Category: NSW News

One hundred and fifty outstanding apprentices from across NSW have been awarded a life-changing Bert Evans Apprentice Scholarship, which provides crucial support to individuals who are facing hardship.

The $15,000 scholarship, spread across 3 years, aims to provide vital support to individuals who have demonstrated a strong aptitude for vocational education and training in difficult circumstances.

The 2024 cohort of winners includes 45 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices, 67 learners with disabilities, 46 women excelling in non-traditional trades, and 64 mature-aged apprentices, with 116 of the recipients coming from regional NSW.

Notably, many of these apprentices represent multiple equity groups, showcasing the program’s steadfast commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Winners include 19-year-old, second year apprentice engineer, Aston Pritchard from Sydney. His story exemplifies resilience and dedication in the face of personal challenges.

Aston’s commitment to his apprenticeship despite having to care for his mother is truly commendable.

For Aston, it’s particularly promising that he can use the funds to alleviate the cost-of-living pressures and invest in essential items for his education and skill development.

The financial support all winners will receive will undoubtedly make a positive impact on their lives.

All recipients’ stories underscore the importance of recognising and supporting individuals who demonstrate resilience and commitment in pursuing their goals despite adversities. It’s inspiring to see programs or initiatives that contribute to the well-being and success of individuals facing challenges in their personal and educational journeys.

Launched in 2014, the program is open to registered apprentices in metropolitan and regional NSW and includes school-based apprentices.

The scholarship is named after former NSW Board of Vocational Education and Training chair, Bert Evans, who developed a strong appreciation for apprenticeship training after beginning his career in the manufacturing industry.

Member for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“Congratulations to all recipients of the scholarship. Our government is so proud of each and every one of you, and we are so pleased to be able to support you as you undertake your apprenticeship.

“This financial commitment by the Minns Labor Government, totalling $2.25 million over 3 years, is an investment in the future success of these apprentices and the growth of our skilled workforce.

“These apprentices represent the future of our skilled workforce, breaking barriers and contributing to a more diverse and dynamic industry.

“This initiative is a fitting legacy to Bert Evans, who dedicated his life to promoting vocational education as a foundation for success.”

Thousands of public school students across NSW are walking through the gates to new and upgraded learning facilities today, as day one of the 2024 school year officially kicks off.

The NSW Government has delivered 18 new and upgraded schools in time for the start of term one, including a brand new public school in South West Sydney, a brand new high school in southern NSW, a new relocated school on the South Coast, 3 new temporary schools in Sydney’s growing North-West, and 12 schools that have had major upgrades – seven of which are in regional NSW.

This follows the NSW Government’s record investment in the 2023-24 NSW Budget of $3.5 billion to provide 24 new and 51 upgraded schools in Western Sydney as well as $1.4 billion for a pipeline of new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.

NSW Premier Chris Minns and Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car will today be joined by local MPs to officially open two brand new schools – welcoming students as they pass through the front gates for the very first time.

The Premier will join Member for Monaro and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan to open the new Jerrabomberra High School in southern NSW. The new school will accommodate 500 students – with 24 classrooms, as well as a hall, library and canteen.

The NSW Government has also committed in the budget to the Stage 2 expansion of the high school, doubling its permanent capacity to 1,000 students across years 7 – 12 and delivering a further 18 classrooms.

The Deputy Premier will spend the morning in south-west Sydney with Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda, meeting with students and teachers at Gulyangarri Public School in Liverpool.

The new primary school features 20 classrooms, four special program rooms, four support rooms, a library, hall and covered outdoor learning area (COLA), with space for 640 students.

As part of the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver expanded access to early childhood education, an on-site public preschool will also be delivered at Gulyangarri, due to open later this year.

A full list of new and upgraded schools can be found below.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“The NSW Labor government is committed to rebuilding essential services and addressing the school infrastructure backlog, with our recent education budget delivering a record investment for urgently needed new and upgraded schools across the state.

“We are delivering these facilities where they are needed most, and I’m proud to say that Jerrabomberra High School is one of seven new and upgraded schools opening in regional NSW today – with more on the way.

“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.”

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

“Thousands of public school students across the state – from Bangalow to Ulladulla, Tallawong to Liverpool, will benefit from these wonderful new and upgraded schools, and the teachers working their magic inside the gates. 

“I am proud this Labor Government is delivering high quality public schools for NSW families, particularly for families in the growing parts of Western and South West Sydney.

“I know our new public schools will become cornerstones of growing communities for generations to come.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“Today marks a significant milestone for the people of Jerrabomberra and reaffirms the NSW Government’s commitment to providing our young people with the tools they need to forge a successful career and life beyond school.

“I look forward to seeing what our kids will achieve thanks to this world class public high school.”

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:

“I am proud to be part of a NSW Government that supports families building a community in Sydney’s southwest. Their dream of a public education for their children close to home, is now a reality.

“Today’s opening of Gulyangarri Public School – and the many other new and upgraded schools across the state – are a testament to this government’s commitment to investing in our children’s futures and providing them with the best learning opportunities possible.”

New and upgraded schools opening to students on Day 1, Term 1 2024

• Gulyangarri Public School (new school)
• Jerrabomberra High School (new school)
• Budawang School for Specific Purpose (new relocated school)
• Nirimba Fields Public School (new temporary school)
• Melonba High School (new temporary school)
• Tallawong Public School (new temporary school)
• Muswellbrook South Public School (upgrade)
• Liverpool West Public School (upgrade)
• Fort Street Public School (upgrade)
• Bletchington Public School (upgrade)
• Oran Park Public School (upgrade)
• John Palmer Public School (upgrade)
• Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie Campus (upgrade)
• Glenwood High School (upgrade)
• Mosman High School (upgrade)
• Seven Hills High School (upgrade)
• Millthorpe Public School (upgrade)
• Bangalow Public School (upgrade)

Improvements to governance in the State’s workers compensation system have driven the appointment of three directors to the workplace insurer, icare.

The board appointments follow an amendment to the State Insurance and Care Governance Act 2015 in July.

Mr John Walsh AO, a respected actuary, accomplished social policy leader and disability advocate, has been reappointed.

Ms Leah Fricke, a legal professional with extensive executive and board experience, including in the finance industry and on government boards, has been appointed a non-Executive Director.

Significantly, the change passed last year requires the icare board to include two directors nominated by worker and business bodies.

The Secretary of Unions NSW, Mr Mark Morey, has been appointed as the new employee representative.

Mr Morey has extensive board experience and a deep understanding of the needs of workers accessing the scheme, bringing a user focus for injured workers requiring icare’s services.

The appointment of an employer representative nominee director will occur upon expiry of an existing director term in mid to late 2024.

The size and cost of the icare board remains unchanged with eight non-executive directors.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis thanked outgoing director Michael Cameron for his service as Deputy Chair on the icare board, Chair of the Board Audit committee and for his contribution to the Board Risk committee and Technology and Data Strategy committee.

icare manages workers compensation for about 330,000 business and 3.4 million workers in NSW, with about 60,000 new claims each year.

Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis said:

“These key appointments ensure we have the appropriate skills and experience on the icare board.

“Ms Fricke brings deep audit and risk experience which will be instrumental in steering icare through the strategic challenges it faces to achieve financial sustainability. Her regional background will support robust discussion.

“Mr Morey has a deep understanding of the needs of injured workers and will focus on ensuring those who experience injuries, accidents or ill-health are at the centre of the system.

“I am also pleased to announce the reappointment of Mr Walsh, an experienced social policy leader who continues to inspire with his dedication to ensuring those with a disability are supported in achieving the best possible quality of life outcomes.

“After 12 years of neglect at the hands of the former government, reforming icare won’t be quick or easy. But I am confident we are on the right trajectory”.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns will welcome the Governor of Tokyo, Her Excellency Ms Yuriko Koike, making her inaugural visit to NSW on Monday, 5 February.

The focus of Governor Koike’s two-day visit will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the NSW-Tokyo Sister State Agreement which was first signed in 1984 by then-Premier Neville Wran, and on bolstering trade and economic ties between the two states.

Tokyo is the world’s second-largest metropolitan economy and an important trade and investment partner for NSW.

In 2022-23 Japan was the state’s second largest two-way trading partner valued at $46.5 billion and in 2022 it was Australia’s third-largest source of foreign direct investment valued at $133.8 billion.

Australia and Japan also share a deep partnership underpinned by shared values, economic, social and people-to-people links, and a long history of cooperation.

Governor Koike will visit Sydney and Newcastle during her stay. Like NSW, Tokyo is transitioning to reliable, secure and renewable energy and this will be a key focus of Governor Koike’s engagements.

Work will start this month on 2 new snow chain fitting bays to improve the safety of motorists travelling along the Snowy Mountains Highway during the snow season.

The NSW Government has announced it will invest up to $4.5 million to build 2 new bays along the Snowy Mountains Highway where motorists can safely stop and fit snow chains to their vehicles. 

The 2 new bays will be in the Kiandra area, with one near Sawyers Hill and the other near Denison Campground.

Each bay will feature a dedicated slow lane off the highway to enter and designated parking for up to 10 vehicles. 

The snow bays will service traffic from Adaminaby to Selwyn, offering motorists a safe place to stop and fit chains.

Chain bays will be open throughout the snow season when required. Motorists will be provided with advanced warning by electronic signs and can check the Live Traffic NSW website for updates.

Work to install the new chain bays will be carried out between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, and on occasion between 7am and 1pm Saturdays, from 5 February to 30 April, weather permitting.

Single lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place for the safety of motorists and workers, while motorists should allow an additional 10 minutes’ travel time.

All 2-wheel drive vehicles are required to carry snow chains between the June and October long weekends on Kosciuszko Road from the Kosciuszko National Park boundary at Thredbo River to Perisher Valley, Alpine Way between Thredbo and Tom Groggin, and Island Bend/Guthega Road for its full length.

Snow chains are recommended on Alpine Way between Jindabyne and Thredbo, and on Snowy Mountains Highway, and for 4WD and AWD vehicles during winter, especially if the drivers are not used to alpine roads affected by snow and ice.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education and Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be investing $4.5 million in new snow chains bays, which we hope will lead to a safer snow season for all.

“Completing this work now means the next snow season will be a safer one and motorists can travel with confidence knowing there’s more infrastructure in place to help them safely reach their destinations.

“We have seen increased traffic headed to the snow in recent years and the new bays are critical to ensure all motorists have access to a safe place to pull over and fit their chains.

“This additional investment in our region reinforces the Minns Labor Government’s determination to improve road safety and deliver smoother journeys for motorists.”

The Minns Labor Government is once again taking credit for the Liberal and Nationals’ education plan, trying to claim it is responsible for “new and upgraded learning facilities” that have opened for the start of Term 1.

Almost all of the 18 projects “announced” by the Minns Government this morning were already funded by the former Liberal and Nationals Government.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said Premier Chris Minns is trying to reap the rewards without doing any of the groundwork.

“Today is an important day for students and families across NSW, as they embark on a new school year,” Mr Speakman said.

“Thanks to extensive planning and the funding that was set aside by the former Liberal and Nationals Government, thousands of students are able to start this journey with new or upgraded facilities.”

“Chris Minns is up to his old tricks, claiming the credit for classrooms and buildings that he had nothing to do with.”

In the Liberal and Nationals’ 2022-023 Budget (Infrastructure Statement pages 2-6 and 2-7) money was allocated for the following schools in various stages of delivery:

• Gulyangarri Public School
• Jerrabomberra High School
• Budawang School
• Nirimba Fields Public School
• Melonba High School
• Tallawong Public School
• Muswellbrook South Public School
• Liverpool West Public School
• Fort Street Public School
• Bletchington Public School
• Oran Park Public School
• John Palmer Public School
• Hastings Secondary College
• Glenwood High School
• Mosman High School
• Seven Hills High School
• Millthorpe Public School
• Bangalow Public School

Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said construction had already begun on 14 of the 18 schools before Labor was even elected.

“The announcement by Chris Minns today is extremely disingenuous. Labor has taken the money we set aside and is opening the projects we had already started and parents deserve more transparency,” Ms Mitchell said.

““I personally attended the sod turn to mark the start of construction for a number of the school projects they are trying to take credit for today. The fact the Premier can stand at a school like Jerrabomberra High, which was well underway before he even became the Premier, is remarkable. He needs to tell the truth.”

“During our time in Government, the Liberal and Nationals delivered $9.1b in new and upgraded schools since 2017, with an additional $8.6b in the pipeline for future projects, which amounts to more than $17.7 billion worth of school infrastructure across the state.”

The NSW Government is rebooting the state’s digital strategy, with industry leaders coming together at a roundtable in Sydney today to explore new ways to harness technology to improve service delivery, enhance inclusion and boost the economy.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib joined digital experts and representatives from industry and academia to discuss the future of digital to ensure it is meeting the needs of people, communities and businesses across NSW. 

The new State Digital Strategy will reset the digital ambition for NSW in the context of emerging technology opportunities and evolving community needs, with the roundtable helping develop the blueprint for digital services and collaboration.

Digital resilience and inclusion, improved frontline services, and harnessing AI responsibly are among the key priorities for the new strategy, which will investigate how technology can enable better outcomes for NSW residents in focus areas such as frontline services, housing and the environment.

NSW is a leading jurisdiction when it comes to digital innovation, particularly in developing a secure Digital Identity for citizens, with the roundtable an opportunity to ensure progress continues to be made. 

In an Australian first, NSW residents can now renew their Working with Children Check online using verifiable credential technology, setting the foundation for further uses of the technology to make government services and transactions more accessible.

As digital and technology trends continue to evolve, the roundtable will help Digital.NSW capture up-to-date feedback from the sector to inform the new strategy, targeted for release later this year.   

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“Today’s conversation is a valuable opportunity to work with industry experts as we shape the new State Digital Strategy to best meet the evolving needs of our communities.”

“The strategy is intended to help guide investment to deliver on government priorities and allow more people across the state to benefit from digital initiatives.”

“As technology evolves, it will also help ensure the NSW Government is ready to meet the resulting changes and challenges so we can continue to deliver safe, resilient services and build a digitally innovative future.”

“The digital economy is an important source of employment in NSW and a growth sector we are keen to see benefit from a strong focus across the public sector.”  

“Bringing together industry and academic leaders at today’s roundtable will capture input from experts across the sector and allow us to share the government’s research and thinking.”

The NSW Government is today launching the Make the Move Campaign, spotlighting the stories of nurses, police, teachers, firefighters and midwives who have made the move from metropolitan NSW to regional NSW.

This is one element of the NSW Government’s commitment to boost the number of essential workers in regional NSW.

The campaign targets those living in Sydney. First responders, healthcare workers and educators featured in this series will share how moving to regional NSW has provided lifestyle benefits and fresh opportunities to pursue new interests and hobbies outside of work.

The Make the Move campaign captures the everyday experiences and benefits that regional living can provide, such as swapping long city commutes for more time walking the dog, taking a dip before dinner, or coaching a junior sporting team. Over the next few months these stories will be shared on radio, print, digital and social media channels and bus shelters.

The campaign hopes to encourage essential workers currently living in Sydney to consider a move to regional NSW to help boost the local workforce to ensure communities have the best services and care possible.

The campaign will also target audiences in Adelaide to encourage South Australian essential workers to consider moving to nearby regional NSW communities, such as Broken Hill.

Part of the Essential Worker Attraction Program, the Make the Move campaign is among a suite of NSW Government initiatives aimed at encouraging essential workers to move to the regions, such as The Welcome Experience, which provides essential workers and their families with practical and tailored support to help them relocate and connect with their new communities.

This comes off the back of the NSW Government announcement this week that rural health worker recruitment and retentions have surged by a fifth in just the last 6 months, after the NSW Government doubled the support available under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme from $10,000 to $20,000.

Find practical information about how to Make the Move.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“The NSW Government is serious about ensuring the people of regional NSW have access to quality critical services. A robust regional workforce is a vital part of that.

“Regional NSW has so much to offer, and this campaign aims to show essential workers the opportunities and benefits that become available when they make the switch from the city.

“Moving to a new place can be daunting, but this campaign is part of a broader program that is helping essential workers relocate to the regions with practical support to help them settle into their new communities.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Regional NSW residents are already aware of the great lifestyle benefits of living in the regions, and the Make the Move campaign is all about spreading the word to our peers in metro areas.

“This campaign shows that there is much more to living in regional NSW than fresh air, easy commutes and wide-open spaces. There are great cafes and restaurants to explore, art and cultural events to enjoy and sporting clubs ready to roll out the welcome mat.

“Make the Move shares the experiences of those who have already taken the leap and found the change has given them more time to do the things they are passionate about, as well as the opportunity to have a big backyard and raise a family within a close-knit community.

“With more than a third of the state’s population living in regional NSW, boosting the workforce to ensure regional communities have better access to quality services is really important.

“Part of our Essential Worker Attraction Program, the Make the Move campaign makes a compelling case for living and working in the regions while promoting regional NSW as a great place to escape the rat race, get ahead and be part of a supportive community.”

Firefighter and casual special needs teacher living in Goulburn Mr Jason McPherson said:

“We love calling Goulburn home. My wife and I made the decision to return after 4 years in Sydney as we really value the affordable lifestyle, as well as the space and strong sense of community that a country upbringing could offer our kids.

“We escaped the skyrocketing city house prices to buy our own home as well as some land, we enjoy easier commutes, and thanks to the quieter lifestyle of regional living we have more time to spend together as a family to focus on the important things in life.

“Our kids are involved in various sporting clubs, they learn guitar at the local conservatorium and we know there are so many great options out there to help them stay active and pursue their passions, whether it be through sport, the vibrant creative arts scene, or signing up to the local theatre group.

“As a busy family of 6, we love the quality of life that regional NSW has to offer and we’d recommend it to anyone seeking a refreshing tree change.”

The NSW Government will assume responsibility for the provision of healthcare at Hawkesbury Hospital after St John of God Health Care advised it would not renew its contract to provide services at the facility.

As a result, services provided by SJHC will transition to Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD). It is expected the transition of Hawkesbury Hospital to the NSW Government will be completed by 30 June 2024.

The NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park says patients at the Hawkesbury District Health Service – known as the Hawkesbury Hospital – can rest assured they will continue to receive high quality, safe, and compassionate care.

The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District will ensure the skill, knowledge and expertise of the hospital’s staff will be absorbed under the new arrangements with the NSW Government.

NSW Health will work with staff and their relevant unions to transition their employment from St John of God to the public health system.

The hospital will remain open throughout the entirety of the transition period.

This will include its 24-hour emergency department, operating theatres, community health services and outpatients’ clinics.

Public patient appointments and clinic hours will not be impacted.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“NSW Health and the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District is well placed to continue to provide high quality healthcare to patients.

“I want to assure the community that the excellent care and services at Hawkesbury Hospital will remain unchanged.

“And I want to assure staff that NSW Health will engage closely and regularly with you throughout this period to provide for as smooth a transition as possible.

Blue Mountains Local Health District Chief Executive, Lee Gregory said:

“We deliver world-class, innovative health care from our 4 hospital campuses and 9 community health centres, providing 24-hour comprehensive care to over 380,000 residents across the Nepean, Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Hawkesbury region.

“NBMLHD is proud of our enduring and deep connection to the community and we look forward to continuing to build on our 150 years of health care service.”

ANZAC Day is one of the most important days on the Australian calendar, when we remember the selfless sacrifice made by our service men and women in operations across the world.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said it is beyond comprehension how the Minns Labor Government allowed the situation around the Pandemonium music festival to be so badly handled.
 
“It is a clear leadership failure by Chris Minns and his inept government that an event which has been advertised for weeks and reportedly in contract negotiations for months had not been appropriately handled,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“Having had to scramble today, Chris Minns has now said that it would not be appropriate for major rock concerts to be held anywhere in NSW on the day, making it unclear whether he supports the NRL and other sporting fixtures planned for ANZAC Day.”
 
“Chris Minns needs to be upfront and explain whether taxpayers’ money will now have to be paid in compensation to the festival, because of the Labor Government’s mishandling of this situation.”
 
Shadow Minister for Veterans Robyn Preston said the lack of awareness by the Minns ministers of this situation shows once again that they are out of their depth.
 
“Chris Minns has once again had to clean up after his team, while his Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister for Veterans and Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy all seem to be missing,” Ms Preston said.
 
“ANZAC Day is a solemn day to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of our service men and women. Australia has lost over 100,000 lives in wars and peacekeeping roles, and we owe them and their families our deepest respect.”
 
“I hope all communities across NSW join us in honouring this day.”