Category: NSW News

A program to improve education and career outcomes for high school students will be expanded to schools across NSW over the next two years, thanks to a $13.5 million investment from the NSW Government.
The Educational Pathways Program (EPP) introduces students to different post-school study and employment options, and will expand from 24 schools to up to 139 public schools across NSW from next year.
The program has been extremely successful since it was introduced in 2020, with the number of students enrolling in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships tripling across the schools participating in the pilot.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said investing in career education and skills training for young people was key to keeping the NSW economy strong into the future.
“Encouraging the next generation to consider an apprenticeship or traineeship through this program will help to reduce future skills shortages and create a highly employable workforce,” Mr Lee said.
“Through this program, a growing number of Year 10, 11 and 12 students are earning and starting their career in industry while learning new skills in the classroom.”
“The program is about exposing school students to the different directions they can take in their career so they can make informed and confident decisions.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government was supporting high school students looking to take the first step in their career.
“Greater Year 12 retention, increased completion of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, and increased participation in post-school education are just some of the benefits of the program,” Ms Mitchell said.
Secondary public schools in the Illawarra, New England and North West, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven, as well as Western Sydney suburbs of Parramatta and Blacktown, will have access to the Educational Pathways Program in 2022.
The NSW Government’s investment in the Education Pathways  Program will fund:

• Strengthened career guidance and support for school students under specialist teachers for school based apprentices and trainees.
• Immersion programs with Registered Training Organisations, including TAFE NSW, to give high school students ‘vocational tasters’ of different industries.
• Workshops to teach students employability skills, such as how to prepare for a job interview, how to communicate with employers, and how to manage their online presence.
• Dedicated careers support to connect students to local employers and jobs.

For more information on the EPP visit: https://tinyurl.com/52383fsy

After more than 100 days of restrictions NSW will tomorrow take its first steps back to normal life.
Families and friends will be planning catch-ups while cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and other businesses are busy re-stocking their fridges, dusting off their tables and chairs as we prepare to safely re-open the economy and get businesses back on their feet and people back into jobs.
Businesses will open to customers on Monday, 11 October, with patrons required to demonstrate they have been double-vaccinated and are willing to comply with physical-distance requirements.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said tomorrow is the first step in seeing some restrictions lift for those who are double-vaccinated, and for businesses around the state to re-open and get the NSW economy back to business.
“There is a sense of optimism out there with thousands of businesses across the State busy preparing to open their doors tomorrow. NSW you’ve earned this.” Mr Perrottet said.
“As we re-open after more than 100 days we ask everyone to treat staff with kindness and respect when they ask you to check-in or see your vaccination certificate.
“Following these simple measures will help keep us all safe and keep us moving forward out of the pandemic.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres welcomed the reopening and reminded people to act responsibly when going out.
“NSW has pulled together to get our vaccination rate to more than 70 per cent, which means we can begin the reopening process. We need the same spirit of cooperation to keep people safe and ensure that venues remain open.
“Like many people, I can’t wait to have a beer and a schnitty at my local, but we all have a responsibility to stick by the rules. Book ahead, check-in with your QR code, show proof of vaccination, be respectful to staff and look after each other.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said it is vital that NSW residents continue to roll up their sleeves to push the state’s rates of double vaccination even higher.
“The community has done a fantastic job to reach the 70 per cent double dose target, but we must keep going. We want to get to as close to 100 per cent double vaccination as possible to keep everyone safe,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Vaccination is our greatest weapon against the virus, together with social distancing, hand sanitising, mask wearing and getting tested when we have symptoms – which all remain important as we navigate our way out of this pandemic.”
Digital and Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello encouraged people to have their vaccination status ready to go.
“There are already three ways to get a copy of your vaccine certificate, through the Express Plus Medicare app, the digital wallet on their phone or a paper certificate from Services Australia,” Mr Dominello said
“We have successfully started testing the integration of the vaccine certificate into the ServiceNSW app and are expanding the pilot into the regions this week which is exciting. Until then, please ensure you have your proof of vaccination ready.
“The nsw.gov.au website has all the materials needed to help businesses re-open safely and we have proactively sent out information packs to help make the transition as easy as possible.”
Businesses can find all the resources that they need to ensure they are complying with the 70 per cent roadmap here: COVID Safe business | NSW Government.
To find out how to download a copy of your vaccination certificate visit Services Australia website.
If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible.
For the latest information visit the COVID-19 pages on nsw.gov.au.
To view the 70 per cent Roadmap and lifting of restrictions, visit nsw.gov.au.

Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga and Lismore customers will be the first to display their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate on the Service NSW app, with the NSW Government pilot of the technology underway.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the regional pilot starting Monday would focus on staff and visitors at a number of clubs and aged-care facilities, as well as selected taxi companies.
“Up to 500 customers, to be selected by the businesses involved, will participate in the pilot across Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga and Lismore,” Mr Toole said.
“Customers will have the convenience of checking in to a venue and showing proof of vaccination status on the one app. This is NSW leading the way with a pilot in the regions and helping to make life easier for our communities in the roadmap out of COVID.”
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said while it was currently possible to display your vaccination certificate, given there were over 6 million people using the ServiceNSW app this was a smart extra service for the citizens of NSW.
“There are already three ways to download your vaccination passport so this is about making life easier for the people and business of NSW as we safely open back up,” Mr Dominello said.
“In a week of being granted access to the Australian Immunisation Register information we have already begun successfully testing internally ahead of this regional pilot but we also need to ensure we have the right checks and balances in place.”
The ServiceNSW app will include a number of security measures to help compliance officers and businesses with checking and validating a customer’s vaccination status, including a NSW Waratah logo hologram and rotating QR codes, similar to the Digital Driver Licence.
“Integrating the vaccine certificate onto the ServiceNSW app will be optional,” Mr Dominello said.
“Customers can also use the Express Plus Medicare app, the digital wallet on their phone or a paper certificate from Services Australia to prove their vaccination status.
“I would like to thank the Federal Government, in particular Minister Stuart Robert, for his support and collaboration in making this happen.
“Integrating the vaccine certificate also helps future proof our State’s digital infrastructure in the event that proof of vaccination is ever required again.”
To integrate a COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate with the ServiceNSW app, customers will need to have a Federal MyGov account with Medicare linked and the Express Plus Medicare app. Customers without a smartphone should contact Services Australia for a non-digital option.
For more information, please visit nsw.gov.au

As summer approaches and COVID-19 restrictions ease, more than 20,000 surf lifesavers are getting ready to welcome beachgoers and keep them safe by patrolling the State’s shores in the iconic red and yellow.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined Steven Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW, and lifesavers at Queenscliff Beach today to raise the red and yellow flags and inspect one of the 20 new Emergency Rescue Beacons (ERBs) rolled out along the State’s coastline.
Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) will be utilising a range of new technology including drones (UAVs) and the new ERBs this summer to ensure all beachgoers are safe in the water as well as on the sand. This is part of the NSW Government’s record $16 million investment in SLSNSW over four years.
“While our State’s surf lifesavers begun patrolling on 18 September, in the midst of the most recent lockdown period, it is only this week that the rest of NSW can make a long-awaited return to our beaches,” Mr Elliott said.
“This year 20 new ERBs have been rolled out at unpatrolled locations, to provide an added layer of protection for anyone enjoying NSW beaches, directly connecting people to the SLSNSW State Operations Centre in the case of an emergency.”
Mr Pearce said with the stay-at-home travel restrictions being lifted this week, they are expecting large crowds at the beaches.
“With 129 patrolled locations there is plenty of beautiful coastline for everyone to re-discover and enjoy,” Mr Pearce said.
“Please don’t take unnecessary risks that could put your life and those you love in danger as well as put unnecessary strain on our volunteers. We are prepared but we need the cooperation of everyone to keep our beaches safe for everyone to enjoy.”
The Surf Lifesaving Patrol season runs until Sunday 25 April 2021. For the latest updates on COVID-19 beach safety advice, visit the Surf Life Saving website.

The NSW Police Force has welcomed 226 police recruits after they were sworn in as probationary constables at a ceremony in Goulburn today.
The new police recruits were sworn in at an attestation parade in Goulburn today, attended by Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM and Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman. The probationary officers will be assigned to Police Area Commands and Police Districts across the state after taking their oath of office.
“Congratulations to the men and women of class 349, who graduate today and will join the NSW Police Force at its strongest and most efficient. We wish our newest recruits well for the future as they embark on a rewarding career,” Mr Elliott said.
“After eight months of world-class training, the attesting officers will join their stations next Monday and invigorate the policing capabilities of this state.”
“The NSW Government is investing $583 million to introduce 1500 extra police over four years to enhance community safety and $60 million to upgrade the Police Academy at Goulburn,” he said.
Commissioner Fuller welcomed the latest intake of probationary constables.
“Over the past two years, police have played a vital role in leading the community through the pandemic and I have been extraordinarily proud of the dedication and service of all of my men and women in blue,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“I commend our newest probationary constables for embarking on a career in policing.
“The challenges they will face may not yet be known, but I can assure them that they will part of a large policing family. They have just reached an important milestone in what will no doubt be a very rewarding career,” he said.
Class 349 includes 153 men and 73 women. A total of 34 recruits were born overseas in countries including Brazil, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Iraq, Germany, Egypt, Serbia, Korea and NZ.
Following the attestation parade, the first sod was turned on the site for the new $25 million Goulburn Police Station, which will be located on the ground of the NSW Police Force Academy and will incorporate The Hume Police District offices. The new station is set to be completed by 2023.

NSW will take its first steps towards reopening as the State passes the 70 per cent double vaccination target.
With the first vaccination milestone being reached, the NSW Government is also easing a number of restrictions as part of the Reopening NSW roadmap, which will allow fully vaccinated adults to enjoy more freedoms from next Monday, October 11.
The changes to the 70 per cent roadmap will allow up to 10 visitors (not counting children 12 and under) to a home (previously five), lift the cap on outdoor gatherings to 30 people (previously 20), and increase the cap for weddings and funerals to 100 people (previously 50).
Indoor pools will also be re-opened for swimming lessons, squad training, lap swimming, and rehab activities.
On the Monday after the State clears the 80 per cent double vaccination hurdle further restrictions will be relaxed, with people able to have up to 20 visitors (excluding children 12 and under) to a home (previously 10), and up to 50 people will be allowed to gather outdoors (previously 20).
Up to 3,000 people will be allowed to attend controlled and ticketed outdoor events (previously 500), nightclubs will be permitted to reopen for seated drinking only (no dancing), and masks will no longer be required in office buildings. All roadmap freedoms at 70 and 80 per cent will continue to be for fully vaccinated people only.
All school students will also now return to on site learning with a range of COVID-safe measures in place by October 25, with the second and third stages of the return to school plan now combined. Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12 students will still return to face-to-face learning on October 18, with all other years now returning one week later on October 25.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the common-sense changes would help life return to normal as soon as possible.
“Vaccinations are the key to life returning to normal and the changes today will help family and friends reconnect, get kids back to school and get businesses back up and running sooner,” Mr Perrottet said.
“NSW is putting in the hard yards and it’s important people continue to turn out in droves to be vaccinated.”
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said workers in regional areas who have received one vaccination dose will be permitted to return to their workplace from October 11 and will be given a grace period until November 1 to receive their second dose.
Regional areas are those outside Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Central Coast.
“This move ensures we get businesses in the regions re-open and local economies buzzing again. It’s about ensuring we make this a roadmap that works for everyone,” Mr Toole said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said these changes would help get more people back into work, especially in Western Sydney.
“We’re on the road back to normal and most importantly reaching these vaccination targets means people can reunite with family and friends, celebrate key moments in their lives and businesses can open their doors and get back to work in a safe way,” Mr Ayres said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW residents 12-years-old and over have led the charge to get vaccinated and ensure NSW is among the safest places in the world.
“Getting to 70 per cent double dose is a badge of honour for every fully vaccinated NSW citizen to wear proudly but we can do so much more and 90 per cent is within our grasp,” Mr Hazzard said.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said schools were ready to welcome students back.
“The return remains safe and sensible with enough time for schools to prepare for a faster return of students over two weeks instead of three,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Principals have received detailed guidance and checklists of everything required to ensure COVID-safe settings in their school. Parents and carers will also receive a detailed guide today and more specific information from their school in the coming days.”
If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible.
Note also that as the stay-at-home orders will be lifted next Monday and replaced by the roadmap settings, the list of Local Government Areas of concern will cease to exist.
For the latest information visit the COVID-19 pages on nsw.gov.au.

NSW will take its first steps towards reopening as the State passes the 70 per cent double vaccination target.
With the first vaccination milestone being reached, the NSW Government is also easing a number of restrictions as part of the Reopening NSW roadmap, which will allow fully vaccinated adults to enjoy more freedoms from next Monday, October 11.
The changes to the 70 per cent roadmap will allow up to 10 visitors (not counting children 12 and under) to a home (previously five), lift the cap on outdoor gatherings to 30 people (previously 20), and increase the cap for weddings and funerals to 100 people (previously 50).
Indoor pools will also be re-opened for swimming lessons, squad training, lap swimming, and rehab activities.
On the Monday after the State clears the 80 per cent double vaccination hurdle further restrictions will be relaxed, with people able to have up to 20 visitors (excluding children 12 and under) to a home (previously 10), and up to 50 people will be allowed to gather outdoors (previously 20).
Up to 3,000 people will be allowed to attend controlled and ticketed outdoor events (previously 500), nightclubs will be permitted to reopen for seated drinking only (no dancing), and masks will no longer be required in office buildings. All roadmap freedoms at 70 and 80 per cent will continue to be for fully vaccinated people only.
All school students will also now return to on site learning with a range of COVID-safe measures in place by October 25, with the second and third stages of the return to school plan now combined. Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12 students will still return to face-to-face learning on October 18, with all other years now returning one week later on October 25.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the common-sense changes would help life return to normal as soon as possible.
“Vaccinations are the key to life returning to normal and the changes today will help family and friends reconnect, get kids back to school and get businesses back up and running sooner,” Mr Perrottet said.
“NSW is putting in the hard yards and it’s important people continue to turn out in droves to be vaccinated.”
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said workers in regional areas who have received one vaccination dose will be permitted to return to their workplace from October 11 and will be given a grace period until November 1 to receive their second dose.
Regional areas are those outside Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Central Coast.
“This move ensures we get businesses in the regions re-open and local economies buzzing again. It’s about ensuring we make this a roadmap that works for everyone,” Mr Toole said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said these changes would help get more people back into work, especially in Western Sydney.
“We’re on the road back to normal and most importantly reaching these vaccination targets means people can reunite with family and friends, celebrate key moments in their lives and businesses can open their doors and get back to work in a safe way,” Mr Ayres said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW residents 12-years-old and over have led the charge to get vaccinated and ensure NSW is among the safest places in the world.
“Getting to 70 per cent double dose is a badge of honour for every fully vaccinated NSW citizen to wear proudly but we can do so much more and 90 per cent is within our grasp,” Mr Hazzard said.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said schools were ready to welcome students back.
“The return remains safe and sensible with enough time for schools to prepare for a faster return of students over two weeks instead of three,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Principals have received detailed guidance and checklists of everything required to ensure COVID-safe settings in their school. Parents and carers will also receive a detailed guide today and more specific information from their school in the coming days.”
If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible.
Note also that as the stay-at-home orders will be lifted next Monday and replaced by the roadmap settings, the list of Local Government Areas of concern will cease to exist.
For the latest information visit the COVID-19 pages on nsw.gov.au.

A new Hardship Review Panel has been established to consider financial support for businesses experiencing financial hardship that do not qualify for COVID-19 business support measures.
The panel will assess on a case-by-case basis businesses which did not meet the eligibility requirements for the 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant, Micro-business Grant and JobSaver payments.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the Review Panel would help those businesses experiencing genuine financial hardship that were previously ineligible for support payments and grants.
“COVID-19 has affected so many businesses in NSW and even though we have a number of support measures in place, there are still some businesses under severe financial strain that aren’t eligible for assistance for a number of reasons. We want to plug that gap as much as we can,” Mr Tudehope said.
The Review Panel will include representatives from Revenue NSW, NSW Treasury and Service NSW and will make recommendations on businesses’ eligibility for relevant support payments and grants.
It will consider a broad range of factors in determining whether a business has experienced financial hardship, with the Chief Commissioner of Revenue NSW to be ultimately responsible and make the final determination for applications.
“My message to small businesses is this – no matter what corner of the state you’re in, we will be there with you all the way as we navigate this global health pandemic,” Mr Tudehope said.
Factors that the hardship panel will consider include, for example, whether the business is an employer, in a highly impacted industry, in an LGA of concern or has unavoidable costs for which no other support is available.
Businesses will be back paid to the fortnight where they can demonstrate the required decline in turnover with the Panel. Hardship applications for JobSaver are now open with hardship COVID business grants and Microbusiness grants to open later this month. See more here: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/covid-19-help-businesses/covid-19-business-support-hardship-review.

Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced a new NSW Cabinet team to continue the Government’s work to keep people safe, open up the economy and secure a strong recovery.
Mr Perrottet said minimal changes had been made to Cabinet, to ensure stability and continuity for the people of NSW as the state rapidly approaches it’s reopening targets.
“Despite the challenges of recent days, our Government has not stopped working for the people of NSW, and the Ministry sworn in today will hit the ground running.”
“Our undivided focus is getting the people of NSW back on their feet, getting kids back in school, people in jobs and businesses open, so we can reclaim the freedoms we have all had to sacrifice for so long.”
A small number of necessary changes in Ministerial portfolios include the appointment of Paul Toole as Deputy Premier; Matt Kean as Treasurer and Minister for Energy and the Environment; and Rob Stokes as Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Minister for Transport and Roads.
“This is a team with the energy and experience to lead our state out of lockdowns to a safe, strong, successful recovery, and then get back to building a better future for NSW, Mr Perrottet said.”
The new Cabinet was sworn in at Government House today.
NSW Cabinet Ministers
The Honourable Dominic Francis Perrottet MP
Premier
The Honourable Paul Lawrence Toole MP
Deputy Premier
Minister for Regional New South Wales
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads
The Honourable Stuart Laurence Ayres MP
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney
Minister for Trade and Industry
The Honourable Bronwyn Taylor MLC
Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women
The Honourable Matthew John Kean MP
Treasurer
Minister for Energy and Environment
The Honourable Donald Thomas Harwin MLC
Special Minister of State, Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts
Vice-President of the Executive Council
Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council
The Honourable Mark Raymond Speakman SC MP
Attorney General
Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence
Leader of the House in the Legislative Assembly
The Honourable Damien Francis Tudehope MLC
Minister for Finance and Small Business
Leader of the House in the Legislative Council
The Honourable Bradley Ronald Hazzard MP
Minister for Health and Medical Research
The Honourable Robert Gordon Stokes MP
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
Minister for Transport and Roads
The Honourable Victor Michael Dominello MP
Minister for Customer Service
Minister for Digital
The Honourable Sarah Mitchell MLC
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning
The Honourable David Andrew Elliott MP
Minister for Police and Emergency Services
The Honourable Melinda Jane Pavey MP
Minister for Water, Property and Housing
The Honourable Adam John Marshall MP
Minister for Agriculture and Western New South Wales
The Honourable Anthony John Roberts MP
Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections
The Honourable Shelley Elizabeth Hancock MP
Minister for Local Government
The Honourable Kevin John Anderson MP
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation
The Honourable Dr Geoffrey Lee MP
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
The Honourable Natalie Peta Ward MLC
Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans
The Honourable Alister Andrew Henskens SC MP
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services

On behalf of the NSW Liberals, I welcome the election of Paul Toole as leader of the NSW Nationals and as Deputy Premier, and Bronnie Taylor as the party’s deputy leader.
In electing Paul Toole to lead their party, the NSW Nationals have sent a strong signal that the NSW Liberals and Nationals will continue to build a better future for the bush with energy and optimism.
As a loyal deputy in the NSW Nationals to departing Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Paul knows what it takes to lead, and I want to again thank John for his service to the people of NSW.
Paul is a fighter and a pragmatist who has a strong track-record of delivering for regional and rural NSW, most recently as the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads.
He has been a strong voice within the Government and has stood up for regional farming communities in times of drought, flood and fire, and is a staunch advocate for investing in new opportunities for people in the bush.
I have worked closely together for many years with Paul, and I know he will bring a steady hand to our efforts to get NSW safely back open and on the path to recovery.
Bronnie Taylor has been a powerhouse and worked tirelessly as Minister for Mental Health at a critical time, ensuring vital support is there for people who need it in the aftermath of drought, bushfires and the pandemic.
In Bronnie the NSW Nationals have elected the first female deputy leader of the party in more than 100 years, and she will continue to be a voice for progress within the Government.
As we emerge from the pandemic, we have an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen our regions and make them even more attractive places to live, work, run a business and raise a family.
I look forward to working with Paul and Bronnie to lead a strong and united Liberals and Nationals Government with the energy and experience our state needs to come through this challenge stronger on the other side.