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NSW has taken another step to improve women’s safety and wellbeing, launching a $1.8 million pilot program to screen for domestic violence in six hospital emergency departments.
The Domestic Violence Screening and Response in Emergency Departments pilot program has been funded by the Commonwealth Government under the national Health Innovation Fund.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the program offers the widest scale of domestic violence screening of its kind in Australian emergency departments.
“This program will help identify domestic violence so that crucial steps can be taken to protect victim-survivors from harm. And we couldn’t launch it at a better time – as the 16 Days of Activism to help eradicate gender-based violence continues,” Mr Speakman said.
One in four women has experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner, and on average, one woman is killed in Australia every nine days by a current or former partner.
Domestic violence is more prevalent among emergency department users than in most other healthcare and community settings, as it’s a 24-hour service with relative anonymity.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said women who experienced domestic violence could be assured of the best possible care and discretion in emergency departments.
“Our emergency department staff are there to help so if a woman is identified as experiencing domestic violence, health workers will speak with her to better understand her needs and any concerns around wellbeing and safety,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Depending on her individual needs, she may also be provided with further support from NSW Health, or be referred to other support services that can help provide protection and break the cycle of violence.”
As part of the process, health workers will also ask about the safety and wellbeing of children and ensure that any risks are appropriately responded to in partnership with the woman.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the pilot project was a welcome addition to routine screening services already available in other areas including mental health, maternity, child and family health services.
“This ground-breaking pilot means we will be able identify more instances of domestic violence and intervene early to protect women and save lives,” Mrs Taylor said.
The pilot program will run for 12 months in six public hospital emergency departments – that cannot be identified for safety reasons – with a view to expanding it statewide, depending on the evaluation findings.
For more information on NSW Health services and programs that prevent and respond to violence, abuse and neglect, visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/violence-abuse-neglect.aspx.

A panel of 100 leading design experts will be charged with improving the quality of the built environment across NSW.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the new State Design Review Panel pool has been appointed to provide independent expert advice on State Significant development and infrastructure projects and precincts.
“Iconic buildings and structures like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge put Sydney on the map and it’s so important that we maintain design excellence with our new projects,” Mr Stokes said.
“The new State Design Review Panel will build on the great work of the pilot program launched in 2018, which guided the development of more than 100 public and private projects worth almost $9 billion.
“A survey of participants in the pilot program found the Panel provided greater certainty, stronger design outcomes and in many cases sped up the process. This panel, alongside the soon-to-be-released Design and Place SEPP, will ensure strong design principles are considered every step of the way.
“NSW residents will also be relieved to note that the Treasurer Dom Perrottet has not been selected for the Design Review Panel.”
NSW Government Architect Abbie Galvin said the expanded panel will play a vital role in shaping the design of the State at a critical time.
“The unprecedented investment in infrastructure and the Government’s commitment to create greener places and great public spaces create an exciting climate for panel members to play a role,” Ms Galvin said.
“It’s fantastic to see such a diverse panel with a wide range of skills and expertise, including six Aboriginal design and cultural experts who will help ensure Aboriginal culture and heritage are integral to the design of places in NSW.”
The panel is made up of 88 independent members with expertise across a range of areas including architecture, landscape architecture, urban design,  Aboriginal and European heritage and sustainability, and 12 State Government design champions.
For more information visit www.governmentarchitect.nsw.gov.au

Visitors to the Australian Museum will soon be able to explore the $57.5 million renovation that has delivered an increase in floor space for exhibitions, the introduction of education facilities, a new museum shop open and a second café.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government has made general admissions free to the public until 30 June 2021 to celebrate the reopening of the museum.
“The Australian Museum is the country’s oldest museum so it is only fitting this world class institution has an upgraded home in the heart of Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We want everyone to have the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the world, learn about our history and be inspired by our culture.”
The 15 month renovation, known as Project Discover, was delivered on time and on budget. It included repurposing back-of-house areas to more than 3,000sqm of new public space, which will allow the museum to host one major travelling international exhibition or two smaller exhibitions at the same time.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the Australian Museum was an important cultural home for the people of NSW and all Australians.
“Our Cultural Institutions come alive when we immerse ourselves in them, and the renewed and expanded Australian Museum is for everyone to enjoy. People can meet and spend time together, escape to a space of natural discovery, and explore,” Mr Harwin said.
“The Museum’s transformation has put it firmly on the world stage, yet it remains a truly Australian museum and an iconic part of Sydney’s own backyard.”
The NSW Government contributed more than $50 million to the Project Discover renovation.
The Australian Museum will reopen with free general admission to the public on Saturday 28 November 2020. Visitors will be required to register their contact details on arrival for COVID-19 contact tracing purposes.
For more information on exhibitions at the Australian Museum visit: https://australian.museum/