Category: NSW News

Aspiring and existing business owners in the City of Sydney can now access a NSW Government one-stop shop Business Concierge service, potentially saving them time and money when starting or expanding a café, restaurant or small bar.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello congratulated the City of Sydney for coming on board, saying Service NSW puts business owners first by bringing up to 48 forms from across 15 agencies under the one roof.
“Small business is the engine room of the economy which is why Service NSW has transformed from being a one-stop shop for individual customers to also being a one-stop shop for business customers,” Mr Dominello said.
“We know that starting or growing a business can be complicated and stressful, and this online service brings everything together in one convenient location.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the service is all about making government easier for business owners to navigate from applying for a liquor or outdoor dining licence, to complying with food safety standards.
“The measure of success is simple. Less time spent dealing with government means more time spent developing your business and faster commencement of operations,” Mr Tudehope said.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said: “We’re pleased to work with the NSW Government on this initiative, which is another way we’re helping our 20,000 small businesses get on with their important work contributing to the diversity, vitality and economic dynamism of our great city.”
The service includes personalised over the phone support from the Business Concierge team and a digital platform which outlines the regulations and licences needed to start a small business across a range of sectors. It has already helped 5000 customers start or grow their business, with owners of cafes, restaurants and small bars saving up to 86 hours of effort, while slashing the time it takes to start a small bar by almost six months.
The City of Sydney is one of more than 100 Councils to join the service. The service is delivered by Service NSW in partnership with the NSW Small Business Commission. For more information visit https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/

Construction works on the Sydney Modern Project have commenced, which will be an expansion that almost doubles the Art Gallery of NSW’s space, enabling more of our State’s art collection to go on show, as well as hosting more exhibitions from around Australia and the world.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for the Arts Don Harwin today marked the start of construction in a ceremony above the underground oil tanks that will be converted to exhibition space as part of the project.
“The Sydney Modern Project is a major public investment that will enrich the cultural life of our State and deliver economic benefits for generations to come, injecting more than $1 billion into the NSW economy,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The $344 million expansion will create an international art destination in one of the world’s most beautiful cultural precincts for everyone to enjoy. Gallery visitor numbers are expected to increase to at least two million people a year.”
Ms Berejiklian paid tribute to the generous philanthropists who had partnered with the NSW Government and the Gallery to make this once-in-a-generation project possible, raising more than $100 million.
Mr Harwin said the Gallery’s new building, designed by Pritzker-prize winning architects SANAA, would be an architectural and cultural landmark.
“The Sydney Modern Project will almost double the space to show more of the State’s outstanding art collection and host the best Australian and international exhibitions,” Mr Harwin said.
“One of the highlights of the expansion will be a prominent destination for the Gallery’s internationally renowned collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.”
President of the Art Gallery of NSW Board of Trustees David Gonski AC thanked the NSW Government and donors for their support.
“This is a truly momentous day as we embark on the next exciting chapter of this great public institution,” Mr Gonski said.
“We thank the NSW Government for making such a significant public investment in the arts, and the extraordinarily generous donors who have pledged support for the new building.”
Art Gallery of NSW director Dr Michael Brand said the Sydney Modern Project would transform the Gallery and the way visitors engage with art.
“Our expansion is more than a stunning new building. It’s about the exciting possibilities ahead of us to deliver more rich and meaningful experiences of art for everyone,” Dr Brand said.
The Sydney Modern Project is due to be completed in 2022. The Gallery remains open during construction.
Infrastructure NSW is managing the delivery of the project on behalf of the NSW Government and Gallery. Richard Crookes Constructions is the builder.

People who bite or otherwise expose police and other frontline workers to a risk of disease could be subject to mandatory testing to provide peace of mind and lessen the anxiety for affected workers.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott, Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections Anthony Roberts and Attorney General Mark Speakman said the safety and protection of frontline workers was the NSW Government’s primary consideration.
The scheme will provide authorities with the power to test a person for diseases if there is a risk of an on-duty frontline worker being exposed to a blood borne virus such as HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C through the deliberate actions of another person.
Mr Elliott said our police officers, emergency services personnel and first responders put themselves in harm’s way every day, and it is vital we support them as much as possible.
“We want to give as much peace of mind to frontline workers as we can to alleviate the uncertainty they may experience if have been exposed to bodily fluids,” Mr Elliott said.
“Our Justice and Health ministers have been working hard on the details of this scheme, with the help of strong advocates like the Police Association and the Public Service Association, so I’m happy to say we are delivering.”
If frontline workers are exposed to a risk of contracting a blood borne virus in the course of their duties by a deliberate act of another person, a senior officer from their agency will carry out a risk assessment to determine if the source of the possible infection should be ordered to undergo mandatory testing.
Mr Roberts said working with prison inmates is stressful enough without our Corrections Officers worrying about their health after attacks that expose them to bodily fluids.
“These incidents can be extremely traumatic and stressful for our officers and their families, and mandatory disease testing will provide support. We will also ensure they receive prompt medical assessment, treatment and counselling,” Mr Roberts said.
Mr Speakman said anyone who refuses to comply with a mandatory testing order will be committing an offence.
“We need to provide a real deterrent so people who think it’s okay to attack our frontline workers know they will face the full force of the law. Courts will have the power to impose on those who refuse to undergo a test a maximum of 12 months imprisonment or an $11,000 fine, or both,” Mr Speakman said.
If either the victim or the person to be tested disagree with the decision of the senior officer, they may appeal within 48 hours to the NSW Chief Health Officer who must make a decision within seven days.
If the individual in question is younger than 16, or subject to a guardianship order, a parent, guardian or Local Court must approve the mandatory disease testing order.
The scheme will be available to frontline workers including the NSW Police Force, Corrective Services NSW, Youth Justice NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, NSW Health, St John Ambulance and the Office of the Sheriff of NSW.
The Government aims to introduce legislation early next year.

A new report shows health projects like the $240 million Dubbo Hospital redevelopment are not only delivering world-class healthcare, they’re boosting regional economies across NSW.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Health Minister Brad Hazzard visited Dubbo Hospital to release Regional Economic Impacts of Public Hospital Investment by the Regional Australia Institute and NSW Health Infrastructure.
The report shows a 15 per cent jump in healthcare jobs in Dubbo from 2011-2016, more than double the previous five-year period. There was also a significant boost to construction jobs, which had a spillover benefit to the local accommodation, travel, food and transport sectors.
“This shows the benefit of our health infrastructure spends for the whole community and that’s never been more important than now – in the middle of a drought,” Mr Perrottet said.
“A secure job and the stability that brings gives people a better quality of life and that benefits regional communities now and into the future.”
The NSW Government has invested $10 billion on health infrastructure since 2011, with $10.1 billion more over the four years from 2019-20, including more than $900 million for rural and regional areas in 2019-20.
More than $240 million has been spent on the Dubbo Hospital redevelopment and a further $35 million in federal and state funding has been allocated to the Western Cancer Centre.
Mr Hazzard joined Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders to announce Lipman Pty Ltd as the successful tenderer to construct the Western Cancer Centre, due for completion in 2021.
“This Centre will provide patients here in the west with advanced diagnostic services and life-saving treatment closer to home,” Mr Hazzard said.
Mr Saunders said: “Having world-class cancer facilities in Dubbo will help attract and retain health professionals, and will be life-changing for patients living from Bourke to Mudgee.”
Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Services, Mark Coulton, welcomed the tender for the Centre as a significant step forward for the community.
“As the report shows, investment in health infrastructure in Dubbo is providing the community with a much needed boost, particularly as we face the challenges of the drought. The Western Cancer Centre is a project we can all be extremely proud of, and it promises far-reaching benefits for Dubbo and Western New South Wales,” Mr Coulton said.

The removal of the first dam on Toorale National Park to enhance flows down the Warrego River and into the Darling has been completed.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the removal of Peebles Dam would have an immediate impact on the next flow.
“This work should have been completed a decade ago. I’ve heard the community’s concerns about the time it’s taken to deliver this project and I am glad it was done in time for yesterday’s rain,” Mr Kean said.
“The removal of the Dam was Phase One in improving the connection of flows down the Warrego River into the Darling River.
“This project will assist in ensuring water, our most precious resource, remains in the river system and is not held in unnecessary infrastructure, a legacy from Toorale’s days gone by.
“As promised in recent stakeholder meetings the works were commenced in October and completed ahead of schedule.”
Phase Two will begin in 2020 and includes the modification of the remaining structures on Toorale to further increase flows passing down the Warrego.
The overall project will see enhanced river flows, while maintaining the important cultural and environmental values of the Toorale National Park.
“Phase Two will also include works to improve the ability for fish to pass by the structures still in place up and down the river,” Mr Kean said.
This work is funded by the Commonwealth Government and will assist in managing the environmental water the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder holds in this region.

Projects promoting life skills, positive mental health initiatives and employment outcomes are among successful recipients of the NSW Government’s $1.5 million Youth Opportunities program.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said 36 innovative projects driven by young people would receive up to $50,000 each.
“We’re committed to engaging young people by providing positive opportunities that help them improve their wellbeing and thrive into adulthood,” Mr Ward said.
“These grants are the perfect platform to promote valuable and innovative ideas and I’m pleased to see so many outstanding projects receive Youth Opportunities funding.”
The 36 organisations funded under the program cover all corners of NSW, with projects encompassing areas of education, arts, culture and health.
Among them is a short film festival to highlight the voices of young people in Gymea and a statewide campaign to raise awareness about hearing health and deafness.
Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor said more than half of the successful projects stem from regional and rural NSW.
“Youth are the lifeblood of regional communities across our state and we want to give them every opportunity to showcase what they’ve got to offer,” Ms Taylor said.
“These grants will see some exciting initiatives come to fruition and provide vital funds for others that have proven successful.”
Since the NSW Government established the Youth Opportunities program in 2012, almost $12 million has been invested in more than 280 projects.
For information about successful projects, visit www.youth.nsw.au/youth-opportunities

Netballers from all over the state will be descending on Wagga Wagga next year with the town set to host the 2020 BING LEE Masters State Titles and Netball NSW Social Masters on the same weekend in October.
Like in 2019, both events will run concurrently and be held at the Wagga Wagga Netball Association on Saturday and Sunday, 17-18 October. Games will also take place in the Wagga Wagga Indoor Stadium.
After Netball NSW successfully took both the Masters State Titles and Social Masters to Tamworth last month, the organisation is excited to take them regional again in 2020.
“It is very important that we take these competitions to different parts of the state as we have huge numbers in every region,” Competitions Manager Claire Dale said.
“We had a brilliant weekend when we headed north of Sydney to Tamworth this year, and we can’t wait to head south to Wagga Wagga in 2020.
“Like Tamworth, Wagga Wagga has fantastic indoor and outdoor facilities which can accommodate everyone, from those looking to play in a competitive environment, to those just looking for some social fun.
“We look forward to working with the Wagga Wagga Netball Association over the next year in the run-up to what promises to be a fantastic two-day festival of netball.
“I strongly encourage all Associations to mark this date on their calendars for next year and come and make a weekend of it in a beautiful part of NSW.”
Formerly known as the State Championships – Masters, the Masters State Titles will have Association Representative Teams competing.
The Social Masters, meanwhile, is all about getting together with friends for some fun, good times, and a little bit of netball.
Netball NSW would like to thank BING LEE for their support of the Masters State Titles and their continued support of netball at all levels across the state.

NSW drivers can now use a Digital Driver’s Licence (DDL) on their smartphone for proof of identity, proof of age and at roadside police checks.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello announced the statewide rollout today at Norths Cammeray, following successful trials in Dubbo, Albury and Sydney’s Eastern Beaches.
“We’ve always put the customer at the heart of everything we do. Opal card and Service NSW have revolutionised the customer experience. The Digital Driver’s Licence is the latest way we are making life easier for the people of this state,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“More than 550,000 people have already downloaded the digital licence, with 97 per cent giving it the thumbs up. In the suburb of Blacktown alone, 4,733 people have chosen to go digital.”
The Digital Driver’s Licence has inbuilt security controls to protect customer’s personal information.
“The DDL is hosted securely on the new Service NSW app, locks with a PIN and can be accessed offline. It will provide additional levels of security and protection against identity fraud, compared to the plastic driver licence,” Mr Dominello said.
“We are working closely with business and industry to have them come on board and accept the DDL. This includes nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, petrol stations, supermarkets, convenience stores and tobacco retailers. Watch this space.”
Drivers who opt-in are encouraged to carry their plastic licence in the initial stages.
For more information about how to recognise and accept the DDL visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/digital-driver-licence
To get a DDL, licence holders will need to create a MyServiceNSW Account at www.service.nsw.gov.au and download the Service NSW mobile app on their smartphone. The DDL will always be opt-in only.

FIRST CASH TO FLOW TO HELP FIX LOCAL ROADS
The first round of the $500 million Fixing Local Roads program is now open and will close on 2 December 2019. Successful applications will be announced from February 2020.
Funding was available to councils to repair, maintain or seal local roads in a bid to help reduce the backlog.
The funding is a key election commitment and removes the need for local roads in regional NSW to meet a benefit cost ratio to receive funding.
Projects will need to be delivered within two years of receiving funding, to ensure that local communities are benefiting sooner.
GIVE THE BEST GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS AND #BUYREGIONAL
Sydneysiders keen to help drought-stricken towns can easily buy Christmas presents and produce direct from regional retailers, with the help of a new NSW Government campaign that connects city shoppers with rural sellers.
Buy Regional is an online hub that showcases regional shops and sellers together in one place, to make it easy for shoppers to find the perfect Christmas gift and support regional NSW.
The Buy Regional for Christmas hub is at: www.nsw.gov.au/buyregional.
CUTTING COSTS FOR NSW DRIVERS
Groundbreaking new rules will give the NSW Government the power to claw back excessive insurer profits from Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance and return the money to motorists through cheaper Green Slips. The new rules are already applicable.
Insurer profits will be capped at 10 per cent by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), keeping costs to motorists down while also encouraging the industry to be more innovative.
Based on current premiums, for every one per cent of excess profit recovered from insurers, more than $15 million will be returned to NSW vehicle owners through lower Green Slip prices.
VOCATIONAL TRAINEESHIPS TO BE FEE FREE FROM JANUARY 2020
The NSW Government has launched a new $54.3 million NSW Government Budget initiative to make government-subsidised traineeships fee-free.
Traineeships, through the NSW Smart and Skilled vocational education and training (VET) system, will join apprenticeships in being fee free from 1 January 2020.
This means the NSW Government would be picking up the tab for the fees on all new traineeships, including school-based traineeships.
ENSURING THE FUTURE OF RELIABLE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY FOR NSW
The Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments are delivering reliable and affordable energy, making the New South Wales-Queensland Interconnector (QNI) happen.
Both Governments will jointly underwrite up to $102 million of the QNI upgrade to ensure the security of electricity in NSW.
This will allow TransGrid, the network transmission service provider for NSW, to fast track critical early works for QNI ahead of the final regulatory determination of the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).
SYDNEY’S SOUTH ON THE MOVE WITH THE NEW M6
Connecting one of the missing links in Sydney’s motorway network is a step closer to delivering benefits to the residents and businesses of Sydney’s south and the Illawarra.
Companies vying to build the underground motorway from Arncliffe to Kogarah, now known as M6 Stage 1, can now express their interest in a project expected to create 5,300 jobs throughout its life.
It is expected that a contract will be awarded in December 2020, construction will begin by early 2022 and open to motorists by the end of 2025.
TOUGH NEW LAWS ON ILLEGAL FIREARM MANUFACTURING
The NSW Government will introduce laws to crack down on illegal firearm manufacturers, including those who supply the firearm parts or allow their premises to be used to manufacture weapons.
The new offences will apply to anyone who ‘takes part’ in the illegal manufacture of firearms, similar to laws in place for taking part in the supply or manufacture of illicit drugs.
It will also ensure the maximum penalty for illegal manufacturing will be 20 years. The legislation would not apply to law abiding firearm dealers or authorised commercial enterprises that are permitted to manufacture firearms.
The NSW Government will introduce a bill to Parliament early next year.
$1.2 MILLION SPORTS FUND TO TACKLE RURAL MENTAL HEALTH
NSW-based sporting bodies wanting to improve mental health and wellbeing in regional drought-stricken areas can apply for a share of a new $1.2 million Mental Health Sports Fund.
NSW sporting bodies can apply for funding to expand an existing program, team-up with a mental health service provider on a new program or support their local member clubs to run community wellbeing events.
For further information and how to apply please visit the Office of Sport NSW website: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/Mental-Health-Sports-Fund.

Coaching pioneer Margaret Corbett OAM was elevated to Legend Status in the Netball NSW Hall of Fame on a night of celebration at the organisation’s annual State Dinner at the Campbelltown Catholic Club on Saturday night.
The Sutherland Shire great, a leading coach in Australia across the 1970s, 80s, 90s and early 2000s, was the toast of the state’s netball community, becoming only the second-ever person to be elevated to Legend status, alongside former Diamonds captain Anne Sargeant OAM.
A forward thinker when it came to netball, Corbett brought nine National Opens Titles to NSW from 1984-1992. This was NSW’s dominance of the Dunlop Golden Boot era – the Suncorp Super Netball of the day – and Corbett’s feats remain unmatched in Australian netball history.
Guiding and instructing her teams at every turn, she pioneered the art of coaching and paved the way for many of the players to go on and represent Australia.
The night was also a successful one for GIANTS Netball defender Kristiana Manu’a who held off stern competition from her teammates and NSW Swifts rivals to win the Marilyn Melhuish OAM Medal after being voted NSW’s Suncorp Super Netball player of the year.
Her award was one of eight presented on a night which celebrated another fantastic year for netball across NSW.
“2019 is a year that will live long in the memory of everyone involved in the sport,” Netball NSW President Louise Sullivan said in her welcome.
“That it marked the 90th Anniversary of Netball NSW made the achievements all the more special.
“Whether it was the NSW Swifts, under former player turned coach Briony Akle, defying the odds to claim the Suncorp Super Netball title, or the thousands of young and not so young coming together for the rebranded HART Junior and Senior State Titles, netball was always front and centre of the sporting landscape.
“There were many successes beyond these of course; our NSW 17s and 19s brought back silver from the National Netball Championships in Brisbane, while the Netball NSW Waratahs also won sliver after a thrilling Australian Netball League campaign.
“The NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball brought over 40,000 netball fans through the gates of Qudos Bank Arena for four blockbuster Super Netball extravaganzas, including a whopping 11,269 for the Round 8 Indigenous Round, which doubled as the second NSW Derby of the year.
“With more than 1,200 new coaches teaching netball across New South Wales, to the almost 600 new National C umpires making sure it all happens within the rules, it is also fantastic to see growth at our most important level, the grassroots.
“As we reflect on the past nine decades, and the humble origins of our organisation, the phrase “from little seeds great trees grow” is certainly relevant.”
2019 Netball NSW Award Recipients
Anne Clark BEM Service Awards: Colette Longley (Manly Warringah Netball Association), Geraldine Evry (Illawarra District Netball Association), Judith Sibbald (Penrith District Netball Association), Megan Kocsis (Eastwood Ryde Netball Association), Jo-Anne Perry (Ku-ring-gai Netball Association)
Marilyn Melhuish OAM Medal – Suncorp Super Netball Player of the Year: Kristiana Manu’a (GIANTS Netball)
Marj Groves AM Scholarship: Annie Miller (Manly Warringah Netball Association)
Nance Kenny OAM Medal – Premier League Player of the Year: Maddie Taylor (Central Coast Heart)
Lynn Quinn OAM Bench Official Award: Helen Andrews (St George District Netball Association)
Neita Matthews OAM Umpires Award: Tayla Favell (Baulkham Hills Shire Netball Association)
Margaret Corbett OAM Coaches Award: Mardi Aplin (Orange Netball Association)
Judy Dunbar Media Awards: Isaac McIntyre – Hunter Women’s Chronicle (Community Media Excellence), Adrian Arciuli – SBS (Best Feature), Wolter Peeters – Sydney Morning Herald/Sun Herald (Best Photograph), Daniel Lane – Sydney Morning Herald/Sun Herald (Best Overall Media Coverage).
Dot McHugh OAM Administrator Award: Patricia Joy Gillett OAM (Penrith District Netball Association)
2019 Hall of Fame Inductions: Margaret Corbett OAM (Sutherland Shire Netball Association) – elevated to Legend Status