Category: NSW News

S&P Global has affirmed NSW’s AA+ credit rating with a stable outlook, in the latest acknowledgement of the Minns Government’s 2023-24 Budget approach to fiscal repair.

The S&P decision follows both Fitch and Moody’s affirmation of their triple-A credit ratings last month.

S&P downgraded NSW from a triple-A rating to a AA+ under the previous government in December 2020. 

The state’s fiscal position weakened in recent years, fuelled further by the former government’s $27 billion spend in the 9 months leading up to the last election and their legacy of a $7 billion black hole of unfunded programs.

Through the September budget, the Minns Government began the work of budget repair, including through the Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER) which identified $13 billion in budget improvements. 

These funds are being reinvested into essential services to help keep the state’s overall expenses at a manageable level.

S&P noted the financial difficulties the Minns Government inherited, including work to reduce the impact of the Debt Retirement Fund and the Transport Assets Holding Entity on the balance sheets.

The NSW Government maintains that the path back to a modest surplus remains challenging.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said: 

“The Minns Labor Government is still in the early stages of setting NSW’s finances on a sustainable footing.

“The NSW economy is gaining momentum, but as noted by S&P, there are still significant headwinds to navigate.

“I will be providing the next budget update in our half-yearly review on 14 December.”

The Minns Labor government is increasing community protection, particularly for those people in NSW experiencing domestic and family violence, by strengthening the laws governing serious strangulation offences.

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The NSW Government will introduce amendments to the Crimes (High Risk Offenders) Act 2006 [CHRO Act] into Parliament today.

As a result of these amendments, applications will be able to be made to the Supreme Court of NSW against release or an order for strict supervision if it is believed the offender poses an unacceptable risk of committing another serious offence.

Including serious strangulation offences in the definitions of ‘serious violence offence’ and ‘serious sex offence’ will put these kinds of violent acts in the same category as other crimes like murder, manslaughter, intentionally inflicting grievous bodily harm and recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Non-fatal strangulation is well known as a key marker for the escalation of violence in a domestic relationship. In particular, non-fatal strangulation in a domestic relationship is a strong indicator of future risk for serious harm and death of the victim.

The NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team report has previously stated that the research ‘demonstrates a link between strangulation and domestic homicide’ and over a quarter of intimate partner homicides involve the abuser having strangled the victim during a prior attack.

In fact prior attempted, non-lethal strangulation is one of the best predictors of the subsequent homicide of victims, with the risk of becoming an attempted homicide victim increasing by 700%, and the risk of becoming a homicide victim increasing by 800%.

According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, domestic violence assaults and sexual assaults are the only 2 of the 13 major crime categories that showed an upward trend in the last 5 years, increasing by 13.5% and 29.8% respectively.

Domestic and family violence is one of the most challenging issues that NSW faces and responses are required right across the spectrum. This reform is one part of the broader work the NSW Government is doing to reduce domestic and family violence.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“The NSW Police and the NSW Government have a resolute commitment to reducing domestic and family violence. These amendments send a strong message to abusers.

“Strangulation and choking must be taken extremely seriously and that’s what this government is doing.

“The fact is domestic and family violence is a pervasive scourge on our society, the trauma not only impacts the victim, but their family, friends and the entire community.”

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Reducing domestic violence is a top priority for the NSW Government. It is crucial that our legislation capture the kind of violent offending that may escalate to homicide.

“The amendments to the Crimes (High Risk Offenders) Act 2006 are informed by research that has identified patterns of behaviours committed by domestic and family violence perpetrators.

“This Bill leaves no doubt as to the gravity of serious strangulation offences and sends a strong message to offenders who continue to pose an unacceptable risk of committing a serious offence at the end of their prison sentence.

“The NSW Government is determined to strengthen protections for victims of domestic and family violence as well as the broader community.

“I thank Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley and Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison for their hard work and invaluable input into these proposed new laws.”

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

“This is an important amendment to the Crimes Act to ensure that men who use violence against women are appropriately dealt with by our legal system.

“Non-fatal strangulation is a serious and violent form of intimate partner violence and victims are at elevated risk of future homicide.

“I am committed to working together with Attorney General Michael Daley and Police Minister Yasmin Catley to make sure women and children in NSW are kept safe. Together we can make NSW free from domestic and family violence.”

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The NSW Government is making good on our commitment to rebuild our frontline services and address the ongoing critical shortfall in police numbers.

Following last month’s historic announcement that student police officers will be paid to study at the Goulburn Police Academy, NSW Police has received 143 applications to become a police officer. That puts applications on track to hit more than 200 by the end of the month.

NSW Police received 78 applications during the same period last year.

While this September, NSW Police received 94 applications and 106 in October.

Paying recruits to train is an important workforce incentive, designed to encourage more people to take up a career in the NSW Police Force (NSWPF). Today’s figures show it’s already having a positive impact.

A recent research report for NSWPF on the recruitment campaign has revealed the following:

• Of those who said they’re considering become a police officer, 38% said the cost of student fees was the number 1 barrier.
• 67% of people said they would be more likely to join NSWPF if they were paid to train at the academy.

From March 2024, student police officers will be paid to study at the Goulburn Police Academy.

Student police officers will be employed as clerk grade 1/2 administrative employees on a temporary fixed-term contract.

They’ll receive a total salary of approximately $30,984 over the 16-week study period, including super and award-based allowances.

To ensure the current classes are not worse off, they will receive a one-off payment.

NSW Police is carrying more than 1500 vacancies. To put that into perspective, that’s 9% of authorised positions.

This has placed officers under significant strain and it’s a priority of the Minns Labor government to address this.

Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley said:

“This is a government that fundamentally cares about our police officers. They support their communities day and night and we in turn, must support them. 

“I made a commitment to address workforce shortages and that’s exactly what’s being done. This important recruitment incentive has doubled the pool.

“I’m incredibly proud to have partnered with Commissioner Webb and the NSW Police Association to bring about this fantastic initiative that’s already proving a game changer.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said:

“Early evidence suggests this initiative will be a tremendous success. Ensuring recruits won’t be financially disadvantaged while studying gives more people the opportunity to join the best police force in the world.

“Policing is an incredible career, from forensics to detective work, Marine Area Command to Aviation Command, it can take you anywhere.

“We look forward to welcoming growing groups of new recruits who we can now pay to study to become NSW Police.”

Police Association NSW President Kevin Morton said:

“We are incredibly proud to stand with the NSW Government and NSWPF to welcome these recruits into the police family.

“The paying of recruits has now opened the door for those wanting to pursue their dream of being a police officer in the best police force in the country.

“We’ve seen an increase in applications and now is the time. Now is the time to join and be a part of the blue family that protects your community.”

Today in Question Time, Police Minister Yasmin Catley refused to condemn the Sydney Branch of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) for their active promotion of, and involvement in, last night’s blockade at Port Botany.
 
After last night’s blockade, the Sydney Branch of the MUA boasted on Facebook that the:
“Palestinian community had closed access to the Israeli-owned Zim vessel in Port Botany”.
 
The MUA celebrated and promoted illegal activity.
 
The MUA is an affiliated union of the NSW Labor Party, and in 2020-21 donated $30,498.28 to Labor. In her inaugural speech, In her inaugural speech to Parliament, Yasmin Catley said:
“The Maritime Union of Australia—whom I proudly call my friends—have had a significant influence in shaping my beliefs”.
 
Given the prospect of the MUA promoting blockades again and Yasmin Catley refusing to condemn their actions, Chris Minns must send a clear message to the MUA that this behaviour won’t be tolerated.
 
If Chris Minns is serious about calling out unlawful protests, he needs to call out his union mates.
 
If he fails to do so, it will be another example of Labor’s union mates calling the shots and running the Minns Government.

A Labor-dominated Parliamentary Committee has recommended the voting down a Bill that would protect NSW coastal communities from offshore drilling for gas and oil.
 
The Opposition’s Minerals Legislation Amendment (Offshore Drilling and Associated Infrastructure Prohibition) Bill 2023 would effectively stop projects like PEP-11 by preventing any development associated with gas drilling, such as pipelines, through the seabed in NSW coastal waters.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said this was looking like another broken Minns Labor Government promise.
 
“Before the election, Labor repeatedly said that they were opposed to PEP-11 and would ban it,” Mr Speakman said. “But now that they have the opportunity to protect our environment from offshore drilling risks, they decide to vote it down.”
 
Shadow Environment Minister Kellie Sloane, the sole Coalition committee member, said it’s clear the Minns Labor Government never had any intention of supporting the Bill.
 
“Labor MPs up and down the NSW coast promised their communities they would fight against PEP-11, but when the opportunity came they chose politics over people and the environment.”
 
“This is a betrayal of coastal communities who expressed significant opposition to these offshore gas and oil projects in NSW,” said Ms Sloane.
 
“The Minns Labor Government is using the excuse of an entirely hypothetical future fight with the Albanese Labor Government to vote against this important Bill that would have given our coastal communities certainty.”
 
Member for Pittwater Rory Amon, who introduced the Opposition’s Private Members Bill, said Northern Beaches locals can’t trust Labor when it comes to our precious coastline.
 
“Labor has long campaigned against offshore gas and oil, while continuing to play pure politics and referring the Bill to a partisan committee for a Government stitch up. Labor’s committee now recommends the Bill be dumped.”
 
“This move by the Minns Labor Government is effectively a green-light for offshore gas and oil rigs off Pittwater. Together with our coastal communities we will continue to fight this.”

A 100 tonne roadheader begins cutting through Sydney sandstone this morning, marking the start of tunnelling on the second stage of the Western Harbour Tunnel.

Weighing as much as 27 adult African elephants, the roadheader has commenced its journey from Cammeray excavating south towards the Warringah Freeway and onwards towards the harbour at Waverton.

The Western Harbour Tunnel project will create almost 7000 jobs and eventually take traffic pressure off the Sydney Harbour Bridge and tunnel by linking the Warringah Freeway with the soon to open Rozelle Interchange.

It will save drivers up to 20 minutes between North Sydney and Sydney Olympic Park or Leichhardt.

The roadheader will cut through 1000 tonnes of rock a day, excavating a distance of 20 to 25 metres per week before a tunnel boring machine takes over to tunnel under the harbour.

Over the course of construction of stage 2 of the Western Harbour Tunnel, 10 roadheaders will be used.

Through the hard work of more than 800 workers involved in stage 2 to date, 23,000 tonnes of material has already been excavated and over 1482 cubic metres of concrete poured in preparation for tunnelling.

Western Harbour Tunnel is a 6.5km tunnel, which will provide motorists a seamless connection from Warringah Freeway at North Sydney to the Rozelle Interchange, making it easier, faster and safer to get around Sydney.

As the first new road crossing of the harbour in over 30 years, Western Harbour Tunnel will deliver time-saving benefits to motorists, easing traffic on some of Sydney’s key arterial roads.

The tunnel’s twin 3-lane motorways are expected to reduce traffic on the Western Distributor by 35%, the harbour tunnel by 20% and the harbour bridge by 17%.

Stage 1, which is already underway, involves creating the 1.7km southern section of the tunnel from Rozelle to Birchgrove and is expected to be complete in 2025.

Stage 2 includes construction of the northern end of the tunnel, connections to the Warringah Freeway, tunnelling underneath Sydney Harbour and the complete tunnel fit out and is expected to take approximately 5 years.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“This is a milestone for the Western Harbour Tunnel project.

“This project will deliver almost 7000 jobs.

“Building this road, we will help ease congestion for drivers who use the harbour bridge, harbour tunnel, Anzac Bridge or Western Distributor.

“We’ll be keeping this important road in public hands.”

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The start of tunnelling at Cammeray is a major milestone for this project, bringing motorists a step closer to benefiting from Sydney’s third harbour crossing.

“The new Western Harbour Tunnel will provide time-saving benefits not only for those connecting to the Rozelle Interchange, but for motorists across Sydney’s wider road network.

“Once completed, the Western Harbour Tunnel is a critical part of the NSW Government’s plan to bring traffic relief to arterial roads in the Inner West, where we know that we will have traffic issues along the Western Distributor and Victoria Road.”

The Minns Labor government is investing in the readiness and resilience of the state’s agriculture industry, with the creation of a $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund (DRRF).

This fund will allow eligible primary producers to apply for low interest loans of up to $250,000 to fund a broad range of operational products, activities and services to prepare and respond to the impacts of drought.

According to research by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority, these loans, which can be paid off over 5 or 10 years, are estimated to save farmers on average $40,000 over a 5-year loan, when compared to other similar loans.

Importantly, for the first time the DRRF will allow farmers to access loans for other core activities like the purchasing of fodder and transport of livestock to protect their welfare, not just capital investments.

It ensures the NSW Government is working with the sector to provide an innovative and proactive response as parts of the state enter into drought conditions.

For those in regions not yet experiencing drier conditions, the DRRF also incentivises participation in the vital planning and preparedness phase of drought management and climate variability mitigation, improving response and recovery outcomes for farming businesses.

Unlike previous funds which are designed to support capital investment, DRRF can be used for essential items such as:

• purchasing fodder
• feeding equipment
• stock transportation costs
• veterinary and professional nutrition and welfare advice
• fencing for rotational grazing
• exclusion and cluster fencing
• construction of containment feeding pens
• stock shade structures
• planting of trees
• stock and domestic water (including its transportation).

The Minns Labor government is committed to supporting rural and region Australia in times of drought.

It’s why this fund comes in conjunction with the refocusing of the $120 million Farm Innovation Fund, to the Drought Infrastructure Fund, offering loans of up to $1 million, at a low interest rate of 2.5%.

The Drought Infrastructure Fund is designed to promote capital investment in on-farm infrastructure that assists farmers in transitioning their farms to become more resilient, productive and sustainable.

By establishing these 2 types of funds the government is opening up options and flexibility for farmers, depending on their needs and circumstances, and ensuring the viability of agricultural operations – livestock, cropping or horticulture – across NSW.

Applications are welcome now for the Drought Infrastructure Fund, and for the Drought Ready and Resilient Fund applications are open from 1 December 2023. Information at the Rural Assistance Authoritylaunch website.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“We know that NSW does not thrive unless our regions and agricultural industries thrive.

“This is a significant investment that demonstrates our commitment to the resilience of farmers across our state, particularly as they enter drier and warmer weather conditions.

“We know disaster prepared is more important than ever before. This is a commonsense initiative that allows farmers to get ahead of the dry season and protect their livelihoods.” 

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting our agriculture sector and this is an important investment in the resilience of this vital industry throughout the emerging dry conditions.

“The aim of this government initiative is to give farmers access to operational funding so they can get assistance to work through a challenging period.

“This is a common sense approach to ensuring farmers and livestock producers across NSW have the resources they need in the event of drought.

“We will continue to monitor the drought indicator closely and ensure that farmers receive the support they need.

Drought information

NSW DroughtHublaunch is the one-stop online destination for information on a vast range of services and support available to primary producers, their families and communities.

The NSW Government can announce that both The Star and Crown Casino have now agreed to increased tax arrangements.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey signed the agreements last night.

Under the new casino agreements:

• Table rates for The Star and Crown will rise, backdated to 1 July 2023.
• The Star will pay a transitional levy on poker machines until a new duty regime commences on 1 July 2030.
• Thousands of jobs at The Star will be protected.

No changes have been made to the agreements Crown signed with the previous government.

Today the government will introduce legislation to create a jobs guarantee at The Star, protecting the livelihoods of more than 3000 workers over the next 6 years.

Casino tax increases were first announced by the former government in December 2022 without consultation with Sydney’s 2 casinos. 

The increases were not legislated but were written into the NSW Budget.

Consultation from the Minns Labor government has now resulted in both casinos agreeing to comply with the increased tax obligations.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The previous government had bungled their casinos policy. It was one of the most difficult challenges I inherited. These arrangements will see both casinos pay higher taxes.

“The government can now proceed with legislation which will see more than 3000 workers have their jobs protected at The Star.

“I note Crown has made it clear that recent job losses arise from their trading conditions. 

“The government will continue to engage with Crown and The Star, as well as worker representatives, on their operating models and regulatory frameworks – especially as both are remediating their businesses.”

The NSW Government is today announcing a major increase in the powers and resources of the NSW Building Commission to deliver quality homes for people in NSW, cracking down on poor practices in the building sector and boosting enforcement powers.

While the NSW Government is committed to tackling the NSW housing supply crisis after over a decade of inaction, the government will not allow quantity of homes to come at the expense of quality.

Laws set to pass parliament next week will mean that for the first time since the Building Commissioner was appointed, he will have the power to enter any apartment or free-standing home in NSW.

The Commissioner will also have the power to uncover defects before completion of buildings and compel builders to get them fixed.

Building Commission NSW will also receive a $24 million boost, allowing it to scale up to ensure quality buildings are being delivered in NSW.

Supercharging the regulator’s powers will ensure that as the state meets the urgent need for more homes, buyers can be confident about the quality of the home they’re buying.

The new laws also make critical changes to improve compliance and enforcement systems across the industry, including:

• New measures to prevent and penalise intentional phoenixing activities in the construction industry by cancelling or refusing licenses
• Introducing new responsibilities across the building products supply chain of, ensuring that all products used in buildings are safe, compliant, and suitable for their intended use.

The changes come as the NSW Government continues its crackdown on dishonest or fraudulent elements in the building sector, with the licenses of four building certifiers cancelled this year:

• On 4 July 2023, Fair Trading found that Mr Glenn Levick engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct and contravened a law with respect to fraud or dishonesty.
• On 30 August 2023, Fair Trading found that Mr Orlando Da Silva engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct, contravened the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and engaged in conduct that fell short of expected standards.
• On 14 September 2023, Fair Trading found that Mr Paul Gearin engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct, contravened the certification legislation and engaged in conduct that fell short of expected standards.
• On 6 October 2023, Fair Trading found that Mr Joseph Hallal engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct, contravened the certification legislation and engaged in conduct that fell short of expected standards.

The additional powers and resources are further supported by the NSW Government’s commitment this week to develop a pattern book of endorsed housing designs for low-rise and mid-rise (up to six storeys) buildings that will also enhance continuity of quality standards across new developments.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“We’re delivering more homes across the state but we won’t let quantity get in the way of quality.

“Home buyers in NSW can be confident that we’ve got a tough cop on the beat in the building industry, ensuring that they can have confidence in the quality of the home they’re buying.

“We’re making the right investments and delivering the right powers to rebuild trust and integrity in this sector to help tackle the housing crisis in our state.”

Minister for Building and Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“New powers for the Building Commissioner are a critical step forward as we rebuild integrity in the NSW construction sector. There is no room in this state for rip-off merchants taking home buyers for a ride.

“We’ve already started the work required to weed-out untrustworthy players in the market, with these new powers we’ll be doing even more.

“Grifters in this sector will have nowhere to hide in NSW.” 

The NSW Government today expressed its deepest sympathies to the family of a NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteer firefighter who lost his life in Northern NSW.

The RFS has confirmed Leonardus (Leo) Fransen, 75, died after he was struck by a tree yesterday while working on the Hudson fire outside of Walgett.

Captain Fransen was a life member of the Diamond Beach Rural Fire Brigade on the NSW Mid Coast. Joining the brigade in 2010, he held various roles and most recently served as Captain.

Fellow RFS members came to the volunteer’s assistance until ambulance paramedics arrived. He was then transported to a Lightning Ridge medical facility where he tragically passed away.

The RFS is providing support to the volunteer’s family, friends and firefighting colleagues.

Support is also available through:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
• NSW RFS members can contact the Critical Incident Support Services Team or the Member Assistance Program for free assistance.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“This loss will be deeply felt by the family of the brave volunteer who lost his life defending the people of NSW and my heart goes out to them.

“Captain Fransen was selflessly supporting a community in need and tragically lost his life.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the brigade members who came to his assistance yesterday and will continue to fight this fire as best they can. They are also in our thoughts as they mourn the loss of a valued colleague along with those back at his home brigade at Diamond Beach.

“In recent weeks, thousands of our volunteer firefighters have been out across NSW protecting communities and doing what they do best, and I know they will feel this loss.

“Our emergency service volunteers give so much helping to keep others safe, we are devastated at the loss of a firefighter who gave his life in service to our community.

“We thank volunteers for everything they do to keep us safe on this extremely difficult day.”