Category: NSW News

The NSW Government is continuing strong investment in the NSW Women in Construction Program, supporting work needed to progress a significant shift in the construction industry.

As part of this initiative, a number of projects are piloting increased targets for women in trades and non-traditional construction roles across the state.

Currently underway, the Women in Construction Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program has strategically funded 16 project officers on 19 government infrastructure projects across the state, including:

• Powerhouse Parramatta, Parramatta 
• Wentworth Point New High School, Wentworth Point 
• M7/M12 Integration Project, Cecil Park 
• Sydney Childrens Hospital, Randwick
• Newell Highway Upgrade – New Dubbo Bridge, Dubbo.

The Project Officers directly support contractors and sub-contractors to achieve these targets, and will identify and report on progress, lessons learnt, issues, barriers, and develop strategies to achieve these targets. They also link workers with available training opportunities and resources, and connect with local schools and universities to work towards building a pipeline of workers.

Early reports indicate positive progress, with an increase in women’s participation on the pilot project sites. With a significant government investment of $117 billion into the infrastructure pipeline over the next 4 years, the need to diversity the construction workforce is not just a priority, but a necessity.

The NSW Government plans to leverage data from these pilot projects to assess the viability of implementing mandatory women in construction targets for all future government infrastructure projects. 

For more information on this transformative program visit the Women in Construction website. 

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

“This latest proposal was developed using the success of the Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program which has demonstrated that all targets can be achieved and in a number of cases over-achieved.

“The current Infrastructure Skills Legacy target for women in trades is 2%.  We are looking to increase this to 4% as part of this initiative.

“Recent data from Training Services NSW indicates that women in construction trade apprenticeships has already increased from 1% to 2.5%

“This is just one of many NSW Government-led initiatives aimed at delivering an increased take-up of trade apprenticeships and occupations in the construction sector by women across NSW.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“We are committed to reducing gender segregation and attracting more women to male-dominated industries – and construction is one of them.

“The Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program is a key program to make sure we boost the number of women in the sector in a targeted way, by supporting their employment, upskilling and retention. Project officers embedded in NSW government projects will support this, as well as helping to improve the culture within industry to make it more inclusive.

“Lifting women’s participation in construction is not only the right thing to do for diversity in the industry but it plays an important role in addressing the current skills shortages.”

Lizzie Cox, Project Director at the Sydney Children’s Hospital Stage 1 and Minderoo Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre, John Holland said:

“With the help of the Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program, John Holland Group, has achieved the target for women in non-traditional roles – which is currently sitting at 8% and is tracking well towards achieving the women in trades target.

“We are extremely proud that the project has also achieved the Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program targets for the workforce participation of Aboriginal People, people under 25 and for local community employment.”

Western Sydney is the epicentre of toll relief under the NSW Government’s $60 toll cap, with 350,000 e-tag account holders entitled to a rebate after the first three months of the scheme.

Eligible accounts will receive an average $134 cash rebate per quarter with the majority flowing to Western Sydney. 

Data shows the Government is getting cost-of-living assistance to where it is needed most, with Kellyville, Baulkham Hills, Greystanes, Marsden Park and Moorebank making up the top five suburbs for e-tag account holders eligible to claim toll relief.
 

Suburb	Accounts entitled	Average rebate
Kellyville	7,406	$145
Baulkham Hills	6,604	$168
Greystanes	5,952	$195
Marsden Park	5,491	$195
Moorebank	5,220	$147

Some suburbs have fewer eligible claims but a higher average rebate per account. They include Lakemba ($309), Auburn ($266), Bankstown ($235), Rosehill ($232) and Villawood ($227).

A total of $46.8 million is available to be claimed after the first quarterly period. 

Drivers who spend on average $200 per week on tolls will receive approximately $7280 in rebates each year. 

A fair use provision will ensure the integrity of the scheme, with motorists able to claim up to $400 in tolls for a maximum rebate of $340 a week for each tag or licence plate on a toll account.

To be eligible, a motorist must:  

• Be a NSW resident;  
• Hold a personal toll account with a NSW toll service provider, taking private trips on a NSW toll road, excluding those on the M5 South-West for customers registered for the M5 South-West Cashback Scheme at the same time, and  
• Spend more than $60 a week from their individual tag or licence plate on tolls on eligible, personal trips.

From Tuesday 9 April, eligible customers can visit the Service NSW website and link their toll account with Service NSW to make a claim.

For more information about the rebate, visit the Service NSW website.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“We know the toll burden is hitting families who can least afford it most, particularly parts of western Sydney that have fewer public transport alternatives to getting in the car and paying tolls. 

“The $60 toll cap is a key part of the NSW Government’s commitment to provide cost-of-living relief to families at a time when they are doing it tough.

“We promised to deliver this toll cap ahead of the election and I am glad to see it is drivers in Sydney’s west who will benefit from toll relief the most – proof that our policy is reaching those who need it most.”

Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“For too long the former Government imposed an unfair tax on the families of Western Sydney.

“Delivering toll relief for the West will significantly ease the financial burden for working families.”

Minister for Roads John Graham said: 

“The toll cap is designed and operating as a cost-of-living relief measure that provides support for those people who do not have the choice to avoid toll bills in getting around Sydney.

“An average $134 cash rebate will be welcome to families doing it tough and I encourage people to make their claims if they are a regular toll road user.

“The cap is part of a multilayered approach by the NSW Government, providing immediate relief as we look at ways to make the toll network more equitable for all with the assistance of the independent Toll Review being led by Professor Allan Fels.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said: 

“When applications open next Tuesday, we want motorists to hit the pedal to the metal and lodge their claim with Service NSW. 

“We have made the application process simple to use – you can link your toll account to your MyServiceNSW account, view your Toll Tracker and then if eligible, submit your claim. It will be even quicker if you have your details like your toll account number and bank account information ready to go. 

“Anyone who needs Service NSW assistance linking their toll account and making claims can call 13 77 88 for help or visit their nearest Service NSW Centre.”

The NSW Government’s Reclaim the Game initiative continues to score goals, with NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball the latest teams, and first for netball in NSW, to let their extensive fan base enjoy the sport free from sports betting advertising.

Under the initiative, both clubs have pledged to turn down sports betting sponsorship for the next two years, as well as commit to educating their fans, players and staff about gambling harm in the community through messaging at their games and on their social media.

The new partnerships broaden Reclaim the Game to a brand new fan base, and brings the total partners to 13 across 18 teams in six codes, including netball, AFL, A-League, cricket, NBL and NRL.

Since its launch in 2020, the initiative has reached millions of sports fans through more than 260 games, both on TV and in stadiums.

Find out more about Reclaim the Game

For gambling support call GambleAware on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential help 24/7.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“It is fantastic to see more NSW teams join Reclaim the Game and raise community awareness of harms linked to sports betting and gambling. These partnerships are a strong reminder that you don’t need to have a bet to show support for your team.

“Netball ranks among Australia’s top sports, boasting more than 1.2 million players nationwide and is also the top choice for female athletes.

“The new partnerships with netball come at the perfect time as community interest in women’s sport soars with record nationwide participation in the sport and the Diamonds reclaiming the World Cup in South Africa.

“Elite players are role models for young athletes and fans. The Reclaim the Game partnerships with NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball will engage a vast young fan base, ensuring they are protected from betting ads and can develop positive associations with sport.

Netball NSW CEO Tracey Scott said:

“On behalf of Netball NSW, I am delighted to welcome Reclaim the Game to our family across the NSW Swifts and the GIANTS Netball.

“Alongside some of NSW’s other cherished sporting teams and codes, we are proud to join Reclaim the Game which looks to reconnect fans with their love of the games they follow.

“As the most popular community sport in the state, and the leading elite female code, we are committed to playing a role in educating our fans, participants and the broader community about the risks associated with gambling and the harm it can cause.

“The joy of our game is its theatre, especially at Super Netball level when the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball go head-to-head with the world’s best, and we always look to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone to immerse themselves into the excitement of our game.”

Since Reclaim the Game’s launch in 2020, 18 teams from six codes have joined the program:

Rugby League:
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
South Sydney Rabbitohs

Basketball:
Illawarra Hawks
Sydney Kings
Sydney Flames

Football (Soccer):
Macarthur FC
Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League)
Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League women’s)

Cricket:
Sydney Sixers (BBL)
Sydney Sixers (WBBL)
Sydney Thunder (BBL)
Sydney Thunder (WBBL)
NSW Blues
NSW Breakers

Australian Football League (AFL):
Sydney Swans (AFL)
Sydney Swans (AFLW)

Netball:
NSW Swifts
GIANTS Netball

NSW Ambulance has welcomed 149 new trainee paramedics and emergency call takers after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony today.

Minister for Health Ryan Park congratulated the 133 graduate paramedics and 16 trainee emergency medical call takers, who will start in their new roles from tomorrow.

“This is the second class of NSW Ambulance graduates this year and I’m proud to see them graduate to serve their communities,” Mr Park said.

“Our paramedics are on the frontline of healthcare in NSW, caring for people when they are at their sickest and most vulnerable.

“I congratulate these paramedics and call takers for reaching this significant milestone in their careers and thank them for their dedication to serving their community.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan welcomed the new starters, who were honoured at a ceremony at Sydney Olympic Park, attended by family and friends.

Dr Morgan said the new recruits would provide welcome reinforcements during a busy time for emergency health care.

“I know all who are graduating today have worked incredibly hard throughout their training,” Dr Morgan said.

“I thank them for their commitment and warmly welcome them into NSW Ambulance.

“As demand for our services continues to grow, we remain committed to providing world-class care to our patients,” Dr Morgan said.

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis thanked the incoming trainee paramedics and emergency call takers for their commitment to providing the community with care.

“It takes someone special to join the ambulance service and I’m really pleased so many are graduating today at Sydney Olympic Park,” Ms Davis said.

“Their dedication to care is highly commendable and I wish them well in their career with NSW Ambulance.”

The graduate paramedics will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas.

The emergency medical call takers will all be posted to the Triple Zero (000) control centre in Sydney.

The NSW Government is continuing to invest in the future of regional communities, with nearly $200 million set to deliver 7 priority projects at the Snowy Mountain and Jindabyne Precinct.

The NSW Government is continuing to invest in the future of regional communities, with nearly $200 million set to deliver 7 priority projects at the Snowy Mountain and Jindabyne Precinct.

These projects align with both the NSW Government’s and communities priorities to generate job opportunities, enhance infrastructure for housing supply, essential services and sustainable tourism.

Special Activation Precincts are strategic and sustainable business hubs designed to create jobs and fuel economic development across regional NSW. The Government’s investment of $196.3 million has been allocated in consultation with the community and will boost future opportunities in the area while also improving services for current residents.

Set to commence within the next year, these projects include:

• A new water treatment plant to ensure the current and future Jindabyne community and visitors enjoy safe drinking water.
• Upgrade to the Jindabyne sewage treatment plant to protect public health and the environment for future generations.
• Enhance the electrical, water and sewer networks to future-proof services to foster a growing Jindabyne community and support environmental sustainability.
• Enable land acquisition for future housing development, including affordable housing projects, and to preserve the corridor for the Southern Connector Road.
• Invest in and activate a Jindabyne Mountain Bike and Adventure Park to attract year-round tourism and enhance recreation amenities in the region.
• Build the capabilities of Aboriginal tourism businesses across the region to attract year-round tourism and enhance the region’s experiences for visitors.
• Plan and design enhancements for the Lake Jindabyne Foreshore to improve amenity, community facilities and access for visitors.
• The NSW Government will continue to work closely with Snowy Monaro Regional Council to deliver these priorities and explore future opportunities.

Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is delivering 7 priority projects for the Snowy Mountains precinct, and we will break ground to get them going as soon as possible.

“We want to generate new job opportunities, provide upgrades for ageing utilities, and sustainably enhance year-round tourism, community amenities and housing supply.

“These are all practical and sustainable improvements that will make Jindabyne an even better place for residents, workers and visitors.

“I look forward to the positive changes this work will deliver for Jindabyne’s community.”

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

“I’m delighted that our Government is starting work on a new water treatment plant to provide year-round safe drinking water for Jindabyne residents, businesses and tourists, which will put an end to the town’s boil water alerts.

“The Snowy Mountains are an environmentally sensitive area, so the investment in sewerage treatment and infrastructure is critical and urgent. It will ensure Jindabyne is equipped with the modern facilities it needs to continue to grow and thrive.

“These 7 priority projects in the Special Activation Precinct are an exciting development that will set our community up for the future.”

Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor Chris Hanna said:

“Snowy Monaro Regional Council would like to thank the state government for this investment and its commitment to make the Special Activation Precinct a reality for our community, to drive tourism, jobs and economic growth.

“The critical infrastructure will not only improve amenity and services but improve Jindabyne’s standing as a year-round tourist destination.

“The Snowy Mountains are renowned for sports tourism but we’re delighted with the Jindabyne Mountain Bike and Adventure Park investment, which will put Jindabyne on the map as a must visit location for mountain bikers and families seeking excellent downhill trails and modern facilities.”

The NSW Government is today fast tracking the largest expansion of public preschools in the state’s history, by cutting red tape to deliver 100 preschools co-located with public primary schools by 2027.

For years, key infrastructure projects particularly across Western Sydney have been unnecessarily delayed due to inefficiencies in the planning system accrued under the former government.

To address this, the government will change the transport and infrastructure State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) permitting new preschool buildings or preschools in existing buildings under complying development provisions.

Changes to this SEPP will permit the development of new preschool buildings or allow preschools to operate in existing buildings at all NSW public schools without the need for development applications.

This will speed up the delivery of new preschools for families desperately in need by up to 8 months.

These changes will enable the Department of Education to phase the delivery of 100 new preschools over the next 3 years, without concerns over delays through the planning process.

It comes as the NSW Government plans new public preschools including 51 across Sydney, with 49 of those in Western Sydney, South-West Sydney and North-West Sydney.

Some 49 preschools will also be built in regions outside of Sydney, including the Hunter and Illawarra, the South Coast, Mid North Coast, New England, Southern NSW, Northern Rivers, Far West, Riverina, South-West Slopes and Central West regions.

This historic $769 million investment in public preschools is part of the NSW Labor Government’s long-term plan to support young families.

The NSW Government has also committed $60 million to build and upgrade 50 preschools at non-government schools in areas of greatest need and has provided $17 million to support capital works for early childhood services in areas of need.

This is along with $29.4 million in funding to expand the number of early childhood workers in NSW through a major scholarship program, which continues to see a record number of applications.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said:

“All children deserve access to high quality early learning.

“Our record investment to double the number of public preschools in the state is an important step towards growing access to early education across the state.

“We are cutting red tape as part of our plan to deliver this historic expansion of public preschools to the families of NSW.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The reforms to the planning system will make it quicker and easier to deliver public preschools in local schools.

“We are removing red tape in the planning system so that more children have the best possible start in their education journey.”

Frontline emergency care across the Mid-North Coast is set to receive a significant boost with the official opening of the brand new Old Bar Ambulance Station.

The purpose-built facility includes internal parking for up to four emergency ambulance vehicles, staff common areas, accommodation, and rest facilities for paramedics, administration and office areas, logistics and storage areas, and a vehicle wash bay.

Labor Spokesperson for Myall Lakes Emily Suvaal, joined NSW Ambulance paramedics, local families, and community members to mark the milestone opening.

The new Old Bar station is one of 54 new or refurbished stations being delivered by the NSW Government’s $232 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration (RAIR) program.

The RAIR program is the single largest investment in regional NSW Ambulance’s almost 130-year history, with ambulance stations being delivered in rural and regional NSW, to support the delivery of enhanced out-of-hospital emergency medical care to the community.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said:

“The new Old Bar Ambulance Station is an essential addition to our regional healthcare network, and it will significantly enhance out-of-hospital emergency care for people in this community and beyond.

“The NSW Government is committed to investing in health infrastructure to support better health outcomes for rural and regional communities.

“This new modernised health facility equips our highly skilled paramedics with enhanced resources to meet the growing demand for emergency medical care in the area.

“Modern infrastructure is important, but what I am also really proud of is that we’ve already recruited an additional 54 paramedics to work on the Mid-North Coast under the Strategic Workforce Infrastructure Team program.”

Member of the Legislative Council Emily Suvaal said:

“The new station is a testament to the NSW Government’s dedication to providing first-class emergency services in regional NSW.

“This new Ambulance Station provides a more comfortable working environment for our dedicated paramedics tailored to the needs of the local community and enhancing emergency care in Old Bar and the surrounding areas.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said:

“Old Bar Station provides our paramedics with purpose-built facilities and equipment to continue to provide high quality emergency care throughout the Mid-North Coast, now and into the future.

“We’re excited to have this new station up and running for our local crews and the communities it will service in the Mid North Coast of NSW.”

The deaths of eight people on NSW roads across the Easter long weekend has again highlighted the importance of road safety research in helping to reduce this tragic toll.

The NSW Government has awarded $1 million to two research partners with their work to focus on young driver behaviour.  The University of Melbourne and Suncorp (AAMI) will carry out different innovative research projects that will seek to improve young driver behaviour and safety on the road.

The primary approach of the research funding is to influence and improve young driver behaviour using technology, making NSW roads safer and CTP Green Slip premiums more affordable for road users.

AAMI will use their smartphone app, financial incentives and nudge theory as part of their research.

The University of Melbourne will conduct an experimental test using Urban Analytica’s (UA) in-vehicle telematics and smart phone apps. The UA smartphone app will provide personalised safety feedback to drivers in real-time after each journey. Participants will also receive financial incentives via the app to encourage safe driving and emission reduction.

The results of the research projects which will be delivered within 24 months will aim to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes involving young drivers and minimise NSW’s compulsory third party scheme costs.

Minister Chanthivong:

“The $1 million awarded by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to fund road safety research and programs that prevent or reduce injuries from motor crashes.

“The tragic deaths of eight people across the Easter weekend demonstrates the value of this sort of research in helping to reduce future road deaths and trauma.”

Acting SIRA Chief Executive, Dr Petrina Casey

“Drivers under the age of 25 are still up to four-and-a-half times more likely to be involved in a motor crash and up to five times more likely to be involved in a motor crash resulting in death or serious injury.

“The outcomes of this research will give us a better understanding of what incentives are most effective for modifying young driver behaviour,“ Dr Casey said.

NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Commissioner Carlene York APM is retiring from the role in May, after almost five years leading the emergency service agency.

Commissioner York will step down next month and hand over to Deputy Commissioners Damien Johnston and Deborah Platz.

Commissioner York joined the NSW SES in October 2019, becoming the first woman to lead the agency in its almost 70-year history, and the first woman leader of any emergency service in the state.

Her time at the SES saw her leading the agency through some of the state’s worst natural disasters, including record-breaking floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, and providing support during the Black Summer bushfires.

Commissioner York joined the SES after almost 40 years in the NSW Police Force, where she served as director of the Forensic Service Group, Commander of Northern Region, Human Resources Commander and led the strike force that captured convicted murderer Malcolm Naden in 2012.

Her professionalism and work ethic have seen her receive numerous awards, including the Australian Police Medal and the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service.

Deputy Commissioners Damien Johnston and Deborah Platz will alternate as Acting Commissioner while a recruitment process is undertaken.

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said:

“This milestone is an important opportunity to recognise Commissioner York’s significant leadership achievements over a long and distinguished career dedicated to serving the people of NSW.

“She leaves the NSW State Emergency Service in a stronger position to face future disasters, with a strengthened organisation a testament to her leadership.

“I know that she will be greatly missed by many at the SES where she has established a positive culture amongst volunteers and worked hard to make the agency an attractive organisation to join.

“In my time as Minister, Commissioner York has demonstrated her longstanding commitment to be there to help when NSW communities need it the most.

“I wish her all the best as she enters retirement, as will countless others who have worked with the Commissioner as she has driven change to improve workforce welfare, community preparedness and our emergency response.”

SES Commissioner Carlene York said:

“It has been an honour to lead an organisation made up of such committed and professional individuals. Over the years I’ve drawn inspiration from their strength, resilience and selflessness.

“I am so proud to have had the experience of being the first female Commissioner. While it is bittersweet to be leaving a job I love, I look forward to seeing the future achievements of the incredible SES team.

“It has been such a privilege to lead an organisation which at the very heart is run by its volunteers. I have been so honoured and humbled to be a part of this and to witness the incredible goodwill of our volunteers and the resilience of our state’s communities.

“There have definitely been days that are heartbreaking and tough. But even in the very worst of times I have witnessed the very best of humanity.”

More than $167,000 in upgrades have been undertaken to fire trails near Cootamundra by the NSW Labor Government to improve safety and protect the local community.

The upgraded trails on the Matilda Fire Trail Network west of the town, will allow firefighters to efficiently access the area to fight bushfires if they break out to protect homes and property, and support hazard reduction burns to reduce bushfire risk.

Crown Lands accounts for 30.8 million hectares of NSW. Making up roughly 40 per cent of the state, maintaining and caring for this land is a mammoth task.

The NSW Labor Government is taking a responsible approach to managing the state, to deliver the facilities and services our communities require.

The Matilda Fire Trail Network is located on a 66.26 hectare reserve. About 1.4 kilometres of fire trails have been repaired and upgraded to Rural Fire Service standards as part of the project.

Fire trails have been graded to eight metres wide, reshaped and capped with gravel so that they can be used by fire fighting vehicles year-round.

Work has included construction of vehicle turning and passing bays to allow fire vehicles to better manoeuvre.

Water and erosion control work has included installation and clearing of drains, installation of new bed level crossings and cross banks to manage the movement of stormwater, and maintenance of culverts. The project also removed seven dumped car bodies to protect the environment and improve the amenity of the area.

The upgraded fire trail network will support an ongoing program of low-intensity hazard reduction burns in the area over coming years, with the first burn to occur in late autumn to reduce vegetation growth and bushfire fuel levels.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Labor Government is focused on delivering the essential services and infrastructure our communities need to be safe.

“The community can be confident that with the completion of these fire trail upgrades firefighters will be able to do their job battling bushfires if they break out, and teams will also be able to safely conduct hazard reduction burns to reduce bushfire risk.

“Crown Lands does about 800 projects each year to maintain and upgrade fire trails and Asset Protection Zones to guard against bushfires. It manages over 1,300 fire trails covering about 2,200km.

“Annual helicopter inspections are also used to check more than 540 fire trails including remote areas difficult to access by ground vehicles. Aboriginal traditional burning techniques are also being used to help support appropriate land management practices using traditional knowledge.”