Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government today announced two of the state’s key animal welfare organisations, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals NSW (RSPCA) and the Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL), will receive $12.5 million towards their enforcement and compliance activities that provide protection for NSW cats, dogs, livestock and other animals.

The funding is part of the NSW Government’s election commitments to establish a modern, fit for purpose animal welfare framework.

As part of the enforcement grants announced today, the RSPCA NSW will receive $11.3 million, and the AWL NSW will receive $1.17 million.

The funding is substantially higher than any other state or territory has allocated to charitable animal welfare organisations to undertake their compliance and enforcement work.

The funding will be used to:

• Fund animal welfare inspectors who play a crucial role in enforcing NSW animal welfare laws
• Investigate animal cruelty complaints, protecting vulnerable animals from harm or distress
• Carry out enforcement action on those people doing animals’ harm
• Provide a one-off upgrade to AWL operating systems for streamlined compliance data and reporting.
• Cover vehicle operating and legal expenses.

The announcement follows recent Government animal welfare initiatives including introducing new ‘fit and proper’ laws preventing people who have been convicted of repeat animal cruelty offences from keeping or breeding animals and introducing into Parliament last month a Bill to ban the appalling practice of puppy farming.

The grant applications and subsequent funding was assessed in accordance the requirements under the NSW Grants Administration Guide and was overseen by an independent panel.

The purpose of these enforcement grants is to support approved charitable organisations and carry out Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 enforcement and compliance activities for the current 2024/25 financial year.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to improving animal welfare standards across our state.

“We will continue to work with stakeholder, advocates, and the community to improve animal welfare and to build a better and stronger framework of animal protection.

“We recognise the compliance work the Animal Welfare League and RSPCA do and value the long-standing relationships we have with them to achieve better outcomes for the animals of NSW.

Sydney is taking its place among the iconic marathon cities of the world, becoming just the seventh Abbott World Marathon Major alongside New York, London, Tokyo, Boston, Chicago and Berlin.

With the support of the NSW Government over a three-year candidacy and review period, the Sydney Marathon now joins the elite club of Abbott World Marathon Majors after international organisers announced their decision at the New York Marathon overnight.

Sydney’s new status is expected to drive a wave of international and interstate runners, along with familes, friends and event support crew to visit NSW.

The Sydney Marathon will become an instant bucket list event for thousands of runners across the globe who have already achieved the “six star medal” for completing all six major marathons – and thousands more who have been aiming for the same goal but will now want to add Sydney to their to-do list.

Major status positions Sydney as the major events capital of the Asia Pacific and brings global spotlight, with other marathons being watched by an average global broadcast audience of 20 million viewers.

Currently, all six Abbott World Marathon Majors are oversubscribed. For example, more than 840,000 people have applied to run in the London Marathon next year, with only about 55,000 places on offer.

Destination NSW estimates an extra $73 million in visitor expenditure will be added to the NSW economy over the next three years as a result of Sydney Marathon’s elevation. Over a decade, an extra $300 million will be added to the economy, with many visitors to Sydney taking the opportunity to visit regional NSW while in Australia.

The elevation of the Sydney Marathon to major status has been made possible through a funding and strategic partnership with the NSW Government through Destination NSW. Government support was a requirement of the Abbott World Marathon Majors criteria and involves cross agency collaboration with Transport for NSW, Destination NSW, NSW Police and NSW Ambulance.

The TCS Sydney Marathon cleared its final hurdle in September after three years of being judged against the assessment criteria of Abbott World Marathon Majors.

There were 25,000 registered runners for the marathon that winds its way through the harbour city and finishes at the Sydney Opera House.

Participation in the Sydney Marathon has increased by 400% since 2022, from 5,000 entries to 25,000 in 2024. It is expected that 33,300 will greet the starter’s gun in August 2025, rising to 37,800 in 2027.

Ongoing support for the Sydney Marathon is part of the broader Minns Government plan to grow the NSW Visitor Economy to $91 billion in expenditure by 2035.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said:

“We’re thrilled Australia’s only global city, Sydney is now a member of the world majors club, following the great marathon cities of Boston, Chicago, New York, Berlin, Tokyo and London.

“Achieving major marathon status is a huge honour and we are proud to be a funding and strategic partner of the Sydney Marathon.

“These runners, their supporters and fans who come to watch will bring a huge boost to the local economy.

“We have ambitious plans to boost the number of visitors in NSW and this event is another feather in our cap.

“NSW is an unbeatable hotspot for tourists across the globe and we look forward to welcoming them next year, providing a multi million dollar boost to the economy and an unforgettable experience for the runners on one of the most scenic marathon courses in the world.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

“They are the bucket list events that runners from across the world want to tick off. Now Sydney Marathon joins them at the starting line.

“Sydneysiders get behind a sporting event like no other city and we know more and more people will embrace the marathon whether that is aspiring to complete it or getting out to support those who do.

“Sydney Marathon 2025 will draw more visitors, but the NSW Government is just as excited by the economic boost this will provide over the long run as the status of the event grows.

“I congratulate Sydney Marathon organisers and those who worked on its candidacy, backed by Destination NSW. This is a remarkable achievement.”

Wayne Larden, race director of the TCS Sydney Marathon said:

“Becoming the 7th Abbott World Marathon Major is just incredible for the event, as well as for Sydney and NSW.

“This amazing milestone is going to have a profound impact on running in Australia, inspiring the community to become a marathoner and do something special for themselves, their families and friends. Community health will benefit alongside a huge increase in fundraising.

“We are so excited to deliver the 2025 event as the 7th Abbott World Marathon Major and join the greatest marathon series and events on the planet!”

“We could not have achieved such incredible growth in competitors and uplift in delivery to make it into the World Majors if it wasn’t for the support of the NSW Government through Destination NSW, and our partners TCS and ASICS. Our Pont3 team are first rate and have put in so much work to make this happen.

The Minns Labor Government is investing in support for Aboriginal young people and community safety with an expansion of the successful Safe Aboriginal Youth (SAY) Program to additional locations across the state.

Youth Justice NSW’s SAY Program will provide services for Aboriginal youth in Moree, Orange, Coffs Harbour, Tamworth and expanded services in Dubbo. This builds on the positive impact the program is already making in Kempsey, Taree, Newcastle, Dubbo, Bourke and Wilcannia.

The program provides a safe transport and outreach service to help keep Aboriginal young people off the streets late at night.

The SAY program is designed to help divert young people from harmful activities and reducing the likelihood of criminal involvement, while also reducing the risk of them becoming victims of crime.

The expansion of the program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $26.2 million package of reforms and initiatives to support community safety and wellbeing, particularly in regional NSW, with a focus on strengthening early intervention and prevention programs for young people.

By providing more after-hours support, the Government is helping to prevent crime and helping more young people stay on the right track.

The new locations for the program were identified following extensive consultation with local communities and analysis of crime data from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).

The expansion comes as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap, which in the Youth Justice space focuses on early intervention services to help prevent young people from becoming involved in the justice system.

A tender process will begin in November and will prioritise Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to manage the services in these new areas. The tender process is expected to be finalised by April 2025.

Youth Justice NSW is committed to ensuring the SAY Program is community-driven, with services tailored to each area.

Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib said:

“The expansion of the Safe Aboriginal Youth Program delivers on our commitment to strengthen intervention programs and is a step forward for Aboriginal young people in these communities, building on a tried and tested model that has helped other towns across NSW.”

“The journey for every young person across NSW is different and we want to make sure as many young people as possible have opportunities to find a positive path in life. Our priority is to keep young people safe, supported and away from possible involvement with the justice system.”

“It’s important that these programs are led by the community and that’s why we are prioritising Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. The support provided by SAY and other programs plays an important role in reaching the state’s Closing the Gap objectives and improving outcomes for Aboriginal youth in NSW.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“I am proud the Minns Labor Government is expanding its support for a program that has already proven a success in helping keep at-risk Aboriginal young people safer and away from criminal involvement.”

“Early intervention is critical to giving at-risk youth the best chance of staying away from harmful activities and getting their lives on a positive pathway.”

“We know the best way to close the gap is by Aboriginal people shaping and driving outcomes for Aboriginal people, in partnership with the NSW Government, and the Safe Aboriginal Youth Program is a great example of that.”

Licensed recreational hunters will once again get the opportunity to hunt some of the most popular hunting forests in NSW during March and April 2025, with registrations for the annual public land hunting ballot opening this Friday.

To ensure the safety of all forest users, the number of licensed hunters allowed to hunt in State forests that are declared and open to hunting on any day is restricted based on the available hunting area.

The booking system normally operates on a first-in-first served basis, which means popular forests often book out quickly during peak hunting periods.

The public land hunting ballot ensures hunters holding a current Restricted Game Hunting Licence (R-Licence) have a fair and equitable opportunity to hunt Maragle South State Forest and Mannus State Forest during the peak period.

Only Australian residents who hold a current NSW R-Licence (including minor R-Licence holders) are eligible to register for balloted hunts.

The ballot period in 2025 will run from 1 March to 3 May, with normal online bookings for Maragle South State Forest and Mannus State Forest unavailable during this time. Only ballot winners will be issued written permission to hunt during this period.

All hunters must comply with a range of conditions when hunting on declared public land, including licence conditions, general permission and forest specific conditions, and the NSW Game Hunting Licence Code of Practice. Only game and feral animals listed on their written permission may be targeted, including deer, feral pigs, goats, foxes, hares, rabbits, feral cats and wild dogs.

R-Licensed hunters interested in hunting these popular forests during March and April next year, have until 11.59pm on Sunday 17 November to register for the ballots. There is no fee for entering the ballot.

To check your eligibility and register for the public land hunting ballot visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/hunting/where-can-i-hunt/balloted-hunting-nsw

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The annual public land hunting ballot ensures that hunter access and participation is managed sustainably in some of the most popular forests for hunting.

“Bookings to hunt in these popular forests during peak hunting season are often hard to secure, so the ballot is a great way to ensure that all licensed hunters have a fair chance.

“There is over 2-million hectares of declared hunting State forest in NSW, of which 1.2 million hectares is currently open and available to licensed hunting.

“Hunting takes place in State forests alongside multiple uses including renewable timber production, environmental protection and tourism.

“Hunting on public land hunting is strictly regulated in NSW and underpinned by a risk assessment ensuring that it is undertaken safely.”

The NSW Government has pledged $9.84 million for alcohol and other drug treatment services in the Murrumbidgee region as the Drug Summit begins in Griffith, including:

• $3.6 million for new post-custodial support programs to be provided by Directions Health and RivMed (Riverina Medical & Dental Aboriginal Corporation);
• $2 million to deliver a community-based withdrawal management, case management and counselling service for vulnerable populations through Directions Health; and
• $4.24 million to rollout a new youth day program and counselling service through Karralika.

Post-custodial support

Post-custodial support is designed to help promote reintegration into the community and reduce the risk of drug dependency and reincarceration for vulnerable community members.

Support starts before they leave custody and continuing for 12 months, providing improved long-term health and social outcomes.

Withdrawal & case management, counselling

Community-based withdrawal management, case management and counselling for priority groups will be provided through Directions Health.

Directions Health provides a range of free, integrated services and programs for individuals, family members and friends, impacted by alcohol and other drugs.

Services will be offered in person, and through virtual care.

Counselling for young people

This will be used to roll out a new youth day program and counselling service that includes group and individual support, and in-person and virtual care.

Young people aged 12-17 years and young adults aged 18-24 years will be eligible.

It is expected the program will support up to 100 young people each year.

Drug Summit begins in Griffith

The 2024 Drug Summit is officially underway in NSW, with the first regional forum taking place in Griffith today.

Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park is attending the forum in Griffith, which will build on the NSW Government’s commitment to improving the prevention, minimisation and treatment of alcohol and drug related harm.

The Drug Summit will include two more forums, which will be held in Lismore on 4 November and in Sydney on 4 and 5 December, bringing together health experts, police, people with lived and living experiences, drug user organisations, families and other stakeholders to provide a range of perspectives.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The Drug Summit will reflect the experiences and expertise from a diverse range of perspectives – we will all contribute, we will all listen and then we will all act.

“I am so pleased to be able to announce this important investment into these life changing services which will mean so much to so many people in this region.

“Substance use can be a confronting and challenging issue, which is why it’s so important we continue to support community organisations such as Karralika and Directions Health in the essential work they do.

“These organisations work hand-in-hand with Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s drug and alcohol services, to provide non-judgemental support, advice and treatment options for all members of our community.

“The summit will cover a range of matters from prevention, to harm minimisation, but treatment is equally as important, and I’m so glad that we’re able to expand access to it in this part of the world.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton:

“I’m so pleased residents in the Murrumbidgee region are set to benefit from this major funding boost, which will provide more specialist, personalised and holistic care to individuals and families impacted by alcohol and other drug use.

“I look forward to today’s forum in Griffith which will help us better understand how drug use impacts our communities and provide insight into how we can improve drug related health and community outcomes.”

The Minns Labor Government in conjunction with NSW’s workplace health and safety regulator has held the first ever SafeWork NSW event on preventing workplace sexual harassment.

Protecting workers from sexual harassment at work is a SafeWork NSW regulatory priority.

The event, ‘Awareness to Action: Preventing workplace sexual harassment’ held on Thursday in Sydney brought together a diverse group of workers, unions, business leaders and experts to encourage practical action from NSW employers.

The keynote address was delivered by federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Anna Cody, following the Australian Human Rights Commission’s landmark 2020 Respect@Work Report, which found that 1 in 3 Australian workers had experienced sexual harassment.

Key issues explored at the event included strategies for effective work design to prevent sexual harassment in male-dominant industries, safety at work for new and younger workers and the importance of workplace culture, leadership and governance in stamping out sexual harassment.

Other speakers included Unions NSW Secretary, Mark Morey, CEO of Our Watch, Patty Kinnersly and CEO of Business NSW, Dan Hunter.

The event has been spearheaded by the NSW Respect at Work Advisory Group; a 17-member body chaired by SafeWork NSW.

The event also marked one year since the Advisory Group’s establishment, which has brought together worker, business, community, expert, local, state and federal government representatives to share knowledge and improve cross-sector collaboration.

NSW was one of the first states to adopt the Code of Practice: Sexual and gender-based harassment and launched a four-year Respect at Work Strategy last year.

The SafeWork NSW Respect at Work Taskforce has developed practical easy-to-use resources to support businesses to fulfil their WHS responsibilities to manage workplace sexual harassment risks. The Taskforce website has resources and tools to assist businesses.

Workers who experience unsafe practices are urged to report it to their workplace.  If workers are not able to report the WHS issue or are not satisfied with the workplace’s response, they can anonymously report WHS issues to SafeWork via the “Speak Up Save Lives” app.

Workers can also call SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or report online using the SafeWork Psychosocial Hazards Report Form.

Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis

“Addressing workplace sexual harassment is a key regulatory priority for SafeWork NSW and businesses need to step up and take action to protect their workers.

“Businesses are required, under NSW’s work, health and safety laws, to address the risk of sexual harassment to their workers.  Compliance with the law is also good for business – with safer and more respectful workplaces contributing to greater staff recruitment, retention and morale.

“We must continue to work together across sectors and the wider community to secure safer and more respectful work environments for NSW workers.”

Minister for Women, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison

“Workplaces play an important role in preventing and responding to sexual violence. Every worker has a right to a safe and healthy workplace, free from sexual and gender-based harassment.

“The NSW Government is working to prevent sexual harassment and violence in our community. One of the priority areas of our Primary Prevention Strategy is to address the drivers of gender-based violence in NSW workplaces and we’ll be working with employers in rolling out the strategy.

“This event brings together a diverse group of worker representatives, business leaders and experts to showcase the latest insights and ideas and drive much needed action towards ending sexual harassment.”

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s $945 million biosecurity program, the $10.2 million electronic identification device Tag Discount Program is now live and available to support producers with the costs of eID devices for sheep and goats.

The use of eID tags will become mandatory commencing 1 January 2025 for all sheep and goats born from this date.

Under the program, producers will receive a discount of $0.76 (including GST) per eID device purchased between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2025, or until funds are exhausted.

The discount program will ensure there are eID tags available to producers from $1.00.

To take advantage of this program, sheep and goat producers in NSW must have an active Property Identification Code (PIC) and purchase eligible devices from participating retailers or directly from manufacturers during the specified period.

The structure of this discount program is designed to maximise benefits for producers while minimising administrative responsibilities, with the discount applied directly at the point of sale with participating device manufacturers and retailers.

The move to eID devices will ensure more accurate and timely traceability to help reduce the duration and industry impact of any emergency animal disease or residue incident.

Electronic identification for sheep and goats will mean that NSW producers will continue to lead the world in biosecurity safety and maintain their export premiums.

Eligible white 2025 NLIS-accredited eID devices will have the discount automatically applied at the point of sale, meaning producers will pay $0.76 less (including GST) than the original retail price when purchasing online or in-store.

Producers who require more than 3500 devices under the program will need to request pre-approval via the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) website.

The discount can be applied on one order per PIC. Multiple orders are allowed for orders greater than 3500 devices, with pre-approval.

For more information on the implementation of eID for sheep and goats in NSW please visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) website and sign up to the NSW sheep and goat eID newsletter – https://bit.ly/3U7Q3CK

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This program will support farmers prepare for the future of livestock management in NSW.

“By streamlining the purchasing process and providing significant discounts on eID devices, we are reducing the administrative load for producers.

‘This is about protecting the state’s $21.2 billion agriculture sector from biosecurity threats and ensuring our export markets remain secure.

“Together, we can strengthen our agricultural sector and create a more secure future for our livestock industries.”

Tulloch Wine CEO Christina Tulloch has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Graham Gregory Award at the annual NSW Wine Awards held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Sydney today.

The Graham Gregoy Award is the industry’s highest accolade recognising individuals who are advancing the wine industry both in NSW and further afield and recognises areas such as leadership, research and development, winemaking, education and market development.

Christina Tulloch, now the fourth generation of the family to be involved in the Tulloch Wines business, is a pivotal member of the Australian wine industry and has been selected for significant contributions to the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism industry, as an inspiring leader and brand ambassador.

While working for Tulloch Wines, Christina has held roles on national and regional bodies, including:

• The Director and now Chair of Destination Sydney Surrounds North;
• The first female President of the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association; and.
• Director of Wine Australia (Small Winemakers).

Christina has worked to unite, protect and advance NSW wine and strengthen partnerships, through some of the toughest challenges to industry in recent years.

The Graham Gregory Award is named in honour of the former NSW Agriculture Deputy Director General who was instrumental in the development of the NSW wine industry.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is an ongoing partner of the NSW Wine Industry Association and delivers support through research and development for continual growth.

For more information on the NSW Wine Awards and to view all 2024 wine award recipients please visit the NSW Wines website – https://nswwine.com.au/pages/results-wine-awards

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“I would like to congratulate Christina on receiving the Graham Gregory Award and thank her for her significant contributions to the NSW wine industry.

“The Graham Gregory Award is the highest honour within the wine industry, recognising those who have made significant contributions to winemaking, education, and market development.

“Christina’s achievements in these areas truly reflect the values of this award, and we are proud to celebrate her impact on both the local and national stages.

President for NSW Wine Industry Association Mark Bourne said:

“Christina is an incredibly well-deserving recipient of this year’s Graham Gregory Award.

“Recognising far-reaching and ongoing contributions to the wine industry, Christina’s leadership in the Hunter Valley and at a state and national level across both wine and tourism has left a positive mark on the NSW wine industry.

“NSW Wine thanks Christina for her service and commitment to the industry.”

Tulloch Wine CEO Christina Tulloch said:

“I am deeply honoured to receive the 2023 Graham Gregory Award.

“This recognition is a testament not only to my work but also to the incredible team at Tulloch Wines and the Wine Industry in the Hunter Valley.

“I’m excited about what lies ahead for our region and the opportunities to showcase our unique wines on the world stage.”

The Minns Labor Government is taking action to ensure Sydney doesn’t run out of landfill space after a decade of inaction by previous governments has left Greater Sydney on the brink of a waste crisis. Without action, landfill space is predicted to run out by 2030.

The state of NSW’s waste and recycling was made public today at the NSW Circular Economy Summit in Sydney, hosted by NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe and NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) CEO Tony Chappel.

The Summit has brought together representatives from industry, environment groups, local government and state government to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the state.

Without new waste and recycling solutions, and some quick decisions and choices, Greater Sydney’s landfill capacity will be exhausted within the next decade. This would significantly drive waste management costs up for households and businesses.

If no action is taken, residents would be paying for their waste to be transported to regional areas or interstate for disposal. This would also significantly slow down industry, as demolition waste costs would rise.

Concerningly, recycling rates in NSW have stagnated at around 65% since 2015-16, so far well short of the 80% target by 2030.

However, the NSW Government is moving swiftly and taking action to address the looming waste management shortfall.

Four key pieces of work are underway to fix the waste challenge:

Plan and develop critical waste infrastructure

• Urgently develop NSW’s first ever Waste Infrastructure Plan, to support the development of the facilities we need
• Consultation with industry and councils has already begun.

Reduce waste going to landfill

• Finalise the waste levy review
• Legislate mandates to phase in source-separated FOGO waste (food organics and garden organics) for businesses and households
• Develop and roll out the first ever NSW Reuse and Repair Strategy to scale up the reuse sector

Grow recycling rates and opportunities

• Finalise the NSW Plastics Plan to take plastics out of circulation

Take action to prevent contamination

• Finalise our Australian-leading work on product stewardship for batteries
• Prevent FOGO contamination by taking action on chemicals in food packaging
• Work with Office of the Chief Scientist to review the settings around asbestos

The NSW Government is also exploring funding opportunities to support the sector and local government. Over the past decade, the NSW EPA has awarded over half a billion dollars through more than 3,300 grants to divert around four million tonnes of waste from landfill.

Summit feedback will help to further tackle the issue and shape government policies to ensure NSW has the capacity to manage waste safely now and into the future.

For more information, visit: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/sydney-landfill-shortage

Quote attributable to NSW Minister for Environment Penny Sharpe:

“Sydney is running out of landfill space and our recycling rates have stagnated. We are at a point that if we don’t take urgent action, our red bins won’t be able to be collected in a few years.

“Previous Governments were briefed on this issue, and there was no action for over a decade. Industry and councils have been crying out for support and leadership. We’re stepping up to the plate.

“Not all the decisions we need to make will be easy or even popular – but I’d rather make the hard decisions then have bins that can’t be collected.

“We know the public wants to see less waste in landfill, use less plastic and support recycling and we want to help them do their bit. Together we can fix the problem and create a more sustainable future.”

Quotes attributable NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) CEO Tony Chappel:

“Shifting to a circular economy requires a united approach, and that’s exactly what today’s Summit is about – bringing together key stakeholders to explore how we can accelerate this transition.  

“As a state, we’re at a critical juncture. We must act now to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with growing waste volumes, and to maximise recycling and recovery efforts. Through a mix of innovative projects, strategic investments, and collaboration, we can turn this challenge into an opportunity.

“By working together across government, industry and communities, we’re building a future where waste becomes a resource, not a burden.”