Workers Compensation Exposure Draft released

The Minns Labor Government has today released an Exposure Draft for a Bill as part of its ongoing consultation to protect the workers compensation system into the future.

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey has referred the Exposure Draft to a parliamentary inquiry to further examine and seek feedback on reform options.

Rounds of formal consultation began in March and an Exposure Draft’s release marks the next step in that process.

The NSW Government is committed to modernising the workers compensation system to ensure it is sustainable for future generations to rely on.

Reform proposals recognise that workplace health and safety and workers compensation laws are failing to both prevent psychological injuries and to treat those with psychological injuries quickly.

Under the current system, only 50 per cent of workers with a psychological injury are returning to work within a year. The rate is 95 per cent for workers with a physical injury.

And the system currently spends seven times more on keeping an injured worker away from the workplace than it spends on getting them healthy and back on the job.

NSW must have workplace health and safety laws, and a workers compensation system, that put prevention ahead of compensation as a response to psychological safety.

The status quo is failing workers and failing employers, who face premiums soaring by a forecast 36 per cent over the next three years if nothing is done.

The Government will not be adopting a final position on workers compensation reform until the community has had a chance to have its say. This Exposure Draft is intended to provide a starting point for the next phase of conversations and to highlight the scale of the challenges the scheme is facing.

The Standing Committee on Law and Justice in the Legislative Council will hold the inquiry.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“We must ensure that NSW has a workers compensation system for future generations to rely upon.

“The status quo is failing workers and it’s failing businesses.

“I encourage people to read the Exposure Draft for themselves and examine proposals to protect this system.”

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to strengthening a culture of prevention, early intervention, and effective return to work through a series of reforms.

“These include major reforms to SafeWork NSW, such as expanding the psychosocial inspectorate, and industrial relations reforms that establish a ‘stop bullying’ jurisdiction.

“Additionally, we have amended the iCare Act to include a principal objective focused on promoting early and appropriate treatment and care for injury and illness. This aims to optimise recovery, support return to work and daily activities, and ensure a sustainable compensation system.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“The current system was primarily designed to support people who suffered a physical injury at work; it doesn’t do enough to help people experiencing psychological injury to recover and return to work.

“We welcome feedback on these proposals aimed at modernising the system and supporting people with serious injury.”

First look at the redeveloped Cowra Hospital’s new inpatient rooms

An innovative prototype room of the new and enhanced inpatient rooms to be delivered as part of the $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment has been unveiled, which is giving staff a hands-on opportunity to test out its features.

Featuring an ensuite bathroom, the planned colour scheme, and equipment staff will use when the redevelopment is complete, the prototype room lets staff experience the design, technology and functionality of the new hospital spaces, as construction for the project continues.

The redevelopment once complete, will include a mix of single and double inpatient rooms, including multiple single rooms with access to a balcony. All inpatient rooms will have ensuite bathrooms, as well as a lounge area for families and carers.

The $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment has been shaped by feedback from staff and the community throughout planning and design phase which has led to improved access, more onsite parking, new landscaped areas, and larger windows.

Health services are continuing to operate during construction, with the new hospital on track for completion at the end of 2025.

When complete, the new hospital building will provide a modern and purpose-built health facility for the region and will include:

  • ​an emergency department
  • a general medical and surgery inpatient ward
  • a peri-operative service
  • a maternity unit with a dedicated nursery
  • ambulatory care
  • a dental clinic
  • renal dialysis
  • oncology
  • Community Health and Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol services
  • the hospital’s first CT scanner.

Construction on the Cowra Hospital is well under way with work for the façade, internal fit out, and landscaping progressing.

For more information on the project, visit:

https://www.cowrahospitalredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“Our rural and regional communities, including the community of Cowra, deserve purpose-built and modern facilities to meet their present and future health needs.

“The feedback from the staff tours of the prototype room has already been extremely positive.

“The hospital has been designed in close collaboration with the community to create a welcoming and supportive environment for patients, visitors, and staff.”

NSW Government Spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“It’s great to see local staff and clinicians having the opportunity to test out and provide feedback on the enhanced inpatient rooms planned for the redevelopment.

“The Cowra Hospital redevelopment will feature enhanced facilities that will significantly improve care and better support staff, patients and the community.

“The Cowra Hospital Redevelopment team is continuing to work with the community and hospital staff wherever possible to deliver a health facility tailored to the needs of the community it serves.”

Sydney’s iconic new GreenWay nears completion delivering another key travel connection across the Inner West

The Minns Labor Government and Inner West Council are today announcing a key milestone in the delivery of the GreenWay with the project reaching 80% of construction complete.

The GreenWay is a 6 kilometre shared bicycle and pedestrian path that will connect two of Sydney’s most popular walks, stretching from the Cooks River in Earlwood through the Inner West to the Bay Run on Parramatta River at Iron Cove.

Running North-South across the Inner West, the GreenWay will also intersect with the new Sydney Metro Southwest that is transforming the 130-year-old former T3 Bankstown line into a modern, turn-up-and-go metro service.

These two projects together will revolutionise transport in the Inner West, connecting communities that previously were not directly connected by either walking, cycling or public transport.

Once complete, the GreenWay will attract local and visitors alike, featuring bike paths and foreshore walks, public art, cultural and historical sites, cafes, bushcare sites and a range of parks, playgrounds and sporting facilities that sit alongside the path.

The project has also supported the delivery of more green space including a new fully fenced off-leash dog park in Lewisham West and a new wetland area, supporting local habitat conservation.

As the Minns Labor Government continues to work to deliver more new homes and apartments for young people, including in the Inner West, the GreenWay will also provide more critical recreational greenspace.

Running alongside a 100-year-old rail corridor, the GreenWay project has required building underpasses and tunnels beneath major roads to create continual pathways. The Hercules Parklands and the New Canterbury Road underpass are the final sections of this path to be completed.

The delivery of the GreenWay is as a result of years of committed advocacy from local community groups, Labor councillors on Inner West Council and the Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen.

The GreenWay project is supported by over $41 million from the NSW Government with a $11 million contribution from Inner West Council and a further $6 million Commonwealth Government.

The GreenWay is expected to open to the public later in 2025.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“The GreenWay won’t just link two of Sydney’s most popular walks, it’ll become one in its own right, complete with a shared walking and cycling path, public art, playgrounds and cafes for everyone to enjoy.

“We are working hard to build much needed housing for young people and essential workers in the Inner West and the GreenWay combined with the new Metro Southwest will ensure they have access to world class public transport and great recreational green space.”

Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen said:

“I have been a strong and vocal advocate for the GreenWay project since my election as the Member for Summer Hill.

“The GreenWay’s shared pathway has a strong connection to the community and the environment. This iconic new path provides a great space for enjoying the outdoors and travelling across our community.”

Mayor of Inner West Council, Darcy Byrne said:

“The people of the Inner West have fought for years to bring the Greenway vision to life. Now that we’re nearing completion locals are hugely excited to see how it will transform our community.”

Staying Home Leaving Violence expands across NSW

More women and children escaping domestic and family violence all across New South Wales will now be able to access support to end an abusive relationship and stay safely in their own homes, with the expansion of the Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) program.

As part of last year’s domestic violence Emergency Package, the Minns Labor Government has invested $25.9 million over four years to expand the program across all 128 LGAs.

This includes 12 new providers:

  • Linking Communities Network Limited – Cootamundra-Gundagai, Hilltops, Snowy Valleys, Temora and Hilltops LGAs.
  • Plus Community – Balranald and Wentworth LGAs.
  • Ryde Family Services TA The Northern Centre – Hornsby, Ryde and Hunters Hill LGAs.
  • Mary’s House Services – Northern Beaches, Lane Cove, Ku-Ring-Gai, Mosman, North Sydney, and Willoughby LGAs.
  • Justice Support Centre – Canada Bay and Strathfield LGAs.
  • Lithgow Community Projects Incorporated – Blue Mountains and Lithgow LGAs.
  • St Vincent de Paul Society NSW – Wingecarribee and Wollondilly LGAs.
  • Home-Start National – Goulburn-Mulwaree, Upper Lachlan and Yass Valley LGAs.
  • Monaro Family Support Service – Snowy Monaro LGA.
  • Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council – Oberon LGA.
  • Narrabri and District Community Aid (NDCAS) – Narrabri LGA.
  • Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation – Gunnedah LGA.

One final service provider for Bourke LGA is still being finalised.

Last financial year, SHLV supported 6,500 victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, including 1,293 children who have experienced abuse.

A 2022 evaluation found the program to “effectively contribute to the long‑term safety and housing stability of women and families” and achieved enhanced wellbeing for women and children affected by domestic and family violence.

Under the program, local police make sure the perpetrator is removed from the home, while victim-survivors receive safety planning, security upgrades at properties where required, financial planning assistance and help navigating complex legal processes.

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to build a safer New South Wales by addressing domestic and family violence from all angles, from boosting crisis response, strengthening bail laws, and focusing on earlier intervention and primary prevention.

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

“Too often victim-survivors of domestic and family violence are forced to leave their homes in order to escape abuse.

“Staying Home Leaving Violence helps the victim-survivor to stay safely in their own home, or a home of their choice and to keep important connections in their own community. This program aims to support women to live in safety and to maintain housing stability.

“Keeping women and children connected to their families, support network, schools, workplaces, and neighbourhoods is so important for their recovery. People should not be forced to abandon those connections to escape a violent situation.”

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.

Statement on the election of Pope Leo XIV

Today is a momentous day for Catholics around the world and faithful in Australia, and I join them in congratulating their Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, Bishop of Rome, on his election overnight.

As the first North American Pope, Pope Leo XIV’s leadership comes at an important time for the Catholic Church and the world.

Australia will invite His Holiness Pope Leo to Australia for the International Eucharistic Congress being proudly hosted in 2028.

My government looks forward to continuing Australia’s strong relationship with the Holy See under Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate.

This is a moment which will bring joy and hope to Catholics everywhere. 

May the papacy of Pope Leo advance the cause of peace and social justice for all humanity.

Violence Against Women is not solely a Male Issue

Too often the problem of gendered violence is levelled solely against men in Australia. This despite the fact that 99.9% of Aussie men do not rape anyone, kill anyone or commit domestic assault against anyone. Also the highest incidence of domestic violence (80%) occurs among lesbian gay couples. It is also very often focussed in arabic (predominantly moslem) and First Nations communities.

Further no one is even considering the female behaviour that is often triggering or provoking these kind of responses. Certainly no person is entitled to be violent towards another but people are only human and in the face of appalling treatment and laws that are targetted solely against men, sometimes they lash out. It would seem now that any form of terrible inter personal behaviour can be justified by women and can dismiss mens feelings entirely.

If women are really serious about slowing down or even stopping entirely violence against them then they need to look at their own behaviour and start to question the validity of the thinking spoon fed to them by fourth wave feminism. Because for the most part it denigrates men entirely with basically anything feminists disagree with labelled “Toxic Masculinity” and “Rape Culture”. Men trying to help women is denigrated as “mansplaining”.

Indeed such attacks on any form of male behaviour are fuelling the violence against women, because currently Aussie men are made to feel like anything they say or do that comes naturally to them is somehow wrong.

Its simple: if you keep putting men and everything they say and do down and making them the enemy, then treat them appallingly like that then is somehow ok, then this is a perfect storm for the type of lashing out in anger that leads to these problems. Treat men with respect and acknowledge that they are entitled to their own modes of thinking and the problem will virtually go away. This is a female problem and women can solve it, particularly if they stop championing laws (or just saying nothing) that make men feel like second class citizens.

As a society women need to better examine the way they treat men and affect their feelings. Instead of treating men poorly being the social standard (as current), women need to stop justifying appalling behaviour and acknowledge the distress and anger it causes in men.

There is the solution for you I will leave it with you.

COMMUNITY RALLY AGAINST VIOLENCE – NEWCASTLE

TOMORROW, Saturday, 10th May at 12pm, the aunt of 18-year-old murder victim, Emerald Wardle, will be co-hosting the Community Rally Against Violence in Newcastle, to honour her niece and all women and children who fall victims of heinous crimes.

“So far this year, 24 women in Australia have been murdered, and by the time we rally, that number could sadly be higher. This is a heartbreaking reality we can no longer ignore,” said Ms Smith.

“On Saturday we’ll be walking and calling for critical change to the justice system that failed Emerald, our family and many other victims of violent, heinous crimes against women and children,” she said.

Ms Smith who played a critical role in initiating amendments to the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 and the Mental Health Act 2007 that strengthened oversight and governance in forensic mental health matters, was in the gallery to witness the bill being presented by The Hon. Rose Jackson.

“While we’re deeply grateful for the recent changes to legislation that the Member for Orange, Philip Donato MP advocated for and the Minister for Mental Health, The Hon. Rose Jackson implemented, more needs to be done to protect the community when forensic patients are released, as the changes don’t go far enough,” Ms Smith said.

“With the support of Advocacy Australia, we and other victims of family members who have been brutally killed will continue to fight to protect the community from these killers even if the NSW Government, the Opposition and the Greens object to these important changes that will save lives,” said Ms Smith.

After Emerald’s young life was brutally taken by her boyfriend in 2020, Ms Smith says Emerald and her family were failed by a system that treated her cherished niece as just another statistic.

In April 2024, in the Court of Criminal Appeal, Emerald’s killer successfully overturned his murder conviction and a maximum 20-year sentence to be ‘act proven but not criminally responsible’, with oversight of the killer transferred to the Mental Health Review Tribunal.

The Mental Health Review Tribunal with its unprecedented, autonomous powers, makes decisions about the treatment and supervision of forensic patients and conducts reviews that can grant known killers leave from a facility that Ms Smith says not only fails to meet community expectations but poses serious risks to the wider community especially women and children.

“Emerald lost her young life at the hands of her boyfriend, a person she trusted, and then to learn that her killer was granted day release by the Tribunal and was using dating apps, was devastating,” she said.

“This rally is extremely important to me as not once in the last four years has Emerald, our family or the community be considered in the decisions that have been made around this case.

“When will victims of crime and their families be considered when these decisions are being made,” Ms Smith said.

“This needs to change. The victims must be given appropriate consideration in these matters and the safety of the community must be the priority not just needs of the perpetrator,” she said.

“There will never be an end to our overwhelming grief knowing that Emerald’s killer, a forensic patient, can be released without the same checks and balances as convicted murderers when granted parole, including ankle bracelet monitoring for known killers and other violent forensic patients, like Emerald’s killer, as proposed by Mr Philip Donato MP” Ms Smith said.

“The system with oversight of forensic patients’ needs a complete overhaul, and on Saturday when I join many who hope to prevent the same tragic acts of violence against women and children, I’ll be calling on the NSW Government to step up and hear our voices crying out for support.

“While I’m incredibly grateful to all those who supported the amendments to the legislation, there is still so much more that needs to be done and we’ll continue to fight for continued change to legislation and hold to account the Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions, the courts, the Mental Health Review Tribunal and NSW victim services for the decisions made that impact all victims of heinous crimes and the wider community.

“When we walk on Saturday as part of the Community Rally Against Violence, we’ll be saying NO MORE to the violence so many Australian women and calling on the NSW Government to hear our pleas to end the violence and implement vital changes to achieve this,” Ms Smith said.

“We need our parliamentarians to put politics aside and stand with us – the people, the victims, and the families left behind. It’s time for courage, not complacency. Enough is enough. It should not take a personal experience for our leaders to recognise the urgency. The time to fix this fractured system is now.” said Ms Smith.

Ms Smith and other advocates will meet at Newcastle Museum and march to Foreshore Park to stand together for the 24 women who’ve already lost their lives during the 19 weeks of 2025 – to demand real action from the NSW Government.

“We will be walking for my niece Emerald Wardle who was a beautiful and kind young woman, and all victims of heinous violent crimes so we hope the community will join us and bring their loved ones, their signs and their voices to help us create noise that cannot be ignored to bring about essential change,” Ms Smith said.

Clare Collins, Chair of Advocacy Australia said, “Only by standing together to say NO MORE violence against women and children, can we as a society ensure a safer future for everyone.

City of Newcastle seeks feedback on $2 pool entry fee

Swimmers are being invited to dive into discussions around a proposal to trial reduced entry fees at City of Newcastle’s five inland pools next season.

Community members are being asked if they support a trial of single entry admission fees being set at $2 per person in 2025/26, and whether the reduced entry would encourage them to visit more often.

Community members are being asked to share their views on the proposed trial introduction of a $2 entry fee to City of Newcastle owned pools, including Lambton War Memorial Swimming Centre.Community members are being asked to share their views on the proposed trial introduction of a $2 entry fee to City of Newcastle owned pools, including Lambton War Memorial Swimming Centre.

The consultation follows resolutions at the February and April ordinary council meetings, with the feedback to be considered alongside an upcoming report on the projected financial cost of the proposed $2 fee, and its impacts on the draft 2025/26 Budget.

Cr Declan Clausen, who proposed the amendment at the April Ordinary Council meeting to facilitate the consultation, encouraged the community to have their say on the trial.

“Council is exploring a $2 pool entry trial to make our local pools more affordable and accessible for everyone in our community,” Cr Clausen said. 

“We know cost-of-living pressures are real, and we want to hear whether this initiative would make a meaningful difference for you and your family.

“I encourage all residents to have their say during the consultation. Your feedback will help shape the final decision and how we deliver this $2 pool entry trial.”

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said it was important to gather as much data as possible to help inform Councillors in their deliberations over the proposed trial.

“It is valuable to understand the community’s views on the trial proposed by the elected Council, and whether it will affect the way they interact with and use our pools,” Ms Duffy said.

“It is also important to consider the financial implications of the trial of reduced single entry admission fees, as income from pool entry fees are retained by the operator Bluefit to support the day-to-day running of the facilities. 

“Any difference between the regular single entry fee and the proposed reduced fee of $2 would need to be met by City of Newcastle and included in the 2025/26 draft Budget, which is currently on public exhibition.

“In addition to the subsidised pool fee trial, City of Newcastle is also planning significant investment during the next 12 months to maintain and improve our network of inland swimming centres to ensure they continue to meet the expectations and evolving needs of the community.”

Projects included in the 2025/26 draft Budget include preparing detailed reports to replace the roof of the grandstand and installing accessible platforms at Lambton War Memorial Swimming Centre. 

A $1 million investment has also been set aside to progress the design of a year-round indoor pool as promised by the previous elected Council and included in City of Newcastle’s Inland Pools Strategy 2043. 

Around $1 million will also be spent over the next 12 months on infrastructure upgrades across the five swimming pools, including a platform to improve pool accessibility at Mayfield. A busy program of maintenance activities will be delivered during the winter closure including safety upgrades, re-painting to enhance durability and visual appeal, and maintenance of pool tiles and promenades.

Stockton Swimming Centre will receive a makeover with the playground equipment, barbecues and picnic tables to be upgraded, along with new shade structures to be installed, while lighting upgrades will be delivered at Beresfield and Mayfield.

Beresfield Swimming Centre will also benefit from the upgrade of its solar heating system, supported by a $220,000 grant received from the NSW Government’s Local Small Commitments Allocation program in August last year during the pool season. 

A heating upgrade is also on the cards for Lambton, with the installation of a new heat pump during the winter period once the pool closes for the season on Sunday 25 May. Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend pools have already closed for the winter break. 

Community members can provide feedback on the proposed $2 entry fee trial by visiting City of Newcastle’s Have Your Say page by 5pm on 29 May.

Urgent care service boost for Wagga Wagga

People in Wagga Wagga and surrounding communities can now access healthcare more quickly and avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department, thanks to a new local urgent care service.

The Wagga Wagga GP-based Urgent Care Serviceoperates as a cooperative model, offering approximately 100 GP-based appointments per week across seven different practices in the Wagga Wagga region. Each practice is staffed by General Practitioners and nurses who are equipped to treat a range of urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. This service is delivered in partnership with the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network.

To access the Wagga Wagga GP-based Urgent Care Service, patients must call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess the patient’s condition and guide them to the care they need, which may include booking an appointment on the patient’s behalf.

The Wagga Wagga GP-based Urgent Care Service is available year-round, operating Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. It complements the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Rapid Access Clinic which is a service operating from the hospital offering a range of services including diagnostics, allied health, Hospital in the Home, an Infusion Clinic, minor procedures and specialist team review.

Healthcare provided at Wagga Wagga Urgent Care Service will be bulk billed.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to enhancing access to care and reducing wait times through the half a billion dollar emergency department relief package announced in the FY2024/25 NSW Budget. This package includes support for urgent care services, offering alternative pathways to care outside of hospitals.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is expanding Urgent Care Services so communities such as Wagga Wagga can receive fast effective care close to home, while also easing pressure on our emergency departments.

“This service will enable members of the community to receive care quickly for conditions which can be safely and appropriately treated outside our hospitals, including minor wounds which need stitches, and suspected broken bones.”

Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr:

“This is a very welcome enhancement to local health services that will improve access to care and reduce wait times for local patients.

“By providing patients with non-life-threatening conditions with quality, bulk-billed care, it will ease pressure on the emergency department at Wagga Base Hospital and deliver a valuable healthcare alternative to people from Wagga and surrounding communities.”

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network CEO Stewart Gordon

“The Wagga Wagga GP-based Urgent Care Service is designed to deliver better access to timely healthcare when it’s most needed. 

“By making same-day GP appointments available at no cost, we’re helping residents get the right care quickly, and providing real solutions for our local communities.”