Category: NSW News

In an Australian first, all NSW and ACT babies will be offered testing for two rare but potentially fatal genetic disorders, thanks to a NSW Government boost of $1.3 million each year.
 
From 1 July 2022, parents of all new babies in NSW and the ACT will be offered free tests for both Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) within 48-72 hours of their baby’s birth.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government is permanently adding the two tests to the NSW Newborn Screening Program following a successful four-year trial as part of a research pilot program at the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network.
 
“NSW is leading the way in funding newborn screening to ensure treatments can be provided as early as possible to halt the debilitating, sometimes fatal, impact of these disorders,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“The screening tests will be provided to around 100,000 babies each year, saving the lives of up to 13 newborns likely to have these genetic disorders, including 10 from SMA and three from SCID.
 
“I urge other states and territories to screen newborns for both these genetic disorders as we are doing in NSW to give babies with SMA or SCID the best chance of survival.”
 
SMA occurs in one in 10,000 births and causes progressive muscle wastage and weakness. It is the leading genetic cause of infant death and, without treatment, newborns have a life expectancy of around nine months.
 
SCID occurs in one in 40,000 births and results in a weakened immune system. It is usually fatal in a baby’s first year of life due to infection. However, most babies with the disorder (around 94 per cent) will survive if they are provided life-saving stem cell treatment before they are three and a half months old.
 
“With newborns receiving these tests for SMA and SCID in their first three days, parents can have greater confidence their baby will thrive in their first year of life,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
For an overview of the panel of tests offered by the NSW Newborn Screening Program, please visit the SCHN website.

NSW students will have stronger pathways from high school to their future careers as part of the NSW Government’s push to overhaul and modernise the HSC.
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the next phase of our once in a generation curriculum reform is updating what students learn in their final years at school, as it has been more than 50 years since the HSC was introduced and 25 years since the last major review.
 
“A lot has changed in the past 25 years. We need to bring the HSC into the 21^st Century and make sure senior students develop the skills and knowledge relevant for the jobs of today and the future,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“In today’s economy we all need analytical, communication and collaboration skills to succeed, regardless of whether we are working as a retail manager, plumber, scientific researcher or politician.
 
“We must start valuing vocational and academic pathways equally, and recognise all students need the skills to thrive in modern workplaces.”
 
Changes underway to modernise HSC curriculum and assessment include:

• Abolishing the current system of classifying HSC courses as Category A or Category B Vocational Education and Training (VET) so more courses can contribute to a student’s ATAR from 2025.
• Piloting more HSC exams online, starting with the new Enterprise Computing and Software Engineering exams from 2025.
• Introduction of a learner profile to showcase a student’s extra-curricular achievements holistically, not just their exam results.
• Clearer course overviews that link skills and knowledge to careers so Year 10 students will have a greater understanding of the skills they will develop when they are selecting their HSC subjects.

 
The timeline has also been updated for the new senior secondary syllabuses, with all on track to be delivered by 2025.
         
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the Gonski-Shergold review of the VET sector identified current HSC and ATAR arrangements as a barrier to developing a pipeline of job-ready high school graduates.
 
“When young people complete VET subjects at school, they get real life skills that set them up for a brighter future when they leave the school gates,” Mr Henskens.
 
“These changes will significantly expand the education and employment pathways available to young people who want to get skilled while still at school and then further their education at a registered training provider or one of our world class universities.”
 
The NSW curriculum reform program is on track to see all K-10 syllabuses delivered by 2024, and all Year 11-12 syllabuses delivered by 2025. The new Year 11-12 Enterprise Computing and Software Engineering syllabuses will be published on the new digital curriculum platform in Term 3, 2022.

The NSW Government is providing extra support to the hospitality industry by extending free refresher courses into next year, in a bid to address staff shortages.

Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said hospitality venues are doing their best to encourage workers to the sector, but are facing major staff shortages with many skilled hospitality staff leaving the industry during the peak of the COVID pandemic.

“Many who left the sector have seen their mandatory certifications lapse. We want to make it easy for those people to quickly and freely renew those certifications and remove any barriers that are preventing them from re-entering the hospitality sector,” Mr Anderson said.

“It’s not just bar and wait staff who require a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate – others who work or volunteer where alcohol is sold also need it, including security, crowd control and promotional staff.

“The same goes for the Responsible Conduct of Gambling certificate (RCG) – if you work around poker machines you need to have specific training to identify and minimise gambling harm.”

Australian Hotels Association NSW Director of Liquor and Policing John Green said pubs right across NSW are still struggling with staff shortages so this initiative is greatly appreciated.

“Reducing red tape makes it easier for those who worked in the industry to come back and pick up a few shifts at their local – we would especially encourage older workers with their years of experience to step back behind the bar,” Mr Green said.
Anyone whose certification expired from February 2020 can renew their RSA, or RSA and RCG together, for free, until February 2023 without having to retrain in full.

Since February this year more than 16,000 people have completed free RSA and RCG refresher courses through Liquor & Gaming NSW.

The NSW Government has introduced a bill into Parliament today to ban the public displays of Nazi symbols and to provide further safeguards against hate speech and vilification.

Attorney General Mark Speakman said the Government’s Bill will amend the Crimes Act 1900 to create a new offence of knowingly displaying, by public act and without reasonable excuse, a Nazi symbol.

“Hateful and vilifying conduct is completely unacceptable in our community,” Mr Speakman said.

“This Bill recognises that the public display of Nazi symbols is generally considered abhorrent, except in very limited circumstances such as for education purposes, and causes profound offence and distress.

“Under the proposed amendments, the maximum penalty for the new offence will be 12 months’ imprisonment or a $11,000 fine or both for an individual; or a fine of $55,000 for a corporation.”

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the Bill expressly states that the display of a swastika in connection with Buddhism, Hinduism or Jainism will not constitute the display of a Nazi symbol.

“The swastika has been an ancient symbol of peace, prosperity and auspiciousness for these spiritual groups for thousands of years. This Bill reflects stakeholder feedback that the offence should not apply to a swastika displayed in connection with Buddhism, Hinduism or Jainism,” Mr Coure said.

“Symbols that incite hate and are used to deliberately rally people to follow evil ideologies have no place in our multicultural society, or anywhere for that matter, and that is why this Bill will criminalise the displaying of Nazi symbols.”

In addition, the Bill provides that it is not an offence to display of a Nazi symbol where there is a reasonable excuse, including artistic, academic or educational purposes or any other purpose in the public interest.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Member for Vaucluse, Gabrielle Upton said the Government Bill will respond to reports of rising incidents of unacceptable anti-Semitic and far-right extremist activities in NSW.

“I have long advocated to the NSW Government that we take divisive action to stop such incidents and now, gratifyingly, the NSW Government has acted, Ms Upton said.

“Importantly, the Bill strikes a careful balance between protecting free speech in a robust democracy and the need to shield individuals and the community from hateful vilification and violent ideology.”

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Darren Bark said Nazi symbols “are a threat to the entire NSW community” and represent a “sinister underbelly” in our state.

“In recent years we have seen a surge in the use of these symbols by right-wing extremists and for other faith-based attacks, both in-person and online,” Mr Bark said.

“Hate has no place in our tolerant multicultural society.

“Nazi symbols are a gateway to violence and vilification, and this historic legislation will ensure those who are here to cause harm in our community are dealt with under the law.

“The Jewish Board of Deputies was incredibly proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Hindu community to ensure this important legislation is passed.”

A new independent casino regulator is the centrepiece of the NSW Government’s landmark casino reforms to be introduced to Parliament.
 
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government will introduce a suite of tough new measures which deliver on the Government’s commitment to support all 19 recommendations of the Bergin Inquiry.
 
These measures will reform the casino industry, including establishing a NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) which will have enhanced and wide-ranging compliance and enforcement powers.
 
“A dedicated Chief Commissioner will be appointed to lead the NICC. They will be supported by up to four additional Commissioners, including at least one with specialist anti-money laundering expertise,” Mr Anderson.
 
A multi-agency coordination committee will be set up to oversee and guide the regulatory efforts of the NICC, and identify collaborations with police and the Crime Commission, in areas such as money laundering. 
 
In addition to the NICC, the NSW Government will introduce a series of regulatory measures which directly address recommendations of the Bergin Inquiry including:

• A ban on casinos dealing with junket operators;
• An independent monitor and auditor for every casino licence holder appointed by the NICC;
• Requiring casino licence holders to submit suspicious activity reports to both AUSTRAC and the NICC; and
• Strict new requirements for casino operators to monitor patron accounts for criminal activity and perform due diligence on customers including identifying the source of player funds before they can gamble.

 
“These reforms will ensure the people of NSW have confidence that casino operations are free from criminal influence. We are rebuilding the regulatory framework for casinos in NSW from the ground up with stringent new controls to prevent money laundering and other criminal activity,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“The Government has made it clear that casinos in NSW must strictly comply with the reforms and operate with the highest standards of integrity. Anything less than 100 per cent compliance will not be tolerated.” 

Households are being reminded to spend any remaining Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers, with the 30 June deadline just around the corner.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the program has been a game changer for local businesses and families.
 
“The vouchers have been an overwhelming success, by getting more customers through doors of businesses and boosting household budgets,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“The program has served its intended purpose by supporting our local hospitality, cultural and entertainment businesses, all of which were hit hard by the pandemic.
 
“Across the State, almost half a billion dollars has been invested across 16,600 businesses, but there is still money to be redeemed.
 
“My message to the community is simple – don’t miss out. Check to see if you have any vouchers remaining and spend them now.
 
“Whether you’re going to a restaurant with friends, checking out a new movie or taking the kids to a museum, there is money to be saved.
 
“We thank all those businesses which have participated and the people of NSW for embracing the program and supporting local businesses.”
 
More than 5.4 million customers registered for the program, receiving three $25 Dine NSW and three $25 Discover NSW Vouchers.
 
After 30 June, Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers will move to the expired tab of the vouchers section in the Service NSW app but Discover NSW registered business can still accept Parents NSW Vouchers until 9 October 2022.
 
Stay NSW Vouchers, which assist the accommodation sector, are also available until 9 October.
 
Businesses with questions about the end of the program are encouraged to speak with their dedicated business concierge, call 13 77 88 or visit the Service NSW website.
 
Customers needing more information can visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/dine-discover-nsw
 
Top 10 local government areas with the most unclaimed money.
 

LGA	Unclaimed Money
Central Coast	$13,688,575
Blacktown	$13,247,350
Canterbury-Bankstown	$12,858,025
Northern Beaches	$10,733,100
Sydney	$9,915,975
Parramatta	$8,925,475
Sutherland Shire	$8,837,750
Cumberland	$8,748,125
Wollongong	$8,519,950
Liverpool	$8,382,975

Children and young people in the Northern Beaches will benefit from significantly enhanced mental health services with a $11.4 million investment under the 2022-23 NSW Budget.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the funding will be used to expand hospital and community services, including establishing acute paediatric specialist mental health beds at Northern Beaches Hospital and supporting local community mental health and drug and alcohol treatment services.
 
“This significant additional funding for child and youth mental health services on the Beaches will help ensure the appropriate treatment and support is available to young people and their families in a more timely manner,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“This will significantly increase capacity and reduce wait times by enabling a comprehensive child and youth mental health service to operate on the Beaches seven days a week as well as the establishment of a new youth drug and alcohol treatment service.”
 
The $11.4 million for child and youth mental health services in the Northern Beaches includes:

• $7.5 million to establish four dedicated acute paediatric specialist mental health beds at Northern Beaches Hospital, which will provide for the establishment and operation of the beds.
• $1.4 million to employ additional staff, including senior multi-disciplinary clinicians, to support Northern Beaches Child Youth Mental Health Service in the Brookvale Community Health Centre.
• $1.1 million to recruit additional staff, including peer workers and clinicians, to support and operate the Northern Beaches Youth Response Team service out of Mona Vale Community Health Centre seven days a week.
• $1 million to develop a new youth drug and alcohol community treatment service in Northern Sydney Local Health District, including employing senior medical, nursing and allied health clinicians to operate the service.
• $365,000 to provide a full-time child and youth psychiatrist at Northern Beaches Hospital.

 
The Youth Response Team (YRT) is based at Macquarie Hospital in North Ryde and provides outreach services to young people across the region, including the Northern Beaches, which is one of the highest users of the service, comprising about 40 per cent of referrals to the outreach service. The YRT has a 97 per cent success rate of diverting young people from emergency departments.
 
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said youth mental health and suicide prevention is a high priority for the NSW Government as demand for support has been increasing over the past couple of years.
 
“We have seen a significant increase in mental health and self-harm presentations for young people to emergency departments across NSW,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“In response, the NSW Government has been investing significantly in improving child and youth mental health services and supports to reduce the number of mental health presentations.
 
“This includes the establishment of 25 ‘Safeguards’ Child and Adolescent Mental Health Response Teams, which will provide rapid, short-term acute care for children and adolescents, a much-needed alternative to hospital and one that will reduce repeated emergency department attendances, with at least one team currently operating in Northern Sydney LHD.”
 
The NSW Government is investing $2.9 billion to provide mental health services and support for people across NSW as part of the 2022-2023 NSW Budget.

Flood-affected communities across NSW will be able to obtain free legal advice as a result of a $3 million funding investment to aid ongoing relief and recovery.

Commonwealth Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the Commonwealth funding would ensure people recovering from the NSW floods can access critical legal support and advice.

“This significant investment will help to deliver free, practical legal advice in areas such as tenancy, insurance, debts, employment and family violence,” Mr Dreyfus said.

NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman said the floods have taken an immense toll on communities in Northern NSW and the Hawkesbury region.

“This funding injection, allocated by the NSW Government, will help people in these flood impacted communities receive the legal support they need to get their lives back on track,” Mr Speakman said.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the funding will be divided between Legal Aid NSW’s Disaster Response Legal Service, the Tenants’ Union of NSW, Western Sydney Community Legal Centre and Justice Connect.

“A total of 60 local government areas across NSW were impacted by flooding in February and March and it’s important we have the right support in place to help flood-affected residents access the legal advice and assistance they need,” Ms Cooke said.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said flood impacted areas are still recovering.

“Navigating complex paperwork after a natural disaster can be very overwhelming, and this support will ensure communities have access to much-needed resources,” Senator Watt said.

This funding is in addition to a $680,000 funding boost provided to the Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre (NRCLC) in April 2022, to help the NRCLC deliver critical legal services to people recovering from the flood crisis.

Further information about the services being provided by the legal assistance sector in response to the floods can be found at www.disasterhelp.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or at https://www.clcnsw.org.au/legal-help-flood-affected-communities-nsw-2022.

The NSW Government will take another crucial step towards dismantling organised crime with new powers and tougher penalties targeting money laundering and unexplained wealth.
 
The reforms represent the State’s toughest ever laws targeting organised crime and will see NSW introduce world-leading legislation targeting the use of dedicated encrypted communication devices by criminals to avoid law enforcement.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the reforms were designed to strike organised crime networks at their financial base, stopping criminals from profiting from their actions and incapacitating them financially.
 
“Organised crime is all about drug supply and money – and to truly shut it down we need to shut down the flow of dollars that fuels it,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“These reforms will better arm law enforcement with the powers they need to confiscate unexplained wealth and create new offences and tougher penalties for those seeking to launder money derived from criminal activity.
 
“Organised crime and the technologies that criminals use to operate are always changing and evolving, and these reforms will put our state in the strongest position to deal with these insidious crimes.”
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said these laws give police tough new powers to infiltrate organised criminal networks which increasingly rely on dedicated encrypted devices to avoid detection by law enforcement.
 
“We know these devices are being used to plan serious crimes like drugs and firearms smuggling, money laundering and even murder. These reforms will make it an offence to possess these kinds of devices and allow us to better target high-risk individuals from using them to orchestrate crime,” Mr Toole said.  
  
“Organised crime in this State is on notice. If you think you can hide the ill-gotten gains of crime, you are wrong. If you think you can avoid detection by using encrypted devices, you are wrong.”
 
The reforms announced today include:
 

• New powers to confiscate unlawfully acquired assets of major convicted drug traffickers
• Enhanced powers to target and confiscate unexplained wealth from criminal gangs
• Expanded powers to stop and search for unexplained wealth and more effectively investigate organised crime
• New prohibition orders to target high-risk individuals likely to use dedicated encrypted devices to avoid law enforcement

 
Acting Commissioner David Hudson said the reforms would significantly assist police in the fight against organised crime. 
 
“Organised criminal networks and the technologies they use to coordinate their illegal activities are forever evolving,” Acting Commissioner Hudson said. 
 
“These networks go to great lengths to hide from the eyes of law enforcement, but we intend to use every power possible to fully investigate those suspected of serious crimes and put a stop to their activity. 
 
“Today’s announcement will significantly increase our ability to target every element of these criminal networks – including the wealth and assets gained from their illegal activities – to keep the broader community safe.”
 
Legislation to underpin the new reforms will be introduced when NSW Parliament returns for the Spring session.

The Public Service Association has today slammed the NSW Government’s plan to hit striking workers with draconian fines, with the union emphasising that shooting the messengers won’t fix the state’s many problems.

Minister for Employee Relations Damien Tudehope today announced he would increase the maximum penalties for striking in response to the industrial unrest created by his government.

Public Service Association of NSW General Secretary, Stewart Little, said the government had created the problem by mismanaging public services and grabbing power from the independent Industrial Relations Commission.

“The state government created this situation when they snatched power from the independent Industrial Relations Commission, which has successfully managed industrial issues for decades,” Mr Little said.

“This government has mismanaged and underfunded public services. It has sacked and mistreated frontline workers. It’s spent a decade lighting a hundred separate bin fires across the state and now Damien Tudehope reckons he can bully frontline workers into staying silent about them.

“Public sector workers have a deep sense of public duty and they don’t strike lightly. They’ll only take industrial action when a government has mismanaged things to the point of crisis.

“If Damien Tudehope reckons he can shoot the messenger he’s mistaken.

“New South Wales is already one of only a few democracies on earth where workers get fined for exercising the human right to strike. The fact this government thinks it’s now appropriate to tighten the screws on workers speaks volumes.”