Category: NSW News

Drivers who are caught with a combination of illegal drugs and alcohol in their system will face harsher penalties, under the Four Angels Law which is in force from today.
The new law honours Antony, Angelina and Sienna Abdallah, and Veronique Sakr who were killed by a drunk and drugged driver in a crash in Oatlands last year.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said research shows drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash if they are under the influence of both alcohol and illegal drugs.
“The Four Angels Law sends a clear message to drivers that this reckless and life-threatening behaviour will not be tolerated in NSW, and they will now face harsher penalties,” Mr Constance said.
“You’re not only putting your life at risk when you get behind the wheel with drugs and alcohol in your system, but you could also kill your passengers, other road users and innocent pedestrians like Antony, Angelina, Sienna and Veronique.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said between 2015 and 2019, 98 people were killed on NSW roads as a result of a driver or rider having illegal levels of alcohol and illicit drugs combined in their system.
“The Four Angels Law reflects the seriousness of driving with both alcohol and illegal drugs in your system. It’s a fatal combination that has left far too many families grieving the loss of a loved one,” Mr Toole said.
“The NSW Government is working hard to make our roads safer, but we need everyone to remember that the decisions they make before getting behind the wheel can have lasting – and sometimes fatal – consequences.”
The families of Antony, Angelina and Sienna Abdallah, and Veronique Sakr said the Four Angels Law is an important legacy for their children, and will help to put a stop to road trauma.
“No one deserves to go through what we are going through. No one deserves to die on the road. No one deserves to die the way our kids did, to drugs, alcohol and speeding,” Leila Abdallah said.
“Our four beautiful angels were taken from us in the most terrible way. We now live in constant pain and we wake up to this every day. This law is their legacy to put a stop to more tragedies, pain and suffering.”
“This new law, in honour of my daughter Veronique and her three cousins, represents a significant change in the law recognising the devastating impact of drugs and misuse of alcohol in our society, specifically on the roads,” Bridget Sakr said.
“We can only hope that this new law, combined with the never forgotten impact of our family’s tragedy, means everyone stops and thinks before they get in a car when they are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. This includes not just drivers but also passengers and other observers.  Everyone has an obligation to speak up and step in when they see a person attempt to get behind the wheel who shouldn’t, whether it is because of the impact of drugs and/or alcohol.  We really believe the Four Angels Law will save lives on our roads in NSW.”
The new combined offence includes:

• Minimum licence disqualification periods starting at 12 months for mid-range and 18 months for a high-range first offences;
• Alcohol interlock periods to reduce the risk of repeat drink driving;
• Police able to impose vehicle sanctions for high range combined first offences, and all second and subsequent offences;
• Penalties for second and subsequent offences around double a first offence.

A significant milestone has been reached on the Mulgoa Road project, with the section from Union Road to Museum Drive in Penrith now open to traffic.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the proposal is part of a broader strategy to upgrade the Mulgoa and Castlereagh Road corridor in the Penrith region, which forms the main north-south link between the Penrith CBD and M4 Motorway.
“This project has been delivered to address traffic congestion, support residential and employment growth, improve road safety and bolster freight productivity,” Minister Fletcher said.
“This is just one of many critical infrastructure projects to receive funding from the Morrison Government under our record $110 billion infrastructure pipeline, part of our Economic Recovery Plan to secure Australia’s world-leading economic recovery.”
NSW Minister for Transport and Roads, the Hon Andrew Constance MP, said the upgrade will reduce congestion and delays.
“The NSW Government has committed $120.5 million to upgrade this critical section of Mulgoa and Castlereagh roads to provide an additional lane both north and southbound between Union Road and Museum Drive,” Minister Constance said.
“We have also increased capacity at the Jane Street and High Street intersections.
“The existing rail underpass has been widened to three lanes in each direction on Castlereagh Road and a left turn lane on to Jane Street added, and when final line markings are complete there will be bus priority at the High Street intersection.”
NSW Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said these upgrades mark the first step in the 6.5-kilometre Mulgoa and Castlereagh Road corridor upgrade.
“This is the first stretch to be upgraded in our plans to improve this very important road corridor for the people of Penrith,” Mr Ayres said.
“The project included complex and impressive work to move the new rail bridge into place, and it is fantastic to see it now fully open for the community.
“We thank the local community, surrounding business and road users who have been patient and understanding while we have built this important upgrade.”
Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh MP said this was part of her plan to ease congestion and improve safety on our roads.
“I want the commute to work or dropping the kids off at school to be quicker and safer,” said Ms McIntosh.
“This upgrade will cut travel times for thousands of people who rely on Mulgoa Road – and it’s just the beginning. For local businesses, it means getting our great Aussie Made products around our electorate and beyond.
“We’re putting in place the transport infrastructure our community needs, so we can make Lindsay an even better place to live, work and stay.”
Some minor work will continue over the coming months to finalise the upgrade, including line marking, footpath and landscaping work, installing road signs and fencing, and minor defect work.
The Mulgoa Road Upgrade between Union Road and Museum Drive is jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $72.5 million and the NSW Government $120.5 million.

To protect the people of NSW from the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, new restrictions will be introduced for Greater Sydney from 4pm today for one week.
Following updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant about the growing risk to the community, the following restrictions will be introduced for Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour;

• Visitors to households will be limited to 5 guests – including children;
• Masks will be compulsory in all indoor non-residential settings, including workplaces, and at organised outdoor events;
• Drinking while standing at indoor venues will not be allowed;
• Singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed;
• Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs however, dancing is allowed at weddings for the bridal party only (no more than 20 people);
• Dance and gym classes limited to 20 per class (masks must be worn);
• The one person per four square metre rule will be re-introduced for all indoor and outdoor settings, including weddings and funerals;
• Outdoor seated events will be limited to 50% seated capacity;
• Previous public transport capacity limits, represented by green dots, will be reintroduced;
• If you live or work in the City of Sydney, Waverley, Randwick, Canada Bay, Inner West, Bayside, and Woollahra local government areas, you cannot travel outside metropolitan Sydney for non-essential travel.

These restrictions are designed to reduce the risk of further community transmission.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said we are once again asking the community to do what they do best and follow the health advice to get on top of this outbreak.
“We don’t take these steps lightly and we never want to impose restrictions unless we absolutely have to,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We know the effect this will have on residents and venues but we must take this action now to ensure we keep on top of this outbreak.”
Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant urged the community to play their part in controlling the COVID spread.
“We need really high testing rates to make sure we’re stopping any chains of transmission and we’re continuing to urge people to come forward for testing, especially if you were in Westfield Bondi Junction (including the car park) at any time between 12 June and 18 June,” Dr Chant said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said more than ever people need to use QR codes and wear masks when required.
“We will be increasing supervision and compliance checks to make sure everyone is doing the right thing,” Mr Hazzard said.
“This pandemic is far from over and we all have to do our bit to protect the community.”
The government and health experts will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updated information and advice.
For more information visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

A man will appear in court today charged after allegedly not wearing a correctly fitting face mask in Sydney’s east yesterday.
About 3pm (Friday 25 June 2021), officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were patrolling at a shopping centre on Anzac Parade, Maroubra, when they noticed a man wearing a face mask below his chin.
When police approached the 60-year-old man it’s alleged he became aggressive and ignored directions to leave or wear the mask correctly.
He then ran away and following a short foot pursuit, he was arrested.
The man was taken to Maroubra Police Station and charged with not wear fitted face covering in retail/business premises, intimidate police officer in execution of duty, and resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty.
The man, from Eastlakes, was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Saturday 26 June 2021).
In addition, the NSW Police Force has issued a total of seven $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.

A man and woman from Sydney’s eastern suburbs have been issued with $1000 PINs after they failed to comply with the Public Health Order at Bondi Beach today.
About 10am today (Sunday 27 June 2021), officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended Bondi Beach after reports multiple people were in breach of the current Public Health Orders.
Upon arrival, police observed a number of people sitting on a grassed area between Campbell Parade and Queen Elizabeth Drive. Officers spoke to these people and issued them with directions to leave the area, which they complied with.
A short time later, police found a 35-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman had returned to the beach.
Both were issued with Penalty Infringement Notices for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 – individual (other than face covering breaches).
Police continue to appeal to the community to abide by the public health orders, and report suspected breaches of or any behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Netball NSW has made the difficult decision to postpone the 2021 HART Junior State Titles which were due to take place this weekend in Sydney.
The Junior State Titles are a flagship event within the Netball NSW pathway. The three-day tournament, which was due to take place from Saturday to Monday 26-28 June showcases the strength of grassroots netball with young players from all over the state coming together.
Penrith District Netball Association was set to host players in Divisions 1 and 2 in the 14U, 13U and 12U age groups, with Baulkham Hills Shire Netball Association due to host Divisions 3 and 4 in the same age brackets.
With the population of Greater Sydney being been advised by the NSW Government not to travel beyond the city limits, Netball NSW decided it could not, in all good conscience, encourage the regional netball community to do the opposite.
Planning is currently underway to work out when the Junior State Titles can be held later in the year.
Netball NSW CEO Tain Drinkwater said she understood the frustration today’s decision would cause, but noted it was made with the community in mind.
“The decision to postpone the HART Junior State Titles was an immensely difficult one to make, however when you see what is happening in Sydney at the moment it is the right call,” she said.
“First and foremost our thoughts are with the game’s youngest participants who have been working so hard in the lead-up to the event, I know this will be difficult news to hear.
“But please remember it is only a postponement at this stage so there is a silver lining. Our competitions team is already working diligently on how we can make an alternative work later in the year.
“We cannot guarantee that the competition will have the exact same format as the one currently planned, or that the new dates will work for every participant, but we are confident the Junior State Titles will take place in the coming months. We hope to have provisional details of the rescheduled event in the coming days.
“Netball NSW works to serve the netball community and the health and wellbeing of every player, coach, official, volunteer, staff member and supporter is our No.1 priority.”
Netball NSW President Louise Sullivan echoed Drinkwater’s sentiments:
“On behalf of the Board of Netball NSW we share the disappointment that many of our game’s community are feeling today but health must always come first,” Sullivan said.
“We have been fortunate to play netball in relative normality so far in 2021 but we always knew the threat of COVID-19 could strike at any time.
“Thankfully our team at Netball NSW is already working on an alternative and we appreciate the patience of our netball family throughout the state as we negotiate the current situation.”
Netball NSW would like to thank HART Sport, naming rights partner of the Junior State Titles, for their support of the event.

A Victorian couple has been issued Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for allegedly breaching a Public Health Order while travelling through the state’s west.
Earlier this month, the NSW Police Force was notified that a man and woman, who had tested positive to COVID-19, had travelled by road from Melbourne, Victoria, to Queensland through NSW.
Investigations revealed the pair had taken a route using the Newell Highway, and visited various businesses deemed ‘essential services’, including retail stores, food outlets, and service stations.
The pair also attended a cinema on Macquarie Street, Dubbo, on Wednesday 2 June 2021, which is deemed non-essential activity under the Public Health Act.
Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District have since advised the 48-year-old man and 44-year-old woman they will each be issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
The Queensland Police Service are expected to serve the PINs on behalf of the NSW Police Force today (Friday 25 June 2021).
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The NSW Government is delivering a record investment in trade and industry to support NSW businesses through the economic recovery and to expand the state’s international export opportunities.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Industry and Trade John Barilaro said the 2021-22 NSW Budget of $261.4 million over four years will double the footprint of NSW’s international network and support our businesses here and overseas.
“With the upcoming appointments of an Agent General in London and five NSW Senior Trade and Investment Commissioners in Tokyo, New York, Mumbai, Singapore and China, NSW exporters have never been so well represented,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We have already opened offices in new markets, including in Vietnam and Singapore, with a plan to expand to 21 global offices including Indonesia and the EU in the coming months.
“We kicked off our Going Global export program last year and are investing a further $6.4 million over four years to keep it rolling to help more businesses from across the state engage in new international markets.
“This supports our exporters with access to further markets and is fostering post-pandemic resilience, crucial to long term economic recovery.”
This year the Going Global export program has supported more than 150 businesses with free export coaching, tailored workshops, business matching and introductions to new international customers, helping local companies make the step up to the global stage.
“This assistance is being delivered through our team of export specialists here in NSW and on-the-ground across nine countries through our dedicated international network,” Mr Barilaro said.
“It has meant that NSW companies have been able to participate in trade shows overseas and have one-on-one business meetings with new international buyers and distributers, despite COVID-19 restrictions.
“Our focus is to position NSW at the very centre of the global stage to support industry growth and create export opportunities for regional, small and medium sized businesses.”
Mr Barilaro said that international students and the revitalisation of the international education sector will be a key part of the state’s post-pandemic economy.
“We are investing $19.1 million over four years to support our largest services export sector to ensure that NSW remains a premier destination for international students, improving student experiences and linking our international students to our agriculture industry, internship and sports programs,” Mr Barilaro said.
Highlights from the 2021-22 Trade and Industry Budget to be delivered over the next four years, include:

• $128.9 million to expand NSW’s international network
• $45 million overall to support NSW exporters through trade programs, including:
  • $19.1 million to support international students
  • $6.4 million for the Going Global Export Program
  • $4.8 million to support skilled migration
• $87.5 million for targeted industry development programs, including:
  • advanced manufacturing in target industries such as space and medical technologies and the food and beverage sectors
  • advanced technologies and their applications across industries such as the cyber, fintech, regtech and agtech sectors
  • the defence industry

Thousands of new jobs and significant infrastructure builds in regional NSW will be delivered through the 2021-22 NSW Budget, supporting the recovery and future prosperity of regional communities following drought, bushfires, floods, the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently the mice plague.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said more than $2.8 billion has been secured in this year’s budget for the Department of Regional NSW to help regional communities continue to grow, move through recovery and build on the benefits of regional living.
“Since 2017 the NSW Government has committed more than $2 billion to 2,100 regional infrastructure projects, and today I can announce 800 more projects will be added to that tally, putting more cash into local economies, creating new jobs and helping businesses thrive,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Almost $64 million announced last week for the NSW Government’s Future Ready Regions package will help regional communities prepare for future droughts by investing in the latest technologies, data and tools to boost business productivity, while helping communities to plan ahead.
“This package includes $48 million for the Farms of the Future program, which will boost on-farm connectivity so producers can adopt agtech and compete with the best. We will also survey western NSW for new water sources to reduce pressure on other supplies during drought.
“We are also investing $50 million to fund a new Mobile Coverage Project, to improve infrastructure and boost emerging technologies.”
Mr Barilaro said a raft of programs and Budget measures will directly and indirectly support or create new regional jobs now and into the future, such as the $100 million committed to the Regional Job Creation Fund, which aims to generate at least 5,000 new jobs alone.
“The Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Four will roll out a total of $100 million for new projects across all 93 regional Local Government Areas (LGAs), with half of the funding dedicated to improving female sporting participation, including facilities and amenities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Round Eight of the Resources for Regions program will close for applications on 12 July 2021 and will allocate $75 million across 24 eligible LGAs for projects that support the ongoing prosperity of mining communities in regional NSW by providing vital infrastructure, economic opportunities, and positive social outcomes.
“A $30 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund will deliver high impact tourism and events infrastructure that helps to boost local economies and put towns on the map while the $20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund is bringing visitor dollars to regional towns.
“$462 million has also been invested into the Special Activation Precinct and Regional Job Precinct programs, to create jobs and build an investment roadmap across the state.”
Highlighted programs supported by the 2021-22 Budget for regional NSW include:

• $878 million for Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund priorities including:
  • $48 million for an expanded Farms of the Future program to help farmers adopt on-farm technology to boost productivity and resource management;
  • $50 million for the Mobile Coverage Project, part of the Regional Digital Connectivity program;
  • $462 million into Special Activation Precincts, including the implementation of Parkes and Wagga Wagga, development of the Narrabri precinct and continued planning for Moree, Williamtown and the Snowy Mountains precincts;
• $150 million Mouse Control Package to help farmers, small businesses and households fight the mice plague currently impacting parts of regional NSW;
• $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund to generate at least 5,000 new jobs;
• $100 million for Round Four of the Stronger Country Communities Fund to build new projects across all 93 regional Local Government Areas;
• $75 million for Round Eight of the Resources for Regions program to support the ongoing prosperity of mining communities across 24 Local Government Areas;
• $64 million for the Future Ready Regions strategy to improve drought data so farmers can plan ahead, survey new water sources to reduce pressure on other supplies and deliver business skills training;
• $30 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund to deliver high impact tourism and events infrastructure;
• $20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund to bring major events and visitor dollars to regional towns.

Keeping people safe, boosting the economic recovery and creating a prosperous future through innovation, continued investment and reform is at the heart of today’s 2021-22 NSW State Budget.
After the sharpest fall in nearly 80 years the NSW economy is rebounding rapidly with 300,000 jobs added since the height of the pandemic in mid-2020.
The Budget forecasts above trend economic growth of 3¼ per cent for 2021-22 and unemployment, currently at 5 per cent, falling to 4½ per cent by 2024-25.
Improved economic conditions have contributed to the State’s strengthened operating position, with a return to surplus of $0.5 billion now forecast in 2024-25.
Job creation remains a key focus with a record $108.5 billion infrastructure investment helping supercharge the recovery.
Hundreds of thousands of hard-working public sector workers will receive a significant wage increase of up to 2.5 per cent, which is forecast to cost approximately $2.7 billion over four years.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the 2021-22 Budget included important cost savings measures for families, including $43.9 million for a new $100 Learn to Swim voucher for children aged between three and six, and $150 million for the Free Preschool program to continue until the end of 2022.
“This is a Budget which supports and protects our families and communities through record investments in health, education and transport,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The biggest infrastructure pipeline in Australia now tops $108.5 billion and continues to be the backbone of our recovery, with NSW now adding more jobs than were lost during the height of the pandemic.
“The Government’s comprehensive response to the pandemic was only possible because of the state’s economic and fiscal strength going into the crisis built up over the past decade.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the 2021-22 Budget would continue to ensure NSW was COVID-safe and at the same time lock-in the recovery and drive economic reform.
“The NSW Government is maintaining its commitment to support job creation and economic recovery, with billions in stimulus and support measures continuing into 2021-22” Mr Perrottet said.
“The Budget also includes more than $6 billion in rebates, concessions and cost of living measures which benefit households across NSW.
“Our support has been targeted to keep people safe and businesses in business, and that continues with programs such as $40 million to combat domestic violence and the $50 million CBD Friday voucher scheme.
“We are also investing millions into tourism, infrastructure and events right across NSW.”
Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government had released the 2021 Intergenerational Report and the NSW Productivity Commissioner’s Productivity White Paper immediately prior to the Budget as they helped chart direction for the state over the longer-term.
“This Budget takes NSW from recovery towards reform, with a focus on your family and your future,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The NSW Government’s nation-leading Electric Vehicle Strategy will see almost half a billion dollars invested in tax cuts and incentives for this future-focussed industry.
“Reforms we have already undertaken such as the establishment of the NSW Generations Fund in late 2018 will also support future generations – the NGF has achieved particularly strong returns over the past 12 months and has grown to $14.7 billion, providing more capacity to reduce debt in the future.
“This Budget continues to support our broad reform agenda for the planning and education systems as well as investing in our world leading digital technologies and providing tax relief.
“The challenge for NSW is to continue to strive to improve, this is a Budget which invests in our people, it aims to keep NSW safe, accelerate our recovery and helps transform our state as we embark on another decade of delivery.”