Category: NSW News

State and Federal Government representatives and veteran support organisations have come together with local veterans and the defence community on Kokoda Day to focus on veteran wellbeing, mental health and support to transition to civilian life.

There was a great turnout at the forum held on the Central Coast, which according to the most recent Census, has the highest number of veterans of any local government area in NSW.

The forum was also held on Kokoda Day, an annual day of acknowledgement in honour of all those who served in the Kokoda campaign in the Second World War. The NSW Government designated 3 November as NSW Kokoda Day to officially acknowledge the Kokoda campaign last year.

Minister for Veterans and the Central Coast used the forum to praise the bipartisan and multi-government support of the veteran’s community, welcoming the recent announcement by the Albanese Government to tripling of the payment to allow veterans to access GP services. With increasing costs of living and rising costs for business, it has been hard for veterans to find GPs who will treat them without out-of-pocket costs.

There are also a number of NSW Government services available on the Central Coast including Service NSW, NSW Trustee & Guardian, and NSW Ageing and Disability Commission that veterans and their families can access.

The NSW Government is committed to honouring our veterans and their families, and the NSW Veterans Strategy and 2023-2024 Action Plan ensures that the veteran community is supported.

More information on veterans’ supportlaunch

Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:

“It was wonderful to come together today with the Central Coast veteran and defence community to hear about and discuss the great initiatives, services and supports available for veterans and their families in our community.

“The increase in Veteran Access Payment will give veterans and eligible dependents the access to GP services that they deserve. There are more than 27,000 White and Gold Card holders in NSW who will benefit from this change.

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring veterans are provided with the best services and support, and I applaud the Prime Minister and the Commonwealth Government for implementing these changes and look forward to seeing how this change improves the wellbeing of the veteran community.

“Collaboration is key, and by working together to further enhance support and programs for the veteran community on the Central Coast, we can continue to acknowledge their service and that of their families.”

The Minns Labor Government has taken the first steps to bring the management of Junee Correctional Centre into public hands, for the first time.

US multi-national GEO Group currently holds the contract.

The decision to move the management of this crucial service to the public sector will lock in around 340 well-paid public-sector jobs for the region. 

Following the expiry of the existing contract with GEO Group in March 2025, centre management will be taken over by Corrective Services NSW.  Junee Correctional Centre will remain a crucial part of the NSW prison network.

Corrective Services NSW operates Australia’s largest prison system, responsible for approximately 9,200 inmates across 31 correctional centres.

Corrective Services and Justice Health will work with employees, the community and GEO Group through this period. 

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This is just the first step in this process which won’t be completed until 2025. 

“This is a win for frontline staff and the community. It means locking in stable, secure and well-paid public-sector jobs for the region.    

“We’ll consider all options as contracts for other privately run facilities get closer to renewal with a focus on delivering the best value for NSW and better outcomes for communities and the inmates.”

The NSW Government is partnering with Royal Life Saving NSW in its Active Adults campaign to highlight the importance of water safety for seniors this summer.

The Active Adults campaign encourages participation, and the low impact nature of aquatic activity makes it an ideal form of activity and recreation.

Research from Royal Life Saving NSW shows that in the past 12 months there were 281 drowning deaths, with 57% adult 45 years and older. Those aged over 65 represented 27% of fatal drownings and there’s been a 43% increase in the past 20 years.

The top three drowning deaths of those 65 years and older were swimming and recreating (32%), fall (16%) and boating (95).

People over 65 are encouraged to follow these five tips to enjoying aquatic recreation:

• share the fun with someone.
• wear a lifejacket when on the water.
• check any medications don’t interfere with your ability to swim.
• watch your step around water.
• know your limits and avoid taking risks.

Royal Life Saving NSW is a leader in drowning prevention and water safety education in the state.

Toolkits and guides are availablelaunch

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“With a hot summer expected, there was need for older people to keep water safety top of mind when planning a day in, on or near the water.

“There’s been a concerning increase in drowning deaths in older people and we want to make sure our seniors can enjoy the water safely – whether it is participating in watersport or simply walking around it.

“We know that when we focus on water safety in young people, we get results, with a 33% decrease in drowning deaths in 0-4 year olds.

“By partnering with Royal Life Saving NSW on this campaign, the Government wants to amplify the message that water recreation is a great way to stay active and fit, while emphasising that water safety must remain top of mind for people of all ages, especially for our seniors.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Australia is lucky to have great beaches, lakes and rivers that many enjoy spending time at.

“Now as the weather starts heating up, it’s a good time to focus on how everyone can stay safe in and around water.”

“Raising awareness of the dangers for older people, such as watching out for trip and fall hazards near water, is important for making sure everyone can enjoy a day out at the beach.”

CEO of Royal Life Saving NSW Michael Ilinsky said:

“Preventing drowning in older people is a priority because Australians are remaining more active into their later years and are well-placed to realise the benefits of fun fitness and recreation activities.

“Participation rates show older Australians are highly motivated to stay connected with their communities, however 75 per cent of people over 65 are under-active.

“We want people of all ages and abilities to be ready to enjoy the summer. The Active Adults campaign will ensure we’re providing appropriate water safety education to keep people active, social and safe.”

Following dramatic revelations of the potential rorting of the impartiality of the public service in Transport Minister Jo Haylen’s office, the only option for the Government is to refer the matter to the Independent Public Service Commissioner Kathrina Lo.
 
While the Opposition welcomes an investigation, it must be conducted independently. The Coalition Government appointed an Independent Public Service Commissioner to deal with matters such as this.
 
The referral of the matter by the Transport Minister to her hand-picked Secretary Josh Murray is nothing more than an attempt at a cover-up by a Minister who does not think the rules apply to her.
 
A Head of a Department cannot investigate a Ministerial Office that they report to, that is a blatant conflict of interest.
 
While the Minister wants this to appear like a department staff member gone rogue, the facts are:

• Senior Transport Executives were aware the Transport Minister’s Chief of Staff would be requesting Mr Ash to join the Office on the same day Minister Haylen was sworn in.
• The Transport Minister’s Office requested Mr Ash specifically, with senior Transport Executives raising concerns regarding his impartiality.
• Mr Ash’s secondment to her Office was extended at the request of the Transport Minister’s Chief of Staff.
• The A/Secretary of Transport for NSW Howard Collins raised concerns with her Chief of Staff regarding Mr Ash’s duties and conduct
• Mr Ash’s Secondment was cut short only a week after initial media inquiries regarding his duties.

This ‘investigation’ is nothing more than an attempt to throw a junior staffer under the bus to protect a Minister.
 
Does any reasonable person think Josh Murray, the Minister’s handpicked Secretary is really going to find the Minister committed any wrongdoing?
 
A controversially Labor appointed Secretary is investigating the Minister who got him the job regarding an operative her office requested doing political activities – It doesn’t pass the pub test. 
 
Department Liaison Officers are at the direction and responsibility of the Minister and their Chief of Staff. Whatever credibility the Transport Minister has left, she needs to do the honourable thing and refer the matter to the Public Service Commissioner.

Following revelations that the Planning Minister may have withheld from the Premier a report questioning floodplain modelling, the Opposition is calling on the Government to pause decisions in the North-West Growth corridor and to release the Owens report.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said that it was concerning if the Government is relying on outdated information to make decisions that affect new housing developments, and that potentially drive up people’s insurance premiums and drive down their land values.
 
“The Planning Minister has questions to answer about the modelling that the Minns Labor Government has been relying on, and whether a report by the former Deputy Police Commissioner Dave Owens APM had been intentionally ignored,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“For most people their home is their largest investment. Decisions like this have a fundamental impact on people’s property and its incumbent on the Government to get these decisions right,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Scott Farlow, called on the Government to release the report from Mr Owens.
 
“Models are only as good as the data that is put into them and if there is a question on the adequacy of the data, then the Government should pause its decisions until the information can be fully scrutinised.”
 
“Dave Owens is a highly respected former Deputy Police Commissioner who has been tasked in the past with the 2019-20 NSW Bushfire Inquiry and the 2017 Independent Northern Rivers flooding review,” Mr Farlow said.
 
“The Minister needs to tell the community if he had provided Mr Owens’ report to the Premier and Cabinet, and if not why not. So that landholders can have all the information, the Minister should publicly release Mr Owens’ report.”

The NSW Government is continuing to take steps to deliver on the commitment to prioritise women’s safety by becoming the first state or territory in Australia to have a stand-alone NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner.

The Women’s Safety Commissioner will spearhead leadership for a whole-of-government approach to domestic, family and sexual violence.

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.

Previously, the NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin held the dual role of commissioner and executive director, women, family and community safety in the Department of Communities and Justice.

Dr Tonkin has worked at the United Nations, as disability rights director at the Australian Human Rights Commission, and as a barrister in London and Adelaide.

The commissioner will enhance the government’s focus on primary prevention and early intervention, with specific responsibilities, including:

• Providing leadership and oversight of whole-of-government policy and programs on domestic, family and sexual violence
• Monitoring implementation of strategies and initiatives, and providing oversight of specialist and mainstream service systems responsible for responding to domestic, family and sexual violence and harassment
• Raising awareness and promote education and public engagement to deliver improved women’s safety outcomes
• Fostering collaboration and coordination between government and community, and give victim-survivors a greater voice.

In addition, the commissioner will also be central to the implementation of NSW’s new coercive control laws, which will come into effect in mid-2024.

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

“This is an important step which demonstrates our government’s commitment to women’s safety across our state. 

“We have listened to the community’s concerns about domestic, family and sexual violence and we are taking a whole-of-government approach to addressing this scourge.

“We are bringing this crisis to the fore to include it in every conversation and every action we take as a government.

“No one should have to live in fear, which is why we are continuing to invest in prevention and work across government to ensure the needs of victim-survivors are being heard and met.”

NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Tonkin said:

“Domestic, family and sexual violence has a devastating impact on victim-survivors and the broader community.

“The creation of the stand-alone commissioner role will ensure that I am best positioned to deliver this significant remit and drive change to improve women’s safety, by strengthening interagency coordination and collaboration across government.”

CEO Domestic Violence NSW Delia Donovan said:

“NSW is showing strong national leadership on responding to domestic, family and sexual violence.

“This move recognises the critical need for strong and focused leadership across all government agencies, working in close collaboration with the domestic, family and sexual violence sector.”

The South Jerrabomberra Regional Job Precinct draft master plan, outlining the long-term vision to grow the Monaro region’s investment potential and create up to 4000 highly skilled jobs, is now on public exhibition.

The draft master plan sets out a strategic direction for the precinct to create a hub for defence, cyber security and high-technology industries.

It will also assist with the development of new businesses due to its proximity to the Australian Capital Territory.

The draft master plan was developed collaboratively between the NSW Government and Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council. It builds on the developments already underway including the Poplars Innovation Precinct, South Jerrabomberra residential estate, Regional Sports Complex and the Jerrabomberra High School.

It is on exhibition for 4 weeks to give stakeholders, investors and the community time to view, consider and submit feedback.

To view the South Jerrabomberra Regional Job Precinct draft master plan and make a submission visit the Department of Planning and Environmentlaunch.

The exhibition period opens Wednesday 1 November until 11.59pm on Friday 1 December 2023.

Submissions received will inform the final master plan which is expected to be complete by mid-2024.

The NSW Government is committed to future-proofing regional communities by making it easier to attract and secure regional investment, create new jobs and set up communities like Jerrabomberra for continued success now and into the future.

Regional Job Precincts are focused on delivering planning support to local councils to drive investment and boost economic prosperity in regional NSW including Albury, South Jerrabomberra, Richmond Valley and Namoi.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We are committed to future-proofing regional communities by making it easier to attract and secure regional investment, create new jobs, and set up communities like Jerrabomberra for continued success now and into the future.

“The draft master plan will help drive investment and boost economic prosperity in regional NSW by outlining planning requirements and land use across 9 sub-precincts, which will be underpinned by technical studies to provide a strategic vision for land in this area. 

“I encourage everyone to have their say before Monday 4 December.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“We want to make Jerrabomberra a great place to live and work; where long-term growth, investment and development opportunities are available.

“This area is well-suited to high-technology industries and commercial businesses, with the potential to generate around 4000 new jobs in the Monaro region to 2036 and beyond.

“Jerrabomberra’s unique position near Queanbeyan is on the doorstep of the nation’s capital and will see the precinct leverage on opportunities from nearby Australian Government departments, defence and military hubs, as well as the Canberra international airport.

“We invite investors, stakeholders and community members to have their say on the South Jerrabomberra Regional Job Precinct draft master plan.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“This is an exciting precinct for our community, it offers the potential for local jobs in industries that fit well with the community around them.

“The high-technology industries and commercial businesses this precinct is designed to cater for could produce around 4000 jobs in the local area by 2036.

“As local member, I look forward to seeing the community’s feedback on the plan.”

The NSW Government has committed $50 million for Central West communities impacted by last year’s devastating floods.

Households will be able to use the funding for house raising and retrofits, allowing the incorporation of designs and materials that can withstand future flooding events.

Over the coming months, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will work closely with local community leaders to prioritise the additional funding and determine potential future funding which may be required.

When Planning Minister Paul Scully and Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib visited the Central West in August they identified more work was needed.

This funding package is a significant step forward and will help to boost the community-led recovery of the Central West. The new fund also responds to the strong positions put forward by the Member for Orange Phil Donato.

The cash injection will be an initial down payment towards measures including:

• Priority Disaster Adaptation Plans for the Central West so communities are better prepared
• Repair and replacement of critical community assets and improving the resilience of public infrastructure, including bridges and roads
• Assistance with housing programs, with work to be further developed with councils and community leaders.

The announcement adds to the more than $42 million in grants and subsidies paid by the Commonwealth and NSW Government to individuals, households, small businesses and primary producers across the Central West impacted by last year’s floods.

Other work undertaken to support local communities includes:

• 15 recovery assistance points set up across the Central West
• $40 million Pods on Private Property Program and $19 million At-Home Caravan program
• Community Recovery Officers for Cabonne, Forbes and Wentworth
• Community projects such as the rebuild of Eugowra’s pre-school with Cabonne Shire Council.

The funding comes from the new $150 million Community Restoration Flood Fund announced by the NSW Government in the September budget to support disaster impacted communities in the Northern Rivers and Central West. The fund is an acknowledgement that the NSW Government is standing by communities for the long haul.

The 2022 floods exposed several ongoing risks across the state due to our changing climate and long-standing land uses. The NSW Government recognises that recovery is not a short-term fix and requires evidence-based planning and community leadership. 

While the former government made unfunded commitments to communities, the Minns Government is taking a considered approach to ensure that the commitments made are adequately funded and informed by community leaders.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“The 2022 floods were an unprecedented disaster and we remain focused on helping the whole community recover and rebuild. It’s clear there needs to be a sustained effort and there is more we can do to continue the reconstruction program. That’s why we’re committed to practical action on the ground to help people get back on their feet, with the involvement of local leaders.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The government is being open and transparent about the process we are undertaking. At the same time, we acknowledge there are details to be worked through with the community.

“We appreciate that what people want most is to get back into their homes and on with their lives and we are committed to helping them do just that. This is not about a simple fix, it’s a concerted effort making sure that communities in the Central West can build back stronger.

“This is a significant step forward in making sure communities are better prepared for future floods and will allow community leaders to shape how recovery proceeds in the Central West.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“It’s critical that we continue to support communities who have borne the brunt of the 2022 floods. We’ve seen first-hand how flood recovery efforts are progressing and we know recovery takes time.”

“When we visited the Central West we were impressed with the work undertaken by communities in rebuilding and this investment is a further step towards that recovery. This funding package will support the social and economic recovery of this important region devastated by floods”.

Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“This additional injection from the Community Restoration Flood Fund is a welcome start on the wide range of recovery and reconstruction work that still needs to be done across the region. Everyone who experienced the 2022 floods and is still dealing with the after-effects day in and day out understands we have a long road ahead of us and additional support will be required.”

In a first for NSW, children will soon have access to state-of-the-art positive pressure isolation rooms at Sydney’s children’s hospitals to help keep kids safe by reducing the risk of exposure to viruses and other infections for immune compromised children.

The isolation rooms will be built into the cancer care wards and intensive care units at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.

These upgrades are another significant step in the NSW Government’s commitment to rebuild essential health services with the September budget including a landmark $3 billion for new and upgraded hospitals across greater Western Sydney.

The positive air pressure is created using a specialised air ventilation system, preventing airflow between the corridor into the patient’s bedroom. This offers significant benefits for improved infection control.

The technology significantly reduces the chance of airborne pathogens from the outside environment (such as viruses) reaching immunocompromised patients, such as cancer or transplant patients.

Known as Positive Pressure Ventilation Anterooms (PPVA), the rooms function as a protective shield and will help protect some of the sickest and most vulnerable children.

The Children’s Hospital at Westmead have developed prototypes of the new rooms to enable staff to familiarise themselves with the design and the technology.

These prototype rooms will allow staff to adapt the layout and design of vital spaces before they are built and allow simulation and training in the new and improved working environments.

In another first for paediatric healthcare in NSW, carer zones will also be introduced in intensive care units at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, which will allow parents and carers to remain with children while they are in hospital.

The isolation rooms are expected to be completed at both hospitals in 2025.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“The NSW Government is committed to rebuilding essential health services with significant investments in both staff and infrastructure.

“This technology is something that paediatric healthcare has never had before in NSW, making it a first for both the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and the state.

“For kids who are immunosuppressed, being able to reduce the risk of getting a virus or a cold is so important during what is usually intense treatment, and that’s why we want to ensure our hospitals have the ability to protect sick kids and their families as much as possible.”

Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“This is a great investment in the future health services for Western Sydney. I am proud to be part of a government that is delivering for one of the fastest growing regions in the country.

“It is just part of a massive investment in health in Western Sydney by the Minns Labor government.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“These PPVAs are a crucial tool in helping us protect seriously ill and severely immunocompromised children.

“These new facilities for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network will benefit patients and their families who are navigating challenging, and often very complex, health concerns.

“The carer zones – which were championed by staff and families – will also provide more support, setting a new standard for family-centred care across our hospitals.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“These state-of-the-art prototype rooms have been developed in consultation with the amazing nurses and clinicians here at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

“The prototype spaces being unveiled today will ensure The Children’s Hospital at Westmead continues to be a leader in providing care for sick children across NSW.”

Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network’s Chief Executive Cathryn Cox PSM said:

“By integrating advanced clinical services under one roof and introducing carer zones throughout the new hospitals, the network can provide more holistic support and quality care to every patient that comes through the doors while offering families a place of comfort and respite.

“The prototype spaces at Westmead and Randwick have already been viewed by clinical staff and hospital families, who have provided invaluable feedback about the layout and functionality of the rooms.”

The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) made history on the weekend with the first all-female steward panel overseeing a meeting at Muswellbrook.

GWIC stewards are appointed to ensure racing is conducted fairly in accordance with the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 and the Greyhound Racing Rules. They are also responsible for safeguarding the welfare of greyhounds and participants, drug testing and imposing penalties for non-compliance.

The 3 stewards – Louise Warren, Steff Richards and Madi Watson – have combined experience of more than 20 years across greyhound races in NSW but this is the first time they have come together as a panel. Queensland is the only other state to have had an all-female panel, in August 2022.

GWIC employs 34 stewards, 7 of whom are women.

The interest of women in overseeing greyhound racing mirrors the growing interest more generally with record numbers of women taking on training and other roles in the sport.

The NSW Government is committed to supporting a competitive, responsible, safe and sustainable greyhound racing industry, with the highest standards of animal welfare. GWIC oversight of the industry is crucial to this endeavour.

For more information on GWIC and the role of stewards, visit the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commissionlaunch website.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“We want to ensure NSW is a leader in greyhound racing welfare and integrity, and the sport continues to be a major part of our communities, particularly in rural and regional communities

“And we are leading the way in the promotion of women to important oversight roles in this industry.

“Everywhere I go as Minister for Gaming and Racing, I see women taking to the racing industry as stewards, trainers, jockeys (in horse racing) and owners, which is great to see.

“The future of this industry is in great hands with women on board.”