Category: NSW News

NSW Labor will introduce laws to prevent the Premier and her Government from embarking on any more illegal document shredding sprees.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) has referred her report on Gladys Berejiklian’s office to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) following a complaint from the Shadow Minister for Local Government, Greg Warren.
The complaint stemmed from revelations the Premier’s office shredded documents relating to the controversial Stronger Communities Fund. Coalition-held seats received 95 per cent of funds from the $252 million grant program.
The IPC recommended legislative changes would prevent the Premier’s office – and other Ministers – from engaging in the destruction of important documents relating to Government processes and approvals.
The Premier admitted to pork-barrelling late last year, stating on 26 November:
“All Governments and all Oppositions make commitments to the community in order to curry favour. That’s part of the political process whether we like it or not.”
“It’s not something the community likes…but it’s an accusation I will wear.”
The NSW Labor Jodi McKay said Labor will introduce a bill when Parliament returns to establish the reckless destruction of State records as an offence.
“I find it extraordinary that we even have to do this. It should be common place that State records and important documents are kept by the Premier’s office. Pork barrelling is not ethical or normal behaviour and neither is a culture of cover-up. This is about restoring integrity and trust to politics in NSW,” Ms McKay said.
Mr Warren urged the Premier to support the changes in the interest of transparency.
“This Stronger Communities Fund grants saga really has exposed the level of secrecy and deceit within this Government,” Mr Warren said.
An Upper House inquiry into the Integrity, Efficacy and Value for Money of NSW Government Grants Programs, which will resume in February, is examining the rorting of the Stronger Communities Fund.
Ms McKay renewed calls for the Premier to front the Public Accountability Committee to answer questions about the shredding saga.
“If the Premier has nothing to hide she should agree to appear before the Inquiry. Coalition-held seats received 95 per cent of funds from the $252 million program. Gladys Berejiklian used public money for political gain, communities across NSW missed out and then her staff destroyed the evidence to cover it all up. NSW deserves answers.”

Thousands of NSW Photo Card holders who live in the Penrith area can now download a digital version of their identification through the Service NSW app.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said that the Digital Driver Licence has been a resounding success and led to many customers requesting a Digital Photo Card.
“This is another example of the NSW Government bolstering the Service NSW app to put customers first and make life easier for people,” Mr Dominello said.
“With a Digital Photo Card, as long as you have your phone, you always have your ID with you. It’s hassle free and only takes minutes to download.”
The Digital Photo Card builds on the success of the Digital Driver Licence, which is now held by more than 2.4 million licence holders in NSW, representing 41 per cent of drivers. Close to 2000 new users are adopting the technology each day, earning it a 95 per cent customer approval rating.
There are more than 970,000 Digital Photo Card holders in NSW.
Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the trial will test the functionality and effectiveness of the Digital Photo Card ahead of a state-wide roll out.
“The trial will allow Photo Card holders in the trial area to use their mobile device to enter licensed venues and transact with other businesses who check ID, such as hotels, major retailers, telcos, convenience stores, tobacco retailers and pharmacies,” Mr Ayres said.
“The Digital Photo Card is hosted securely on the Service NSW app, which is locked with a PIN. I encourage Penrith residents to give it a go and let us know what you think.”
When a customer is issued their Photo Card or updates their details, they simply refresh the app for real-time updates, without having to wait for a plastic card to arrive in the post.
The Digital Photo Card remains available offline if the card holder remains logged into the Service NSW app. The following postcodes are included in the trial – 2750, 2745, 2747, 2748, 2749, 2773.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman wanted on an outstanding warrant on the state’s Mid North Coast.
Amanda Quinlan, aged 37, is wanted by virtue of an outstanding arrest warrant for failing to comply with a court order.
Officers from Mid North Coast Police District have commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.
Amanda is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, between 160cm-165cm tall, of thin build, with dark hair and brown eyes.
She is known to frequent the Campbelltown, Surry Hills, Port Macquarie and Kempsey areas.
Anyone who may see or know Amanda’s whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.
Anyone with information about this incident 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.

More than 5,300 students will benefit from the NSW Government’s historic school building program in Term 1 with 10 new or upgraded schools opening for students today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said 2021 is set to be another big year for public schools with more than 30 new and upgraded schools expected to open this year.
“The scale of the school building in NSW is unprecedented – the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW and today more communities across the state will benefit,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“In the last two years, the NSW Government has opened more than 100 new and upgraded schools, benefitting tens of thousands of students and ensuring our growing communities have quality schools to learn in.
“In the face of a challenging pandemic, we are staying the course and will keep on building more classrooms, school halls and libraries in 2021.”
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the 10 schools represented a more than $400 million investment in communities spanning from Armidale, Sydney and Wagga.
“This is an incredible time for public education in NSW, we are building more schools than ever before and making generational reforms inside the classroom,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Our track record on school building speaks for itself, more schools delivered than ever before and we continue to deliver for communities right across the state.”
The $45 million redevelopment of Penshurst Public School has delivered 47 new classrooms, a new library, hall and open play spaces.
New and upgraded schools opening in Term 1 2021:

• Ajuga School (upgrade)
• Armidale Secondary College (redevelopment)
• Barramurra Public School (new school)
• Campbell House School (upgrade)
• Estella Public School (new school)
• Kent Road Public School (upgrade)
• Galungara Public School (new school)
• Glenfield Park School (upgrade)
• Penshurst Public School (redevelopment)
• Tirriwirri School (new school)

As the new school term begins, parents are also being encouraged to apply for the popular $100 Active Kids and Creative Kids voucher to allow young people to find their passion and learn new skills.
“To date, more than 3.3 million Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers have been redeemed with $334 million provided back to NSW families,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We know families are doing it tough across NSW, having experienced drought, bushfires and a pandemic and I want the community to know reducing cost of living pressures is at the front of our minds as a Government.”
For more information about Active Kids and Creative Kids visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/
The NSW Government is investing $7 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver more than 200 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

The NSW Cabinet Papers of 1990 have today been published online by NSW State Archives giving the public an insight into the detailed workings of the Greiner Government in its third year in power.
In the same year as Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and Dame Joan Sutherland’s final performance at the Sydney Opera House, the NSW Government showed no signs of slowing down on delivering wide-ranging reforms for a more efficient government.
Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin said, “the 1990 Cabinet Papers reveal the Liberal-National Party Coalition Government’s determination to deliver a more effective and transformative management of the public sector and the economy.
“The then Premier’s focus on a more accountable Cabinet and public service remains the basis of good Government practice today and these archived papers bear witness to all that was achieved in that year.”
State Archives’ Executive Director, Adam Lindsay said that the Cabinet Papers again this year, reveal how the issues of 30 years ago resonate with us today. “At a time when we are now encouraging people to work longer, the Cabinet Papers reveal that this is nothing new and that the ground was laid for such initiatives three decades ago,” Mr Lindsay said.
Significant Cabinet decisions made in 1990 included:

• Education

•  introduction of the Education Reform Act

• Industrial Relations

–    reforms to reflect a market-oriented approach to industrial relations

• Parliamentary and Electoral Reform

–    a return of the size of the Legislative Assembly to 99 and the
–    subsequent redistribution of electoral boundaries

• Environment and Planning

• establishment of a new Coastal Protection Policy,
• establishment of the Environment Protection Authority

• Social issues:

• approval of access to adoption information for adult adopted persons
• and the abolition of compulsory retirement

Click here to access the digitised 1990 Cabinet Papers.

Roadheaders have carved their way from the M4-M5 Link Tunnels into the M8 Motorway, connecting the two stages of the WestConnex project for the first time.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher said the major milestone was reached 41 metres underground at the St Peters Interchange.
“The Commonwealth and NSW have worked closely together on WestConnex and our joint financial commitments are delivering major benefits to Sydney motorists in reduced travel times, less congestion, and greater safety,” Mr Fletcher said.
New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said this breakthrough is the first of six planned on the $3.2 billion project this year.
“The M4-M5 Link Tunnels are the missing link in Sydney’s motorway network. Once connected the twin 7.5 kilometre tunnels will create an underground western bypass of the CBD,” Mr Constance said.
“These tunnels will change the way people move around Sydney, providing a link between the M4, M8 and through to the M5 corridor as well as connections to future motorway projects including Sydney Gateway,  M6 Stage 1 and the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link via the Rozelle Interchange.
“Significant progress has been made underground with 17km excavated and tunnelling on track to be completed this year. These tunnels are so important because they will allow drivers to experience the full benefits of the 33 kilometre WestConnex network.”
Transport for NSW Acting Deputy Secretary Howard Collins said the project had provided a significant boost to the NSW economy and jobs during a challenging year marked by the Coronavirus pandemic.
“Of the more than 7,000 workers and sub-contractors involved in the project to date, more than a third are from Western Sydney, highlighting the jobs and opportunities this project is creating for local workers and businesses,” Mr Collins said.
“The project continues to be a major jobs driver with around 1,100 people currently working on the M4-M5 Link Tunnels and more than 400 contracts signed with NSW-based suppliers and companies.”
WestConnex CEO Andrew Head said the M4-M5 Link Tunnels currently have 28 roadheaders in operation.
“The M4-M5 Link is utilising the largest number of roadheaders on a single project anywhere in Australia, each progressing at around 25 metres per week,” Mr Head said.
“Around 25 per cent of the road pavement has now been laid and the mechanical and electrical fitout of the tunnels is also under way.”
When the M4-M5 Link Tunnels open in 2023, drivers using the New M4 Tunnels will have the option to stay underground at Haberfield and travel on up to four lanes through to the St Peters Interchange.
The M4-M5 Link Tunnels will further enhance the current travel time savings for drivers using WestConnex, allowing them to save up to 40 minutes on a trip between Parramatta and the Sydney airport.

An expansion of fee-free Summer Skills training courses is now available for school leavers with new online courses on offer, as part of the JobTrainer initiative.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the Summer Skills program, launched in November 2020, has expanded to include seven TAFE NSW online short courses targeting school leavers from last year.
“In designing the Summer Skills program, the NSW Government has ensured the training on offer is aligned to local industry needs,” he said.
“We need to provide the opportunities that help school leavers find their feet in these uncertain times. That’s why we’re delivering practical and fee-free training opportunities commencing this summer. Online learning is a terrific way to upskill at your own pace,”
Mr Lee said all the courses come from the $320 million committed to delivering 100,000 fee-free training places as part of the NSW Government’s contribution to the JobTrainer initiative.
“There are more than 100,000 fee-free training places available through TAFE NSW and approved providers for people across NSW to reskill, retrain and redeploy to growth areas in a post COVID-19 economy.
“I encourage anyone impacted by the pandemic to see what training options are available in 2021.”
Enrolments are open for Summer Skills training in:

• Cyber Concepts;
• Introduction to working in the health industry;
• Construction materials and Work Health and Safety;
• Mental health;
• Business administration skills;
• Introductory to business skills; and
• Digital security basics.

 
Full details on all available fee-free courses on offer and their eligibility as part of the NSW Summer Skills program is here, and more information on the JobTrainer initiative is here.

Students are beginning the 2021 school year in the upgraded Armidale Secondary College which opened today, the largest investment in education for regional NSW.
The $121 million upgrade means there are now 104 classrooms, including specialised spaces for science, industrial arts and hospitality, improved performing arts and sports facilities and connections between indoor and outdoor learning, as well as a new agricultural facility.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the school was an incredible asset for the entire community.
“Armidale Secondary College will serve this community for generations to come and shows the commitment this government has to education in the regions,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I want to ensure every child in NSW has the opportunity to reach their full potential, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the school is now the jewel of regional education and is looking forward to more like it opening across the state.
“Opening Armidale Secondary College today gives us a glimpse of the future of education for kids living in the bush,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The school is the first of its kind, accommodating more than 1,500 students, it is fitted with the best in specialised facilities including a multipurpose hall which will be completed in early 2022.”
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said she was committed to delivering the best schools and education for students learning and living in the bush.
“I am dedicated to making sure we get the best outcomes for our students – particularly our regional students,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Armidale Secondary College is a boost for the entire region. It will change lives and enhance the futures of thousands of students for years to come.”
The NSW Government is investing $7 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver more than 200 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

Dr Fiona Martin MP, Member for Reid, has secured the future of Sibbick Street Reserve in Russell Lea to ensure the park remains a local community greenspace for future generations.
“Whether it’s families enjoying the play equipment or residents making use of the basketball court, Sibbick Street Reserve is a hub of activity in Russell Lea,” Dr Martin said.
“From the beginning, I have worked alongside the community, the Commonwealth Government and local Council to make sure Sibbick Street Reserve will be a place that residents can enjoy into the future.”
In June 2019, the Commonwealth Department of Finance presented the City of Canada Bay Council with an opportunity to purchase Sibbick Street Reserve as the land’s long-term lease approached expiry in 2025.
The City of Canada Bay Council initially offered a nominal fee for the transfer of the land, which did not meet the requirements of the Commonwealth Property Disposal Policy.
“In the absence of a reasonable offer from the Council, the property disposal policy requires the Commonwealth to sell the property on the open market,” Dr Martin stated.
“Members of the community feared that the land would be sold off to developers once the lease expired, but I was never going to allow that.”
Dr Martin worked alongside Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, to ensure Council took appropriate steps for the transfer of the land to take place.
“I’m pleased to share that the sale agreement stipulates that this land must remain a community greenspace and can never fall into the hands of developers,” Dr Martin stated.
“Sibbick Street Reserve will remain a community park under the stewardship of the local Council for generations to come.”

The Morrison Government is investing in innovative strategies to address the barriers preventing people with mental illness from finding and keeping a job.
Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the Government has committed an additional $45.7 million to extend two programs dedicated to helping young people with mental health difficulties join the workforce.
The funding will be used to double the number of headspace sites running the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support Program to 50 and to support headspace National to continue the Digital Work and Study Service.
“A job is a game-changer and that is why the Government is so focussed on helping people to get into work,” Minister Ruston said.
“This program has never been more important given we have seen young people disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in terms of jobs losses, which we know can compound the mental health impact so many are feeling as a result of the pandemic.”
Member for Reid, Dr Fiona Martin MP, said the Individual Placement and Support Program will now be run at the Ashfield headspace thanks to the additional Government investment.
“The program is a tailored approach that can help improve job outcomes for young people experiencing mental health difficulties,” Dr Martin said.
Having practised as a psychologist prior to entering Parliament, Dr Martin is confident that evidence-based programs can affect real change.
“This is fantastic news for our local community because we know career assistance hand-in-hand with clinical support can make a profound difference in the lives of young people and ensure they can reach their full potential.”
Professor Patrick McGorry, executive director of Orygen which runs the program with headspace, welcomed the Government’s commitment to making a real lasting difference in the lives of people who face barriers to work.
“The onset of mental illness often occurs in young people which, by the age of 25, can significantly affect their ability to transition from study to work,” Professor McGorry said.
The expansion of the Individual Placement and Support Program will allow more than 6,000 youth under the age of 25 experiencing mental health difficulties across Australia to receive specialist vocational and employment support in tandem with clinical treatment to find and keep a job over the next four years.