Category: NSW News

NSW Police Commissioner, Michael Fuller APM has welcomed the latest crime figures released by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).
The figures, released yesterday, show the rate of crime across most of NSW has remained stable or fallen over the last two years.
In the 24 months leading up to September 2019, there has been a reduction in the following major crime categories across the state:
– Break and enter – dwelling (down 6.1%)
– Steal from dwelling (down 2.8%)
– Steal from person (down 5.8%)
– Malicious damage to property (down 3.7%)
Of the remaining 13 major crime categories, 12 remained stable.
The only major exception to this was steal from retail store (up 9%). This can largely be attributed to increased proactive work, including specifically targeted operations.
Commissioner Fuller said police will continue to implement measures to stay ahead of crime.
“These figures demonstrate how proactive policing continues to have a positive impact on reducing crime across the state.
“Police have a range of capabilities available to them that are used to stay ahead of criminals planning to commit these crimes.
“Our focus will always be community safety, and we will continue our efforts to disrupt crime before it happens,” Commissioner Fuller said.

Thousands of new jobs will be created across industries of the future including advanced manufacturing, agribusiness and space, as NSW launches the nation’s most ambitious international investment strategy.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today launched Global NSW – a strategy to unlock international investment into NSW to keep our State as the nation’s economic powerhouse.
“As Premier, I have worked hard to bring international investment into NSW, helping to secure 17 MOUs into our Western Sydney Aerotropolis,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This international investment will translate to high quality local jobs.
“Our new strategy takes this work to the next level. This is about expanding our key markets around the world and ensuring we take advantage of the incredible economic opportunities on our doorstep.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade John Barilaro said under the strategy the number of trade and investment offices located overseas will grow from 11 to 21.
“NSW has successfully marketed itself globally as a ‘bucket list’ tourism destination for decades and it’s time to take that up a notch and highlight our State as this region’s centre of excellence for business, industry and innovation,” Mr Barilaro said.
As part of the strategy, revamping the NSW trade and investment network will include the appointments of an Agent General in London and five Senior NSW Commissioners in Mumbai, New York, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo.
The new strategy will focus on key growth industries, including:

• Health
• Defence and aerospace
• Agribusiness and food
• Resources
• Infrastructure

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said a key part of ensuring the State’s economic future was making more of expanding markets in China, South-East Asia and India, as well as diversifying our exports in established markets like Japan, the US and Europe.
“NSW has always been a leader, not a follower, and as part of this Strategy we will target growth in sectors such as medtech, cybersecurity, space, advanced manufacturing, quantum computing and blockchain,” Mr Perrottet said.
To view the Global NSW Strategy please visit: global.nsw.gov.au

Employers are being encouraged to hire more people with disability and reap the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace, Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said.
“There are 1.3 million people living with disability in NSW and many of them want to contribute to our society through paid employment,” Mr Ward said.
“Participation and leadership are the themes of this year’s International Day of People with Disability and I’m encouraging employers to lead the charge. People with disability can bring different perspectives, opinions and ideas to a range of sectors and be invaluable employees.
“We see many positive examples of people with disability achieving their career goals but we need the private sector, government and not-for-profits to work together to drive disability inclusion in the workplace.”
Mr Ward will join members of the NSW Disability Advisory Council, the NSW Carers Advisory Council and a host of disability service providers at Parliament House to celebrate International Day of People with Disability today.
The rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in NSW is opening up more opportunities for people to find meaningful work.
There are more than 108,000 NDIS participants in NSW, with the latest quarterly report from the National Disability Insurance Agency demonstrating positive results for inclusion. Data from the September 2019 quarter shows 17% of participants aged 15 to 24 and 26% of participants aged 25 and over have a paid job.
“The NSW Government is working towards doubling the proportion of people with disability employed in the public sector by 2025 by increasing employment opportunities and promoting Disability Inclusion Action Plans,” Mr Ward said.
“Research shows staff and customers are more loyal to businesses that value diversity and inclusion. In addition, workers with disability often have lower rates of absenteeism and stay in their job for longer.”
The NSW Government is investing $3.3 billion in the NDIS in 2019-20.

Prospective homebuyers will be better protected under sweeping changes to the law governing off-the-plan contracts. Changes to the Conveyancing Act, which take effect on 1 December 2019, will see much tighter requirements imposed on developers regarding disclosures, cooling-off periods, holding of deposits and sunset clauses.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the number of off-the-plan purchases in NSW had increased significantly in the last decade from 2,646 in the 2008/09 financial year, to 17,218 in 2018/19, which represents 10.6 per cent of residential property sales.
“We are delivering on our commitment to better protect home buyers by closing down loopholes and increasing disclosure standards across the board,” Mr Dominello said.
The changes include:
·         Buyers being provided with key information about the development, including  copies of the proposed plan, proposed by-laws and a schedule of finishes before contracts are signed;
·         Requiring vendors to notify purchasers of material changes to what was disclosed;
·         Allowing buyers to end the contract or claim compensation in some cases if they are materially impacted by changes made from what was disclosed;
·         Vendors providing a copy of the final plan at least 21 days before the buyer can be compelled to settle;
·         Widening existing legislation to clarify that the Supreme Court can award damages where the vendor terminates under a sunset clause; and
·         Extending the cooling-off period to 10 business days with any deposit to be held in a controlled account until settlement.
“Buying off-the-plan is a popular option, particularly for first home buyers, but there can be risks and uncertainties involved,” Mr Dominello said.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said: “These changes are vitally important for the NSW Government’s building reforms which aim to deliver greater protections for consumers, while increasing the transparency, accountability and quality of work in the sector.”
For more information visit www.registrargeneral.nsw.gov.au.

Employers are being encouraged to hire more people with disability and reap the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace, Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said.
“There are 1.3 million people living with disability in NSW and many of them want to contribute to our society through paid employment,” Mr Ward said.
“Participation and leadership are the themes of this year’s International Day of People with Disability and I’m encouraging employers to lead the charge. People with disability can bring different perspectives, opinions and ideas to a range of sectors and be invaluable employees.
“We see many positive examples of people with disability achieving their career goals but we need the private sector, government and not-for-profits to work together to drive disability inclusion in the workplace.”
Mr Ward will join members of the NSW Disability Advisory Council, the NSW Carers Advisory Council and a host of disability service providers at Parliament House to celebrate International Day of People with Disability today.
The rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in NSW is opening up more opportunities for people to find meaningful work.
There are more than 108,000 NDIS participants in NSW, with the latest quarterly report from the National Disability Insurance Agency demonstrating positive results for inclusion. Data from the September 2019 quarter shows 17% of participants aged 15 to 24 and 26% of participants aged 25 and over have a paid job.
“The NSW Government is working towards doubling the proportion of people with disability employed in the public sector by 2025 by increasing employment opportunities and promoting Disability Inclusion Action Plans,” Mr Ward said.
“Research shows staff and customers are more loyal to businesses that value diversity and inclusion. In addition, workers with disability often have lower rates of absenteeism and stay in their job for longer.”
The NSW Government is investing $3.3 billion in the NDIS in 2019-20.

Prospective homebuyers will be better protected under sweeping changes to the law governing off-the-plan contracts. Changes to the Conveyancing Act, which take effect on 1 December 2019, will see much tighter requirements imposed on developers regarding disclosures, cooling-off periods, holding of deposits and sunset clauses.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the number of off-the-plan purchases in NSW had increased significantly in the last decade from 2,646 in the 2008/09 financial year, to 17,218 in 2018/19, which represents 10.6 per cent of residential property sales.
“We are delivering on our commitment to better protect home buyers by closing down loopholes and increasing disclosure standards across the board,” Mr Dominello said.
The changes include:
·         Buyers being provided with key information about the development, including  copies of the proposed plan, proposed by-laws and a schedule of finishes before contracts are signed;
·         Requiring vendors to notify purchasers of material changes to what was disclosed;
·         Allowing buyers to end the contract or claim compensation in some cases if they are materially impacted by changes made from what was disclosed;
·         Vendors providing a copy of the final plan at least 21 days before the buyer can be compelled to settle;
·         Widening existing legislation to clarify that the Supreme Court can award damages where the vendor terminates under a sunset clause; and
·         Extending the cooling-off period to 10 business days with any deposit to be held in a controlled account until settlement.
“Buying off-the-plan is a popular option, particularly for first home buyers, but there can be risks and uncertainties involved,” Mr Dominello said.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said: “These changes are vitally important for the NSW Government’s building reforms which aim to deliver greater protections for consumers, while increasing the transparency, accountability and quality of work in the sector.”
For more information visit www.registrargeneral.nsw.gov.au.

Netball NSW is pleased to announce the following athletes who have been selected for the 2020 NSW 19/U Team.
The team will travel south next year when Australia’s emerging netballers descend on Hobart in April for the National Netball Championships.
The tournament will be held from the 18-23 April at the Hobart Netball and Sports Centre, with teams representing each state and territory.
Netball NSW Head of Netball said it was a very important milestone for every athlete selected.
“Nationals are one of the big benchmarks on along the Netball NSW pathway and to be selected for a state team is a huge achievement,” she said.
“Last year NSW was very competitive in reaching both the 19/U and 17/U Grand Finals and in 2020 we’ll be hoping to take the next step and bring silverware back to the state.
“I would like to commend every athlete who took part in what was a very long, and rigorous selection process, especially the athletes who have made it to the end.
“We now look forward to working with them and the coaching team as we get ready for Tasmania.”
2020 NSW 19/U Team
Name Association
Amy Sligar Camden
Annie Miller Manly Warringah
Brooke Paterson Randwick
Chelsea Mann Manly Warringah
Courtney Castle Blacktown City
Dakota Thomas Newcastle
Eliza Perkins Blacktown City
Jemma Donoghue Manly Warringah
Lauren Woods Blacktown City
Leilani Rohweder Eastwood Ryde
Matisse Letherbarrow Baulkham Hills
Sophie Dwyer Eastwood Ryde

Drivers using a mobile phone illegally risk being caught on camera when the NSW Government’s mobile phone detection cameras switch on this Sunday 1 December.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said the world-first safety technology will target illegal mobile phone use by drivers through fixed and mobile trailer-mounted cameras.
“The NSW Government is serious about reducing our state’s road toll and rolling out mobile phone detection cameras is another way we will do this,” Mr Constance said.
“As we enter a notoriously dangerous time of the year on our roads I want all drivers to know that if you use your mobile phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle in NSW you will have a greater chance of being caught, anywhere at anytime.
“Some people have not got the message about using their phones legally and safely. If they think they can continue to put the safety of themselves, their passengers and the community at risk without consequence they are in for a rude shock.”
For the first three months, drivers caught by a mobile phone detection camera will receive a warning letter. After that drivers will cop a $344 fine, or a $457 fine in a school zone, and five demerit points – 10 during double demerit periods.
Minister for Regional Roads Paul Toole said the program will progressively expand to perform an estimated 135 million vehicle checks on NSW roads each year by 2023.
“The decision to pick up your phone can have fatal consequences. Whether you’re driving on a major highway or an isolated road in the bush, there’s no excuse for using your phone illegally – and from Sunday, there’s a much greater chance of getting nabbed,” Mr Toole said.
Executive Director of Transport for NSW’s Centre for Road Safety Bernard Carlon said a trial of cameras earlier this year caught over 100,000 drivers illegally using a phone.
“Independent modelling has shown these cameras could prevent around 100 fatal and serious injury crashes over five years,” Mr Carlon said. “There is strong community support for more enforcement, with 80 per cent of people surveyed supporting use of detection cameras to stop illegal mobile phone use.”
NSW Police will continue to enforce illegal mobile phone use and issue infringements as part of regular operations during the warning phase of the camera program.
For more details on the program visit http://mobilephoneroadrules.com.au.

The NSW-led process to update national defamation laws reached a new milestone today, with Australia’s Attorneys-General agreeing to release draft reforms for public consultation.
NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman encouraged anyone interested in this vital area of law to  have their say.
“These draft amendments are a major step towards modernising Australia’s defamation laws, protecting responsible public interest journalism and addressing the growing volume of trivial matters proceeding to court ,” Mr Speakman said.
The draft amendment provisions were developed following a robust national consultation process that took place throughout 2019.
The Council of Attorneys-General is releasing the draft amendments for further public consultation, giving interested parties another opportunity to provide feedback before reforms are finalised and Parliament-ready legislation is agreed in the middle of next year.
The proposed reforms contain a new single publication rule, meaning the limitation period for bringing an action will commence from the date material is uploaded rather than restarting each time it is downloaded.
The reforms also include a serious harm threshold, defence of responsible publication on a matter of public interest and mandatory pre-litigation processes to encourage settlement of disputes out of court.
“The reforms will ensure defamation law does not place unreasonable limits on free speech, address the increasing number of frivolous defamation matters and modernise provisions to apply better to digital publications,” Mr Speakman said.
The draft amendment provisions will be available to read via www.justice.nsw.gov.au/defamationreview.
People and organisations wishing to provide feedback on the draft amendment provisions can send submissions to defamationreview@justice.nsw.gov.au. Submissions close on Friday, 24 January 2020.
A second stage of the reform process will start next year, including examining whether or not digital platforms should bear responsibility for defamatory material published on their sites among other matters.