Category: NSW News

The NSW Government continues to tackle the threat of Hudson pear, carrying out biological control over 150,000 hectares of land across Lightning Ridge and Walgett last year.

The ramped-up approach has been led by two new positions the NSW Government created with North West Local Land Services to oversee coordination of the Hudson Pear Control Program.

Further supporting efforts to combat the problem cacti has been a new initiative to supply free chemical to eligible landholders for spraying.

Currently, landholders with Hudson pear on their property in the Brewarrina and Walgett shires can submit an expression of interest to gain access to chemical.

Aerial inspections are also being used on the frontline to identify and map new outbreaks of the weed outside known containment lines, helping guide future control efforts.

The program runs until June 2027 and aims to stop the invasive cactus spreading in the region, while the core infestation is treated using biological control.

Local Land Services leads the program in collaboration with stakeholders including Castlereagh Macquarie County Council, NSW Department of Primary Industries and land managers.

Hudson pear is an invasive cactus species of Mexican origin that was introduced into north-western NSW.

More information about the Hudson Pear Control Program and to see how you can get involved.

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said:

The Hudson Pear Control Program is a great example of government, industry and landholders working together and finding innovative solutions to tackle Hudson pear.

Hudson pear degrades the landscape and its potential spread across NSW poses several risks to farmers, agricultural productivity, tourism and local ecosystems.

In recent months, our teams have been on the frontline engaging the community to roll out a free spraying program for eligible landholders to help the state manage Hudson pear and this will continue in 2024.

This spraying program has targeted over 50,000 hectares with chemical already, while more than 150,000 hectares has been targeted through a biological control approach.

The NSW Government has also set up a monitoring program in recent months to assess the impacts of a bushfire on Hudson pear in the region and this is expected to be an extensive process that will continue over coming months.

We are encouraging landholders to continue to get involved in the program and to take advantage of the support available through the NSW Government.

Councils across the state are being encouraged to hold more community events, with assistance from the NSW Government’s Open Streets program.

At a time when cost of living pressures are being felt across the state, this program will offer much needed assistance for local communities to come together.

Under Open Streets, councils can apply for up to $150,000 to facilitate the closure of streets to vehicles to host creative and cultural events that are free to access and safe to enjoy.

Depending on the community and the location, this could include markets, live performances, outdoor dining, artistic installations or street parties.

Open Streets is part of the NSW Government’s $15 million Vibrant Streets package and complements the Vibrancy reforms that passed Parliament in December. The reforms introduced a streamlined process that involves no Development Application.

The reforms will substantially reduce the costs associated with street closures and traffic planning for events – in many cases by a fifth of the current cost. It can currently cost between $48,000 – $122,000, depending on the street and area, to close a local street for an event.

Applications open from Monday 29 January, with activities and events funded under the program to be held by January 2025. 

For more information visit Vibrant Streets Package.

NSW Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The NSW Government’s number one priority is helping people across NSW with cost of living pressures. These grants combined with the Government’s regulatory reform will cut costs associated with street events. That is great news right now for a community under financial pressure.

“People want to be able to use their streets and public spaces – they own them. Open Streets provides an opportunity for councils, local businesses, and creatives to work together and play a part in invigorating and making the most of their local streets.

“Streets can be transformed into destinations themselves where people can spend time outside, socialise, connect and support their local community right across NSW.

“This $4.5 million in funding from the Open Streets program will go a long way to allowing councils to enact plans previously beyond their financial reach.

The extraordinary NSW duo, melanoma treatment pioneers Professors Richard Scolyer AO and Georgina Long AO have taken out top honours in the 2024 Australian of the Year awards at the national ceremony in Canberra.

The NSW Premier has commended the extraordinary work of the life-saving professors for their trailblazing contributions to our state and the nation.

The Sydneysiders’ enduring partnership has saved thousands of lives from melanoma, often referred to as Australia’s national cancer.

Professors Scolyer and Long are the co-medical directors of Melanoma Institute Australia, are sought-after media commentators and advocates for sun-safe behaviour and melanoma prevention.

Less than a decade ago, advanced melanoma was fatal – but thanks to the pair’s immunotherapy approach, which activates a patient’s own immune system, it has become a curable disease.

Last June, when Professor Scolyer, 57, was diagnosed with incurable grade-4 brain cancer, he and Professor Long, 53, developed a series of world-first treatments based on their melanoma breakthroughs.

Professor Scolyer became the world’s first brain cancer patient to have pre-surgery combination immunotherapy.

By undertaking an experimental treatment with the risk including the potential of shortening his life, he has advanced the understanding of brain cancer and is benefiting future patients.

This week, Professor Scolyer proudly announced his “brilliant news” that his eight-month brain scan showed no recurrence of the cancer.

For more information visit australianoftheyear.org.au

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“On behalf of the NSW Government and the entire state I want to congratulate Professors Richard Scolyer AO and Georgina Long AO on becoming the 2024 Australians of the Year. We are so proud of them.”

“The true spirit of being an Australian is helping others. This pair’s legacy is not only etched in the archives of scientific history but also in the hearts of those whose lives you have touched and transformed.

“These two Sydney trailblazers, armed with brilliance and a passion for making a difference, have turned the once-dire prognosis of advanced melanoma into a story of triumph.

“Their research has not only saved lives but painted a vibrant canvas of hope for countless individuals and their families.

“Congratulations to all the NSW Australians of the Year, for their incredible contributions to make our state and our nation a better place.”

Australia Day is a day to count our blessings. We share a stable, peaceful, democratic, culturally rich and diverse, prosperous, free and beautiful country – I think the luckiest country in the world.
 
When we see the turmoil around the world, we have a daily reminder about just how lucky we are to call ourselves Australians – not in hubris but in gratitude for our good fortune and for those in our history on whose shoulders we rest. We often take our freedoms for granted, but they were hard fought for and it’s our joint responsibility to protect and enhance them.
 
While Australia Day is a day to count our blessings, it’s also the occasion to engage in a constructive reminder about what needs to improve. In particular, we still have a long way to go to in reconciliation and closing the gap of Indigenous disadvantage.
 
Australia is a remarkable fusion of three strands.
 
There is our Indigenous strand – the world’s oldest living civilisation, the ancient custodians of our vast continent, whose ancestors go back 65,000 years.
 
There is our British strand – the structures of government and civic society, the rule of law, scientific and technological advancement, language and literature, faiths and creeds, which came with the early settlers and evolved locally.
 
And there is our multicultural strand – waves of arrivals on our shores who have enriched Australian society in the arts, sciences, sport, education, business, public life and so many other ways.
 
My greatest enjoyment on Australia Day is seeing, at citizenship ceremonies, our newest citizens make the choice to declare their allegiance to Australia and our core democratic values.
 
How ever you spend it – whether in a quintessentially laid back Australian way at the beach or at a BBQ, or in a more serious way – let’s reflect, respect and celebrate.
 
Happy Australia Day!

Communities across NSW are benefitting from a major boost to the state’s medical workforce – with more than 1000 medical graduate interns starting work in NSW public hospitals this month.

Minister for Health Ryan Park today met with some of the more than 120 new junior doctors working across hospitals in south-western Sydney.

Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice in order to become independent practitioners.

The interns will work with and learn from NSW Health’s experienced and highly skilled medical staff in one of the world’s best health systems.

The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing formal and on-the-job training.

They receive 2-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience.

They also rotate across different specialties during the intern year, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine.

The NSW Government is undertaking an ambitious plan to rebuild the state’s health workforce, including through:

• implementing safe staffing levels of nurses and midwives beginning in our emergency departments
• saving 1112 temporary nurses by making them permanent
• abolishing the wages cap and delivering record pay increases for nurses, paramedics and other health workers as well as salary packaging
• beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities
• doubling the health worker study subsidies.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“I wish these new junior doctors all the very best for a long and rewarding career in the NSW public health system.

“NSW employs more than 170,000 people in public hospitals across the state – making us the largest health system in Australia and a very attractive choice for young doctors looking to train in a diverse range of clinical settings.

“From doctors, to nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals – we are rebuilding an engaged, capable and supported workforce.

“When we boost and support our health workforce, we will see improved health outcomes, it’s as simple as that.”

The Minister for Transport has announced an ambitious policy reform program to address the key issues facing the freight industry in NSW.

The program will deliver prioritised and practical policy reform focused on the key current and emerging challenges facing the NSW freight task.

It will be led by Transport for NSW under the leadership of an Independent Advisory Panel of eminent experts all who have deep experience in the freight and logistics sector reporting to the Minister who will assist in the development of a new freight strategy for the State. 

The panel will consist of:

• Kerry Schott AO
• Lucio Di Bartolomeo
• Hermione Parsons

This policy reform will focus on the different parts of the supply chain, with ports, rail, road and intermodal facilities all considered as part of a coordinated supply chain to determine the right policy framework to optimise safety, sustainability and productivity.

A more productive freight sector makes it easier for businesses to operate and can also deliver lower retail prices for customers right across NSW.

Immediate priorities for the panel will include consideration of the determination of compensation to be paid by the Port of Newcastle for increasing container operations as part of NSW port policy.

The panel will also review and consult with industry on the recommendations made by Mr Ed Willett’s review of the port regulatory framework and the regulation of the movement of containers at Port Botany.

The program will identify short, medium and long-term actions for Government to support the ongoing improvement of freight transport across NSW.

The freight task in NSW is a complex and evolving with a need to respond to advances in technology and a move toward net zero emissions, the ongoing development of major infrastructure, the changing ports landscape, national harmonisation policies and global trade fluctuations.

The Freight Reform Program will deliver a comprehensive strategic reform agenda to optimise freight transport to benefit NSW communities.

There will be comprehensive stakeholder consultation undertaken as part of this program. It is intended that the first phase will follow release of a Discussion Paper and is expected to occur in in the first quarter of next year. 

Find out more about freight reform

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Safe, sustainable, and productive freight transport is critical to support the people, businesses and industries of NSW. A more productive freight sector can deliver reduced costs for businesses and lower retail prices for ordinary people right across NSW.”

“Our freight network is still too disjointed and inefficient with policy and infrastructure bottlenecks right across the supply chain.

“I am pleased to be able to announce the beginning of this significant reform agenda to inform government policy and provide an evidence-based action plan that will optimise the freight transport network in NSW.

“The appointment of the Independent Advisory Panel will work with my department and provide independent and expert advice on the Program. 

“I have confidence that with their diverse expertise in their fields, the Panel is well placed to lead us through this significant reform in freight transport policy.”

Refunds are on the rise for people who cop a dodgy taxi fare, with data showing a jump in calls and cashback for passengers since the NSW Government made it mandatory for Taxi Fare Hotline stickers to be displayed in and on all vehicles.

The government mandate came into effect in September 2023, making it easier for passengers to report complaints.

This has resulted in a significant surge in Hotline usage, with 679 calls and 874 sticker QR code scans in the months of November-January, compared with 473 and 97 for the same period in the previous year.

In the past five months, 528 refunds have been issued by taxi companies – making up more than half of all refunds issued since the hotline was introduced in November 2022.

An estimated 1 million people are expected to catch taxi and ride share services, known as point to point (P2P) trips, in Sydney this long weekend.

Public holidays and major events traditionally see a spike in opportunistic behaviour from a small minority of taxi drivers who break the rules. Hotspots include the Airport and Sydney CBD.

The P2P Transport Commissioner’s team of on-street Authorised Officers will be out in force this long weekend, conducting plain clothes and highly visible operations to make sure taxi and rideshare drivers are doing the right thing.

All passengers are encouraged to use simple tips to make sure they have a safe and positive experience getting to and from their destinations:

• Always match registration details to your booking.
• Check the driver’s name and photo.
• Never accept a ride from someone who approaches you on the street or at the airport claiming to be a driver.
• Let a friend or family member know you are on your way or consider sharing your location with them.
• Always wait for your ride in a well-lit area.

In the 2022-23 financial year in NSW:

• More than 68 million P2P trips, a return to pre-pandemic levels
• 6541 taxi licenses
• P2P transport compliance team conducted around 5500 checks of taxis and ride share vehicles
• 2300 complaints passed onto taxi companies, with 90 per cent resolved
• 570 fare-related fines issued to drivers by on street Authorised Officers
• 30,000 taxi hotline stickers issued.

Since the Taxi Fare Hotline launched in November 2022 to December 2023:

• 892 refunds issued
• 53 drivers suspended
• 33 drivers fired.

Read the Point to Point Transport Commissioner’s Annual Review 2022-23 

Passengers can report complaints and issues by calling the 24-hour Hotline on 1800 500 410

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“No matter where and how you’re traveling around this long weekend, we want every ride to be a safe ride.

“Public transport is a great, cheap option – but for those taking a taxi or ride share service, there will be Authorised Officers out on the streets to keep you safe and ensure drivers are doing the right thing.

“We know people feel like they’re paying more for everything right now – and the last thing we want is to see passengers get taken for a ride by dodgy drivers.

“If you’ve been ripped off, you deserve that money back in your pocket. That’s why our government mandated Taxi Hotline stickers being displayed and increased the fine for those caught doing the wrong thing from $300 to $1000.”

Point to Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing said:

“There are more than 15,000 taxi drivers in NSW and I want to thank the majority of them who do the right thing.

“Over this long weekend my message to the minority of drivers doing illegal activity is – you’re on notice. I have more officers out conducting compliance operations than ever before.

“This long weekend, and every day, I want everyone to receive a fair fare. The Hotline allows passengers to talk to our helpful staff and report any issue, which is passed on directly to the taxi company.

“Fare compliance rorts to watch out for include not using the meter, overcharging, or refusing a passenger if they don’t agree to a fixed fare or because the trip is too short.”

A new preschool on the site of the Eugowra Showground was officially opened today by NSW Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib and Member for Orange Phil Donato.

Funded by the NSW Government and managed by Cabonne Shire Council, the new facility features a modular classroom with space for almost 50 children, 15 full-time teachers as well as storage space, play facilities and an office.

Replacing the original facility in Nanima Street, which was lost in the floods, today’s opening represents another significant milestone for the community of 700 as they continue their journey towards recovery.

Although temporary, until a new permanent site is established, the opening of the preschool gives families the support they need to return to work and local children a safe space to play, learn and enjoy.

NSW Premier Chris Minns, said:

“We’re focused on supporting communities recover from natural disasters and I’m so pleased to be standing here today to see something a lot of us take for granted.

“I’ve said this before, access to early education is so important for children and families because it establishes lifelong learning practices and it’s the key to getting parents back into the workforce.

“Today, we’re not only seeing that, but we’re also seeing a community take another step towards getting back on their feet.”

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:

“Supporting communities like Eugowra recover from disaster and build back stronger are key priorities for the NSW Government.

“Opening the preschool today is another sign that we are in this for the long-haul.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the work of the local member Phil Donato in advocating for support for his community.”

Member for Orange, Phil Donato said:

“The opening of the preschool is a key milestone as the community continues to deal with the devastating 2022 floods.

“The community will benefit from having the temporary preschool in place and we will push for a permanent facility to be built and opened as soon as possible.”

Recreational fishers are encouraged to avoid the heat from a fine or prosecution by following the rules fishing this summer.

A recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in NSW waters, both freshwater and saltwater, even if you only fish occasionally.

If you are fishing in NSW and aged 18 years and over, you need to be able to show your licence card or licence fee receipt to a Fisheries Officer upon request.

Exemptions do apply for Aboriginal persons, pensioners and when fishing on a charter boat.

The current rules and regulations can be found through the FishSmart app or by downloading the freshwater and saltwater fishing guides from the DPI website. 

Responsible fishers can also assist DPI in reporting anyone not following the rules, by making a report to the Fishers Watch phoneline.

The public is encouraged to report illegal or suspect illegal fishing activity to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536 or alternatively report it online via the submission form at dpi.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“By following the recreational fishing rules, anglers are doing their part to ensure the sustainability of NSW’s world-class fisheries resources.

“As we enjoy fishing over summer, all recreational fishers must make themselves aware of the rules, including bag and size limits, fishing closures and the location of sanctuary zones in Marine Parks.

“Fisheries Officers will be continuing to conduct covert patrols and covert operations over the coming months to ensure fishers are following the rules, and anglers who break the rules may face a range of sanctions including fines and court action.”

Attorney General Michael Daley today announced the appointment of 2 highly respected barristers, Grant Brady SC and David Barrow SC, to the District Court.

Mr Brady has been a legal practitioner since 1990 and was admitted to the NSW Bar in 2000 becoming Senior Counsel in 2015. He has appeared in numerous District Court and Supreme Court trials in NSW and other Australian jurisdictions. He has appeared in the Court of Criminal Appeal as well as appearing as Counsel Assisting for the Independent Commission Against Corruption and in the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Mr Brady has also coached advocacy for the past 20 years all around Australia as well as in England, South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore and India.

Mr Barrow comes to the bench after an esteemed career with Legal Aid. He was recently appointed as a Senior Counsel and has extensive court experience that includes appearing in criminal trials and sentence proceedings in the Local, District and Supreme jurisdictions.

In the Coroners Court, he has appeared as Counsel Assisting the Coroner and represented family members and interested parties. Mr Barrow has also appeared as junior counsel in the High Court and appeared in numerous matters before the Court of Criminal Appeal.

The 2 appointments will support the expansion of the Child Sexual Offence Evidence Program to all District Court locations in NSW. A third judge will be appointed in due course.

The program provides crucial support to child complainants and child prosecution witnesses in sexual offence proceedings. It allows them to have their evidence pre-recorded, with the recording later played in court. This approach aims to reduce the stress and trauma experienced by these children and enables them to complete their evidence at an early stage of the trial. It is expected that more than 140 extra pre-recorded evidence hearings will take place each year.

Grant Brady SC will be sworn in at a ceremonial sitting at 9am on Friday 9 February 2024.

David Barrow SC will be sworn in at 9am on Monday 12 February 2024.

Quotes attributable to the NSW Attorney General Michael Daley:

“I would like to congratulate Mr Brady and Mr Barrow on their appointments to the District Court.

“They are highly credentialed, and their deep experience will be extremely valuable to the Court. I would like to thank them for agreeing to join the bench.”