Category: NSW News

The world’s first mobile phone detection camera program will be rolled out in NSW by the end of the year.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance and Minister for Regional Roads Paul Toole said the cameras will crack down on drivers illegally using their mobile phones.
During the Government’s recent six month pilot, the safety technology provided by tech company Acusensus checked 8.5 million vehicles and found more than 100,000 drivers using their phones illegally.
“Unfortunately some people haven’t received the message and think they can continue to put the safety of themselves, their passengers and the community at risk without consequence,” Mr Constance said.
“There is strong community support for more enforcement to stop illegal mobile phone use with 80 per cent of people we surveyed supporting use of the mobile phone detection cameras.”
The program will operate in warning letter mode for the first three months to reinforce the ‘get your hand off it’ message. If you offend after that, you’ll cop a $344 fine and five demerit points.
“The decision to pick up your phone can have fatal consequences. It doesn’t matter whether you’re driving on a busy city motorway or on an isolated road in the bush – there’s just no excuse for using your phone illegally,” Mr Toole said.
“Independent modelling has shown that these cameras could prevent around 100 fatal and serious injury crashes over five years.”
Managing Director of Acusensus Alexander Jannink lost a friend in an accident caused by a distracted and impaired driver.
“We are committed to supporting the NSW Government’s pioneering initiative to reduce the significant loss and trauma caused by illegal phone use on the road network,” Mr Jannink said.
“We know from the success of the pilot and other enforcement technology programs that the deployment of the Acusensus Heads-Up solution will drive behavioural change and improve the safety of road users.”
Road safety advocate Vicki Richardson founded the ‘Don’t-txt-n-drive’ foundation to raise awareness of driver distraction after her daughter Brooke lost her life at age 20 in a crash caused by using her phone while driving.
“Brooke was driving to work and she decided to text a client. That was the last decision she ever made. Working Towards Zero is very important to me,” Ms Richardson said.
NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said more than 16,500 people had been caught using a mobile phone while driving so far this year.
“When you drive while using a phone, your attention is not on the road, on other cars, pedestrians, or on other dangers and it poses a risk to everyone who uses the road,” Mr Corboy said.
“There is simply no excuse for it.”
The mobile phone detection camera program will be supported by a comprehensive road safety campaign including online information and public education.
The program will start later this year and progressively expand to perform 135 million vehicle checks annually by 2023.
The program will include fixed cameras and relocatable trailer-mounted versions of the technology. The transportable cameras will move across a network of locations statewide, targeting illegal mobile phone use anywhere, anytime.
The Privacy Commissioner has been involved in ongoing consultation during the pilot regarding the privacy protection measures incorporated into the program.

Visitor numbers to the new Sydney Fish Market are set to more than double to over five million a year, cementing the markets as one of Australia’s leading tourist attractions, and also as a driver of job creation and reinvigoration of the Pyrmont area.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, and Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes, today announced Government approval of a $750 million investment in the project.
“One in five international tourists to Sydney visit the existing Fish Markets and it’s the second-most visited attraction in Sydney behind the Opera House,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“In addition to the clear benefits for Pyrmont, the new market will be a boon for regional communities as a showcase for the very best seafood from along the NSW coast.”
The building was designed by Danish architects 3XN, in association with Sydney based BVN and Aspect Studios to meet the unique needs of market operations, and represents a substantial step beyond an indicative concept launched in 2016.
The building will have a 6-star green star rating, including advanced water efficiency to cut use of the precious resource by half, and solar electricity generation.
Mr Stokes said the project will include public promenades, a ferry wharf and more than 30,000 square metres of new public open space across the precinct for the community.
“Relocating the fish market to the head of Blackwattle Bay will improve pedestrian and cycling links and connect more of Glebe and Pyrmont to the water as part of the long-awaited revitalisation of the area,” Mr Stokes said.
Two State Significant Development Applications, one for the demolition of the existing wharves and site preparation, the other for main works including the construction of the new fish market facility, will soon be placed on public exhibition.
A two-stage procurement process for demolition and construction will also commence shortly. Subject to planning approval and award of a contract, early works will begin in late-2020 and the new Sydney Fish Market will open for operations in 2024.

Master-planning for the current fish market site will be subject to community consultation which will commence once the Greater Sydney Commission’s Pyrmont Planning Review is complete.

Visitor numbers to the new Sydney Fish Market are set to more than double to over five million a year, cementing the markets as one of Australia’s leading tourist attractions, and also as a driver of job creation and reinvigoration of the Pyrmont area.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, and Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes, today announced Government approval of a $750 million investment in the project.
“One in five international tourists to Sydney visit the existing Fish Markets and it’s the second-most visited attraction in Sydney behind the Opera House,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“In addition to the clear benefits for Pyrmont, the new market will be a boon for regional communities as a showcase for the very best seafood from along the NSW coast.”
The building was designed by Danish architects 3XN, in association with Sydney based BVN and Aspect Studios to meet the unique needs of market operations, and represents a substantial step beyond an indicative concept launched in 2016.
The building will have a 6-star green star rating, including advanced water efficiency to cut use of the precious resource by half, and solar electricity generation.
Mr Stokes said the project will include public promenades, a ferry wharf and more than 30,000 square metres of new public open space across the precinct for the community.
“Relocating the fish market to the head of Blackwattle Bay will improve pedestrian and cycling links and connect more of Glebe and Pyrmont to the water as part of the long-awaited revitalisation of the area,” Mr Stokes said.
Two State Significant Development Applications, one for the demolition of the existing wharves and site preparation, the other for main works including the construction of the new fish market facility, will soon be placed on public exhibition.
A two-stage procurement process for demolition and construction will also commence shortly. Subject to planning approval and award of a contract, early works will begin in late-2020 and the new Sydney Fish Market will open for operations in 2024.

Master-planning for the current fish market site will be subject to community consultation which will commence once the Greater Sydney Commission’s Pyrmont Planning Review is complete.

NSW has maintained the lowest unemployment rate among the states and added just under 17,000 jobs in the past month, according to the latest ABS data.
The State’s unemployment rate has dropped to 4.3 per cent, well below the national average of 5.3 per cent.
The State added 16,717 jobs in August while the participation rate remained unchanged from last month at 65.9 per cent, just below the record high of 66.2 per cent achieved in May this year.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres, said it is encouraging to see strong jobs growth across the State.
“The unemployment rate in NSW has been below or equal to the national average for 54 consecutive months,” he said.
“Our commitment to creating 250,000 jobs in four years is continuing to open up opportunities for workers across a wide range of industries and it’s great to see so many people able to find their place in a growing NSW workforce.
“The fact NSW has the lowest unemployment rate amongst the states shows NSW continues to lead the way as the jobs capital of the nation.”

Cash donations above $100 will be banned in NSW as the Government acts to restore the public’s confidence in the integrity of political donations.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian made the announcement on Wednesday, making NSW the first jurisdiction to cap cash donations made to political parties.
“I have been shocked by what has been uncovered at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) over the last two weeks,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This Government has already introduced the strongest donations regime in the nation but it is clear that some will continue to defy the law.
“That is why I am taking strong action to further protect our political processes.
“This simple reform will mean an end to the poor accounting practices, untraceable donations and the anonymous cash that has the potential to mar our political system.
“Given the wide and easy availability of electronic funds transfer systems, there is no good reason for donations to hide behind the anonymity of cash.”
Currently, no single donor may exceed a cap of $6400 a year to a party or group, nor may a donor exceed a cap of $2900 a year to a member, candidate or third-party campaigner.
All political donations of $1000 or more must also be disclosed to the NSW Electoral Commission. These restrictions will remain in parallel with the new cash ban.
“This sends the strongest possible message that donation laws must not be flouted because the only legal donations will be traceable donations,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Legislation to enact the new restrictions will be introduced to Parliament by the end of the year.
Cash donations above $100 will be banned in NSW as the Government acts to restore the public’s confidence in the integrity of political donations.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian made the announcement on Wednesday, making NSW the first jurisdiction to cap cash donations made to political parties.
“I have been shocked by what has been uncovered at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) over the last two weeks,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This Government has already introduced the strongest donations regime in the nation but it is clear that some will continue to defy the law.
“That is why I am taking strong action to further protect our political processes.
“This simple reform will mean an end to the poor accounting practices, untraceable donations and the anonymous cash that has the potential to mar our political system.
“Given the wide and easy availability of electronic funds transfer systems, there is no good reason for donations to hide behind the anonymity of cash.”
Currently, no single donor may exceed a cap of $6400 a year to a party or group, nor may a donor exceed a cap of $2900 a year to a member, candidate or third-party campaigner.
All political donations of $1000 or more must also be disclosed to the NSW Electoral Commission. These restrictions will remain in parallel with the new cash ban.
“This sends the strongest possible message that donation laws must not be flouted because the only legal donations will be traceable donations,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Legislation to enact the new restrictions will be introduced to Parliament by the end of the year.

Ratings agency Moody’s has given the NSW Government’s strong financial and economic management the seal of approval by re-affirming the State’s Triple-A credit rating.
Moody’s latest credit opinion report states the Triple-A rating reflects “our expectation that the State’s large and diverse economy will continue to perform well, and that the State’s debt burden and interest expense coverage will remain manageable over the medium term.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Triple-A credit rating reflected the underlying health of the NSW economy and sound financial management.
“Maintaining the highest possible credit rating allows the Government to deliver our record breaking $93 billion infrastructure program and spend more on health, education and transport at the lowest possible cost,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We are building new hospitals, schools, train lines and roads for the people of NSW as we get on with the job of delivering the biggest infrastructure pipeline in the State’s history.
“The biggest threat to our economy is the Labor party, which hasn’t learnt the lessons of both state and federal elections and continues to put forward policies that will destroy jobs, businesses and local communities.”
The Moody’s report also noted the establishment of the NSW Generations Fund and its important role in managing debt, the State’s strong liquidity, and the NSW Government’s ongoing contribution towards reducing the State’s unfunded superannuation liability in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2012 target.
Standard & Poor’s rating agency also assigned the NSW Government a Triple-A rating in September last year.
NSW is one of only two states in Australia assigned a Triple-A rating – the highest possible measure of safety for lenders to Government entities such as TCorp and state-owned corporations.

Students nearing the end of high school, or who are undertaking tertiary education, can now apply for $1,000 cash grants to help pursue their learning goals.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the scholarships help cover education-related expenses for young people living in social housing or out-of-home care.
“We want to make sure that young people living in social housing or who are in out-of-home care have every opportunity to break the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage,” Mr Ward said.
“These scholarships provide a helping hand for young people while they complete their studies and can be used to purchase things like a laptop, internet connection, textbooks or tools for tradies.
“This is about giving vulnerable young people a pathway to independence while improving school and tertiary education rates as well as better preparing them for the workplace develop work readiness.”
To be eligible students must either be a social housing tenant, a social housing applicant, be living in crisis or supported accommodation, or living in out-of-home care.
Scholarships are available to students in Year 10, 11 or 12 at a NSW high school or TAFE equivalent. They are also open to young people completing a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, or studying a VET subject at school in 2020.
Young people who received the scholarship last year and are moving on to tertiary education, a traineeship or apprenticeship, can also apply.
The program will give priority access to young people living in supported accommodation, identifying as at risk of homelessness, having experienced domestic and family violence, or have been in contact with the youth justice system.
An initiative under Future Directions for Social Housing in NSW, the scholarship program has assisted more than 1,000 students since 2017.
For more information on how to apply, visit www.facs.nsw.gov.au/scholarships.

Criminals will soon be under the scrutiny of up to a thousand electronic eyes as the NSW Government rolls out high-definition CCTV to help protect local businesses in western Sydney.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Attorney General Mark Speakman and Police Minister David Elliott today announced the first round of successful applicants from the Government’s $5 million CCTV fund.
“Community safety is our top priority and these grants will help keep small businesses and communities safe from crime and anti-social behavior,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“CCTV cameras boost community confidence and send a strong message to would-be criminals that if you do the wrong thing, you will be caught and punished.”
There are 31 successful applicants in first round, and include a music school in North Parramatta, a kindergarten in Auburn, a café in Cabramatta, a registered charity in Penrith and a health facility in Liverpool.
Mr Speakman said that the fund will provide at least 1000 small businesses and community organisations with support to enhance security.
“CCTV footage can really make or break a case. The more visuals we have, the greater the chance of successful investigations and prosecutions,” Mr Speakman said.
“I encourage eligible businesses to apply as we know increased CCTV can deter anti-social behaviour and will ultimately make our suburbs safer.”
Mr Elliott said the new cameras would be entered into the NSW Police Force CCTV Register, providing another crime-fighting tool to identify and catch criminals.
“CCTV puts the spotlight directly on offenders, to help reduce crimes like malicious damage, break and enter, shoplifting and assault,” Mr Elliott said.
“Stepping up monitoring of small businesses, community organisations and key locations around western and south-western Sydney will be a big help to frontline police.”
The funding provides up to $5,000 towards cameras and installation. It is open to not-for-profit community organisations and small businesses with a turnover of less than $2 million.
The program is being rolled out across the Blacktown, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith and Wollondilly local government areas.
Applications under the Community and Small Business CCTV Fund can be submitted via www.crimeprevention.nsw.gov.au

The State’s waterways will have enhanced safety this summer with the arrival of new vehicles and jet skis following a major funding investment from the NSW Government.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott visited Wanda Beach today to inspect some of the 11 new vehicles and 11 new jet skis for Surf Life Saving NSW.
The new equipment forms part of a $16 million funding package over four years for SLSNSW which enhances the capability and support for volunteers at their 11 branches across the State.
Each vehicle and jet ski is fitted with GPS tracking to ensure the safety of volunteers who are often working alone or with just one other person in remote areas. The vehicles are also fitted with shark alarms to warn swimmers.
“The NSW Government recognises the contribution surf lifesavers make to protecting and saving lives along our coastline and we are pleased to be able to support the organisation with fit for purpose rescue equipment,” Mr Elliott said.
“These new vehicles and jet skis will be put to good use this summer to protect our waterways, but I still encourage everyone to be safe and take care in the water.”
SLSNSW CEO Steven Pearce says the new rescue equipment rolling out will better support and enhance the safety of frontline volunteers.
“Our members are often called out to serious emergencies along the coast and now they will have the support of dedicated rescue-ready gear to respond to incidents out of hours and in tricky situations,” Mr Pearce said.
SLSNSW is increasingly expanding its services beyond just beach patrols during the summer with volunteers called on to respond to searching for missing swimmers, rock fishers in trouble and watercraft users in distress on a 24/7 basis.
Last year SLSNSW received almost 600 requests for assistance from Emergency Services that were responded to by volunteers.

Finding the best ways to accurately and respectfully talk about suicide will be the challenge for a gathering of experts today in NSW Parliament House, on World Suicide Prevention Day.
The Towards Zero Suicides Premier’s Priority Delivery Plan Workshop calls together leading suicide prevention experts, clinicians, frontline staff and people with a lived experience of suicide.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the most recent data from 2017 reveals the shocking statistic that impacts so many more people than the raw figures indicate.
“880 people died by suicide in NSW, that’s more than double our road toll, and the ripple effect on loved ones compounds the awful statistic,” Minister Taylor said.
The Towards Zero Suicides Premier’s Priority was recently announced, setting the ambitious target to reduce the rate of suicide deaths in NSW by 20 per cent by 2023, as the first step in the journey towards zero suicides.
“The Premier’s Priority is a chance to have suicide prevention prioritised as never before, and for us to make an unprecedented effort to reverse our rising suicide rate,” Minister Taylor said.
“Last year, the NSW Government announced a record $87 million investment in the Towards Zero Suicides initiatives.”
Mr John Brogden, Chairman of Lifeline Australia, will host the workshop as it helps take the next step towards reducing the suicide rate in NSW.
Mr Brogden said everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention, including government agencies, community managed and non-government organisations, the research sector, workplaces and communities.
“Suicide and attempted suicide is an issue affecting every part of our community, and the voices of people with lived experience of suicide are a key aspect of any response.”
Today’s participants will design the Delivery Plan for the Premier’s Priority, building on Strategic Framework for Suicide Prevention in NSW 2018-23.
More information on World Suicide Prevention Day is available at www.wspd.org.au.
If you or someone you know needs crisis support, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14. For mental health services in your local area call the NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.