Category: NSW News

After just one year in power, the NSW Labor Government is delivering for communities in the Illawarra and the South Coast, making progress to increase healthcare access, invest in support services and pushing through important infrastructure projects.

Continuing on from record investments in the regions as part of the State Budget in September, the NSW Labor Government held the first Cabinet meeting in Wollongong in over a decade and remains committed to seeing the Illawarra and the South Coast reach their full potential, making vital investments to achieve this.

Improving healthcare access

• Improvements to wait times in public hospitals in the region, including a 27 percentage point improvement in the number of patients transferred from ambulances to the ED within 30 minutes at Wollongong Hospital.
• Expanded hours for the urgent care centre at Bulli Hospital to 7 days a week.
• Opened an urgent care centre in Dapto in partnership with the Commonwealth Government, which has seen over 2,400 patients since opening in December.
• Combined, these new and expanded health facilities have treated thousands of patients that could have ended up in emergency departments, easing pressure on our busy public hospitals and reducing wait times for those with less urgent conditions.
• Reducing the number of patients overdue for their elective surgery, thanks to hardworking staff and the Surgical Care Taskforce, seeing a 62% reduction in Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District as well as almost entirely removing all patients waiting longer than recommended in Southern NSW LHD, both in the 12-months since December 2022.

Delivering on key infrastructure and planning milestones

• $390 million investment to build a new Mount Ousley Interchange in partnership with the Commonwealth Government.
• Construction underway for a new network of mountain bike trails across the Illawarra and opening the Narooma and Eden Mountain Bike Trails.
• Train station upgrades at Dapto, Bellambi and Unanderra, improving accessibility and upgraded amenities for commuters.
• Work continuing for the Shoalhaven Hospital redevelopment and New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project and on track to deliver the new Eurobodalla Hospital and plan for the new Batemans Bay Community Health Service.
• Secured $22 million to enhance Wollongong Hospital and $7.5 million to upgrade Milton Ulladulla Hospital.
• Opened Australia’s first commercial hydrogen refuelling station at Port Kembla and a hydrogen powered bus operating in Wollongong.
• Commenced work into $20 million feasibility study for Bulli Bypass.
• Planning is underway for additional south facing entry and exit ramps for the M1 Princes Motorway at Dapto.
• Commencement of planning for the Wollongong Health Precinct.
• Commenced construction of a new ambulance station at Fairy Meadow.
• Approved a $182 million upgrade of berths at Port Kembla Harbour to support steel production.
• Secured a site in Bomaderry for a $35 million Landcom Build to Rent project.
• Transformed Bega’s former TAFE site into a new 97 dwelling diverse housing project with 30 per cent of the homes to include much needed social and affordable housing.

Securing our education future

• $200 million to upgrade schools, including a new primary school for Nowra, and planning underway for a new high school at Flinders and new primary schools at West Dapto and Calderwood.
• Announced 100 new public pre-schools for NSW with ten in the Illawarra and the South Coast.
• Entered into a Memorandum of Understanding, through NSW TAFE, to explore “super TAFE” on the surplus BlueScope land.

Investing in support services

• Providing $2 million to create the first trauma recovery centre in the region to provide specialist care for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
• Increased funding for Women’s Health Centre’s in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
• Launched Midwifery Group Practice in the Eurobodalla at Moruya Hospital.
• Rolled out the Aged Care Outreach Service (ACOS) which saw 1,054 residents in the first 6 months, with 80 per cent able to be cared for in their home and not needing transfer to hospital.
• Opened aged care transitional beds at Figtree Private Hospital in partnership with Commonwealth Government, providing an alternative for older patients who will benefit from additional therapy services whilst waiting in a residential style setting following discharge from hospital.
• Opened the new Safe Haven service to support Bega Valley residents experiencing mental health distress.

Supporting our frontline workers

• 826 teachers and 620 school support staff who were temporary now made permanent across the Illawarra and South Coast.
• Permanently funded 1,112 fulltime equivalent nursing and midwifery positions across NSW temporarily funded by the former Government, including positions in ISLHD and SNSWLHD.
• Record pay increase for local paramedics, seeing an average wage increase of 25 per cent over four years, delivering professional recognition to retain our highly skilled workforce.
• Investing $700,000 in the successful Youth Employment Strategy programs in the Illawarra and Eurobodalla, supporting businesses and tackling youth unemployment.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“As the Member for Keira and the Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, I am proud of what our Labor Government is delivering for our region.

“The Illawarra and South Coast are both growing parts of the state in need of these vital investments to support our communities now and well into the future.

“There is still more to do, however I’m proud of the work we’ve done so far and I know we’re on the right track.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“Wollongong has been at the heart of the Minns Government since day one.

“Over the past 12 months, along with my colleagues in the region, we have been able to deliver and progress more than was done in the last decade.

“We still have more work to do as we continue to build a better future for Wollongong and its residents.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson:

“It is fantastic to be part of a Government that cares about the Illawarra and it committed delivering for our region.

“We have a lot more work to do to ensure our fast-growing area has the infrastructure it needs, and we are committed to building much needed schools, roads and hospitals that will serve our community well into the future.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler:

“I am proud to be part of a government that is investing in the Illawarra and South Coast.

“Upgrades to healthcare services, education, infrastructure projects and historic pay deals with our amazing teachers, nurses, and paramedics, just to name a few.

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job and putting people first.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart:

“After more than a decade of neglect, we finally have a Government that is delivering for this area.

“I’m so proud we have delivered on promises to open Bulli Urgent Care Centre 7 days a week and on the $20 million feasibility study for Bulli Bypass.

“There is still more to do in the Illawarra but we are determined to continue to achieve for this area and across NSW.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:

“Representing the Bega Electorate is an honour and I am very pleased with the NSW Labor Government’s commitments to health improvements including opening a level 4 Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, Bega mental health Safe Haven, Midwifery Group Practice in Moruya, and working with the Commonwealth Government to provide an Urgent Care Clinic at Batemans Bay Hospital.

“In response to the housing crisis, our NSW Labor Government is planning to transform under-utilised government land at Bega’s former TAFE site into a new 97 dwelling diverse housing project with 30 per cent of the homes to include much needed social and affordable housing.

“This is a NSW Labor Government which is delivering on the Bega Electorate’s most critical social needs.”

Labor Spokesperson for Kiama Sarah Kaine MLC:

“I am proud to be part of a Government that is investing in both the community and community members in Kiama.

“From the Shoalhaven and Shellharbour hospital redevelopments, to upgrades at Bomaderry High School, and new public pre-schools planned for Nowra and Bomaderry.

“To the community members who work in our schools, and our healthcare system who now have permanent positions, and all our public service workers who are no longer subject to an unfair wages cap.”

Australians with cancer will receive more personalised and tailored care through the new Precision Care Clinic at Prince of Wales Hospital.

The Precision Care Clinic has brought together a team of Australian experts with international recognition to lead this game-changing research program.

The clinic will support the rapid adoption of precision medicine research into routine public healthcare.

Precision medicine is an emerging scientific area which treats patients based on their individual makeup and genes.

It takes into consideration their long-recognised clinical, lifestyle and environmental factors, strategically matching the right treatment or clinical trial to the right patient.

Cancer doctors and patients from across Australia will be able to seamlessly incorporate genomic results into care plans.

This will allow them to comprehensively consider all current and emerging treatment options and their potential implications, including targeted therapy, clinical trials and cancer risk management.

The clinic has been carefully designed to support healthcare professionals currently facing gaps and challenges in providing precision care to their patients.

This project is a partnership between UNSW School of Population Health, Prince of Wales Hospital & South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Omico, Cancer Voices NSW, Australian Catholic University, University of Sydney, and Macquarie University, to integrate precision medicine into routine cancer care.

The initiative is part of a 5-year commitment from the Australian Government to establish multiple precision care clinics across Australia through a $5.8 million grant from the Medical Research Future Fund Rapid Applied Research Translation scheme.

Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler said:

 “The opening of this new facility is a major step towards changing the way we approach cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

 “This innovative cancer clinic will combine genomic research and implementation science to ensure the benefits of precision medicine are effectively translated into improved health outcomes for people with cancer across Australia.”

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“I am so proud that NSW Health is a major player in this innovative form of healthcare.

“This initiative will ensure that patients receive the most targeted and tailored care to produce the most optimal health outcomes.

“In addition to this, this program will also work to ensure that we can adopt this sort of cutting edge treatment to become a routine part of care.

“Clinicians and patients will be converging from across the country at this hub to access this precision care and incorporate it into their treatment plans.”

NSW Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“Investment in medical research programs like precision medicine is vital.  

“The Precision Care Clinic will see experts in precision medicine research approaching cancer diagnosis and treatment in a whole new way.

“Starting here in NSW at the Prince of Wales Hospital, this new approach has the potential to transform cancer healthcare in Australia.”

Director of Cancer and Haematology Services at Prince of Wales Hospital, Professor Boon Chua said:

“Prince of Wales Hospital is proud to be playing an important role in embedding precision oncology within our health services.

“Our patients will now be able to access their precision cancer information, advice and care all in the one place, without having to navigate their way through multiple clinics and specialists.

“The public clinic will provide formal processes that enable specialists in oncology and genetics to make evidence-informed decisions together with the aim of improving patient experiences and health outcomes.”

UNSW’s School of Population Health Scientia Associate Professor Natalie Taylor said:

“The research was motivated by the need to rapidly translate genomics-informed treatment and prevention strategies into publicly available healthcare, support clinicians to implement the latest precision research evidence, and improve care coordination for patients.

“The initiative is built on the latest clinical evidence and research, with careful consideration of the barriers that patients can face when receiving cancer care. It will be supported by a digital evidence-driven data platform which will enable clinicians to access rapid precision cancer treatment and prevention decision support for their patients.

“Researchers are working closely with doctors and their patients to ensure that their expectations and needs are captured and used to continuously refine the clinic. Designing the clinic together enables the patients to feel like they are contributing and not just a number.”

The NSW Government is today marking the start of main construction works on a new multi-million dollar upgrade at Darcy Road Public School in Wentworthville.

The upgrade of the Western Sydney school is the 23rd major public education project started since NSW Labor formed Government 1 year ago today.

The upgrade will mean 21 long-standing demountables can be removed and replaced with new permanent buildings and modern classrooms, new administration facilities, a new library, a new canteen, a refurbished school hall, an extension of the school’s carpark and upgrade to core facilities to support the growing population in Western Sydney.

In the last 12 months the Government has made progress with its long-term plan to address the school infrastructure backlog left after 12 years of Liberal and National government.

This includes announcing plans for new public primary schools in Sydney Olympic Park, Nirimba Fields, Tallawong and Nowra, and high schools in Tallawong, Gledswood Hills, Jordan Springs, Medowie, Googong and Melrose Park.

The NSW Government is also continuing work on the biggest expansion of public preschools in the state’s history, after making a record $769 million investment to build 100 new public preschools where they are needed most.

By scrapping the unfair wages cap and striking an agreement that saw teachers handed the largest pay rise in a generation, the NSW Government has also made major strides addressing the chronic teacher shortage presided over by the former government.

Under a Labor Government, teachers in NSW went from being among the worst paid in the nation to the best in just a few short months.

Reversing the trend of casualisation seen under the Liberals and Nationals, the NSW Government has also provided more than 16,000 temporary teachers and school-based support staff permanent employment.

A temporary school has been put in place to support Darcy Road students throughout the upgrade, with students relocating to their temporary classrooms in Term 4 2023.

Early pre-construction works have been underway at the site ahead of the start of main construction works.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“The NSW government is committed to rebuilding the essential services and addressing the school infrastructure backlog. This is why we are making a record investment for urgently needed new and upgraded schools across the state, including Darcy Road.

“This targeted investment in growing communities will ensure every student in NSW has access to a world class public education, no matter where they live.

“There is still work to be done, but over the past year we have hit the ground running to strengthen our teacher workforce and ensure every student in NSW has access to a free, quality education.”

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

“I am delighted to see works begin here at Darcy Road Public School – where this school is set to receive a massive boost as we significantly upgrade their facilities.

“Students here have been learning in demountable classrooms for years, and it is fantastic to see Western Sydney children will soon be learning in permanent classrooms.

“Our government is committed to fighting for students across NSW, so every child in the state can access a high quality education.”

Major works started in the last 12 months:

• Birrong Boys High School – upgrade
• Birrong Girls High School – upgrade
• Carlingford West Public School – upgrade
• Castle Hill Public School – upgrade
• Cecil Hills High School – upgrade
• Cumberland High School – upgrade
• Darcy Road Public School – upgrade
• Empire Vale Public School – flood rebuild
• The Forest High School – school relocation
• Gledswood Hills Public School – Stage 2 of upgrade
• Gregory Hills Public School – new school
• Manly Village Public School – upgrade
• Matthew Pearce Public School – upgrade
• Melonba High School – new school
• Melonba Public School – new school
• Murwillumbah High School upgrade
• Narrabeen Sports High School – upgrade
• Narrabeen North Public School – upgrade
• Neutral Bay Public School – upgrade
• Oran Park Public School – upgrade
• St Ives High School – upgrade of indoor sports centre
• Wardell Public School – flood rebuild
• Yanco Agricultural High School – upgrade.

The people of NSW are having to deal with higher rents, housing prices and everyday living costs after twelve months of the Minns Labor Government. 
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Chris Minns and Labor are letting NSW down.
 
“Households and families are being let down – day to day expenses are sky rocketing and Labor has slashed cost of living support like Active Kids, Creative Kids, First Lap, Back to School vouchers and the Regional Seniors Travel Card,” Mr Speakman said.   
 
“Communities across the State are being let down – Labor has delayed and cancelled new road and metro projects and communities are feeling less safe. And our young people are being let down – rents are up, houses have never been less affordable and tax choice for first home buyers has been axed.”
 
“Chris Minns has been spending most of his time cutting ribbons on projects funded, commenced or delivered by the Liberals and Nationals rather than addressing the needs of hard-working families.
 
Leader of the NSW Nationals Dugald Saunders said regional communities have been left behind, as valuable dollars are ripped out of the regions.
“We always knew the bush would be worse off under a Minns Labor Government, and our worst fears have already been confirmed,” Mr Saunders said.
“In a year of the Minns Labor Government, vital programs like the Regional Seniors Travel Card, Resources for Regions and the Stronger Country Communities Fund have been sent to the chopping block.”
 
“Labor’s “fresh start” has also seen the head of the Department of Primary Industries sacked and the ‘local’ taken out of Local Land Services.”
 
After a year of Chris Minns and Labor – you’re paying more, households and families are worse off and Labor don’t have a plan to address the cost of living crisis.

The NSW Government has begun public consultation on their review into improving compulsory land acquisition processes for communities impacted by state infrastructure or other public projects, delivering on a key election commitment.

In-person public consultation sessions will take place in Nowra, Singleton, Dubbo, Coffs Harbour, Armidale, Parramatta and Wagga Wagga, with 2 online sessions also scheduled to take place in April.

The Land Acquisition Review is considering a whole of government approach to acquisitions, including processes undertaken by agencies when acquiring land, roles and responsibilities, and how best to ensure consistent acquisitions under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.

The review will consider potential legislative changes and improvements to acquisition processes to strike the right balance between the rights of landowners and the benefits of essential public infrastructure such as trains, roads and renewable energy projects.

Some of the key themes raised in the review’s discussion paper include improved consistency in government processes, measures to ensure genuine negotiations and outcomes, better coordination of multiagency acquisitions, clarifying certain compensation provisions, and potential legislative amendments to clarify requirements.

The Land acquisition review, led by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, follows a joint parliamentary inquiry into land acquisition for major transport projects.

Community consultations are occurring between 22 March and 3 May 2024. The NSW Government encourage all interested stakeholders to respond to the discussion paper and provide suggestions for improvements.

Get more information on the Land Acquisition Review, its discussion paper and how to make submissions.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Compulsory acquisitions are necessary at times to allow state infrastructure and other public projects to proceed for the benefit of the wider community, such as schools, roads, water and electricity infrastructure projects.

“However, there are opportunities to improve processes which are being explored by this review to help landowners negotiate more effectively on their compensation.

“We want to put people in the best position to understand their legal rights and ensure there are consistent and transparent acquisition processes across government.”

The NSW Government has strengthened bail laws to help prevent repeat youth crime and introduced a new performance crime offence targeting those who advertise certain crimes on social media.

Parliament passed legislative changes last night to amend the Bail Act 2013 to include a temporary additional bail test for young people between 14 and 18 charged with committing certain serious break and enter offences or motor vehicle theft offences while on bail for similar offences.

Under the change, a bail authority such as police, magistrates and judges will need to have a high degree of confidence that the young person will not commit a further serious indictable offence while on bail before granting bail.

The bail amendments are a temporary measure that will sunset after 12-months. The laws will be monitored and evaluated by the Department of Communities and Justice utilising the data and expertise of the Bureau of Crimes Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).

The government has also created a ‘performance crime’ offence in the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) imposing an additional penalty of two years’ imprisonment for people who commit motor vehicle theft or break and enter offences and share material to advertise their involvement in the criminal behaviour.

It is expected these new provisions will come into effect within two weeks and will undergo a statutory review that will take place two years after it commences.

Earlier this month the government announced a $26.2 million package of reforms and initiatives to support community safety and wellbeing, particularly in regional NSW where crime rates remain higher than in metro areas, with a focus on enhancing early intervention and prevention programs for young people.

It will invest $13.4 million for a targeted response in Moree to address crime, support young people and improve community safety.  

This will act as a pilot program, and if the approach proves successful will inform actions to address similar concerns in other regional communities and will go hand in hand with broader regional crime prevention initiatives.

This will include an investment of $12.9 million to fund a new range of state-wide regional crime prevention initiatives including:

• Expansion of Youth Action Meetings (YAMs) in nine Police Districts.
• Expansion of the Safe Aboriginal Youth Patrol Program (SAY) to an additional five Closing the Gap (CTG) priority locations (to be determined in consultation with communities), reducing the risk of young Aboriginal people being victims of crime, and the risk they will become persons of interest in relation to a crime. 

The Government will also continue the roll out of $7.5 million in Justice Reinvestment grants with grant funding available to recipients as early as June 2024.

These reforms will help protect the community and lift support for young people and disadvantaged communities.

In addition, the Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety will undertake an inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities.

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley:

“This government listens to the people of New South Wales and is committed to meaningfully and comprehensively addressing problems and the concerns people have.

“These bail laws have been purposefully designed to address repeated alleged offending by young people aged between 14 and 18 who have been charged with serious break and enter, motor vehicle theft, while on bail for another offence of that type.

“The government is aware of concerns about tightening bail laws for young people and it has approached this change cautiously in light of the potentially serious consequences for young people and, in particular, Aboriginal young people.

“This is why the change is time limited and relates to young people who are already alleged to have committed at least one offence while on bail for another relevant offence.

“The new ‘post and boast’ offence targets performance crime – where offenders post footage of their law-breaking online – in connection with car crime and break and enter offences.

“This behaviour is unacceptable and has to stop. People have a right to sleep safe in their beds in the sanctity of their home and should not have to face being retraumatised, ridiculed and shamed with images of the crime being made into a warped kind of ‘entertainment’.

“These changes are the first part of this government’s significant and multifaceted response to regional crime.”

The NSW Labor Government has delivered on a key election commitment and banned controversial LGBTQ+ conversion practices after a bill passed through Parliament on Friday morning.

Conversion practices, which can include so-called “conversion therapy” and suppression practices, are formal or informal practices based on the false ideology that LGBTQ+ people have a ‘disorder’ or require treatment. Evidence shows that conversion practices are dangerous and damaging.

The government made a commitment to banning such practices during the 2023 NSW election campaign, while committing that expressing a belief through sermon, taking offence at religious teachings, and seeking guidance through prayer would not be banned under the legislation.

This is reflected in the new law, with the legislation carefully designed to protect LGBTQ+ people, while acknowledging and respecting longstanding religious and cultural beliefs and practices.

The Department of Communities and Justice and NSW Health consulted extensively with more than 150 stakeholders, including members of the health, education, legal and government sectors, faith and multicultural organisations, and LGBTQ+ community advocates and victim-survivors.

The government also considered legislation in other jurisdictions where conversion practices are outlawed, including that of Victoria, Queensland, the ACT, New Zealand and Canada.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“These practices are incredibly harmful and have hurt too many people in NSW for too long.

“I am very proud to be part of a government that is delivering on its election commitment to put an end to these damaging practices.

“We have had extensive consultation with a wide range of health stakeholders to ensure this Bill both provides clarity for practitioners and protects vulnerable people.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“We carefully considered this legislation, and it was developed thoughtfully following extensive consultation to ensure that it strikes the right balance with legitimate religious and cultural practices.

“It contains important exclusions that make it clear that general conversations around religious beliefs, or how religious beliefs might be reflected in a person’s life, are not conversion practices. This includes personal prayer or seeking spiritual guidance, the teachings of a religious leader or expression of a religious belief through sermon.

“Similarly, conversations between parents and children, with siblings and the wider family and even friends, are not covered by this new law.

“The new law does not intend to ban the teachings of a religious leader or expression of a religious belief through sermon.”

“Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are.

“There is nothing ‘wrong’ with people from the LGBTQ+ community – they are fine just the way they are.

“Thank you to the hard work of LGBTQ+ community advocates, in particular victim survivors, who have worked so hard to bring about this change.”

A newly formed Stakeholder Reference Group held its first meeting today to advise the government on reforming the way emergency services are funded.

Chaired by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, the expert panel discussed a broad range of perspectives on a new model to replace the existing Emergency Services Levy (ESL) which is paid through insurance premiums.

The Reference Group is made up of leaders from the insurance and property industries, business and council representatives and emergency service experts.

Today’s meeting follows the Treasurer’s initial rounds of stakeholder consultation.

Emergency services in NSW – including Fire and Rescue NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service and the NSW State Emergency Service – are funded by the ESL.

NSW remains the only mainland state to fund its emergency services by taxing insurance. 

This has led to NSW having the highest average insurance premiums in any state apart from cyclone-prone Queensland.  The ESL has pushed premiums up by around 18 per cent for residential properties in NSW and 34 per cent for commercial properties across the state.

And it’s resulted in more people choosing not to be insured. In NSW 35 per cent of households do not have contents insurance and 5 per cent of homeowners go without building insurance. 

People who do not insure their property do not pay the ESL and make no direct contribution to funding emergency services.

With natural disasters becoming more frequent and unpredictable, the need for emergency prevention and response is growing. Having a sustainable, broad and fair funding system is vital to ensuring the best emergency services to protect everyone. 

The Stakeholder Reference Group will provide ongoing advice to the NSW Government.

Public input will also be sought through the release of a consultation paper in the coming weeks.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“I’d like to thank every member of the Reference Group for sharing their insights, expertise and ideas in our first meeting.  I look forward to their continued advice as we reform the way emergency services are funded in NSW.

“Broad consultation across the sector and wider community is crucial to ensure we have a funding system that’s fair and sustainable for everyone.

“The NSW Government is determined to get this right and deliver lasting reform that will fund our emergency services and remove the burden of this levy from insurance bills.”

The Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to urgently step in to keep the Paramatta Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) open.
 
The former Liberal Government committed $111 million ahead of the last election to establish a community facility in Paramatta that would house dance and music studios, a homework hub, indoor gyms and multi-sports courts.
 
Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Mark Taylor said, “It’s disappointing to see the Minns Labor Government turn its back on the Parramatta PCYC given their unwavering commitment to the local community since 1962. Our commitment would have provided a new home for PCYC Paramatta.”
 
“Labor has let Parramatta down, the new facility hangs in doubt, the land remains vacant as the Minns Government takes no action.”
 
Liberal MLC Rachel Merton said the community was suffering because of Labor’s inaction, which comes at a critical time when youth crime in NSW is alarmingly on the rise.
 
“PCYC’s are instrumental in keeping young people off the streets, providing them with constructive and engaging activities that steer them away from the grip of crime and delinquency. Closing the doors on the Paramatta facility is not just a disservice to Parramatta but a blow to our ongoing fight against youth crime,” Ms Merton said.
 
“We must explore all options and possible avenues to secure a new home for this vital institution. The investment in a new facility is not merely a financial transaction but a testament to our commitment to the young people of Greater Western Sydney.”
 
“Unlike the Labor Member for Parramatta, the Liberals won’t stand idly by and watch as a beacon of hope and development for our young people is extinguished. The PCYC Parramatta is more than a building; it is a community, a family, and a lifeline for many. It embodies the spirit of collaboration, resilience, and community support,” Ms Merton concluded.

The biggest changes to environment protection regulation in more than three decades have passed the NSW Parliament today. This paves the way for higher penalties and stronger regulatory action for those that do the wrong thing.

The Bill contains the most significant amendments to environment protection rules since the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) was established in 1991.

With the passing of this Bill, NSW now has the strongest environmental regulations of any state or territory in Australia.

The reforms address critical loopholes, introduce recall powers and ensure the EPA has stronger powers to deter environmental crimes and respond faster to pollution incidents.

The Environment Protection Legislation Amendment (Stronger Regulation and Penalties) Bill 2024 includes:

• Doubling maximum penalties – The most serious offences will carry penalties of $10 million for companies and $2 million for individuals. Fines for certain asbestos-related offences will increase to $4 million for companies and $1 million for individuals.
• Raising on-the-spot fines – Common environmental offences will more than double to $30,000 for companies and $15,000 for individuals for a first offence, and $45,000 and $22,500 respectively for a second. Fines for littering small items in public places will double to $160. Public land managers such as Councils will have authority to issue illegal dumping fines of $5000 to companies and $1000 to individuals, increasing to $10,000 for corporations and $2500 for individuals if the dumping occurs in sensitive places like a school, hospital or national park.
• Environmental recall powers – New controls will be established to recall contaminated substances that could harm the community or the environment.
• Public transparency – A public ‘name and shame’ process will issue warnings about poor environmental performers and sub-standard practices.
• Strengthened investigations – Introducing preliminary investigation notices to allow early testing and sampling.
• Licence bans – The Land and Environment Court will be able issue orders to prevent serious and repeat offenders from applying for an environmental protection licence.

The urgent overhaul is occurring at the same time as the criminal investigation into asbestos-contaminated mulch, which is the largest probe in the EPA’s history and has emphasised the need to strengthen environmental legislation.

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe: 

“This is the largest environmental regulation bill since the creation of the EPA in 1991.

“Today, the NSW Labor Government fulfils its election commitment to deliver an EPA with teeth and strengthen environmental protections.

“Penalties for serious offences have not been raised since 2005 when Labor was last in government.

“This is a pivotal moment in our fight against crimes that harm the environment.”

The new penalties and regulatory tools will come into effect in the coming days.