Category: NSW News

The NSW Government is launching a $160 million medical research program as it searches for the next big health breakthrough.

Heading into its fourth round, the Medical Research Support Program (MRSP) aims to support excellence in health and medical research by funding the indirect costs of research, such as equipment and support staff.

Applications for the program, which is administered by the Office of Health and Medical Research, will open on Monday 13 May.

The funding awarded to independent medical research institutes is integral in helping complete their important work.

Previous recipients include the Black Dog Institute, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, and the Woolcock Institute.

Funding from previous rounds of the MRSP has significantly contributed to NSW’s world-leading research achievements.

This includes Australia’s first precision medicine program for children with cancer, development of a single test for over 50 genetic diseases, and personalised digital mental health tools to deliver evidence-based therapies for people living with depression, anxiety and stress.

MRSP application guidelines and program details can be found online or by emailing the Office for Health and Medical Research at MOH-OHMRGrants@health.nsw.gov.au.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“We are proud to support the world-class health and medical research taking place right here in NSW through the Medical Research Support Program.

“This funding is vital as it covers some of the costs that independent medical research institutes must pay, but may not be included in awarded research grants, such as the costs of infrastructure and support staff.

“Our researchers strive every day to improve the lives of people in NSW and across the world.

“Through programs such as this one, we’re investing in them to continue their work, which hopefully leads to improved health outcomes for all.

“I look forward to seeing the incredible research made possible by this round of MRSP funding in the years to come.”

Daytime testing for Parramatta Light Rail is kicking off today, marking another milestone as the system gears up for passenger services later this year.

For the first time, Parramatta workers and residents will begin to see the 45-metre trams travelling in the heart of Parramatta during off-peak times between 10am and 3pm.

The first daytime test run will see the tram journey from the stabling facility in Camellia, complete a run up to Carlingford and back, before rolling into the Parramatta CBD.

With an experienced driver at the controls, the tram will cross a number of key traffic intersections and pass local schools on Macquarie Street, giving locals an exciting glimpse of their future public transport network.

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 testing continues to gather pace, with more daytime testing ahead across the entire alignment to ensure the safety and reliability of the system before passenger services can commence.

Current activities include testing the full load capacities of vehicles and infrastructure, as well as testing network communications and vehicle operations.

Safety is paramount and the NSW Government continues to engage closely with schools, businesses, stakeholders and the wider community to support safe behaviours around the light rail.

Project information and engagement sessions are also being held at various Western Sydney locations, providing an opportunity to share safety information and updates about the project.

Find out more about the project and its upcoming community engagement sessions at the Parramatta Light Rail website

Find out more about Parramatta Light Rail safety

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Light rail is seeing the light of day in Western Sydney, meaning people can expect more trams to be travelling around as this next phase of testing gathers pace.

“While we know how excited the community is to start using the light rail, we need to get this right. Passengers cannot get on board until thorough testing is complete.

“This will be a major change for our west that will take some time for people to get used to. We’re going from no trams in Parramatta for 80 years, to one running every 7 minutes in the peak.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“This is a momentous day for our great city. I want to thank everyone for their patience as we deliver this project and remind the community to stay safe around testing trams.

“Local businesses have had a tough few years, but the light rail will bring a huge boost, connecting an estimated 28,000 passengers each day.

“I encourage everyone to visit Parramatta, drop into a local spot on the light rail route and watch the trams as they move around during the day and night – offering an exciting glimpse of what’s to come.”

Transport Coordinator General Howard Collins said:

“Come to Parramatta to see the tram testing in action, meet the street team wearing red shirts, grab an information flyer, and get ready for further tram movement activities as the light rail testing program ramps up.

“If you’re driving in and around Parramatta for the first time in a while, be aware conditions have changed – this includes the new white ‘T’ illuminated on intersection traffic light signals for light rail.

“Watch out for trams moving about in the area, be sure to stop, listen and look around before crossing the light rail tracks, and always cross at a pedestrian crossing.”

Almost 800,000 people in NSW did not see their vote count in the 2023 NSW election.

Almost 800,000 people in NSW did not see their vote count in the 2023 NSW election.

The NSW Government has asked parliament to conduct an inquiry into potential reforms to support the target of 100% participation in NSW elections in future.

The bipartisan Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters has been asked to report on electoral laws and practices that would support the following targets:

• 100% enrolment
• 100% turnout
• 100% formal voting
• 100% voter confidence.

Special Minister of State John Graham has asked the committee to consider potential reforms that would strengthen the integrity and confidence in the electoral system.

The “democratic gap” of people who are entitled to vote but whose vote did not count totalled 791,759 people at the March 2023 NSW election.

This is made up of 74,677 people who are eligible but not enrolled, 553,646 who are enrolled but did not cast a vote, and 163,436 people who cast an informal vote.

Special Minister of State John Graham said:

“Every vote is precious, and it is both alarming and disappointing that almost 800,000 votes did not count at last year’s NSW election. Closing this democratic gap is important for the future of our electoral system.

“Unless we tackle this problem, our political system will be less representative and less responsive than it should be.

“The NSW Government makes no apologies for setting the most ambitious targets of 100% voter enrolment, 100% turnout to vote and 100% votes being cast formally.

“NSW elections must be inclusive, accessible and secure, and if we need to make reforms to the process to ensure that remains the case, that’s exactly what we will do.

“Maintaining voter confidence is paramount to a robust democracy. Unfortunately, public confidence can be eroded due to real or perceived weaknesses in the system – and that’s what those behind misinformation and disinformation campaigns seek to exploit.”

Thousands of women across NSW will have expanded access to treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) following the successful completion of the 12-month NSW pharmacy trial.

From 1 June, all pharmacists with suitable facilities in NSW who have undergone the required training will be able to provide consultations and prescriptions for these medications.

More than 1000 pharmacies across the state have been participating in the trial and more than 16,000 women have benefited from using this service in the year the trial has been in place.

The NSW Government’s $6 million statewide community pharmacy trial has helped more than 16,000 women access UTI treatment quicky and conveniently from their local community pharmacist.

During the trial, the NSW Government committed to providing $20 per patient consultation compensation for pharmacies participating in the trial, however with the UTI service becoming a normal service offering, consumers should be aware that pharmacies may set their own fee for the service, in addition to medication costs.

Pharmacies offering the UTI service will need to ensure they are listed on the National Health Directory Service so consumers can easily find their nearest pharmacy by checking online or by phoning HealthDirect on 1800 022 022.

Women will continue to be eligible for UTI treatment at a participating pharmacy provided they are:

• aged 18 to 65 years (inclusive)
• displaying symptoms consistent with an uncomplicated urinary tract infection
• have not had other recent UTIs or have a high risk of complications.

A comprehensive evaluation of the trial is underway, including looking at the number of women who were satisfied with the service, how often antibiotics were supplied, how often women were referred to other services and what, if any, medical and pharmacy services the trial participants required after the consultation.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is committed to taking pressure off GPs and primary care services and we are constantly evaluating ways we can deliver healthcare more efficiently as well as safely.

“Enabling pharmacists to do more will mean many women will get timely access to the care they need.

“Ensuring continuity of care will be crucial as pharmacy service offerings increase, including strengthened communications between pharmacists and doctors about a patient’s treatment.”

Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW Branch President David Heffernan:

“Women across NSW will benefit from easy access to treatment for painful UTIs.

“This UTI trial has been a success in providing affordable, accessible everyday healthcare with over 16,000 women treated across the state.

“Pharmacists are ready to step up take some of the pressure off of GP clinics and hospitals.”

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia NSW President Luke Kelly:

“The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and pharmacists across NSW thank Minister Park and the NSW Government for the confidence they have shown in pharmacists.

“Thousands of NSW women will now have timely access to effective treatment for painful and uncomfortable urinary tract infections.”

Chief Investigator at the University of Newcastle Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin:

“The UTI trial has seen incredible demand.

“It is pleasing to see the service continue while we undertake an independent evaluation of the data collected during the trial, with a final report to be provided to the NSW Ministry of Health in early 2025.”

Locate your closest participating pharmacist

Bronte surf life savers have 1 million reasons to smile today after their club was awarded $1 million towards the redevelopment of the iconic surf life saving club in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The club is among 32 across NSW to share in more than $5 million towards the upgrade, restoration or construction of facilities under the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.

The $3.39 million ground floor redevelopment will form part of a new multi-storey community facility that will increase participation, improve social and community connection, and make Bronte Beach safer.

Other funding awarded under the program includes $632,000 for upgrades to North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club, $398,000 for an education and training room at Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club and $151,000 to replace the roof at Narooma Surf Life Saving Club.

The Surf Club Facility Program helps surf life saving clubs develop facilities that encourage increased participation and facility usage as well as improve community safety.

Get more information on the Surf Club Facility Program, including the recipients in the 2023/24 Program.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs deliver a world-class service, protecting swimmers in the water and keeping people safe at the beach.

“Rain, hail or shine, surf lifesavers never waver in their commitment to protecting the community and likewise, the NSW Government will not waver in its support of these incredible volunteers.

“That’s why we are providing $21 million over 4 years to ensure our surf life saving clubs have modern, inclusive and accessible facilities.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Our Surf Life Saving volunteers might have hung up their hats for this patrol season, but they were critical over the warmer months in keeping the beach-loving communities of NSW safe.”

“It is important that surf clubs are kept in good condition so that our dedicated volunteers have a safe and modern base to operate from, and I’m proud to be part of the government that invested a record amount in Surf Life Saving NSW in the budget announced last year.”

“The NSW Government has also invested in new and replacement jet skis, as well as Emergency Response Beacons up and down the coastline to help SLSNSW volunteers reach more areas to conduct life saving rescues.”

Member for Coogee, Dr Marjorie O’Neill said:

“Bronte Surf Life Saving Club volunteers are the unsung heroes of our community, protecting locals and visitors in the water.

“This grant will contribute towards the development of a modern, fit for purpose facility that enables surf life savers to better protect the community.

“Both this grant and other funding awarded to surf life saving clubs in the Eastern Suburbs will ensure they can continue to deliver a world-class service.

Surf Life Saving NSW President, Peter Agnew said:

“The volunteer patrol season has only just finished, with our more than 20,000 active surf lifesavers performing over 4600 rescues, 1 million preventative actions and almost 20,000 first aid treatments. It has been one of our busiest patrol seasons in years.

“The Surf Club Facility Program has always contributed greatly to the ongoing important community service our lifesavers deliver, through enhanced facilities to ensure our lifesavers are rescue ready, trained and equipped appropriately, and it’s excellent to see 32 clubs benefitting from the latest round of funding.

“Our surf clubs also act as key community hubs, promoting inclusivity and social cohesion, so this investment benefits all the community.

“We have 129 clubs across the state, with 78,000 members, and this program allows those members, who do such important work volunteering at our beaches, to focus on saving lives.”

The NSW Government will introduce significant legal reforms that will make it more difficult for those accused of serious domestic violence offences to get bail.

The reforms include:

Reversing the presumption of bail for serious domestic violence offences, by expanding the category of “show cause” offences. This will require alleged offenders to demonstrate why they should be out in the community. This test will now apply to the following offences:

• serious domestic violence offences committed by intimate partners, including sexual assault, strangulation with intent to commit another offence and kidnapping, with a maximum penalty of 14 or more years jail; and
• coercive control, which will be a criminal offence from 1 July 2024.

Requiring electronic monitoring of people charged with serious domestic violence who are on bail. This means that this cohort is either held in remand or electronically monitored.

Expanding the categories of offences for which bail decisions can be ‘stayed’, that is the accused person remains in custody while prosecutors challenge their release in the Supreme Court. This will act as an additional safeguard to prevent the release of dangerous domestic violence offenders.

For all other domestic violence related offences, requiring bail decision-makers to consider, where relevant:

• domestic abuse risk factors, including ‘red flags’ such as behaviour that is physically abusive or violent; behaviour that is sexually abusive, coercive or violent; behaviour that is stalking; behaviour that causes death or injury to an animal; behaviour that is verbally abusive; behaviour that is intimidation.
• the views of victims and their family members, where possible, about safety concerns for all domestic violence offences.

Changes to make it easier to prosecute perpetrators who use tracking and surveillance devices as a tactic to maintain control over their victim.

Changes to weekend bail courts across NSW, to ensure bail decisions are made by magistrates (for example, using audio visual links) with consultation on the design and rollout of the scheme.

These legislative reforms come after the NSW Government announced a $230 million package to improve the response to domestic and family violence through primary prevention, early intervention and crisis response measures.

In addition, NSW signed up with the Commonwealth Government in a share of $1 billion in new federal funding for emergency accommodation for people fleeing domestic violence, to be included in the upcoming Federal budget.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“These new reforms will make it more difficult for alleged domestic violence offenders to get bail.

“These are long overdue, targeted and will help keep women and children safer.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Today, we are sending a clear message: that the safety of victims is the paramount consideration of the justice system.

“We will continue to consult legal and sector stakeholders to strengthen the law, to better support the safety of women and children.”

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

“This reform complements the $230 million package the NSW Government announced last week to improve NSW domestic violence prevention and support.

“We consulted with stakeholders as we developed this package to strengthen bail laws.”

Patients, visitors and staff will soon have improved access to Port Macquarie Base Hospital with construction set to begin on new and free car parking facilities to boost capacity at the campus.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said the work is part of the NSW Government’s $33.97 million Helipad and Car Park Project, to enhance accessibility to local health services.

“Work will shortly begin on a new street-level car park and an expansion to existing parking spaces, which will deliver more than 180 additional parking spaces on site,” Mr Park said.

“The new facilities will provide safe and convenient access to hospital services for patients, visitors and staff, now and into the future and be a welcome addition for the Port Macquarie community.”

Eire Constructions has been awarded the contract to build the car park, following a competitive tender process, with construction to begin on site next week.

The new car park will be located on the site of the old helipad, which was recently replaced by a new rooftop helipad completed last year.

Member of the Legislative Council and Labor spokesperson for Port Macquarie Cameron Murphy said the progress on the new car park was an exciting milestone for the community.

“The new car park facilities will further support recent enhancements at Port Macquarie Base Hospital, including the new rooftop helipad which is improving the safety and efficiency of transfers of critically ill patients,” Mr Murphy said.

The car park project is expected to be completed in early 2025.

Traffic management plans and signage will be in place throughout construction and the community is thanked for their patience while work is carried out.

For further information about the project please visit Health Infrastructure’s website.

The NSW Opposition will move to stop Minns Labor Government regulations that are set to increase rubbish and recycling costs for households across the state. 

Shadow Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the Opposition will move to disallow the Local Government (General) Amendment (Tendering) Regulation (No 2) 2023, that will drive up council costs which will be inevitably passed on to ratepayers. 

“Due to their poor design and a lack of consultation with stakeholders, Labor’s regulations forced operational inefficiencies on waste management contractors, and will potentially force councils to pay double for accrued employee entitlements,” Mrs Tuckerman said. 

“Pushing through poorly thought amendments without consultation or advice from councils, waste contractors, or peak industry bodies has resulted in a terrible outcome for everyone – particularly NSW ratepayers who will end up having to pay for this mess.” 

Shadow Minister for Environment Kellie Sloane said the failure to ensure transparency and fairness within the regulation has already impacted councils’ waste tendering process. 

“Labor’s rushed plan is stifling competition and innovation across the waste management and resource recovery sectors,” Ms Sloane said. “This will have long-term repercussions for the providers, councils and our environment.” 

“We urge the Government to engage with stakeholders, and work together on a new and effective solution,” Mrs Tuckerman said. 

“Councils and communities across the state are calling for certainty, simplicity and cost efficiencies – these regulations from the Minns Labor Government is the exact opposite”. 

The NSW Government is today announcing that it will issue a formal state apology to those convicted under discriminatory laws that criminalised homosexual acts.

This comes as we mark the 40th anniversary of the Crimes (Amendment) Bill 1984 passing in the Parliament of NSW, which decriminalised homosexuality in our state.

The decriminalisation of homosexuality by former Premier Neville Wran, marked a significant step forward in the journey of law reforms for gay and lesbian communities.

As we reflect on this historic occasion, the NSW Government acknowledges the challenging history that LGBTIQ+ communities have faced in our state.

We recognise the trauma people of diverse sexualities have endured, and continue to live with, because of past decisions that criminalised and persecuted them based on their sexuality.

While we have made significant strides of progress over time, we acknowledge that there is still much work to be done to ensure the equal rights for all members of our community.

As we commemorate this significant anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to building a NSW where every individual is valued and respected.

NSW is the last state to issue an apology. Victoria and South Australia formally apologised in 2016, followed by Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania in 2017.

The formal state apology will be made in NSW Parliament.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“I know that to many this apology will not remedy discrimination of the past, but I hope that it brings some semblance of closure to those that were unfairly targeted by laws of the day that criminalised gay and lesbian people for being who they are.”

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

“Decriminalisation of homosexuality was a significant step that smashed through the wall of laws that allowed discrimination against gay men and the LGBTQ community.

“A formal apology to those who suffered at the hands of the law that criminalised homosexuality recognises the harm done to many and acknowledges that it was wrong.”

More than 100 paramedics have boosted their skills in delivering emergency maternity care in the community after completing a maternity training program developed by Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) and NSW Ambulance.

The program pairs paramedics with midwives for a full day’s placement at Nepean Hospital’s Birth Unit to support paramedics to manage out of hospital birthing and maternal emergencies by offering interprofessional education and clinical placement support.

A typical day of activities in the program sees paramedics assist in all types of birth scenarios including vaginal births (including water births) and emergency caesareans, as well as how to provide care during obstetric emergencies such as shoulder dystocia.

The training program enables paramedics to provide care throughout labour, birth and early postnatal period.

Midwives are able to share their expert knowledge to help paramedics further develop their skills to provide care during birth in the community, this includes in the event of an obstetric emergency.

NSW Ambulance Paramedic, Tim Timmer, has completed the training program and already applied skills learnt from his experience working with the hospital midwives.

Minster for Health Ryan Park said:

“For midwives, provision of labour and birth care are day to day experiences, but paramedics experience labour and birth less often in the community.

“When they do, the births are often unexpected and may sometimes be emergencies.

“This training ensures that our paramedics are best placed to provide care and treatment in these circumstances, fostering improved health outcomes.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said:

“This partnership with Nepean Hospital will further optimise maternity care in the local community.

“This is a great example of highly skilled paramedics working collaboratively with hospital maternity clinicians to share their skills and knowledge to provide the best possible care to women and their babies.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“I am so proud that this life saving training is taking place right here at Nepean Hospital.”

Nepean Hospital Divisional Manager of Women and Children’s Health and midwife, Kerry Tosswill said:

“This program is a great opportunity for these two highly skilled professional groups to come together to learn and share knowledge to improve patient care.

“This program demonstrates innovation in action within our health system.

“The program is leading quality improvements to ensure safer patient care through partner agency engagement and inter-professional learning.

“The skills transfer that occurs within this clinical placement support is immediate, delivering instant benefits to maternal outcomes and experiences.”

NSW Ambulance Paramedic, Tim Timmer said:

“You develop a heightened confidence and when you apply that out in the field you can systematically go step by step knowing that you’ve seen this before, you know what happens next and this is what I need to do.”