioner of Police or the Director of Public Prosecutions in instances where:

• The person has been convicted of two or more domestic violence offences that carry a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment or higher; or
• The person has been charged with a ‘serious domestic violence’ offence against a relative or current/former intimate partner, regardless of whether the person has been tried, acquitted, or had their conviction quashed or set aside.

The court will have to be satisfied there are reasonable grounds to believe the SDAPO will protect the person’s relatives, their past, current or potential intimate partner.

The orders will have a maximum duration of five years with breaches being a criminal offence with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and/or a $33,000 fine.

Modernising the definition of ‘stalking’

In response to the increased role of technology in modern society, the definition of stalking will be amended to more clearly cover technology facilitated tracking or monitoring conduct.

Under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007, the use of technology in the offence of stalking has a narrow scope, defined as, ‘contacting or otherwise approaching a person using the internet or any other technologically assisted means.’

Under the amended definition it will explicitly state conduct which involves monitoring or tracking a person’s activities, communications or movements whether through technology or another way, and regardless of whether the victim is contacted or approached, constitutes stalking.

This means the use of GPS trackers or monitoring a person online will be captured under the Act, in the same way ‘in person’ conduct currently is.

Making it easier and safer to change a child’s name

Bringing New South Wales into line with other jurisdictions, the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995, will be amended to allow a sole parent to change their child’s name, if they have a Family Court order authorising them to do so.

Currently under the Act, both parents must apply to change a child’s name, unless there is no other surviving parent, or only one parent is named in the registration of the child’s birth, or a court has approved the proposed new name of the child.

A parent with a parenting order granting them sole responsibility for the child’s name cannot apply to change the child’s name without a further court order approving the new name, or the other parent’s consent.

These requirements may pose a safety risk to victim-survivors of domestic violence who are seeking to change their child’s name as they are unable to do so without reengaging with the perpetrator.

The requirement for a further court application may increase risk by making the applicants’ contact details accessible to the perpetrator or revealing the child’s new name – undermining the desire to change a child’s name for protective reasons. This amendment will resolve this issue.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“The safety of victim-survivors of domestic and family violence is paramount and these laws reflect the risk posed by intentional and ongoing breaches of ADVOs.

“Everyone should be able to feel safe in their own home, but all too often for many that is not the case. When that right has been taken away from someone, these laws aim to support victim-survivors in feeling and being safe again.

“We know that legislative reform alone will not end the scourge of domestic and family violence, but these laws send an important message that the safety of victim-survivors is the priority of the NSW justice system.”

Attorney General, Michael Daley said:

“These new laws are tough, they’re very tough, but unfortunately, they’re necessary to keep women safe from domestic and family violence.

“There are simply too many instances of domestic abuse and violence against women.

“It must stop; and these new laws are the next step that the Minns Government is taking to ensure that police and prosecutors are empowered to protect victim-survivors of domestic abuse.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison said:

“Too many lives have been lost to domestic and family violence.

“These proposed reforms strengthen existing protections to keep victim-survivors safe, while the new Serious Domestic Abuse Protection Orders help reduce the future risk of violence.

“We have listened to the domestic violence sector and advocates about what is needed to ensure the safety of victim-survivors – and acted.”

Women’s Safety Commissioner, Dr. Hannah Tonkin said: 

“The community has called for wide-ranging action to address the shocking rates of domestic and family violence, including measures to prevent violence as well as stronger accountability for perpetrators.

“These reforms prioritise the safety of women and children and send a clear message that domestic and family violence will not be tolerated.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its commitment to enhance recreational fishing opportunities and improving fishing access at popular locations across NSW with the release of 250 Rainbow Trout into Orange’s Spring Creek Dam.

The ex-broodstock Rainbow Trout – each weighing more than two kilos each – were stocked into the dam, which for the first time will soon have a section of its foreshore opened for lure and fly only fishing in the coming months, providing an exciting new location for local and visiting anglers.

This new fishing spot will complement other popular local fisheries such as Gosling Creek and Lake Canobolas.

The NSW Government will work with Orange City Council to stock popular native sportfish species including Murray Cod and Golden Perch into the local waterways, including Spring Creek Dam.

The ex-broodstock trout released into the dam were used to breed millions of fingerlings at the NSW Government’s Dutton Trout Hatchery, located at Ebor.

This stocking event is one of many that happen across NSW as part of the NSW Government’s program to boost recreational fishing opportunities for trout and native sportfish in dams, creeks, rivers and other waterways.

The Spring Creek Dam release is one of several stockings that have taken place across the Central West over the past month including:

• 5,000 advanced size Rainbow Trout stocked at Lake Wallace at Wallerawang;
• 5,000 advanced size Rainbow Trout stocked at Oberon Dam;
• 260 large ex-broodstock at Carcoar Dam, near Blayney;
• 2000 advanced size Rainbows Trout at Wyangla Dam, near Cowra;
• 4,000 advanced size Rainbow Trout at Lake Lyell, near Lithgow; and
• 1,500 advanced size Rainbow Trout 26 released into Ben Chifley Dam, near Bathurst.

In total around 2.5 million Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Atlantic Salmon and Tiger Trout will be stocked across NSW this year with funding support from the Recreational Fishing Trust.

Fish stocking in NSW is carefully managed to ensure sustainability and supports some of our most important inland fisheries for recreational fishers.

For information on the Government’s fish stocking program visit the website – NSW Fish Stocking

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Government is committed to supporting regional communities by developing quality in-land recreational fishing opportunities, that are enhanced by our stocking programs.

“By stocking these large trout today, we’re ensuring that this exciting new fishing spot at Spring Creek Dam will be rod-and-reel-ready when it opens in a few months.

“These stockings ensure fishing for trout and other popular sportfish continues to deliver socio-economic benefits to regional communities like Orange and the central west now and in the future.” 

“This is another example of how the Government is making sure fishing licence fees are being put to good use for fishers and local communities.”

MP for Orange, Phil Donato said:

“Orange has lots of attractions for food and wine, and fishing is a growing reason for visitors to come to town. By releasing these wonderful large rainbow trout people have another strong incentive for visiting Orange when the trout season opens in October.

“For locals this is a good excuse to visit the Spring Creek dam when the council soon opens it to the public.

“I want to thank the Government for their stocking of trout across the central west, because fly fishing is an important part of spring and summer for many people.”

Legacy Week will be officially launched this morning at a commemorative service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, attended by members of the veteran community and their families.

The Legacy Week appeal has been running since the 1940s and is a time for all Australians to show their support for the widows and children whose loved ones have served our country.

In 1923, Legacy made a promise to help veterans’ families carry on with their lives after the loss or injury of their loved one.

Fast forward 101 years and it is a promise that Legacy keeps today, providing the same stability, guidance and assistance that a partner would normally provide to his or her family.

Nationally, Legacy supports 34,000 partners and children of veterans who gave their lives or health serving our country, including 10,000 in NSW.

The Legacy badge is a special emblem of support for our veterans’ families, symbolising our nation’s values of mateship, compassion and fairness.

Legacy badges will be sold throughout the Sydney CBD and across NSW this week. More details are available on www.legacy.com.au/donate.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“Legacy Week is a time to give back to the families of veterans who have given so much.

“I encourage everyone to make a small donation and purchase a Legacy badge this week to make a big difference to helping the families of veterans in need.”

Sydney Legacy President Ian Thompson said:

“The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has recognised the vital importance that family plays in a veteran’s health and the fact that service impacts not just veterans but their families.

“Legacy will always be there to support the families of our veterans who have given their life or health in service of their country. I urge the public to buy a badge or make a donation this week.”

Tens of thousands of women across NSW have accessed free, cervical screening thanks to a life-saving partnership between the Cancer Institute NSW and local health districts.

Over 10 years, the NSW Government through the Cancer Institute NSW has contributed close to $3 million towards pathology costs of Cervical Screening Tests conducted by women’s health nurses based across Local Health Districts including Central Coast, Far West, Hunter New England, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Mid North Coast, Murrumbidgee, Northern NSW, South Eastern Sydney, Southern NSW, and Western NSW.

The partnership is ensuring specialist women’s health nurses are supported to deliver cervical screening, particularly to rural and regional communities, working closely with Aboriginal medical services and Primary Health Networks to help deliver accessible, safe, and culturally sensitive care.

The Cervical Screening Test is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. It is a quick and simple procedure which looks for a viral infection called human papillomavirus (HPV).

There are two options for the test, one is to have a healthcare provider collect a cervical sample, the other is for an individual to collect their own sample. Both are equally effective.

Anyone aged between 25–74 who has a cervix and has ever been sexually active, is encouraged to get the Cervical Screening Test every five years.

Thanks to efforts taking place in NSW and beyond, Australia is on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035, in line with the National Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Australia.

Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park:

“As Minister for Regional Health, it is one of my priorities to improve access and remove barriers women face in accessing healthcare services, particularly in rural and regional communities.”

“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and this partnership is ensuring that every opportunity is taken to offer screening.”

“It’s expected that regular screening will reduce cervical cancer rates and deaths by 30 per cent.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:

“Cervical cancer claims the lives of hundreds of Australians each year. This week – being Women’s Health Week – we’re encouraging women to put their health first and, if eligible, take advantage of life-saving cancer screening.”

“Cervical cancer is preventable – the test is free, it’s quick, it’s simple and it’s easy. Early diagnosis can improve the chances of treatment being successful so it’s vital women make it a priority.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM:

“While Australia has one of the lowest cervical cancer rates in the world, more than 70 per cent of cervical cancers occur in women who have never been screened or are not up-to-date with their cervical screening.”

“Supporting women to take part in regular screening is key to saving lives, which is why we’re proud to partner with women’s health nurses, who through their expert and compassionate approach, are helping break down barriers and supporting women to stay healthy and well.”

For more information on cervical, breast and bowel cancer screening,  visit www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/prevention-and-screening/screening-and-early-detection

Startups and innovators in NSW have new opportunities to grow and expand into lucrative Southeast Asian markets with the Minns Labor Government inking new agreements with International Landing Pads in Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Landing Pads give startups access to workspace, networks and services that help them scale up innovative ideas and get them into the market.

The International Landing Pad in NSW, which opened late last year, provides temporary desk space in the Startup Hub for global businesses looking to enter NSW and make domestic connections.

Under the new reciprocal deals with Saigon Innovation Hub (SiHub) in Vietnam, Living Labs in Indonesia and Common Grounds in Malaysia, NSW businesses get the chance to work across jurisdictions, share ideas and make the connections needed to succeed.

In the next 12 months, Investment NSW will work with SiHub, Living Labs and Common Grounds to pilot the program. Up to nine NSW companies will be given the opportunity to base themselves in either Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur, while three qualified companies from each of the reciprocal nations will be based here.

The deals follow a similar arrangement put in place with India’s National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) earlier this year.

The announcement was made by Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong as he welcomed business leaders from across the region at the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum.

The Forum celebrates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Australia and the ASEAN member states and serves as a platform to strengthen NSW’s growing trade and investment relationship with the region.

For more information on the ILP and how to submit an application visit: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/innovation/international-landing-pad/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“NSW is the epicentre of startups and innovation in Australia and the region.

“By getting these agreements in place, we’re making sure that the International Landing Pad doesn’t just open the door to companies who want to invest in NSW, it lets NSW businesses scale-up and expand on an international level.

“One of the most exciting aspects of these arrangements is the ability for nine NSW-based companies to spend time in our partners’ facilities in Southeast Asia. This will allow them to deepen their understanding of those markets and build the relationships critical to their expansion.

“The NSW Government has made expanding trade in the ASEAN region a priority, and this is another step in diversifying our trade footprint.

“The Landing Pads are part of a suite of activities the NSW Government is implementing to support the innovation sector, increase investment and boost exports.” 

Sydney Gateway will open to traffic early Sunday morning, completing the final piece of the new toll-free connection to Sydney Airport.

After almost four years of construction and the efforts of more than 8000 workers, the Gateway was officially opened on Friday morning ahead of first vehicles expected by 4.30 am on Sunday.

The new five kilometres of motorway will transform airport access, saving drivers an estimated 17 minutes between the airport and the St Peters Interchange, which connects to the M8 and on to Western Sydney.

For drivers joining the motorway network from Campbelltown, Liverpool, Penrith or Parramatta, Sydney Gateway unlocks a traffic –light-free run all the way to the domestic terminal.

Sydney Gateway is designed to handle 100,000 vehicles a day, including up to 10,000 trucks, providing a more direct route to and from Port Botany while improving safety on local streets in and around Mascot.

As with all major project openings, Transport is expecting a period of adjustment while motorists get used to the new motorway.

People driving to the airport are advised to plan their trip in advance, allow plenty of time and familiarise themselves with driver animations released in July that show in detail the new route options, including entry points, exit points, signage and road markings.

For the first time on a major new motorway project, members of the public have reviewed signage and marking in advance, helping Transport to make 100 improvements.

Sydney Airport will have in place kerb-side management measures at the international and domestic terminals to facilitate traffic flow through the airport, and Transport will be working with Sydney Airport to ensure drop off points are managed

The $2.6 billion project has opened in stages since November last year to maximise construction efficiency and minimise disruption. This included the unveiling of the Deborah Lawrie Flyover into the airport’s domestic terminals, two twin arch bridges close to the international terminal and a new and improved Airport Drive.

To prepare for the opening the community is encouraged to view the driver animation and flyover videos of the complete journey options of Sydney Gateway HERE

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“I want to thank the more than 8000 workers who built Sydney Gateway. It will transform the way we drive to and from Sydney Airport – and hopefully take a little of the stress out of making a flight or meeting a loved one when traffic is heavy.”

“This will help millions of Sydneysiders in and out of the airport in a smoother way, but also take up to 10,000 trucks a day heading to Port Botany off local streets.”

“While Transport and Sydney Airport have been working hard to ensure the opening is a smooth take-off, I urge drivers to familiarise themselves with the new routes through the driver animations and expect some traffic impacts in the opening period”

Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Camilla Drover said:

“Sydney Gateway construction has progressed well throughout the project such that we are fully opening to traffic ahead of time and within budget.

“Sydney Gateway is another first-class feat of Australian engineering and workmanship and I thank the 8000 workers who built this major road infrastructure project.

“We look forward to welcoming the first cars on the final stage of this transformative project for the airport precinct and Port Botany.”

Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said:

“It’s appropriate we are fully opening Sydney Gateway this Sunday on the first day of spring – the season of new beginnings.

“The new connections between the airport precinct and the motorway network at St Peters Interchange will give motorists a more direct, time-saving and safer link without having to drive through local Mascot roads.

“We encourage people to take another look at the in-car driver animations as we want to help people feel better prepared and more at ease before they drive the new routes on Sydney Gateway.

“Transport for NSW is ready for opening and has established a Joint Operations Centre at the Transport Management Centre, where the road network can be monitored and adjusted in response to any congestion or incidents.”

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said:

“We’re excited to see Sydney Gateway open to the public – a critical piece of infrastructure that will significantly reduce travel time from the west, enhancing connectivity and convenience for our passengers.

“Gateway will also bring substantial benefits to our local community by diverting cars and trucks off local roads and alleviating congestion.

“To support the opening, we’re ramping up our kerbside operations and doubling the number of kerbside staff to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.”

The NSW Government today announced the easing of emergency zones in the Hawkesbury and around the ACT, as biosecurity clean up actions to eradicate high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H7N8 strain enter the final phase.

From Thursday 29 August 2024 the emergency zone significantly reduced in size with many properties which were in the emergency zone no longer needing permits for moving birds, poultry products, feed and equipment. 

Emergency zones have been made smaller around the two chicken and egg farm sites, and four backyard chicken sites that were near those farms, as biosecurity specialists complete their decontamination activities.  

In addition, the NSW emergency order to manage the avian influenza detection in the ACT has also been revoked.  

The Government’s avian influenza response and eradication actions in the Hawkesbury included: 

• 4,016 samples tested
• 76,000 text messages to property owners 
• 1,500 targeted surveillance letters sent to backyard bird owners
• 500-plus property surveillance contacts
• 300-plus Emergency Animal Disease phone calls received
• 15 community events with educational support for schools, pet shops and local veterinarians, pop-up stalls and webinars 

The NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to biosecurity and primary industries, will see work continue closely with stakeholders to monitor the situation and help prevent any future outbreaks. 

With the easing of emergency zones, poultry farmers and pet bird owners are encouraged to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended biosecurity practices.  

If you notice any unusual symptoms in your birds, please contact a veterinarian or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline, 1800 675 888. 

Information is available online at: Avian Influenza information.

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:  

“Thanks must go to the community and poultry industry for assisting our Government in getting this outbreak under control so swiftly. 

“Their exceptional efforts and vigilance in reporting, adhering to biosecurity measures and cooperating with the biosecurity emergency orders has allowed these zone changes. 

“This collective effort has been crucial in protecting the health and safety of our poultry and egg industries.” 

NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Jo Coombe said:

“The collaborative efforts between organisations, including the poultry industry, local councils and government agencies, were crucial in preventing further spread and supporting those affected. 

“The swift response and proactive measures of all involved has stopped the virus spreading any further and shows how biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility.” 

Aboriginal students from around the state will now have greater access to a program designed to provide valuable work experience and nationally recognised qualifications while still at school.

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education Steve Whan announced a new round of the Djinggi School-Based Traineeship Program while visiting students completing school-based traineeships at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo earlier this week.

The Djinggi Program, funded by the NSW Department of Education’s Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant, offers Aboriginal students undertaking the HSC, the opportunity to become school-based trainees.

Djinggi, meaning stars in the Yuin language, plays a critical role in building the next generation of Aboriginal professionals within the Department of Education, as student trainees will work in public schools, preschools, or the department’s corporate offices.

The 2024 Program is set to expand its reach, offering opportunities up to 100 Aboriginal public-school students. Last year, the Program was open to 50 students, with an impressive 90% completion rate.

Over two years, students will balance school, paid work, and training, earning a qualification that contributes to their HSC (Higher School Certificate).

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

“Last year I had the opportunity to see first-hand the incredible impact this collaboration had on our First Nations students, and I am pleased the NSW Government is expanding this program to reach more young people.

“Students not only gain a nationally recognised qualification through paid work and training, but they have the opportunity for employment by the NSW Public Sector.

“Importantly this program helps connect our Aboriginal students with their culture while learning and working alongside local Elders.”

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

“It’s an incredible opportunity for these young people to gain skills and confidence that will serve them throughout their lives.

“By expanding the Djinggi Program to reach 100 public school students in 2024, we are opening doors to even more Aboriginal students, helping them to shine in their future careers.

“The Djinggi Program is more than just a traineeship – it’s a beacon of opportunity for Aboriginal students across NSW. It supports their journey towards success in the workforce, helping them to become the stars they are meant to be.”

NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris said:

“I am proud the NSW Government has doubled the number of Aboriginal public-school students offered this wonderful opportunity to set themselves up for life with invaluable training and work placements.

“We know that when Closing the Gap solutions are designed, led, and implemented by Aboriginal people and communities, in partnership with the government, we get better outcomes, and the Djinggi Program is an excellent example of this.”

The Independent Review into the Statutory Framework for Small-Scale Titles for Opal Mining has issued its final report with 81 recommendations to enhance and support the opal mining industry’s sustainability and efficacy. 

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos commissioned the Independent Review following a departmental review of administrative processes which uncovered 3,343 minerals claims in Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs impacted by invalid decisions.

The review was undertaken by former Land and Environment Court Judge and NSW Attorney General, Terry Sheahan AO, with the support of law firm Norton Rose Fulbright Australia.

The NSW Government is today releasing the report and is available at www.nsw.gov.au/small-scale-titles-review

The Independent Review analysed the statutory framework of small-scale opals titles, issues such as land access and landholder compensation, and listened to stakeholder views to form its recommendations. In addition to stakeholder meetings, 369 written submissions were considered by Mr Sheahan.

The report covers a range of topics crucial to the industry’s operation, including:

• Balancing stakeholder rights and responsibilities,
• Improving rehabilitation and environmental outcomes,
• Updating cost and compensation structures,
• Improving understanding and usability of the legislative framework, and
• Modernising the administration of titles.

The NSW Government will carefully consider the Independent Review’s recommendations and will publish its response before the end of the year.

Minister Houssos will convene a small working group comprising key stakeholders to inform that response.

A staged approach to implementation will be required, with many of the recommendations requiring further consultation with stakeholders and legislative change.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos:

“The NSW Government will consider the recommendations and develop a government response later this year.

“We understand how important opal mining is to the Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs communities. That’s why we first announced the independent review into this legacy issue we inherited.

“The NSW Government is committed to consulting with miners, land holders, Aboriginal representatives and local communities as we develop a response to the Independent Review.”

NSW Government’s envoy for opal mining Stephen Lawrence:

“This working group will allow the NSW Government to address the report and its 81 recommendations in the best possible way. 

“Working with the opal mining communities of Lightning Ridge and White cliffs, as well as other stakeholders, is vital to ensuring the NSW Government can implement meaningful change for the industry.”

Independent Reviewer Terry Sheahan AO:

“The Review received 369 submissions on the issues paper into the Statutory Framework for Small-Scale Titles in New South Wales.

“These submissions, as well as to face engagement with key stakeholders, have greatly assisted the Independent Review in considering how to address rehabilitation, land use conflict, current administrative processes, and the need to modernise the current framework.

“The Independent Review has provided a range of recommendations that aim to establish a better regulatory framework that supports the future of the opal mining industry while addressing certain issues raised by stakeholders.”

A new permanent BreastScreen NSW clinic has officially opened at East Maitland, providing women in the community with access to free breast screening services all year round.

The new clinic at Stockland Green Hills shopping centre is open five days a week and will deliver vital breast screening services to more than 12,600 women who live and work in the Maitland area.

For women aged 50-74 years, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt.

Previously, women in the area relied on the BreastScreen NSW mobile breast screening van, which has visited East Maitland since 1995.

The van will continue to visit the Maitland region and will also expand the service to other communities in the Hunter and New England regions.

BreastScreen NSW services are recommended for women aged 50–74 years. The service is available for women from 40 years.

BreastScreen NSW services are for eligible women with no breast cancer symptoms.

Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their GP without delay.

Any woman with a family history of breast cancer should discuss their specific needs with their GP.

To book a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW, call 13 20 50 or visit BreastScreen NSW – Online booking.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park

“This permanent clinic will make a huge difference for thousands of women living in the Maitland community, who can now schedule a mammogram five days a week, year-round.”

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women, with one in seven developing the cancer in their lifetime.”

“Early detection is the key with breast cancer, and a mammogram is one of the most important things women between the ages of 50 – 74 can do for their health.”

Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison

“Having survived breast cancer in 2017, I know first-hand the importance of early detection. Not only can it save your life, it can improve your treatment options and decrease the impact on your life.”

“It takes just 20 minutes of your time, with no doctor’s referral required, and could save your life.”

“Having a permanent clinic at Green Hills will allow women in our community to easily attend a mammogram appointment during the week and continue to raise awareness of the importance of breast health.”

“We encourage all eligible women to make breast screening a priority. Having a clinic located where women shop, work and relax will enable more women to have this life saving screening.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM

“Ensuring women in regional and remote communities have equitable access to free breast screening is a priority and essential to reducing breast cancer’s devastating impact on families and communities.”

“I strongly urge all eligible women to not delay and book in a life-saving breast screen when it’s due.”

BreastScreen NSW Hunter New England Manager, Kairsten Marley

“Detecting breast cancer early increases your chance of survival while reducing the likelihood of invasive treatment, such as mastectomy or chemotherapy.”

“Around 90 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history and this is why breast cancer screening is so important for all eligible women.”