Category: NSW News

The 2024-25 NSW Budget will invest $6.9 million over four years to boost statewide paediatric rheumatology services, the largest ever investment in NSW history.

This investment will fund an additional six senior clinicians to deliver improved access to highly specialised care and ongoing monitoring for children with juvenile arthritis in NSW.

This includes two paediatric rheumatologists, a highly specialised allied health team for a statewide service and a paediatric rheumatology advanced trainee position.

Juvenile arthritis is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases, estimated to affect up to 10,000 children under the age of 16 in Australia, or one to two children per thousand.

It is a serious and painful autoimmune disease with the potential to cause joint deformities and loss of vision if not diagnosed early and treated effectively. Children with juvenile arthiritis require assessment, treatment and regular review and monitoring which is best provided by a multidisciplinary peadiatric rheumatology team.

The expansion of the multidisciplinary paediatric rheumatology team will help provide faster access to the highly specialised and comprehensive care that children with juvenile arthritis need and support them with acute episodes of the disease. This can include:

• Early diagnosis and treatment which may prevent permanent joint and eye damage
• Prescription of medications that reduce joint and eye inflammation and damage
• Therapy to prevent joint and eye damage, reduce and/or prevent pain, and optimise mobility
• Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pain management, and psychological adjustment, and self-care education.

The investment will support the expansion of the existing Sydney Children’s Hospital Network team. Recruitment to the new roles is expected to commence in the coming months.

The Minns Labor Government’s second Budget will prioritise building better communities  – ensuring that families have access to the medical care and support services they need.

This investment delivers on the Government’s plan to rebuild the essential services the people of NSW rely on.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park

“Juvenile arthritis can be debilitating for people who are living with it, and this investment means more children will be able to access the specialist care they need through the statewide paediatric rheumatology service.

“Eighty per cent of children with juvenile arthritis experience pain on a daily basis, which can directly negatively impact their education and participation in physical activities.

“This is a critical investment, the earlier we can diagnose and treat juvenile arthritis the better the outcome for the patients, and reduced risk of permanent disability.”

The NSW State Government will invest $2.5m to make sure Penrith Beach can return for the 2024-25 summer swim season.

Affectionately known as ‘Pondi’, the venue made a huge splash when it opened for the first-time last year after being locked up for years under the former government.

More than 200,000 people visited from the period of 19 December 2023 to Anzac Day 2024.

Western Sydney residents previously needed to travel 40km to swim in Lake Parramatta, 63km to get to Bondi Beach, or 75km to get to either Cronulla or Manly.

Research from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure shows that residents from the Penrith and Blacktown LGAs were the most frequent visitors to the site last summer.

Data shows that these beach enthusiasts were from Castlereagh, Cranebrook, Glenmore Park, Marsden Park, Mount Druitt, Penrith, St Marys, Werrington and Willmot.

Safety and accessibility will be top priorities at Penrith Beach next summer with the continuation of trained lifeguards from Royal Life Saving Society NSW who will patrol every day, monitoring and providing first aid services to visitors. 

Further details on next summer’s opening will be released in coming months, following discussions with Western Sydney Lakes.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build better communities for NSW with access to key infrastructure and public amenities.

A plan to build a better NSW.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“When we opened Penrith Beach last season for the first time, I said it was an issue of equity for the people of Western Sydney because they deserve to have swimming facilities without driving for hours.

“I could not be more thrilled to announce we have put money aside to fund it for next summer season.

‘More than 200,000 people made Penrith beach their location of choice when it came to cooling off last summer, and we want to make that possible again.

“Your postcode shouldn’t matter when it comes to accessing great places to cool down and have fun on or near the water, and the Minns Labor Government has made it a priority to unlock this fantastic site for public use.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This commitment shows we have listened to the community on the important role outdoor recreation plays in their lives.

“Reopening Penrith Beach is a big win for those who cooled off when we opened it last year. ,We look forward to welcoming even more people for our next summer period later this year.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“Penrith beach is the size of Bondi but much more vital to our long-suffering locals and visitors who really need somewhere to cool down during the hotter summer months.

“It’s not a stretch to say we are the envy of the rest of Sydney with our stunning natural setting providing one of the most unique swimming outlooks in all of NSW.”

The NSW Government has committed an additional $200.1 million to increase key health worker accommodation across rural and regional areas of the state as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget.

The funding is intended to support the recruitment and retention of over 500 health workers and their families in regional NSW by providing a range of new worker accommodation.

Housing is the single largest cost of living issue people are facing. The NSW Government will continue to address the housing crisis so additional accommodation will be made available for people who require it, including key health workers.

Early assessment has identified a number of possible future locations such as Lismore, Lake Cargelligo, Tweed Heads and the Eurobodalla. The Government will prioritise providing housing options in areas that most need to attract workers and deliver healthcare accessibility.

The Government will secure approximately 120 dwellings which may include the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters, and possible purchase of suitable properties such as motels.

NSW Health will work with local health districts, NSW Ambulance, Homes NSW, and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to understand key health worker accommodation requirements.

The extensive planning and design process of the units will be developed in close consultation with health workers to ensure comfort and suitability to their needs, allowing them to securely establish themselves in the area and connect with the community. The accommodation will be delivered over the next four years.

This investment builds on the $45.3 million in accommodation for key healthcare workers in the Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW and Far West Local Health Districts, which commenced in 2024 and will continue to be rolled out through 2025.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This is a must-have investment in the state’s regional and rural health workforce.

“This additional $200.1 million investment will build on the NSW Government’s commitment to recruit and retain health workers in regional and remote parts of the state.

“We can afford to do this because cutting the state’s debt means we’ve cut the state’s interest bill. And we’re using those savings to make a difference for health workers and the communities they live in.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“Investing in affordable and accessible accommodation is a key factor in attracting and retaining health workers and ultimately enhancing the delivery of care across rural and regional hospitals.

“Our Budget is focused on strengthening and supporting our highly skilled health workforce to ensure NSW’s regional and rural communities have access to high quality healthcare close to home.

“Based on early mapping and surveying of key worker accommodation requirements, we know that it is ‘not a one-size-fits-all’ approach. There will be a variety of solutions for each selected location. This is about tailoring solutions to the needs of the specific communities.”

The 2024-25 NSW Budget will establish a NSW Rental Taskforce to help deliver the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build better communities and a fairer rental market.

An $8.4 million investment into the work of the Rental Commissioner will deliver investigators, inspectors and support teams to engage with renters, target dodgy agents and act on serious breaches of rental laws.

The Taskforce in Fair Trading, led by the Rental Commissioner, will be given a mandate to crack down on poor quality rental homes and bad behaviour from dodgy agents and owners.

The Rental Taskforce will be one of the biggest teams within NSW Fair Trading, cementing protections for renters as a key priority for the state’s consumer affairs regulator.

The Taskforce will conduct targeted inspections and work with Fair Trading to act on breaches. It will use intelligence and market analysis to inform its work.

NSW has the largest rental market in Australia, with more than two million renters. The state has more than one million rented properties owned by around 620,000 landlords.

The Minns Labor Government has laid the groundwork for a fairer rental market by appointing the first ever NSW Rental Commissioner and starting the process to deliver carefully balanced reforms.

The 2024-25 Budget ensures this priority can be delivered.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build better, safer communities for NSW.

A plan to protect renters and reform the market.

A plan to build a better NSW.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The last 12 months has laid the foundation for future reform, and the NSW Budget paves the way to implementing change.

“We’re in a housing crisis in NSW and bad players can make things even worse for renters.

“This investment means renters in NSW can be confident we’re moving forward with fairer rules that can be enforced.”

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said:

“The Rental Taskforce is an essential part of the work towards achieving a fair, quality and affordable rental market.

“We are listening to the needs and concerns of renters, landlords and industry, and working together to create a better renting experience in NSW.

“The Taskforce made up of specialists will support our work across Fair Trading to better enforce rental laws and bolster public confidence in the state’s rental protections.”

Operation Furious, is one of the largest cross-border high visibility road safety operations in recent times, by NSW Police and Victoria Police.

Operation Furious, started today (Monday 17 June 2024) and runs until Thursday 20 June, and will be targeting speeding and dangerous driving on the Hume Highway from Haberfield, in Sydney’s Inner West, to Albury on the New South Wales/Victorian border, in conjunction with NSW Police, Operation Hamilton will be conducted by Victoria Police from Wodonga on the New South Wales/Victorian border to Melbourne.

Tabcorp Holdings Limited has approached the NSW Government with an indicative proposal to make tax and regulatory changes to the wagering sector that would alter the way funding flows to the racing industry. 

The Government will establish a formal process to consider Tabcorp’s proposal, which will include engaging with relevant racing industry bodies.  

The proposal will ultimately be considered based on value for money, benefits to the NSW taxpayer and its ability to secure a sustainable future funding model for the NSW racing industry.

The formal process may include consideration of: 

• Reforming legislative and license requirements related to wagering, including the requirements to enter into an agreement with the racing industry and 10% shareholder cap.
• Changes to the Point of Consumption Tax to align with other states that charge 20% and ongoing requirements under the Betting Tax Act.
• The findings and recommendations arising from Hospitality and Racing’s Modernisation Review of the Totalizator Act.

Wagering operators and any other parties that could be affected by any potential changes will be invited to make submissions as the Government considers Tabcorp’s proposal. 

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“Gambling companies should always be paying their fair share.

“The NSW Government will apply strict scrutiny to Tabcorp’s proposal. Change will happen if it is clear that the public will be better off.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“The NSW racing industry generates billions of dollars for the NSW economy and sustains tens of thousands of jobs. The NSW Government wants to ensure the industry has a sustainable future for all those who make a living from it and participate in it and that the public is getting its fair share from all involved. 

“We must be satisfied the proposal meets the interests of both the wider community and the racing industry and its stakeholders, before we consider implementing any elements of it.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to support regional communities and our state’s agricultural industry with a $945.7 million investment to continue the critical role of prevention and protection against biosecurity threats.

This includes an additional $13.1 million in the 2024-25 Budget to build on the success of the Feral Pig Program, which has controlled more than 100,000 pigs since it began eight months ago.

Feral pigs cause significant damage to pastoral land and crops, and carry diseases that can impact livestock and native animals.

This new funding will ensure there is a concerted and ongoing campaign over the next year to reduce pest populations, benefit farmers and landholders, minimise biosecurity risks to livestock, and lower the risk of environmental and ecological damage.

Since October 2023, the state-wide program has:

• appointed the state’s first Feral Pig coordinator
• culled 102,141 pigs – 15,141 above the original target of 87,000
• had over 5400 properties participate in aerial and ground control programs
• held 93 information and training sessions
• completed 8465 one-on-one consultations with landholders.

In addition to this, the NSW Government’s biosecurity program includes significant investments in responses to major threats to the state’s agricultural industry, with:

• $55.3 million for the eradication of red imported fire ants
• $36.2 million to increase the resilience and capacity of beekeepers, and other industries manage Varroa mite
• $25 million to support specialist scientific skills to boost the state’s frontline surveillance and preventative capabilities to defend against biosecurity risks
• $6.2 million to target White Spot disease, supporting prawn fishers, farmers and businesses
• $5.8 million to continue implementing the Good Neighbour Program to tackle weed and pest infestations between neighbouring public and private lands.

The Minns Labor Government is focused on responsible investments which will support the long-term prosperity of NSW communities, no matter where in the state they are. 

Biosecurity vigilance is foundational to protecting the state’s environmental assets, agriculture and tourism industries, which is why the 2024-25 Budget will invest:

• $217.2 for prevention preparation of future biosecurity threats including Weeds Action Plans, the first Biosecurity Commissioner and the Bio Lab Defence – key advancements in laboratory defences for diagnostics, pathology, virology, and entomology activities
• $250.9 million to invest in major biosecurity programs covering active surveillance, rapid diagnostics, traceability investigations and responses for Varroa Mite, White Spot and Red Imported Fire Ant threats
• $62.4 million investment to contain pests, weeds, and disease outbreaks to minimise adverse impacts on primary industries and the environment. Including the Sheep and Goat eID program to enable tracking and identification during any outbreaks
• $415.1 million to address existing plant, animal and invasive biosecurity threats including $13.1m for Feral Pigs in 2024-25, the Good Neighbour program, the independent Agriculture Commissioner, plus Emergency Management Capability in response to natural disasters.

Our plan to build a better NSW

Since being elected, the NSW Government has prioritised the biosecurity of the state, with the passing of legislation to enable the establishment of the state’s first independent Biosecurity commissioner.

The Minns Labor Government know people across the state are doing it tough right now, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult for families in NSW to make ends meet.

For many regional communities, biosecurity incursions can impact the viability of local agriculture which has a significant effect on the local economy. This Budget is assisting those people by strengthening our frontlines against threats and incursions as well as funding advice and action on their land and waterways.

The 2024-25 Budget stands up for the people of NSW, no matter where they live, because we understand NSW does not thrive unless our regional and rural communities thrive, and that is not possible without vital funding to protect our state’s farmers.

Minister for Agriculture NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Agriculture and our farming communities are the lifeblood of our state and this $945 million investment in biosecurity over the coming four years will ensure our primary producers continue to have the support they need to thrive.

“Strong biosecurity protections are not just about keeping pest and weeds out – it is about protecting the state’s $22 billion agriculture industries and ensuring families across the state have access to the worlds best produce at the world’s best prices.

“We have been busy implementing our comprehensive biosecurity plan, from feral pig management to tackling weeds and pests on public lands and fighting the threat of red fire ants.

“Biosecurity is an ongoing challenge, but we are a government who are committed to prioritising the wellbeing of our farmers, regional communities and environments.

“The success of the feral pig program speaks for itself, but there’s still more to do, which this essential funding will enable.”

Western Sydney communities will benefit from more buses, more often, as part of a $139.5 million boost from the Minns Labor Government to the state’s bus network that will modernise the fleet and create more reliable, accessible services for passengers.

Buses carry more than 40% of public transport passengers in NSW, representing nearly 300 million trips each year.

The 2024-25 Budget will allocate $91 million towards a Bus System Upgrade program that will deliver major improvements for commuters.

The work, set to begin later this year, will see upgrades to 4000 Opal-enabled buses in Greater Sydney and another 1000 in outer metropolitan areas.

This will involve installing modern passenger communications including on-board screens and audio announcements, so commuters know which stop they are at and where to get off. It will also eliminate so-called ‘ghost buses’ by further replacing old technology to provide passengers with live, accurate information about when the next service is coming.

The project represents the first time this number of buses has received a coordinated overhaul in the state’s history.

The 2024-25 Budget will also inject $24.7 million over 4 years for more services, new routes and more Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) in Western Sydney which will create opportunities for local manufacturers.

Key suburbs to receive critical changes include Penrith, St Marys, Mount Druitt, Marsden Park, Riverstone, Blacktown, Eastern Creek, Kemps Creek and Arndell Park – areas where the former government allowed development to occur but didn’t provide the essential transport services needed.

Investment in bus services for the North West will:

• increase the frequency and service hours for many existing routes
• provide more bus connections to train and metro stations to help reduce congestion and relive pressure on commuter car parks
• deliver new routes that will connect passengers with schools, shops and employment hubs.

The Bus Industry Taskforce found the former government’s lack of investment in buses has not kept up with population growth in our west, leaving expanding communities at risk of becoming ‘Uber only’ communities.

The Budget sets aside a further $23.8m over 2 years for a statewide “Medium Term Bus Plan”. This was a crucial recommendation of the Bus Industry Taskforce that will address the needs and growth of different bus regions, and set a much-needed strategy for bus network improvements for the next 10 years.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build better, well-connected communities for NSW. To ensure people have reliable access to the essential services they rely on.

A plan to build a better NSW.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“This vital investment into our bus network means Western Sydney has greater access to services than ever before.

“These are modest upgrades that will make a major difference to passengers across NSW, while continuing our transition to net zero public transport and driving local jobs and manufacturing in the emission-free bus sector.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“People living in our fast-growing suburbs really rely on affordable transport options.

“Buses are an essential service that our community should be able to count on, whether that is their sole form of public transport or a vital connection to a nearby train station.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“Millions of people rely on buses – they’re the cornerstone of a thriving, interconnected and reliable public transport network.

“We’ve done a lot of positive work with buses since coming to government but there’s still more to do – and that’s what this investment will begin to deliver, especially for communities in our growing West.”

“Combined with our budget commitments to Metro West and Parramatta Light Rail, we’re covering all bases when it comes to connected, reliable public transport in Western Sydney.”

Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education Justin Clancy has criticised reports of the NSW Labor Government’s latest budget cuts to TAFE.
 
Mr Clancy said after NSW Labor cut TAFE funding in last year’s budget, early indications TAFE is in for further pain in next week’s State Budget, can only be described as disappointing.
 
It’s been revealed that $300 million earmarked in last year’s budget for the TAFE sector, to upgrade classrooms and campus infrastructure, deliver new teaching equipment, and improve digital connectivity, has now fallen to $206 million.
 
“I have been calling for next week’s State Budget to have a strong Skills focus, as we are witnessing plummeting commencement trade training rates”.
 
“It’s a case of smoke and mirrors, as NSW Labor talks up its $16.3m in funding for fee-free courses for apprentices and trainees, but then slashes much-needed funding from other areas”.
 
“The NSW construction industry, in particular, is desperate for a strong pipeline, dedicated to training up our building workforce, as we are facing widespread housing shortages.”
 
“Sadly, it appears the NSW Labor Government has no long-term plan to support, nurture and grow our skills sector,” Mr Clancy said.

After three days of action the 2024 HART Senior State Titles have concluded at the Campbelltown District and Camden & District Netball Associations.

In an amazing weekend of netball across both venues there was highlights across all Divisions, and great scenes of sportsmanship.

The winners of Division 1 in each age group/category were crowned State Champions.

Below is an overview of the winners and runners up in each Division. For full results please visit the PlayHQ Page and use the navigation menu at the top to select Divisions.

Netball NSW would like to take this opportunity to thank all players, coaches, umpires, volunteers, commercial partners, fans and staff for making the event such a success.

Most notably, the volunteers at the Campbelltown and Camden & District Netball Associations and HART Sport – Naming Rights Partner of the SST.

Further thanks go to Campbelltown City Council who partnered with Netball NSW for the delivery of the event at Campbelltown District Netball Association.

Opens State Champions

Winners: Northern Suburbs Netball Association
Runners up: Newcastle Netball Association
Opens Division 2
Winners: Hawkesbury City Netball Association
Runners up: Blacktown City Netball Association
Opens Division 3
Winners: Temora Netball Association
Runners Up: Cessnock District Netball Association
17U State Champions
Winners: Liverpool City Netball Association
Runners up: Illawarra District Netball Association
17U Division 2
Winners: Hastings Valley Netball Association
Runners up: Orange Netball Association
17U Division 3
Winners: Coffs Harbour Netball Association
Runners up: Eurobodalla Netball Association
17U Division 4
Winners: Port Stephens Netball Association
Runners up: Temora Netball Association
15U State Champions
Winners: Sutherland Shire Netball Association
Runners up: Randwick Netball Association
15U Division 2
Winners: Maitland Netball Association
Runners up: Barellan & District Netball Association
15U Division 3
Winners: Ballina Netball Association
Runners up: Cessnock District Netball Association
15U Division 4
Winners: Quirindi Netball Association
Runners up: Sapphire Coast Netball Association
Open Male State Champions
Winners: Ku-ring-gai Netball Association
Runners up: Liverpool City Netball Association
Open Male Division 2
Winners: Wyong District Netball Association
Runners up: Baulkham Hills Netball Association
17U Male State Challenge
Winners: Ballina Netball Association
Runners Up: Ku-ring-gai Netball Association
All Abilities State Challenge
Winners: Ku-ring-gai Netball Association
Runners up: Eastwood Ryde Netball Association
Pat Weston OAM Country Champions (awarded to the best performed regional team)
Newcastle Netball Association
Suncorp Spirit Award (awarded to the team who showcased Sportmanship on and off the court)
At Campbelltown this was awarded to Westlakes Netball Association and at Camden the winning team was Eurobodalla Netball Association.