Category: NSW News

The NSW Government acknowledges community concern about the use of good character as a mitigating factor in sentencing for some child sexual offences and the impact on victim-survivors. 

The NSW Attorney General has asked the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) to commence a review into s 21A(5A) of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 and the use of evidence of good character in child sexual offence matters.

In conducting the review, DCJ will consult victim-survivors and victim-survivor advocacy groups, along with legal stakeholders, on options for reform to improve the experiences and outcomes for victim-survivors. 

An options paper will be distributed to targeted stakeholders in August 2023, with a view to progressing any legislative reform by November 2023. 

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The NSW Government is open to hearing the views of victim-survivors about how legislation impacts upon them, and we are committed to facilitating the best possible experience for victim-survivors in the criminal justice system.

“By conducting careful consultation with victim-survivors and legal experts, the NSW Government aims to achieve a legal outcome that will provide long-term benefits to the community as a whole.”

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

“The NSW Government looks forward to working closely with victim-survivors to improve their experience in the justice system, and hearing about the experiences of victim-survivors in the context of this important issue.

“The NSW Government acknowledges the hard work of advocates to raise awareness of this matter.”downloadDownload as PDFprintPrint this pageshare

Community organisations across the state are encouraged to apply for funding under the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program to enhance local services and improve residents’ quality of life.

From 31 July, the $12.5 million program will welcome applications for arts, sports, community infrastructure and disaster preparedness projects to build or upgrade facilities.

There are 4 funding categories:

• Arts and Culture: $50,000 to $200,000 available per project
• Community Infrastructure: $50,000 to $250,000 available per project
• Disaster Readiness: $50,000 to $200,000 available per project
• Sport and Recreation: $50,000 to $300,000 available per project.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said the NSW Government is pleased to be supporting organisations making a positive difference in their communities.

“The Infrastructure Grants program is all about supporting projects that improve community connectedness in the arts and sport, provide new or improved facilities or deliver innovative local solutions in emergency preparedness,” Mr Harris said.

“Over the last 10 years, more than 700 projects have been funded right across NSW, under this program, helping to create connected, cohesive and resilient communities. I look forward to the next rounds doing the same.”

Funding under the program is made possible by Clubgrants Category 3, which re-invests profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into community projects. Applications are assessed by an independent expert panel administered through the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling.

Since 2013, the Infrastructure Grants program has provided $125 million to support more than 700 local council and not-for-profit community projects.

The 2023–2024 program offers 2 grant rounds: 31 July to 21 August 2023 and 27 November to 18 December 2023.

Find out more and how to apply for Responsible Gambling Fund grants and funding under the Infrastructure Grants program.

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Scott Farlow, has pointed to the recent drop in Development Applications as further proof that the NSW Government needs to defer the introduction of increased BASIX standards for twelve months, in line with other States, to support the building of more homes in NSW.

“From May to June it is taking longer for fewer development applications to be submitted, lodged and determined, which is a worrying development for a Government that has committed to build 314,000 homes over the next five years,” Mr Farlow said.

	May 2023	June 2023	Change
DAs submitted	5,603	5,262	-6.1%
DAs lodged	4,329	4,147	-4.2%
DAs determined	4,283	3,904	-8.8%
Average time to determine	112	115	2.7%

Source: NSW Planning Performance Dashboard, 24/7/2023

“In the middle of a housing crisis, on every metric, we are seeing performance in our planning system declining and the last thing NSW needs is a new measure that could decrease housing supply.

“These figures should give the Government cause for concern and lead them to heed the Opposition’s and industry’s calls to defer the introduction of the increased BASIX standards on 1 October by twelve months, in line with other States.”

“The Government already imposed a tax of up to $12,000 on new homes across Sydney, the Central Coast, the Lower Hunter and Wollongong and scrapped the Coalition’s popular First-Home buyer choice program – now is not the time to be imposing additional costs on new homes.”

“The construction industry has seen costs escalate by more than 12% in the last year, if these changes are implemented on 1 October, purchasers will be footing additional bills that they simply can’t afford and it could have an impact on supply.”

“Every cost in construction is passed on to the purchaser and threaten the feasibility of new projects, especially with the largest interest rate rises in a decade.”  

“If the Government is serious about delivering 314,000 new homes over the next five years, they need to defer the implementation of BASIX,” Mr Farlow said.

The Minns Labor Government has taken an important step in the planning for a public high school in Medowie, opening an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to locate the most appropriate site for the school.

The EOI campaign launches today and will close on the 30 August 2023.  Local landholders will have an opportunity to put forward possible locations for the high school, in addition to the land on Ferodale Road currently owned by the Department of Education.

The Medowie community has been waiting decades for a high school and this announcement goes a long way in making it a reality.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington today visited Medowie Public School to outline the next steps for the community’s new high school.

The site selection process is underway, which considers a range of factors, including site size, location, environmental reports and travel considerations for the future school community. 

After the site is determined, the project will progress to master planning, concept design, and community and stakeholder engagement planning stages.

The new high school at Medowie will provide modern flexible classrooms, a library, school hall, outdoor play and sports areas, and administration space to support the growing community.

It is one of multiple major school projects currently in progress in the Hunter region to accommodate expected population growth in the area.

Upgrades are being delivered at Hunter River High School, Irrawang High School and Muswellbrook South Public School. Planning is underway for the new Newcastle Education Campus and the redevelopment of Gillieston Public School, as well as a new public school and high school in Huntlee.

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

“I’m excited to announce that the process to identify a suitable site for this much-needed new high school is underway. It is important that we explore all options to ensure we choose the best possible site for future students.

“The new school will mean families can be assured their children will have a place at a local public school. Students will have a shorter, easier daily commute. Most importantly, a new connected school community will be able to grow and thrive in Medowie.

“The Hunter is one of the fastest growing regions in New South Wales, and the work and planning we are doing is vital to support the current and future needs of students in the community.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“Our community has been waiting a very long time for this day, and it has finally arrived.

“This is the first step in delivering a public high school in Medowie, which we all know is desperately needed and long overdue.

“The Minns Labor Government was only formed 4 months ago, and we’re already getting on with the job of delivering for our community here in Port Stephens.”

The 2023 NRL and NRLW Grand Finals will be played in Sydney on Sunday 1 October following an agreement reached between the NSW Government and the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC).

The Grand Final will be played at Accor Stadium, Olympic Park, with Sydney retaining its traditional role as the home of the competition decider.

Grand Final tickets are expected to be in hot demand, with the 2023 NRL competition one of the closest in history and the NRLW competition going from strength to strength with 4 new teams added this season.

Tickets to rugby league’s ‘big dance’ go on sale on Wednesday 2 August.

Sydney continues to build its credentials as the major events capital as the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 progresses towards the final at Accor, the Sydney Marathon’s candidacy to become a World Marathon Major and 3 UFC mega Pay Per View events.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

“We all love a Grand Final, but this event has become so much more, making a big social and economic contribution to the state.

“This event attracts thousands of fans from interstate and overseas who also visit Sydney’s many attractions, enjoy shows and arts, eat and drink in our world-class restaurants, supporting jobs in the visitor economy.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Sydney is the nation’s birthplace of rugby league and the heart of its passionate fans, so it is fantastic the NRL and NRLW Grand Finals are remaining in their home place once again.

“Rugby league fans will flock to Sydney and Accor Stadium will be abuzz with a capacity crowd of 82,500 on Grand Final day.”

ARL Commission Chair Peter V’landys said:           

“We have worked closely with the NSW Government to reach an agreement for the 2023 Grand Final. I’d like to thank Premier Chris Minns and Ministers Steve Kamper and John Graham who have taken a pragmatic approach to reaching an agreement for this year’s Grand Final. We have a great partnership with the NSW Government and we are grateful for their support of rugby league.”

The NSW and Australian Governments are today holding a joint roundtable on the future of rail manufacturing, bringing together more than 100 of the most important and influential representatives of Australia’s rail manufacturing industry.

An initiative of the NSW and Australian Governments, this is another step in the process of mapping out a plan to restore and strengthen this critical industry in NSW and across Australia.

The roundtable will include a wide range of representatives including rollingstock manufacturers along with small- and medium-sized businesses and unions involved in the wider rail manufacturing supply chain.

It will also involve academics, companies involved in research and development, along with transport and infrastructure department representatives from the Commonwealth, NSW and other states.

The Minns Labor Government will use the roundtable as an opportunity to hear directly from the rail manufacturing industry about what is working while also discussing barriers to further industry investment.

NSW supports the development of a nationally-coordinated approach to rail manufacturing, supporting the development of a sustainable, ongoing work-stream for industry.

NSW will work with the Australian Government, industry and other states to see where we can put aside state rivalries and work together in the national interest.

When the Australian rail manufacturing industry is strong, the NSW rail manufacturing industry has a better chance to thrive.

The NSW Government welcomes the national coordination and leadership the Australian Government is providing in this space.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“This is a critical first step on the path to our commitment to build the next generation of trains that replace the Tangaras here in NSW.

“The only way we can rebuild our NSW rail manufacturing industry in a sustainable way is if we work with the Federal Government on a coordinated, national approach.

“We make some of the best trains in the world.

“This important work will give our companies and workers the best chance to compete with their overseas rivals.

“I want to thank Assistant Minister Ayres and the Albanese government. Today is a really good start.”

Assistant Federal Minister for Manufacturing Senator Tim Ayres said:

“We want trains and rollingstock that are built and designed in Australia for Australian conditions.

“After countless bungles under the previous state government, NSW is now heading in the right direction. I commend the Minns Government for their commitment to build the next generation of trains locally.

“The National Rail Manufacturing Plan is the key component of the Albanese government’s plan to see more trains built and designed by Aussies.

“Our plan will ensure the sector is better placed to take advantage of the upcoming opportunities in rail procurement by driving a more nationally coordinated approach to rail manufacturing, to provide the certainty industry needs to invest in Australia.”

NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“After 12 years of a Liberal government that abandoned manufacturing in NSW, it’s critical that the industry has confidence we are serious about repairing the damage they did. Bringing the industry together like today sends that message loud and clear.

“And just as importantly, it lets us hear directly from the industry and their supply chains about what’s working, as well as the barriers to further industry investment.

“Those insights will directly influence how we will approach the procurement of trains in NSW.”

Hazard reduction burns are underway across the state as rural firefighters try to take advantage of favourable conditions to help keep local communities safe ahead of the 2023–2024 bushfire season.

Only 20% of planned hazard reduction burns were able to be completed during the past year due to the prolonged wet weather and severe flooding across large areas of NSW.

The NSW Government and its fire services are working to complete as much hazard reduction as possible with a $10 million program to develop a statewide mobile workforce to accelerate this critical work ahead of the coming fire season.

The funding will enable the Rural Fire Service (RFS) to employ an additional 100 mitigation crew members to carry out vital hazard reduction and mitigation works in identified high-risk areas of the state.

The extra mitigation crew members will be based mainly in regional areas of NSW to help take advantage of every possible opportunity to conduct hazard reduction work.

The crews will help prepare areas for hazard reduction, such as preparing trails and establishing control lines, and assist with burns during the week when volunteers may not be as readily available.

The Bureau of Meteorology has declared an El Nino Alert, meaning a likely return to hot, dry and windy conditions this summer. Under these conditions, NSW can expect a return to a more traditional fire season compared to the last 2 summers which have been extremely wet.

The roles will include a mix of casual and temporary roles, starting with existing RFS members who are trained and able to travel to any part of the state where hazard reduction is taking place.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“With warm, dry conditions expected to return in coming months, we are potentially looking at a serious fire season and it’s important we do everything we can to support our fire services and land managers to prepare.

“Due to recent rain over the past few months, we are facing a significant backlog in hazard reduction burns, so we need to accelerate our efforts heading into the next fire season and these additional crews will help make a difference.

“It is important to plan ahead and come up with a proactive approach to maximise our narrow window for hazard reduction, as a result of unfavourable weather conditions.

“We are implementing a range of hazard reduction options, this is just one way we can complement existing efforts and enhance our ability to respond to future fires.

“I want to thank our hard-working RFS mitigation crew members and volunteers for their efforts as they work hard to keep each of us safe.”

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said:

“With the change in weather systems seeing an end to frequent rain and the return of dry, windy conditions, we need to get our teams out there doing hazard reduction burns at every opportunity.

“Over the last 3 months, almost 55,000 hectares of work has been completed, work critical to protect more than 50,000 properties and safeguard lives.

“There is plenty more to be done and this boost in mitigation personnel will enable even more vital work to be undertaken.

“While we are doing what we can, home and property owners also need to assess what they can do to prepare for the upcoming fire season as well.”

People across NSW are being urged to “donate a minute, donate a lifetime”, because 1 minute is all it takes to register as an organ and tissue donor.

Anyone aged 16 and over can register online to become an organ donor in just 1 minute at donatelife.gov.aulaunch, or with 3 taps in the Medicare app.

For those who think they’re already registered, it takes just 1 minute to double-check.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said DonateLife Week is the perfect time to consider becoming an organ and tissue donor.

“NSW has the highest rate of registrations on the Australian organ donor registry but opportunities for transplants are often missed because families are uncertain of their loved one’s wish to be a donor,” Mr Park said.

“Organ donation saves lives and increasing awareness and consent is critical to lifting our donation rate.

“There are around 1800 people on the organ waitlist and to help them we need more Australians to register and tell their families they want to be a donor.”

A total of 54,769 NSW residents registered as organ and tissue donors in 2022, bringing the total number registered to 2,670,875.

Around 42% of the NSW population has registered to be a donor, well above the national average of 36%.

In Australia, families are always asked to support someone’s decision to be a donor before donation goes ahead.

Families are much more likely to agree if their loved one is registered and they knew their loved one wanted to be a donor.

The NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service will officially launch DonateLife Week on Monday at Campbelltown Hospital.

The South-West Sydney Local Health District, which includes Campbelltown and surrounds, has one of the highest end-of-life notification rates in NSW, which helps identify potential donors.

Local MP and Member for Camden, Sally Quinnell, said every Australian can make a difference by choosing to become an organ donor and telling their family of their wish.

“One organ donor can save up to 7 lives, along with helping many other people through the gift of eye and tissue donation,” Ms Quinnell said.

New data from the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR) reveals the top 5 local government areas in NSW where the most people are registered as donors:

• Bellingen – 61%
• Blue Mountains – 60%
• Mosman and Weddin – 59%
• Kiama, Lockhart, Ballina, Eurobodalla, Murrumbidgee, Yass Valley and Bega Valley – 58%
• Edward River, Federation, Lake Macquarie and Lismore – 57%.

Fight fans from around Australia and the world can secure their spot at UFC 293 in Sydney when tickets go on sale on Friday.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper today joined UFC Executive Vice President David Shaw at Qudos Bank Arena to announce on-sale dates for tickets to the highly anticipated event on 10 September at which the UFC Middleweight crown will go on the line.

UFC 293 is expected to be a sell-out event, providing a boost to the NSW visitor economy and delivering Sydney valuable global exposure as a tourist and major events destination through UFC’s huge global audience.

UFC 293 will be the first of 3 Pay Per View events to be held in Sydney over the next 4 years, as part of a first-time agreement between UFC and the NSW Government.

The 3 UFC Pay Per View events are anticipated to inject more than $30 million into the state’s visitor economy over the 4-year period.

Hosting the UFC in Sydney gives NSW exposure to 900 million households watching around the world, all potential future visitors to the state.

UFC 293 will mark the return of the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation to Sydney for the first time since 2017 and is the first mega Pay Per View event to be held here since 2011.

Tickets will be available for purchase for the public from 12pm Friday 28 July via Ticketek. Fight Club members will be able to buy tickets from 12pm Wednesday 26 July. 

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

“Sydney is gearing up to welcome thousands of passionate UFC fans in September for what is one of the most-watched sporting events of the year.

“Following a record-breaking Vivid Sydney and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, UFC 293 will be another shot in the arm for Sydney’s visitor economy and night-time economy.

“Australian and international visitors arriving for this Sydney showdown can visit Sydney’s many attractions and eat and drink in our world-class restaurants supporting jobs in the visitor economy.”

NSW Minister for Sport Stephen Kamper said:

“Sydney is undoubtedly Australia’s premier host city for world-class sporting events and UFC 293 adds another remarkable chapter to that reputation.

“Labor made a promise to bring 3 UFC Pay Per View events to Sydney because we know the value major global sporting shows like this bring to the state’s economy.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be offering thousands of UFC fans the chance to attend one of our biggest sporting spectacles and I encourage them to get in quickly so they don’t miss out on this event on home soil.”