Category: NSW News

Labor’s failed approach to housing including new taxes on building homes, has resulted in building approvals hitting a 12 year low in NSW.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Scott Farlow, said that data released by the ABS confirms that in their first full financial year, Chris Minns and Labor have delivered the lowest number of building approvals in a financial year since 2011-12.
 
“The reality is that almost 10,000 fewer homes were approved in the past financial year compared to the year before. This is a 19% reduction. The blame lies solely at the feet of Labor and their failed approach to addressing the housing crisis,” Mr Farlow said. 
 
“The building pipeline has run dry because of Labor’s increased taxes and higher charges. Building approval data will continue to get worse as long as Labor ignores calls to reduce the cost of building a home. Labor are scaring off investors by ending land tax indexation, refusing to build new infrastructure and being unwilling to stand up to Anthony Albanese on migration.”
 
“The Premier and his Minister’s refusal to work with their Labor mates in Canberra to address migration is driving up house prices and seeing rents skyrocket. This is compounded by Labor’s tax on new homes, adding $12,000 to every home is having a detrimental impact on new applications in the system.”
 
“The approvals of today are the homes that will be built tomorrow. Today’s figures are the last before the implementation of the National Housing Accord Target of 377,000 homes in NSW over the next five years.
 
“If this figure of approvals were to be translated repeatedly into housing completions over the next five years, NSW will fall 43% short of the National Housing Accord target.”
 
“Communities are calling for meaningful investments in infrastructure to support the delivery of new homes rather than Labor’s approach of trying to cram tens of thousands of additional families into existing schools, hospitals and roads. This situation is made worse by Labor’s cuts to education, health and transport infrastructure in the last Budget.”
 
“With a new Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration in Canberra, the NSW Government has another opportunity to follow calls from the NSW Liberals and Nationals of almost a year by standing up to Anthony Albanese and demanding a better targeted and more sustainable population strategy to improve housing affordability, as it is the only short-term lever that the Government can pull,” Mr Farlow concluded.

Financial Year Total Dwelling Approvals since FY 2011-12 

Financial Year	Dwellings approved
2023-24	42446
2022-23	52353
2021-22	54831
2020-21	60213
2019-20	48748
2018-19	57982
2017-18	72856
2016-17	72731
2015-16	73489
2014-15	63419
2013-14	54095
2012-13	42823
2011-12	35204

 Source: ABS, Building Approvals Australia, June 2024

Experienced Tribunal Member and solicitor Theresa Simon has been appointed as the new Deputy President and Head of the Consumer and Commercial Division of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).

With more than 20 years working in the legal sector, including the past decade at NCAT, Ms Simon is committed to helping clients resolve a range of disputes, including residential tenancy, consumer, home building and strata disputes.

Ms Simon is currently a Principal Member of NCAT and has dealt with many complex and significant legal cases, including high profile matters. In recent years, she has also been actively involved with the Council of Australasian Tribunals and chaired the organising committee for the 2023 national conference.

Completing a Bachelor of Arts/Diploma of Education in 2000, Ms Simon started her career as a high school teacher in Western Sydney and later lectured at Western Sydney University after finishing a law degree. In 2011 she worked with Legal Aid NSW as a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner assisting parties from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Prior to joining NCAT in 2014, Ms Simon was a full-time member of the NSW Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal and was also a legal practitioner in Western Sydney for almost 10 years. She established the NSW Home Building Advocacy Service which assisted consumers with home building disputes at Macquarie Legal Centre.

Ms Simon will start in her new role on 9 September 2024.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“I am confident Theresa Simon’s experience brings strong leadership for NCAT’s Consumer and Commercial Division (CCD).

“The CCD is one of NCAT’s busiest functions and Ms Simon’s dedication to fairness and expertise in dispute resolution will continue to be invaluable to the division and everyone who interacts with it.

“I would like to thank Mark Harrowell for his outstanding service in the role over the past five years.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib today announced the appointment of Nicholas Whitlam as the next Chair of the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA).

Mr Whitlam brings extensive experience across the insurance and finance sectors to the state authority responsible for regulating motor accident compulsory third party (CTP) insurance, workers compensation insurance and the home building compensation scheme in NSW.

Mr Whitlam was the inaugural chair of the Port Authority of NSW until 2018, after holding the chair positions for the ports of Sydney, Newcastle and Port Kembla prior to their amalgamation. He also served as chair of the Lifetime Care and Support Authority and was on the boards of WorkCover NSW and the WorkCover Insurance Investment Fund.

Mr Whitlam was chief executive and managing director of the State Bank of NSW and is a former president of the NRMA. Mr Whitlam replaces outgoing chair Mr Trevor Matthews.

Minister Dib has also appointed Helen Rowell to the SIRA Board. Ms Rowell was the deputy chair of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) for 10 years until June 2023.

She has been a member of the executive committee of the International Association of Insurance Supervisors, president and vice president of the Council of the Actuaries Institute of Australia, and member and chair of committees of the International Actuarial Association from 2001 to 2007.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“I would like to congratulate Mr Whitlam and Ms Rowell on their appointments, and I look forward to their experience helping guide NSW insurance schemes to better serve our communities.”

Chair of SIRA Board Nicholas Whitlam said:

“Compulsory insurance, notably CTP and workers compensation, is now a part of everyday life.  I look forward to participating in the supervision of these key protections of a civilised society.”

Director on SIRA Board Helen Rowell said:

“SIRA plays a very important role for the NSW community in relation to workers compensation, motor accident and home building insurance. So, I am delighted to be joining the board of SIRA and look forward to working with the Chair and the other directors to continue to promote the highest standards of governance and oversight for SIRA’s operations.”

Chief Executive of SIRA Mandy Young said:

“Adding Mr Whitlam and Ms Rowell’s extensive experience to the Board will bolster SIRA’s capability as a modern, person-centric and data-driven regulator.”

Millions of renters across the state will soon be able to move homes and transfer their bond with them with the Minns Labor Government investing $6.6 million to develop and deliver the nation’s first Portable Rental Bonds Scheme.

There is a turnover of more than 330,000 tenancies every year across the state, with the average tenancy 1.6 years.

As residents juggle high rents, low vacancy rates and general cost-of-living pressures, they’re also faced with an average moving cost of $4,000 and the prospect of having to pay a new bond before their old one is returned.

The Portable Rental Bonds Scheme will be a financial relief measure which makes it easier for renters when moving by allowing eligible tenants to digitally transfer their existing bond to their new rental home.

This new scheme maintains the integrity of the bond system ensuring homeowners have security while improving cashflow and reducing financial stress for renters.

The Rental Commissioner is leading the development of the Scheme which is currently out to public tender.

Development will involve an upgrade of the existing rental bonds system and work is expected to be completed in 2025.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do, not to mention expensive for many renters.”

“The process can leave renters out of pocket, for up to several weeks.

“The NSW Government’s portable bonds scheme will give cost of living relief to renters moving homes, by making sure they don’t have to set aside extra money while they wait for their bond to be refunded.”

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This scheme will be the first of its kind in the nation.

“Once in place, renters won’t have to think twice about how they’ll pay their bond on top of moving costs.

“The NSW Government is committed to working towards a fairer rental marketplace. This Scheme is a win for renters and owners.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:

“Amid a housing and cost of living crisis we must explore every option to alleviate the financial pressure renters face when moving house.

“The harsh reality is that the high cost of moving, especially having to pay a new bond before the old one is refunded, can push people to the brink of homelessness.

“The portable bonds scheme is an important and practical way to help ease this pressure renters feel.”

People in NSW are encouraged to consider organ donation and have conversations with their family about their decision this DonateLife Week.

There are approximately 1,800 people currently on the organ transplant waitlist in Australia, with 14,000 more on dialysis for kidney failure who need help.

In 2023, more than 47,000 people in NSW registered as an organ and tissue donor. There were 142 people in NSW who died and became organ donors, giving the gift of life to 392 transplant recipients, including 12-year-old Osman Akel.

Osman was diagnosed with congenital heart disease while in utero and needed three heart operations before he was five. Last year, Osman went into heart failure and his family were told he needed a heart transplant to save his life.

Osman became the first patient to undergo a paediatric heart transplant at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead since the Paediatric Heart Transplant (PHT) service was officially established and funded by the Minns Labor Government in 2023. Osman is now back at school and doing well.

Five-year-old Ari Ladd’s life was also saved by organ donation after receiving a lifesaving liver transplant at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in 2020. Ari was born with biliary atresia, a condition that impacts the body’s ability to drain the bile from the liver. The energetic toddler is now happy and healthy, enjoying his new lease on life

As the biggest paediatric liver transplant centre in Australia, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead performs around 25 lifesaving liver transplants for patients like Ari every year.

Sadly, more than 50 Australians died last year while on the organ transplant waitlist.

Families are always asked to support someone’s decision to be a donor before donation goes ahead. Families are much more likely to agree if their loved one is registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register, and their family knew they wanted to be a donor.

Anyone aged 16 and over can register online to become an organ donor in just one minute at donatelife.gov.au, or with three taps in the Medicare app. For those who think they’re already registered, it only takes one minute to double-check.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Organ donation saves lives and increasing awareness and consent is critical to lifting our donation rate. We encourage NSW residents to go online and pledge to give the gift of life to those in need.

“Opportunities for transplants are missed because families are uncertain of their loved one’s wish to be a donor. It is important for people in NSW to not only register, but to tell their families they want to be a donor.

“We know 4 in 5 Australians say they support donation but only 36 per cent are registered. It only takes one minute to register and give more people like Osman and Ari the gift of life.”

Elena Cavazzoni, DonateLife NSW Co-State Medical Director:

“Our dedicated organ donation teams across NSW work tirelessly to maximise every opportunity to save a life through transplant. But there simply aren’t enough donors in NSW to match the waitlist.

“This DonateLife Week, I’m urging everyone in NSW to please register as an organ and tissue donor.”

Dr Joanne Ging, Director of Clinical Operations at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN):

“We are proud to celebrate the first anniversary of our Paediatric Heart Transplant service and to welcome our new cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr Johann Brink, to the service. Across Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, we are now able to perform liver, kidney and heart transplants for some of the sickest children in the state.

“Organ donation is critical in allowing our teams to perform these lifesaving transplants. We simply wouldn’t be able to offer these services if it weren’t for the generosity of the community and their loved ones at such a tragic time in their lives.

“For Osman and Ari, their transplant has given them a new lease on life, and that is an incredible thing to see.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis:

“Today is a powerful reminder about the importance of signing up to be an organ donor and I’m honoured to meet with some of the families whose lives have been changed by organ donation.

“For someone who is seriously ill, an organ or tissue transplant can mean the difference between life and death, being healthy or sick, seeing or being blind.

“One organ donor can save the lives of up to 7 people and help many more through eye and tissue donation.”

The NSW Government is supporting not-for-profit organisation Pink Sari Inc. to deliver much needed support to people from South Asian communities impacted by cancer through a new pilot program.

The CanInfo and Care project, supported by a $42,100 grant from the Government, aims to ease the personal burden on people with cancer. It does this by providing individuals with access to culturally sensitive information sessions, as a safe space to voice their needs specifically associated with their South Asian origin, religious and cultural beliefs.

Through these sessions, cancer patients are also directed to existing resources and services that best meet their needs, such as counselling, transport, dietary and financial assistance.

This valuable support is provided by volunteers from diverse backgrounds who have a unique understanding of cultural context and can help bridge the gap between the health care system and people from South Asian communities.

In the past 12 months, CanInfo and Care has already assisted around 70 people from South Asian communities on various aspects of their cancer journey.

The CanInfo and Care project is being delivered in partnership with Western and South Western Sydney Local Health Districts as part of Cancer Institute NSW’s multicultural grant program. The project builds on Pink Sari’s strong history of supporting multicultural communities to engage in cancer screening.

To further improve cancer outcomes in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, the Cancer Institute NSW has now awarded more than $500,000 to deliver 20 cancer control programs in areas such as Liverpool, Far West NSW, the Illawarra and Newcastle.

Multicultural communities face significant barriers accessing cancer screening services and care, often due to language barriers, poor health literacy, trauma, and cultural stigma and beliefs. These grants support local community groups and health services to roll out targeted initiatives that will help provide people with multilingual information to reduce their cancer risk, in a way that is aligned with their cultural beliefs.

To further help boost breast cancer screening rates in NSW, particularly for CALD communities and other at-risk populations in NSW, a new and improved  BreastScreen NSW website has been launched.

The website has pages tailored to women from priority populations, including CALD backgrounds , with translated resources soon available in 26 languages.

Featuring an enhanced location finder and mobile first design, the new website makes it simpler for women to locate their closest BreastScreen site and book in their two-yearly breast screen from any device.

Health Minister Ryan Park
“The NSW Government is committed to improving cancer screening rates and outcomes for multicultural communities.”

“NSW is a global leader in cancer care, but we recognise unfortunately some people still face barriers and disadvantage for varied and complex reasons.”

“Together with multicultural communities and fantastic organisations like Pink Sari, we’re working to ensure all people across NSW have access to timely and culturally appropriate care and support.”

Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda
“We need to break down barriers to screening and care that exist in multicultural and CALD communities. This is essential to deliver higher cancer screening rates and better outcomes.

“It’s great to see support channels like CanInfo and Care helping to ease the burden on cancer patients and their families.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO, Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien
“Reducing the inequitable cancer outcomes experienced by CALD communities can only be achieved by listening to and partnering with passionate community organisations like Pink Sari.

“Understanding and breaking down the barriers to cancer care and support is a team effort. I thank Pink Sari and the countless other community members and organisations for their exceptional work in supporting people impacted by cancer.”

Pink Sari President Shantha Viswanathan
“We can’t underestimate the power that relevant and supportive information can have in making a consumer’s cancer journey less stressful and confusing.”

“Often the information provided to patients relies on the health literacy of individuals and this can be quite challenging for those with language difficulties, so a support channel like CanInfo and Care is vital in helping to bridge this gap.”

consumer advocate Madhavi Nair
“Support services like CanInfo and Care ensure that individuals receive not only medical care but also the emotional, linguistic, and practical support necessary to navigate the healthcare system effectively.”

“By providing tailored resources and a supportive network, these programs help reduce the isolation and stress often experienced by those undergoing treatment in a foreign country, thereby improving their overall wellbeing and treatment outcomes.”

More than $296 million in fast tracked new funding has flowed to regional NSW councils to repair roads and transport infrastructure damaged during natural disasters in just three months.

The money flowed between April and June after the NSW Labor Government announced the delivery of a series of new pilot funding agreements between councils, the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW.

Before the introduction of Tripartite Agreements, Councils had to spend their own money repairing infrastructure before they could reimbursed with the disaster funding which has come from the Australian and NSW Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

In March eight councils signed up to the NSW Government’s new disaster funding Tripartite Agreement pilot, enabling them to access advance funding at the beginning of each stage of reconstruction works.

The Tripartite Agreements mean less financial pressure on councils, faster repairs for communities after natural disasters and better collaboration between state and local government agencies.

Following the success of the initial pilot Tripartite Agreements, the NSW Government signed up more councils to help them unlock faster funding.

Under tranche two of the program, eight councils have already signed up and three more councils are in the process of signing up.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: 

“When a region is hit by a natural disaster, the last thing councils need to worry about is coming up with the cash to restore essential road and transport infrastructure.

“The new pilot agreement the NSW Government has struck with councils will now help more councils get on with the job faster, knowing they have the funds they will so desperately need.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“The Tripartite Agreements are a great example of government working with communities to develop new solutions that improve disaster response.

“We are committed to building on the success of these agreements and rolling out more support to help communities rebuild faster after disasters.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Prior to the 2022 natural disasters, state budgets only allocated around $190 million per year for disaster recovery for roads. It is fantastic that the Minns Labor Government has rolled out more than $296 million in just three months. With our record-breaking investment in this year’s budget of $3.3 billion for natural disaster road recovery, faster support is on the way for flood affected councils.

“The Minns Labor Government’s new approach to disaster relief funding has been created to quickly support people in impacted communities by getting the money flowing quicker, and the road repairs delivered as fast as possible.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“The Tripartite Agreement pilot is a major advance in disaster recovery, and importantly, it paves the way to better procedural preparedness.

“It’s a first in that local councils get money upfront and don’t have to wait months or years for funding. It also means that all parties signed up to the agreements clearly understand and adhere to an assessment and acquittals process.

“I’ve received extremely positive feedback from Lismore City, Kyogle, Tweed Shire and Byron Shire councils who are already taking full advantage of the new arrangements, and now Tenterfield Shire Council is one of 11 councils coming onboard in tranche two. 

“As Parliamentary Secretary I interact closely with most of these councils so I know what a difference it is making and will continue to make. I commend the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW for leading this new way of rebuilding roads and transport infrastructure.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said:

“The Albanese Government welcomes the efforts of the NSW Minns Government to streamline support and get disaster funding to where it’s really needed.

“The last Higher Risk Weather Season saw 190 Local Government Areas nationally impacted – many in NSW and many more than once. We understand that intense, compounding natural disaster events can be a challenge for Councils, and can lead to financial strain.

“All levels of Government are working in lockstep to get disaster recovery funding where it needs to go. That’s why last year the Albanese Government provided nearly $900 million in advance disaster recovery payments to the NSW Government, to help fast track payments to councils following multiple, devastating events.

“It’s great to see various levels of government working together to find solutions that puts communities first.”

Tranche one councils (all finalised)	Tranche two councils (all finalised)
Ballina Shire Council	Blue Mountains City Council
Byron Shire Council	Cabonne Shire Council
Clarence Valley Council	Weddin Shire Council
Kyogle Council	Forbes Shire Council
Lismore City Council	Lachlan Shire Council
Lithgow City Council	Parkes Shire Council
Richmond Valley Council	Shoalhaven City Council
Tweed Shire Council	Tenterfield Shire Council

Barangaroo’s newest precinct around the new Barangaroo Metro Station will open to the public on Monday 29 July, ahead of the new M1 Line launching in August.

The target opening date for Barangaroo Station and Sydney Metro is August 4, subject to approval by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator, successful completion of trial running exercises and system performance tests.

Barangaroo Station will see an estimated 14,400 commuters pass through each weekday, unlocking this key part of the city with greater connections and faster travel times.

A trip from Barangaroo to Martin Place will take two minutes, and under the harbour to Victoria Cross in the city’s north just three minutes.

People travelling from the city’s northwest will have direct, fast and reliable access to this part of the city for the first time, including from Chatswood to Barangaroo in nine minutes, Epping in 11 minutes and Macquarie Park in 18 minutes.

The area surrounding Barangaroo Station is lined with new footpaths, nearly 200 trees and plants, 38 new streetlights and new bike parking facilities.

Around the precinct, 13 long concrete benches, each weighing 12 tonnes, have been installed for people to enjoy the harbour views, as well as new bus stops, and drop-off points for taxis and vehicles, close to the station entry.

Next to the Nawi Cove station entrance stands a nine metre long, cast iron statue replica of the historic Barangaroo Boat, marking the location where the 200-year-old artefact, which archaeologists believe was used for cargo in the 1800s, was found during excavation

This is the first section of the precinct to be opened for public use. The remainder will be handed over by the end of the year and includes road surface works on and around Dalgety Bridge, the car park at 25 Hickson Road and the paths on the eastern edge of Hickson Road. In the coming years, an additional southern entrance will be added to the station as part of the future Central Barangaroo development.

When metro services start, Barangaroo Station will improve access to the Walsh Bay Arts and Culture precinct as well as providing easy access to the public, residential, commercial and entertainment areas of the city and the new ferry hub.

For more information visit: sydneymetro.info/station/barangaroo-station

Transport Minister Jo Haylen:
“We’re excited to open this beautiful public space as we get ready to deliver Barangaroo’s brand-new metro station and make this growing waterfront precinct even more accessible for Sydneysiders and visitors.

“The work that’s been done here doesn’t just deliver a brand new metro station, but also a functional and modern pedestrian precinct with new parkland for everyone to enjoy some of our harbour’s most stunning vantage points.

“This is a sign of what’s to come across the city this year, as we continue to work towards the opening of Sydney Metro.”

The NSW Government will turn the state green and gold in support of the Australian Olympic Team and the Australian Paralympic Team as they compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

With nearly a third of the 460-member Australian Olympic Team, and a significant number of Paralympians, hailing from NSW, showcasing our state’s significant representation on the global sporting stage, the NSW Government is backing our athletes all the way.

To demonstrate our support, the NSW Government will transform its website and social media profiles green and gold during both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Service NSW screens across the state will also bear messages of encouragement for our athletes.

The Sydney Opera House shells will be illuminated green and gold on the evening of Thursday, 1 August 2024 in celebration of the dedication and achievement of our Olympians and Paralympians.

This comes ahead of what has been dubbed ‘Green & Gold Day’ by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) on Friday, 2 August. Everyone is encouraged to wear our nation’s colours on this day to show their support for our sporting stars and their inspirational efforts in Paris.

Throughout both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, fans will be able to gather at Sydney’s Darling Harbour free Live Site to cheer on our athletes. Giant screens will broadcast live and replayed coverage from 12pm to 11pm daily.

The Live Site is part of Olympics & Paralympics LIVE, an initiative by the AOC and Paralympics Australia, aimed at fostering celebrations at live sites and watch parties around the nation.

Matildas fans can watch live screenings of matches against Zambia and the United States of America next week for free at the Sydney Opera House Playhouse. Tickets are available online until allocation is exhausted.

In a historic first, the NSW Government is proud to have provided equal funding of $750,000 each to the Olympic and Paralympic Teams to help them with the costs of supporting athletes at the Paris Games.

To book tickets for the Sydney Opera House screenings, visit the Sydney Opera House website.

For more information about the Live Site and scheduled activities, please visit the Darling Harbour website.

For more information about Green and Gold Day, please visit the Australian Olympic Committee website.

Fans are encouraged to use public transport to travel to and from the Live Site. Visit transportnsw.info to plan your trip.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“We’re getting behind our athletes as they take on the world and bring us together as a state and a nation.

“NSW is a proud Olympic and Paralympic state, and there’s no better way to show support for our inspirational athletes in Paris than by lighting up our most iconic landmark, the Sydney Opera House, in green and gold.”

Acting Minister for Sport Rose Jackson said:

“We are extremely proud of the NSW athletes, and all Aussies competing, at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Their dedication and commitment are inspiring the next generation of sporting champions.

“This government is incredibly proud to have played a part in making dreams come true by providing equal funding of $750,000 to both the Olympic and Paralympic Teams to help with their preparation for Paris.”

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“There is nothing like cheering on our Australian athletes together with friends and community.

“The chance to do that at the Sydney Opera House for these two Matildas games will make those moments even more special for some.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The free Live Site at Darling Harbour offers everyone the opportunity to come together and cheer on our athletes every day and night during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“I encourage everyone to don their best green and gold outfits and gather with family and friends to watch sporting history unfold.”

Chief Executive Officer Australian Olympic Committee Matt Carroll AM said:

“We welcome and thank NSW Premier Minns and his Ministers for their support of the Australian Olympic Team, it is appreciated by the athletes and their sports.

“The support of the Olympic and Paralympic LIVE sites and now getting behind ‘Green and Gold Day’ by lighting up the Sydney Opera House will be an inspiration to our Team and encourages all Australians to wear the Green and Gold with pride.”

Paralympics Australia CEO – Interim Cameron Murray said:

“The support of the NSW Government for the Australian Paralympic Team is deeply appreciated as we finalise preparations for Paris 2024.

“I encourage the people of NSW to get behind our team through attending or hosting Paralympics LIVE events or welcoming our Olympians and Paralympians home at Tumbalong Park.”

Rugby Sevens Olympian Maurice Longbottom said:

“It’s great to get the support from back home. It’s a special moment for the sails to be lit up – it doesn’t happen every day.

“People need to know that the athletes here in Paris really do feel all the passion coming from everyone back in Australia, so it’s an exciting gesture.

“We wear green and gold every day over here and with great pride. We look forward to seeing the images when it happens, it’ll be a buzz!”

Boccia BC3 Paralympian Jamieson Leeson said:

“Paralympics LIVE is a great way to support the Australian Paralympic Team and bring us closer together, despite the distance.

“As an athlete who grew up in regional NSW, knowing we will have the support from home while we chase our goals and show what is possible in Paris will mean the world to us.

“We want to inspire and engage Australians, with or without an impairment, to be the best versions of themselves and to meet life’s challenges.”

Local Olympics fans will be able to watch many of the major events at the Paris Games live at pubs, clubs and bars across the state, thanks to the NSW Government’s Special Event Extended Trading.

Venues can trade during the early hours of the morning if they screen selected 2024 Olympics events for patrons.

With an eight-hour time difference between Paris and Sydney, the extended trading will give more fans the chance to cheer on their favourite athletes and teams.

The NSW Government’s Special Event Extended Trading supports the state’s venues and encourages a vibrant nightlife for residents and tourists.

Under the extensions, venues can open their doors longer for special cultural and sporting events, helping to boost local night-time economies.

Patrons should check with their local venue for specific opening hours during the games.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“Olympic fever only strikes once every four years and as Australians we know this means late nights and some sleep deprivation to enjoy it properly.

“There is nothing like cheering home a gold medal winner with friends and community. Special event extended trading will support that – as well as an economic boost and more jobs at night.

“All NSW pubs, clubs and bars are eligible venues for the Olympics extended trading hours, and do not need to apply individually to open when they screen the Games live.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“The Olympics is the biggest show on Earth, and Australia is one of its most sport-loving nations, so it’s appropriate that NSW residents will be able to come together at local venues to cheer on our athletes competing in these major events.

“The extended trading will allow our pubs, clubs and bars to benefit from the Games while patrons soak up the Olympics atmosphere.

“Enabling venues to trade later during major sporting events is a key part of the NSW Government’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and vibrant night-time economy across NSW.

“I look forward to joining the late-night crowds to cheer on our Olympians during the coming weeks.”