Category: NSW News

Up to 1,800 children and young people experiencing domestic and family violence each year will now have access to specialised support services to help them recover and disrupt the cycle of abuse. 

The Specialist Workers for Children and Young People (SWCYP) program provides a path to recovery for children and young people from 0 to 18 years of age, staying in refuges with their mothers after escaping domestic and family violence.

The $48.1 million SWCYP investment from the NSW Government provides funding to expand the program to 10 new services covering an additional 34 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across NSW, the majority of which are in regional and rural NSW.

Funding for 21 existing services will ensure delivery of the program in over 22 women’s refuges across 46 LGAs is extended to 30 June 2026, providing certainty for these services.

This enhancement means children and young people accompanying their mothers in over 32 refuges across regional and metro NSW will have access to support from more than 55 specialist workers.

The NSW Government is working hard to improve support for domestic and family violence victim-survivors and expand programs that reduce the rate of violence against women and children.

Domestic and family violence can have a devastating impact on children and young people, whether they have witnessed or directly suffered abuse.

The SWCYP program is a key part of the NSW Government’s $245.6 million domestic violence package. It recognises children and young people as victim-survivors in their own right and offers tailored support that is more holistic, trauma-informed, and preventative.

Specialist workers develop an individualised support plan for each child or young person to help break the pattern of violence and prevent intergenerational trauma.

An evaluation of the program by the University of NSW found the program delivered positive outcomes for participants by providing early intervention, preventing problems from escalating and disrupting the cycle of domestic and family violence.

The evaluation noted children and young people who had received support from a specialist worker reported positive outcomes relating to their physical health, education, social needs, mental health, emotional needs, safety, cultural needs, employment and family relationships.

See UNSW’s “Specialist Workers for Children and Young People Outcomes Evaluation – Final Report”.

The NSW Government is taking a whole of government approach to address domestic and family violence, including rolling out our first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy, holding perpetrators to account, and strengthening protections for victim-survivors through bail reforms and proposed changes to ADVOs.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“Supporting families through this holistic response is a critical step to preventing future cycles of violence.

“Extending and expanding this program recognises that children and young people are victim-survivors of domestic and family violence in their own right. So it’s vital that we provide them with this much-needed support, that is a different response to their mother, in the space where refuge is sought.

“This investment by our government is crucial and will provide life-changing help to children and young people as they recover from past trauma.

“Every child deserves to live free from violence and its destructive impact on their health and wellbeing.”

Domestic Violence Service Management CEO Stephanie Smith said:

“Specialist workers for children and young people allow for a long-term sustainable solution to ending domestic and family violence in Australia. By intervening early with children and young people we are able to disrupt the normalisation of domestic and family violence and allow a reframe of values about relationships and gender dynamics early.

“Our specialist workers are there specifically for the children who historically may have been left behind in the inevitable crisis caused by domestic and family violence. These workers allow the experience of children to be heard, acknowledged and addressed.

“Our services are person-centered which means we don’t have a one-size-fits-all way of doing things. We start with thorough assessments based on what the child and parent are telling us and we regularly review and adapt our way of working with children to ensure we see progress.”

On Sunday, 29 September, we commemorate National Police Remembrance Day across Australia and the Pacific.

National Police Remembrance Day is a day to honour and remember members of the NSW Police Force who have died in the line of duty.

It is also a day to reflect on and pay tribute to the bravery of those who dedicate their lives to protecting, serving and keeping their communities safe.

This year, one name has been added to the NSW Wall of Remembrance: Sergeant Peter Thomas Stone.

Sergeant Peter Thomas Stone from Blue Mountains Police Area Command was killed on 1 January 2023 while saving his son from a rip at Bologa Beach on the state’s South Coast.

An investigation into Sergeant Stone’s passing confirmed he was on duty at the time death.

We pay our respects to Sergeant Stone and remember the 275 names already inscribed on the Wall.

The annual National Police Remembrance Day service is being held today at the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance in the Domain ahead of the National Day on Sunday, 29 September.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, is attending alongside the NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Today, we pause to remember the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“We also pay our respects to those left behind – the families, friends, and colleagues – whose losses are incomprehensible.

“On behalf of the people of NSW, we thank you for the incredible work you do – all too often in the face of grave danger. Today we honour the relentless dedication, compassion, and commitment of our police officers, both past and present.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said:

“Police Remembrance Day is a day of the year where we, along with the community, remember those officers who have lost their lives serving the community.

“Those officers’ dedication and courage serve as a powerful reminder of the risks our officers face every day to keep our communities safe.

“This year is particularly poignant in that we will be adding the name of Sergeant Peter Stone to The Wall of Remembrance. Peter tragically lost his life his life whilst rescuing his own son near Narooma last year.

“We stand with the families and loved ones of our fallen officers, offering our deepest gratitude and unwavering support.”

NSW Ambulance has welcomed 13 new paramedic interns and 11 emergency medical call takers today after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney.

This is the sixth call-taking class and seventh paramedic intern class to join NSW Ambulance this year, who will begin their new roles from tomorrow to further boost frontline health services across the state. 

The new recruits joining the service come with a range of backgrounds and experience, including Emergency Medical Call Taker Lee Williams, who is making a career change after many years as a police and correctional services officer.

Paramedic Intern Nicola Willis was inspired to become a paramedic after working in a variety of corporate roles with NSW Ambulance during the last few years.

The paramedic interns will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas.

The emergency medical call takers will be posted to Triple Zero (000) Control Centres in Sydney and Warilla (Wollongong).

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our paramedics and emergency medical call takers for reaching this milestone as they start their careers on the frontline of emergency healthcare in NSW and thank them for their dedication to their community.”

“It is with great pride that I welcome you to NSW Ambulance. I have every confidence that you will deliver exceptional care to the people of NSW during their times of greatest need.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“I know all who are graduating today have worked incredibly hard throughout their training. I thank them for their commitment and warmly welcome them into NSW Ambulance.”

“Their dedication to care is highly commendable and I wish them well in their career with NSW Ambulance.”

Paramedic Intern, Nicola Willis:

“I walked past the education rooms when I worked in the business side of NSW Ambulance, and I always dreamed that one day I would be a paramedic.

“I am very excited to start on the road with NSW Ambulance – it just feels right.”

Emergency Medical Call Taker, Lee Williams:

“It has been a lifelong dream to work for NSW Ambulance and I can’t wait to get started.

“It has been a first-class experience throughout my training – I was initially nervous about making a career change, but I feel well prepared now and I know I made the right decision.”

The NSW Government has launched its Adult and Community Education Strategy, outlining its plan to deliver crucial training and education in language, literacy, numeracy and digital to equip disadvantaged learners and enable them to enter the skilled workforce.

The Strategy will be supported by a Federal Government investment of $22.8 million over 5 years to build literacy, numeracy and other key foundational skills among some of the state’s most disadvantaged learners.

The new funding announced is part of delivering on the National Skills Agreement commitment to the delivery of foundational skills.

The funding aims to develop work-readiness skills for these learners and builds on the NSW Government’s $24.2 million annual investment in the Adult and Community Education sector.

The NSW Adult and Community Education sector plays a vital role in providing opportunities for learners that have experienced barriers in their education journey, providing a quality, flexible, supportive and welcoming environment where learning can thrive.

The new strategy aims to ensure the adult and community education sector builds learners’ skills and confidence and supports their access to further learning.  and ability to enter the workforce.

Key initiatives will support disadvantaged learners in building skills in information technology, business services, and foundational skills, with a focus on the English language, reading and writing, numeracy, and digital skills.

Strategic partnerships and targeted funding will help increase the sector’s impact, particularly with Community Colleges Australia, to create further opportunities and address sector challenges.

The cornerstones of the four-year strategy include:

• Strengthening the capability of Adult and Community Education educators through targeted recruitment, professional development, and support programs.
• Enhancing learning pathways through high-quality, flexible, and relevant courses that meet the diverse needs of learners and communities.
• Optimising learning pathways for anyone who requires additional support.
• Outreach Support Officers connecting disadvantaged community members with educational opportunities, providing support and guidance to help them achieve their goals.

The Department of Education will evaluate the Strategy’s progress and report on its outcomes annually.

Find out more about The NSW ACE Strategy 2024 – 28

Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“All Australians deserve to have the language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills to meet their career potential and the demands of daily life.

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together under the National Skills Agreement to improve access to training for Australians held back by the lack of essential foundation skills.

“The Albanese Government has invested $436 million to redesign and expand the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, which provides free language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills training across the country.

“This investment in Adult Community Education will complement the SEE program, providing targeted support to priority groups who may find it difficult to engage with mainstream education.”

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan:

“The Adult and Community Education sector, funded by the NSW Government, plays a critical role in providing tailored opportunities for learners who have faced barriers to education.

“The new ACE strategy will foster innovation in our education and training programs and ensure that our most vulnerable people, our communities, and our workforce are equipped to meet emerging needs.

“Improving adult literacy and numeracy is a vital step in connecting disadvantaged people in our community with genuine employment opportunities.

“This is a win-win, delivering skills and empowerment to individuals, while enabling a new portion of our community to bolster our skilled workforce.

“ACE Training can also provide a valuable first-step, enabling people to take up further training opportunities such as apprenticeships and traineeships.

“With the support of the Federal Government through the National Skills Agreement this strategy will deliver increased funding certainty to the community education sector and build partnerships across government and community to deliver pathways to employment for our students.”

A new provider has been found to deliver services for Central Coast residents impacted by the sudden closure of a major private community transport operator, with Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport (HKCT) stepping into the breach.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is pleased to advise that discussions with the Transport Workers Union are ongoing on the matter of employment of former Community Transport Central Coast Limited (CTCCL) drivers.

CTCCL, an operator contracted to TfNSW, announced last week that it was ceasing its services as of Friday 20 September. It advised that their organisation would go into Members Voluntary liquidation from this Friday 27 September.

After extensive negotiations, CTCCL has entered into an agreement with Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport, which means they will take on provision of community transport services for eligible clients on the Central Coast.

HKCT has also indicated it will take over operation of the Shirley Shuttle, a non-Transport contracted service.

TfNSW understands the new provider will honour all existing bookings on the Shirley Shuttle until the end of the year.

The NSW Government thanks HKCT for their support of the Central Coast community. Central Coast clients can call 02 4355 4588 to discuss their service needs with the new provider from today. 

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“This has been an anxious time for all involved and I am glad arrangements can now be put in place to ensure passengers aren’t left in the lurch following Community Transport Central Coast’s decision.

“The NSW Government thanks Hornby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport for stepping up to support community transport users on the Central Coast.

“Community transport is a vital part of the fabric of our region and I’m glad local residents will continue to receive this essential service.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“I am pleased to see an agreement has been implemented so quickly, one that will give comfort to those who rely on community transport services on the Central Coast.

“Community transport is an essential part of the Central Coast’s transport network as it allows eligible seniors, pensioners and those with limited access to public transport to get to health services, shopping and stay connected with family and friends.

“The ability to access transport is a social determinant of health and quality of life, which is why community transport in places like the Central Coast is so important as it provides an accessible and affordable option for many people in the region.”

Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

“Last week’s sudden closure of Community Transport Central Coast left many frustrated and without a means to move around the community.

“Reliable public transport is crucial to the lives of Coasties and the Government has stepped in to secure a new operator.

“This means passengers won’t be left in the lurch and can continue to access an essential community service.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“I know that this has been an anxious experience for Coasties who rely on this service, and I am so glad that a new agreement has been reached that will provide peace of mind for the many community members who rely on this important service.

“For the many community members who use this service, community transport isn’t a luxury, it is a vital connector that ensures that individuals can access essential services, including health care, social connection, and shopping.

“I am thrilled that a solution could be reached so quickly, ensuring that continuity of transport can resume as soon as possible. I welcome Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport to the Central Coast transport landscape.”

The Minns Labor Government has launched engagement to understand community views on future passenger rail services for Orange, with a forum to be held on 31 October 2024.

The forum, hosted by Transport for NSW, will hear from the Orange and Central West community about transport connections in the region.

The forum, to be held in the Greenhouse function room at Orange Ex-Services Club, will bring together around 80 key stakeholders including local government, rail groups, Aboriginal bodies and representatives from the education, business and health sectors.

The forum will be followed by a drop-in session in the afternoon that will be open to members of the community.

Details will be announced closer to the date.

Feedback will also be sought from the wider community with around 130 other stakeholders from Orange and the Central West asked to complete a survey about passenger rail services.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“We are aware there is broad community support for improved rail services to Orange. The NSW Government has listened and is now responding with the next step.

“Through this targeted consultation process, including a forum at the end of October, we want to gather specific information on community needs, expectations and potential viability of options, to help inform decision making.

“We know the existing Bathurst Bullet train service provides an important and popular daily return train connection and we are considering all the possible options for Orange and the wider Central West.

“We are committed to safe and affordable public transport that allows regional people access work, education, health appointments and connect with other transport modes and networks.”

Independent Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“More than 10,000 people signed Orange Rail Action Group’s petition, seeking to improve passenger rail services between the Central West and Sydney.

“Minister Aitchison has taken active interest in the proposal to initiate a daily return passenger rail service between Orange and Sydney, to meet transport needs of our growing community.

“I am pleased to see further consideration of the proposal, including vital community consultation to ensure future transport plans and services meet the needs and expectations of the community.

“I encourage all stakeholders and interested residents to participate in Transport for New South Wales’ consultation event at Orange Ex-Services Club on October 31.”

Fast facts:

• Sydney Trains operates a twice daily Intercity service between Sydney and Bathurst on the Blue Mountains Line, which is commonly referred to as the Bathurst Bullet.
• Sydney Trains Intercity train services are part of the Opal network, where customers can turn up and go and tap on and off to travel. Since 1 July 2024 the Bathurst Intercity train service has been operated by Sydney Trains.
• NSW TrainLink operates a daily XPT train service between Sydney and Dubbo via Orange and a weekly Xplorer train service between Sydney and Broken Hill via Orange.
• There are daily NSW TrainLink coach connections to and from Orange to Bathurst that provide connections with Bathurst Intercity services. There are also several coach connections from Orange to Lithgow daily, where passengers join Intercity train services to Sydney.
• NSW TrainLink operates all regional train and coach services, including those that serve Orange. Advance booking is required on all NSW TrainLink services, including those that connect with Bathurst Intercity services.

Aboriginal communities in  Condobolin are celebrating completion of $2.8 million in essential infrastructure upgrades funded by the NSW Government to support social, economic and employment benefits for the area.

The Roads to Home program in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has funded Condobolin Local Aboriginal Land Council to upgrade infrastructure at the Willow Bend village in Condobolin.

Infrastructure improvements have included upgraded roads and guttering, footpaths, an amenities block, stormwater drainage and sewerage infrastructure, new streetlighting, new house fencing, upgrades to the community basketball and tennis courts and public gardens, landscaping, a community yarning circle, and a new village entrance sign.

Upgrades have also occurred to a levee bank at the village which has been reinforced in sections and new flood gates and drainage flaps installed to help control flooding from the nearby Lachlan River.

The delivery of infrastructure upgrades to normal standards enhances quality of life for residents and improves access to services, including household waste collection, postal delivery, emergency vehicles and community transport.

A key feature of Roads to Home projects is ensuring there are employment and training opportunities for local Aboriginal communities. The Condobolin project provided training for 10 residents and work for 8.

The Minns Labor Government has so far committed a total of $173.8 million through the Roads to Home program to enable upgrades in 34 discrete Aboriginal communities.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“It’s fantastic to see these upgrades delivered to bring infrastructure up to acceptable standards to benefit the residents of the Willow Bend village in Condobolin.

“Infrastructure upgrades such as these are very important for Aboriginal communities as they improve quality of life and empower residents by supporting better health and safety and facilitating improved access to community services.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The Roads to Home program is correcting an historic injustice where Aboriginal communities on former missions and reserves across NSW were left to fend for themselves without the types of infrastructure and services that communities in the rest of the state take for granted.

“It is a unique program that takes a partnership approach to empower Aboriginal landowners to make decisions about essential infrastructure upgrades in their communities to improve social outcomes while providing training and employment opportunities.

“We know there are better Closing the Gap outcomes when local Aboriginal communities and people drive shared decision-making and self-determination.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“Its always great to see investment in Barwon communities.

“Things like reinforcing the levee to prevent inundation from the Lachlan river, along with upgrading the roads and building an amenities block, are not luxury items but they bring residents some much needed improvements that make Willow Bend a much better place to live.

“It has a net benefit to peoples wellbeing when they see investment and improvement in their community”

Condobolin Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Louise Davis said:

“The infrastructure upgrades have made a big difference. The village looks a lot better than it did before and the improvements have given residents ownership and pride in the community.

“As part of the project, local residents got work and training with machinery including excavators and backhoes, and in fencing. and concreting.”

The NSW Government is delivering on its election commitment to consult with Aboriginal people about their desire for a treaty process, with the appointment of three commissioners to lead a process with Aboriginal people and communities across NSW.

The commissioners will lead a 12-month consultation to hear from Aboriginal people. This will include asking whether Aboriginal communities want an agreement-making process with government, and if so, what form that process could take.

NSW is home to the largest Aboriginal population in Australia. The commissioners will engage with Aboriginal communities across metropolitan, rural, regional and remote parts of NSW, before delivering a report on their findings to the Government.

The appointees bring with them experience, expertise and connections to Aboriginal people and communities.

The Government has appointed former senator Aden Ridgeway, academic Todd Fernando and Koori Mail newspaper CEO Naomi Moran to the roles.

The commissioners have been appointed for a fixed term of two years following an open, competitive process led by an independent Aboriginal advisory panel.

Consultation about agreement making aligns directly with NSW’s bipartisan commitment to the 2020 Closing the Gap National Agreement signed by then prime minister Scott Morrison and then premier Gladys Berejiklian.

The Closing the Gap Agreement includes a commitment to formal partnerships and shared decision-making with Aboriginal people to help close the gap faster in areas such as life expectancy, health and education.

Aboriginal people and communities hold answers to issues they face. When Aboriginal people have a direct say in these issues, the whole community gets better outcomes.

Over coming months, the commissioners will develop a detailed consultation plan, with consultations to commence in 2025.

Interstate treaty and agreement-making processes have not been simple nor fast. This is the first step in work that could drive improved outcomes for Aboriginal people, and all NSW taxpayers, so the NSW Government will not be rushing.

The NSW Government allocated $5 million for this work in the September 2023 budget.

Find out more about the consultation

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The appointment of the treaty commissioners is central to the process of listening to Aboriginal people on treaty and agreement-making.

“The commissioners have been appointed following a rigorous process that attracted strong candidates.

“We get better outcomes when we listen to the needs of Aboriginal people and communities. We must ensure Aboriginal people have a direct say on matters that affect them.”

The Minns Labor Government has today announced funding of $1.8 million for grants to improve recreational fishing as part of the 2024/2025 Recreational Fishing Trust grants program.

The NSW Government is committed to supporting recreational fishing and making it more accessible to everyone across the state.

This is demonstrated in funding for 21 projects that will contribute to the delivery of the Government’s election commitment to make fishing more welcoming to people with disabilities.

Some of the newly funded projects enabling better access include:

• $375,000 in the Shoalhaven to repair, refurbish and upgrade five fishing platforms with improved accessibility
• $98,300 in Hay to allow better and safer access to a local fishing platform and boat ramp
• $11,035 in Davistown to replace ageing platform and build a pedestrian bridge with disabled access
• $26,210 in Tumbulgum to provide local fiish cleaning facilities next to the jetty with disabled access
• $79,500 in Port Macquarie/Hastings for multiple fish cleaning facilities
• $10,000 for Fishing4All to introduce people with intellectual impairment to fishing 

In total, 24 projects from external applicants will receive $1.8 million in funding, as recommended by the Recreational Fishing

NSW Advisory Council. The areas receiving funding cover the following:

• $717,612 – fishing access and facilities
• $85,000 – recreational fishing enhancement
• $552,000 – recreational fishing education
• $444,000 – aquatic habitat protection and rehabilitation

The next funding round for Recreational Fishing Trust Grants will open on 6 November and will open up for applications the Government’s new $2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grant program.

This new program will make it easier for fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to apply for funding for grassroots projects.

As part of the next round, the Government will boost communications with all fishers and clubs so that they know when and how to apply for grants to improve their local areas.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Fishing licence fees have been put to work to improve the state’s recreational fishing facilities, fishing habitats and opening up fishing to more people.

“I am pleased to see some significant new facilities being funded to welcome people with a disability into fishing around our state, both inland or along the coast.

“There are some big and small projects that will benefit many people, including Morisset High School receiving funding for students with disabilities to engage with fishing, to a fly-fishing day for people who have experienced breast cancer in the New England region.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting the recreational fishing community and seeing it contribute to regional tourism where it is creating jobs and generating income.”

Thousands of women across NSW will have easier, more affordable access to the oral contraceptive pill as a 12-month trial is made permanent by the Minns Labor Government.

Since the oral contraceptive pill trial began in September 2023, more than 500 pharmacies have delivered over 2,000 consultations to women in NSW.

From Saturday 28 September 2024, NSW pharmacists who have completed the required training and work in pharmacies with suitable facilities will be able to offer this service as part of their usual business.

Women who have been using these contraceptive options continuously for the last two years, as prescribed by a doctor (GP) or nurse practitioner, and require a refill of their script, will be able to access extended supply for up to 12 months without having to visit their doctor for a prescription.

The NSW Government will make the existing service more accessible by expanding patient age eligibility criteria from 18-35 years to 18-49 years. Women aged 40-49 will now be able to access extended supply for up to three months without having to visit their doctor for a prescription, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

The announcement follows the successful implementation of the first phase of the NSW Pharmacy Trial in May 2024, which saw more than 3,300 NSW pharmacists provide more than 18,000 consultations to women aged 18 to 65 with symptoms of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI).  The UTI service transitioned to usual pharmacy care from 1 June 2024.

The third and final phase of the trial allowing pharmacists to manage common minor skin conditions is underway and will be running until early 2025.

A detailed evaluation of all three phases of the NSW Pharmacy Trial will be provided to NSW Health in 2025 and will inform future expansion of services.

The NSW Government is committed to expanding the role of community pharmacists outside the trial framework, and is working with NSW universities to develop formal training courses for pharmacists to manage a range of common conditions where clinically appropriate. 

Premier Chris Minns:

“We know that people across NSW are doing it tough right now, even cutting back on essential healthcare because of affordability.

“This trial has been a huge success, and now we’ll make it permanent – women who are eligible will be able to go to their pharmacist to renew an existing script.

“At a time when seeing a GP can be difficult, we hope that this service will make it a little bit easier for women to access affordable healthcare, where and when they need it.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I am excited to announce that women in NSW will now have easier ongoing access to continue their chosen contraceptive option as a result of the oral contraceptive pill trial service becoming usual business for community pharmacies in NSW.

“It has been amazing to see over a thousand pharmacists across the state sign up to take part in each of the trial’s three phases so far, and this has prompted us to look at more ways they can help our communities.

“Earlier this month, the NSW Government announced thousands of people across NSW will in the near future be able to access treatment for ear infections, wound management, gastro, acne, muscle and joint pain at their local pharmacy, boosting access to fast, convenient healthcare across NSW.

“By empowering pharmacists to undertake consultations for these common conditions and medications, we can help improve access to primary care services which will relieve the pressure on the state’s busy GPs and our hospital system.

“We are working with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia to ensure pharmacists have the support they need to continue delivering best practice and connected primary care.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison

“Women’s timely access to quality health services, their health needs and sexual and reproductive health is a priority for the NSW Government.

“Making the trial permanent is a real win for women in NSW, who, if eligible, can now access the contraceptive pill at their local pharmacy. It not only increases accessibility, it saves time and GP costs, for busy women in our state.”

Catherine Bronger, Senior Vice of President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch:

“With our GPs stretched, community pharmacists have provided thousands of women with repeat prescriptions of the oral contraceptive pill under the NSW Government’s trial.

“Making the availability of the pill at community pharmacies is the right thing for women and our communities.”

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia New South Wales President Luke Kelly:

“Pharmacists across New South Wales continue to show that we can do more to support our patients. Giving our patients the option to access contraception through skilled community pharmacists is an important step in making reproductive care more accessible to women across the state.

“I congratulate the Minister on solidifying the role of pharmacists in the continuous supply of oral contraceptives as a permanent part of the New South Wales health care system.”