Category: NSW News

4,572 new patients have taken advantage of the increased financial assistance available to people in regional communities who need to travel long distances to receive specialist care.
 
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said more than 1,000 additional patients per month have lodged claims under the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) since August 1, when the NSW Government’s $149.5 million funding boost came into effect.
 
“We know there were people in our regional and rural communities who were not seeking the care they needed because of the high cost of travel and accommodation,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“With the increased subsidies now available, many of these people are now receiving life-changing treatment.
 
“This crucial program is helping to ensure that no matter where you live in NSW, you can access the healthcare you need.”
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the subsidy for people requiring accommodation has almost doubled, while the NSW Government has also almost doubled the private vehicle subsidy rate from 22 cents to 40 cents per kilometre for patients who have to travel more than 100 kilometres for care.
 
“As well as receiving more money back, additional patients are now eligible to apply,” Mr Kean said.
 
“It’s great to see so many more people receiving help to ease the financial burden of travel and accommodation, and we want even more patients to come forward and use IPTAAS.”
 
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said patients attending non-commercial clinical trials, high-risk foot clinics, highly specialised publicly funded dental health clinics and ocularists can now access funding thanks to the expansion.
 
“It is fantastic that as a Government we are able to help reduce the financial burden of regional NSW patients and their families when travelling for treatment,” Mr Singh said.
 
“If you are paying travel and accommodation and you haven’t heard about this program I encourage you to check your eligibility as it could save you thousands of dollars.”
 
Armidale couple Pat and Robert Hanson thought they’d have to budget for large travel and accommodation costs when Robert learned he needed cancer treatment in Coffs Harbour.
 
“When Robert was diagnosed with cancer, it was a very stressful and overwhelming time as Robert’s treatment was going to be in Coffs Harbour, 180km away, and he needed six weeks of radiation treatment,” Mrs Hanson said.
 
“IPTAAS allowed us to travel and stay in Coffs Harbour for that time without needing Robert to drive back and forth, which was a huge relief. It covered our petrol and our accommodation at the hospital, saving us around $3,000.”
 
Community-based charity Can Assist provides financial support to cancer patients living in rural and regional areas to help access treatment and care.
 
“I can’t put into words the weight I see lifted when patients and our volunteers realise what the increase in IPTAAS rebates means for them,” Can Assist Executive Director Emma Phillips said.
 
The NSW Government is launching a comprehensive awareness campaign to promote the benefits of the expanded scheme, which will include flyers, fact sheets, an updated website and social media posts targeting existing, new and potential patients and their families and carers.
 
In addition, NSW Health is continuing to review and streamline the IPTAAS application processes to make it easier for patients to lodge claims.

The NSW Government has today announced two new initiatives to increase the number of women working in leading roles as the State continues to increase its uplift in Cyber Security.

Speaking at the 2022 NSW Government Cyber Security Showcase, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello announced 11 new $15,000 sponsorships for women across the NSW Government to increase their cyber security skills and that Cyber Security NSW would sponsor the Australian Women in Security Network, a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting and growing the number of women in the security community.

“These initiatives are designed to boost the number of women in cyber security and to help expand the recipients’ skills, whether in the technical, policy, governance or intelligence areas of the industry,” Mr Dominello said.

“With this investment we can upskill our workforce and offer new and exciting opportunities our candidates might have not considered in the past.

“While Cyber Security NSW is one of the leading agencies at the forefront of female participation in the industry, just like cyber security itself, this work is not set and forget.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Government is shifting the dial and increasing the participation of women in traditionally male dominated industries.

“The NSW Government is committed to understanding the challenges women face when looking to succeed in emerging high-value industries like Cyber-Security,” Mrs Taylor said.

“We know that when women and girls feel comfortable and welcome in an industry, they stick with it, so initiatives that support and encourage women to pursue their dreams are so important.

“My message to all women considering a future in cyber security is that we need you, we value you and your contribution to this space is crucial.”

NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer Tony Chapman said the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) is ideal the organisation for Cyber Security NSW sponsorship.

“The AWSN aims to increase the number of women entering, working in, and leading Australia’s security industry, in turn inspiring women to pursue a career in security and helping build the Australian pipeline of talented security professionals,” Mr Chapman said.

“The NSW Cyber Security Strategy has forecast that almost 17,000 new cyber security jobs will be needed by 2026.”
For more information about Cyber Security NSW visit: https://www.digital.nsw.gov.au/policy/cyber-security

Further efforts to relieve demand on emergency departments with expanded urgent care services are a step closer today, with expressions of interest now open.
 
The urgent care services, a joint commitment  of the  NSW and Victorian governments, can help ease pressure on emergency departments by giving people faster care for urgent but non-critical conditions and free up critical resources for patients with more serious needs.
 
As a result of the expression of interest process, it is expected that urgent care services will be enhanced in Western Sydney. Existing urgent care services are located in Wentworthville, Rouse Hill, Marsden Park and Castle Hill.
 
A total of 25 urgent care services will operate across New South Wales, with the expression of interest process to fill the remaining  sites. 
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government was stepping up to provide a service which supports the primary care sector and reduces pressure on emergency departments.
 
“We know the Federal Government is looking at providing more support for GPs and primary care but we need to act now to continue to make the NSW health system the best in Australia,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“Demand on emergency departments nationwide is at unprecedented levels, with many thousands of people presenting for treatment as they haven’t been able to see a GP, and often they don’t require emergency care.
 
“This initiative will help give people with non-critical conditions convenient and streamlined care.”
 
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said by expanding our urgent care services, the NSW Government is bridging the gap between GP Practices and hospitals.
 
“More people than ever are presenting to our hospitals, and with COVID still in our community, our health services are understandably under pressure,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“We need to be bold and try different things to improve health outcomes in our communities and that is exactly what this initiative will achieve.
 
“By expanding the footprint of urgent care services across NSW, we will ensure that people can get the high quality care they need for less serious conditions and also free up space in our emergency departments.”
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the latest quarterly BHI figures reveal almost 375,000 people attending our EDs – almost half of all those coming in for treatment – were for non-critical conditions.
 
“Our health staff will always triage the most urgent and life-threatening cases first, which means less urgent cases who could get their treatment at a GP, end up waiting,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“The expanded urgent care services, which include partnerships with General Practitioners, aim to free up those critical resources in our emergency departments for patients with more serious needs.”
 
Under the joint commitment with Victoria, 25 urgent care services will operate in each state for extended hours to offer more care outside the hospital system.
 
These services will be well equipped to handle conditions such as sprains, broken bones, wounds, insect bites and minor ear and eye problems. Patients will not be charged, and patients without a Medicare card will also have access free of charge.
 
Urgent care services can be delivered through a variety of models. Expressions of interest are being sought from local health districts, specialty health networks, and from general practices through primary health networks.
 
Further information on NSW Urgent Care Services is available at www.health.nsw.gov.au/urgentcare

A safe and permanent home for our most vulnerable children is critical to ensure our state’s young people are supported for the best start in life.
 
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said that the NSW Government is working closely with the out-of-home care sector to  improve and increase understanding of the guardianship and open adoption experience.
 
“A stable and loving home can have life-changing benefits for children and is the foundation for a happy and healthy life,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“Every child in NSW deserves to grow up in a nurturing, supportive home. This National Adoption and Permanency Awareness Month we are asking for those who can to open their homes and make open adoption a reality for a child in need.”
 
Open adoption and guardianship are just two permanency options for a loving home for children and young people.
 
The My Forever Family NSW program, delivered by Adopt Change, provides support for prospective adoptive parents, guardians, foster and kinship carers.
 
Renée Carter, Adopt Change CEO said becoming a carer means opening your homes and lives to provide the everyday experiences of childhood in a safe and stable environment.
 
“Every child needs a home where they are safe and supported. There are more homes needed across Australia and indeed here in NSW. This month while we recognise permanent families through adoption and other care options, we will also be seeking out more families to open their homes for children in need,” Ms Carter said.
 
“Adopt Change are heartened by the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting safe, nurturing and permanent family homes for children, and the provision of supports for children to thrive and heal from trauma through the My Forever Family NSW program.”
 
For more information about open adoption visit, facs.nsw.gov.au/families/adoption. To start your carer journey today, enquire online dcjnsw.info/becomingacarer.

The NSW Government is celebrating major milestones with Sydney Metro – 50 million commuter trips since opening three years ago and the start of passenger services on the first of 23 new trains for the next stage of Australia’s biggest public transport project.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said 50 million passenger journeys made it very clear that commuters across Sydney’s north-west had embraced travelling on the Metro. 

“Last night we hit another major milestone as new driverless trains for the Sydney Metro City and Southwest project join the existing North West Metro Line trains, following a rigorous testing regime,” Mr Elliott said.

“Most of the new trains for the Sydney Metro City and Southwest project have been delivered and undergone rigorous operational testing with four, which have completed all testing and commissioning, joining the North West Metro fleet this week.

“Once the testing program is completed, all 23 new trains are expected to be in service on the North West Metro Line in the first half of next year, doubling the number of trains on the network and providing customers with additional flexibility. 

“Sydney Metro is a city-shaping project that will transform how this city moves, with metro trains able to take more people across the Harbour in the busiest hour of the peak than the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel combined. This new fleet will ensure commuters have access to metro services every four minutes from Rouse Hill to the heart of Sydney.” 

The testing and commissioning confirms each train meets stringent design and operational requirements and adheres to Sydney Metro’s strict safety standards, including completing a minimum of 500 kilometres of travel prior to integration into passenger services.

Once the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line is connected with the operational line at Chatswood, trains will begin testing in the 15.5km twin tunnels under Sydney Harbour and through the seven new city stations. 

NSW continues to build its reputation as the top place in Australia to own and drive an electric vehicle (EV) with transit lane concessions to continue for another 12 months.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said EVs will be permitted to drive in transit lanes until 31 October 2023.

“Allowing EVs to drive in transit lanes builds on other initiatives from the Perrottet Government to incentivise uptake including rebates, phasing out stamp duty and building a world-class charging network to support these vehicles,” Mr Kean said.

“Through these initiatives, we have seen an 84 per cent increase in EVs in NSW since last year, the fastest growth in Australia, and we are confident this trend will continue.

“This is part of the NSW Government’s EV Strategy which is backed by a $633 million investment to accelerate the uptake of EVs and de-carbonise the state-owned vehicle fleet.”

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said allowing EVs to drive in transit lanes, regardless of the number of occupants, was yet another incentive for drivers to opt for vehicles of the future.

“Drivers of EVs are able to use the transit lanes to cut travel times which is another great reason to take up these vehicles in addition to the more than half a billion dollars in tax cuts and incentives being invested by the NSW Government over the next four years,” Mrs Ward said.

“EVs are an investment in our future, not only in the massive reduction in emissions, but also in savings on fuel and ongoing costs for drivers.”

For more information about the strategy and the NSW Government EV strategy, visit www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/nsw-governments-electric-vehicle-strategy

Global ratings agency Fitch has reaffirmed NSW’s triple-A credit rating with a stable outlook, the latest vote of confidence in the State’s financial management.
 
NSW is the only state in Australia with two triple-A credit ratings, with Moody’s also assigning a triple-A rating in September. Last month, S&P Global maintained the State’s double-A plus rating with a stable outlook. 
 
Treasurer Matt Kean, who will this week meet with Moody’s in London to discuss the economic outlook and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk factors, said the result was proof of the State’s strong fiscal management. 
 
“New South Wales remains the only state in Australia with a Moody’s and Fitch triple-A credit rating,” Mr Kean said.
 
“The State’s strong financial management has supported our credit rating and enabled the Government to continue to deliver on its record $112.7 billion infrastructure program.  NSW remains on track to return to surplus in 2024-25.”  
 
The State’s net debt is projected to stabilise at about 14 per cent of Gross State Product by June 2026, compared with a projected 26.5 per cent for Victoria at 30 June 2026.
Mr Kean, in his meeting with Moody’s, will discuss the direction of fiscal policy post-COVID and the most pressing credit risks for NSW.

The NSW Government will be responsible for assessing three planning proposals that could unlock around 19,000 new homes, and secure the protection and implementation of important koala corridors, in Appin, Gilead and North Appin.

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the Government was fast-tracking the assessment of three large, complex and interrelated proposals, as part of the Government’s $2.8 billion package to improve housing supply in NSW.

“In addition to potentially providing much-needed housing, these proposals will improve outcomes for the area’s koala population, one of only a few disease-free populations in NSW,” Mr Roberts said.

“Setting up koala corridors is a key part of our conservation efforts to make sure koalas can safely move around, and these proposals could help secure and implement koala plans identified in the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan.”

Mr Roberts said while planning proposals are normally lodged with councils in the first instance, the State will assess these proposals given their combined significance, complexity, and strong housing and environmental benefits if approved.

“The Department of Planning and Environment will undertake the assessment of these proposals, which are all located in the Greater Macarthur Growth Area, so councils don’t need to. However, it will be required to work closely with councils and other agencies to resolve any potential issues,” he said.

“Nothing about the assessment process changes including the important need for community consultation.”

The three proposals which are expected to be lodged shortly are:

• A 1,284-hectare site to support around 12,900 new homes, including affordable housing, and help secure new important koala corridors (Walker Corporation);
• A 300-hectare site for up to 3,000 new homes and help secure and implement a koala corridor along Ousedale Creek (Ingham’s Property Group); and
• An 876-hectare site for up to 3,300 new homes, a school, public open space and environmental conservation land, and land dedicated for several koala corridors, that all implement the advice of the NSW Chief Scientist (Lendlease).

The NSW Government’s highly successful education campaign, empowering young people to check consent before engaging in sexual activity, has been relaunched today in the lead up to the end of year party season.
 
The expansion of the Make No Doubt campaign follows the success of phase 3 of the social and digital media campaign which ran from May to August this year and has recorded more than 46.75 million impressions to date.
 
Attorney General Mark Speakman said independent research commissioned to assess the campaign’s impact on 16-24 year olds shows that it is changing attitudes and behaviours in relation to seeking consent.
 
“The Make No Doubt videos are designed to ensure people are empowered to check consent every time they engage in sexual activity,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“This is especially important for 16-24 year olds who have a higher risk of sexual assault perpetration and victimisation. It’s about making sure that when people engage in sexual activity, they are taking part voluntarily and are choosing to say ‘yes’.
 
“The feedback on the campaign has been very positive. I thank the many stakeholders who provided valuable feedback and support during its development, particularly Saxon Mullins, Rachael Burgin and Chanel Contos.”
 
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the relaunch of the Make No Doubt campaign builds on the NSW Government’s strong reforms to ensure consent needs to be given freely and voluntarily.
 
“We have listened extensively to victim-survivors about how we can improve our response to sexual violence, including how to boost education for the community on what constitutes consent,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“This campaign is empowering people to make the right choices and is making it clear that you need to check consent every time you engage in sexual activity.
 
“The NSW Government’s consent laws set clear boundaries for consensual sex and this campaign will help ensure even more people understand what they need to do to have healthy, respectful relationships.”
 
Survivor Advocate and Director of Rape & Sexual Assault Research & Advocacy, Saxon Mullins welcomed the expansion of the Make No Doubt campaign.
 
“It’s important that we continue to have open conversations about consent that don’t trivialise or obscure it,” Ms Mullins said.
 
“The extension of the Make No Doubt campaign keeps the conversation going. The more people who see these videos, the better we’ll all be.”
 
Chanel Contos, CEO & Founder of Teach Us Consent Movement, said the independent research shows that the campaign is clearly having an impact.
 
“The fact that 81% of people, and 83% of young men, who saw the campaign have already taken some form of positive action in relation to consent, speaks volumes to the success of this campaign,” Ms Contos said.
 
“Public education campaigns like this are crucial as we strive for cultural change. I hope this is one of many.”
The video ads will run on social media and digital channels, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok plus some new channels including Twitch and online dating platforms.
 
The NSW Government debuted Make No Doubt in 2018 and followed up with a second phase in 2019. Phase 3 of Make No Doubt ran for 12 weeks from 25 May 2022. 
 
The new campaign will run from today until January 2023.
 
The videos are the product of months of consultation with numerous stakeholders, including sexual violence service providers and community groups.
 
Make No Doubt campaign videos and images available here.

The ‘Class of 2022’ will be given the opportunity to access fee-free training to help them rapidly gain new skills for summer jobs in industries experiencing labour shortages such as hospitality, construction and early childhood education.
 
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the Summer Skills program will deliver 4,000 fee-free courses, with a focus on school leavers, as part of the NSW Government’s record $3.1 billion investment in skills and training.
 
“If you’re completing your HSC, now is the perfect time to get skilled for free and jump straight into a well-paid and rewarding job over the summer,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“This program is helping people boost their budget by slashing course costs, so that young people can get the skills they need for the jobs they want – whether that’s to kick start a career or earn money while they study.
 
“It will also help businesses address labour shortages so that they can employ more people and have a bumper summer.”
 
Summer Skills courses will be available for people between 16 and 24 who have left school through TAFE NSW and other registered training organisations.
 
Business NSW Executive Director David Harding said there has never been a better time for young people to get a job and this program will help them get the new skills they need.
 
“Businesses across NSW are crying out for staff as we head into summer and school leavers looking to get their start in the workforce will be welcomed by employers,” Mr Harding said. 
 
“Whether that be pulling beers, a role in childcare or caring for older Aussies, getting our kids into a job sets them up for a bright future.”
 
For more information, visit www.skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/summer-skills.