NSW News – Page 549

Women’s Safety Commissioner role to drive leadership on addressing domestic violence

The NSW Government is continuing to take steps to deliver on the commitment to prioritise women’s safety by becoming the first state or territory in Australia to have a stand-alone NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner.

The Women’s Safety Commissioner will spearhead leadership for a whole-of-government approach to domestic, family and sexual violence.

Domestic violence assaults and sexual assaults are the only 2 of the 13 major crime categories that showed an upward trend in the last 5 years, increasing by 13.5% and 29.8% respectively.

Previously, the NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin held the dual role of commissioner and executive director, women, family and community safety in the Department of Communities and Justice.

Dr Tonkin has worked at the United Nations, as disability rights director at the Australian Human Rights Commission, and as a barrister in London and Adelaide.

The commissioner will enhance the government’s focus on primary prevention and early intervention, with specific responsibilities, including:

Providing leadership and oversight of whole-of-government policy and programs on domestic, family and sexual violence
Monitoring implementation of strategies and initiatives, and providing oversight of specialist and mainstream service systems responsible for responding to domestic, family and sexual violence and harassment
Raising awareness and promote education and public engagement to deliver improved women’s safety outcomes
Fostering collaboration and coordination between government and community, and give victim-survivors a greater voice.

In addition, the commissioner will also be central to the implementation of NSW’s new coercive control laws, which will come into effect in mid-2024.

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

“This is an important step which demonstrates our government’s commitment to women’s safety across our state.

“We have listened to the community’s concerns about domestic, family and sexual violence and we are taking a whole-of-government approach to addressing this scourge.

“We are bringing this crisis to the fore to include it in every conversation and every action we take as a government.

“No one should have to live in fear, which is why we are continuing to invest in prevention and work across government to ensure the needs of victim-survivors are being heard and met.”

NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Tonkin said:

“Domestic, family and sexual violence has a devastating impact on victim-survivors and the broader community.

“The creation of the stand-alone commissioner role will ensure that I am best positioned to deliver this significant remit and drive change to improve women’s safety, by strengthening interagency coordination and collaboration across government.”

CEO Domestic Violence NSW Delia Donovan said:

“NSW is showing strong national leadership on responding to domestic, family and sexual violence.

“This move recognises the critical need for strong and focused leadership across all government agencies, working in close collaboration with the domestic, family and sexual violence sector.”

South Jerrabomberra primes for investments and jobs

The South Jerrabomberra Regional Job Precinct draft master plan, outlining the long-term vision to grow the Monaro region’s investment potential and create up to 4000 highly skilled jobs, is now on public exhibition.

The draft master plan sets out a strategic direction for the precinct to create a hub for defence, cyber security and high-technology industries.

It will also assist with the development of new businesses due to its proximity to the Australian Capital Territory.

The draft master plan was developed collaboratively between the NSW Government and Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council. It builds on the developments already underway including the Poplars Innovation Precinct, South Jerrabomberra residential estate, Regional Sports Complex and the Jerrabomberra High School.

It is on exhibition for 4 weeks to give stakeholders, investors and the community time to view, consider and submit feedback.

To view the South Jerrabomberra Regional Job Precinct draft master plan and make a submission visit the Department of Planning and Environmentlaunch.

The exhibition period opens Wednesday 1 November until 11.59pm on Friday 1 December 2023.

Submissions received will inform the final master plan which is expected to be complete by mid-2024.

The NSW Government is committed to future-proofing regional communities by making it easier to attract and secure regional investment, create new jobs and set up communities like Jerrabomberra for continued success now and into the future.

Regional Job Precincts are focused on delivering planning support to local councils to drive investment and boost economic prosperity in regional NSW including Albury, South Jerrabomberra, Richmond Valley and Namoi.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We are committed to future-proofing regional communities by making it easier to attract and secure regional investment, create new jobs, and set up communities like Jerrabomberra for continued success now and into the future.

“The draft master plan will help drive investment and boost economic prosperity in regional NSW by outlining planning requirements and land use across 9 sub-precincts, which will be underpinned by technical studies to provide a strategic vision for land in this area.

“I encourage everyone to have their say before Monday 4 December.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“We want to make Jerrabomberra a great place to live and work; where long-term growth, investment and development opportunities are available.

“This area is well-suited to high-technology industries and commercial businesses, with the potential to generate around 4000 new jobs in the Monaro region to 2036 and beyond.

“Jerrabomberra’s unique position near Queanbeyan is on the doorstep of the nation’s capital and will see the precinct leverage on opportunities from nearby Australian Government departments, defence and military hubs, as well as the Canberra international airport.

“We invite investors, stakeholders and community members to have their say on the South Jerrabomberra Regional Job Precinct draft master plan.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“This is an exciting precinct for our community, it offers the potential for local jobs in industries that fit well with the community around them.

“The high-technology industries and commercial businesses this precinct is designed to cater for could produce around 4000 jobs in the local area by 2036.

“As local member, I look forward to seeing the community’s feedback on the plan.”

NSW Government commits $50 million for Central West flood recovery

The NSW Government has committed $50 million for Central West communities impacted by last year’s devastating floods.

Households will be able to use the funding for house raising and retrofits, allowing the incorporation of designs and materials that can withstand future flooding events.

Over the coming months, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will work closely with local community leaders to prioritise the additional funding and determine potential future funding which may be required.

When Planning Minister Paul Scully and Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib visited the Central West in August they identified more work was needed.

This funding package is a significant step forward and will help to boost the community-led recovery of the Central West. The new fund also responds to the strong positions put forward by the Member for Orange Phil Donato.

The cash injection will be an initial down payment towards measures including:

Priority Disaster Adaptation Plans for the Central West so communities are better prepared
Repair and replacement of critical community assets and improving the resilience of public infrastructure, including bridges and roads
Assistance with housing programs, with work to be further developed with councils and community leaders.

The announcement adds to the more than $42 million in grants and subsidies paid by the Commonwealth and NSW Government to individuals, households, small businesses and primary producers across the Central West impacted by last year’s floods.

Other work undertaken to support local communities includes:

15 recovery assistance points set up across the Central West
$40 million Pods on Private Property Program and $19 million At-Home Caravan program
Community Recovery Officers for Cabonne, Forbes and Wentworth
Community projects such as the rebuild of Eugowra’s pre-school with Cabonne Shire Council.

The funding comes from the new $150 million Community Restoration Flood Fund announced by the NSW Government in the September budget to support disaster impacted communities in the Northern Rivers and Central West. The fund is an acknowledgement that the NSW Government is standing by communities for the long haul.

The 2022 floods exposed several ongoing risks across the state due to our changing climate and long-standing land uses. The NSW Government recognises that recovery is not a short-term fix and requires evidence-based planning and community leadership.

While the former government made unfunded commitments to communities, the Minns Government is taking a considered approach to ensure that the commitments made are adequately funded and informed by community leaders.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“The 2022 floods were an unprecedented disaster and we remain focused on helping the whole community recover and rebuild. It’s clear there needs to be a sustained effort and there is more we can do to continue the reconstruction program. That’s why we’re committed to practical action on the ground to help people get back on their feet, with the involvement of local leaders.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The government is being open and transparent about the process we are undertaking. At the same time, we acknowledge there are details to be worked through with the community.

“We appreciate that what people want most is to get back into their homes and on with their lives and we are committed to helping them do just that. This is not about a simple fix, it’s a concerted effort making sure that communities in the Central West can build back stronger.

“This is a significant step forward in making sure communities are better prepared for future floods and will allow community leaders to shape how recovery proceeds in the Central West.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“It’s critical that we continue to support communities who have borne the brunt of the 2022 floods. We’ve seen first-hand how flood recovery efforts are progressing and we know recovery takes time.”

“When we visited the Central West we were impressed with the work undertaken by communities in rebuilding and this investment is a further step towards that recovery. This funding package will support the social and economic recovery of this important region devastated by floods”.

Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“This additional injection from the Community Restoration Flood Fund is a welcome start on the wide range of recovery and reconstruction work that still needs to be done across the region. Everyone who experienced the 2022 floods and is still dealing with the after-effects day in and day out understands we have a long road ahead of us and additional support will be required.”

New prototype rooms provide a sneak peek into the future of paediatric healthcare in NSW

In a first for NSW, children will soon have access to state-of-the-art positive pressure isolation rooms at Sydney’s children’s hospitals to help keep kids safe by reducing the risk of exposure to viruses and other infections for immune compromised children.

The isolation rooms will be built into the cancer care wards and intensive care units at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.

These upgrades are another significant step in the NSW Government’s commitment to rebuild essential health services with the September budget including a landmark $3 billion for new and upgraded hospitals across greater Western Sydney.

The positive air pressure is created using a specialised air ventilation system, preventing airflow between the corridor into the patient’s bedroom. This offers significant benefits for improved infection control.

The technology significantly reduces the chance of airborne pathogens from the outside environment (such as viruses) reaching immunocompromised patients, such as cancer or transplant patients.

Known as Positive Pressure Ventilation Anterooms (PPVA), the rooms function as a protective shield and will help protect some of the sickest and most vulnerable children.

The Children’s Hospital at Westmead have developed prototypes of the new rooms to enable staff to familiarise themselves with the design and the technology.

These prototype rooms will allow staff to adapt the layout and design of vital spaces before they are built and allow simulation and training in the new and improved working environments.

In another first for paediatric healthcare in NSW, carer zones will also be introduced in intensive care units at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, which will allow parents and carers to remain with children while they are in hospital.

The isolation rooms are expected to be completed at both hospitals in 2025.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“The NSW Government is committed to rebuilding essential health services with significant investments in both staff and infrastructure.

“This technology is something that paediatric healthcare has never had before in NSW, making it a first for both the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and the state.

“For kids who are immunosuppressed, being able to reduce the risk of getting a virus or a cold is so important during what is usually intense treatment, and that’s why we want to ensure our hospitals have the ability to protect sick kids and their families as much as possible.”

Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“This is a great investment in the future health services for Western Sydney. I am proud to be part of a government that is delivering for one of the fastest growing regions in the country.

“It is just part of a massive investment in health in Western Sydney by the Minns Labor government.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“These PPVAs are a crucial tool in helping us protect seriously ill and severely immunocompromised children.

“These new facilities for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network will benefit patients and their families who are navigating challenging, and often very complex, health concerns.

“The carer zones – which were championed by staff and families – will also provide more support, setting a new standard for family-centred care across our hospitals.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“These state-of-the-art prototype rooms have been developed in consultation with the amazing nurses and clinicians here at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

“The prototype spaces being unveiled today will ensure The Children’s Hospital at Westmead continues to be a leader in providing care for sick children across NSW.”

Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network’s Chief Executive Cathryn Cox PSM said:

“By integrating advanced clinical services under one roof and introducing carer zones throughout the new hospitals, the network can provide more holistic support and quality care to every patient that comes through the doors while offering families a place of comfort and respite.

“The prototype spaces at Westmead and Randwick have already been viewed by clinical staff and hospital families, who have provided invaluable feedback about the layout and functionality of the rooms.”

Greyhound racing making strides with first all-female steward panel

The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) made history on the weekend with the first all-female steward panel overseeing a meeting at Muswellbrook.

GWIC stewards are appointed to ensure racing is conducted fairly in accordance with the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 and the Greyhound Racing Rules. They are also responsible for safeguarding the welfare of greyhounds and participants, drug testing and imposing penalties for non-compliance.

The 3 stewards – Louise Warren, Steff Richards and Madi Watson – have combined experience of more than 20 years across greyhound races in NSW but this is the first time they have come together as a panel. Queensland is the only other state to have had an all-female panel, in August 2022.

GWIC employs 34 stewards, 7 of whom are women.

The interest of women in overseeing greyhound racing mirrors the growing interest more generally with record numbers of women taking on training and other roles in the sport.

The NSW Government is committed to supporting a competitive, responsible, safe and sustainable greyhound racing industry, with the highest standards of animal welfare. GWIC oversight of the industry is crucial to this endeavour.

For more information on GWIC and the role of stewards, visit the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commissionlaunch website.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“We want to ensure NSW is a leader in greyhound racing welfare and integrity, and the sport continues to be a major part of our communities, particularly in rural and regional communities

“And we are leading the way in the promotion of women to important oversight roles in this industry.

“Everywhere I go as Minister for Gaming and Racing, I see women taking to the racing industry as stewards, trainers, jockeys (in horse racing) and owners, which is great to see.

“The future of this industry is in great hands with women on board.”

Which Will die first – Metro West or a Lettuce

Following the inability for the Government to make a decision on whether to build Metro West or cancel it, the Opposition has begun asking which will die first – a lettuce or the Government’s promise.

Labor currently have two reviews into the project and the Premier has confirmed he has not even read the report his own Transport Minister initiated.

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward commented “I don’t understand why it is so difficult to build the project – it is a farce.”

“Just like watching a lettuce die, it is clear Metro West is slowly wilting away.”

Past privatisation agreements to be publicly released

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey has delivered on a key promise for transparency in NSW by starting the process for releasing privatisation agreements signed by the previous government.

Mr Mookhey is writing to ports and energy companies notifying them he expects to make information about their agreements available to the public.

Where required, he has requested the consent of the relevant authorities to release the documents.

This includes the commitment deeds for Port Botany, Port Kembla and the Port of Newcastle.

The key agreements relate to the privatisation and long-term leases of:

Port Botany, Port Kembla and Port of Newcastle
Ausgrid, Transgrid and Endeavour electricity networks
Liddell, Bayswater, Colongra, Eraring, Shoalhaven, Mt Piper, and Vales Point power stations.

Subject to consent where required, the documents will be tabled in parliament.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The people of NSW deserve to know exactly what is in the agreements made when public assets were privatised.

“This will provide an opportunity for NSW citizens, for the first time, to be able to access important documents that set out what the state’s existing assets, rights and liabilities are from past privatisations.

“People should not have to wait until next century to learn what has been agreed to. The previous government should have revealed these details earlier.”

Driver animations make Rozelle Interchange a virtual reality

Motorists can start preparing for driving conditions inside the final piece of WestConnex, with the release of animations to help navigate the more than 16km of new tunnels that make up the Rozelle Interchange.

The animated in-car videos show motorists how to negotiate the underground interchange which links the M4 and M8, Anzac Bridge, City West Link, the toll-free Iron Cove Link, as well as the future Western Harbour Tunnel.

With Rozelle Interchange opening before the end of the year, the animations give an early glimpse inside, including signage in the tunnels and on adjoining surface roads, while a flyover video gives a useful overview of how Rozelle Interchange connects west and south-west of Sydney with the CBD and inner west.

About 100,000 vehicles a day are expected to travel through Rozelle Interchange every day and the Minns Labor Government wants them to do so with confidence from day 1.

The ongoing final phase of work to complete the interchange is testing the incident response, ventilation and IT systems to ensure the highest possible level of safety is delivered for motorists.

On Tuesday 7 November, the Crescent overpass will open to traffic to improve access from Annandale and Glebe to Victoria Road and the Anzac Bridge. Drivers can access the overpass via Johnston Street or Link Road to travel over City West Link and onto Victoria Road or the Anzac Bridge.

There will be a temporary no left turn from The Crescent onto City West Link for approximately 4 weeks to allow for final elements of construction at the intersection.

NSW Roads Minister, John Graham said:

“Rozelle Interchange is a complex feat of Australian engineering, which has become a reality due to the hard work of a skilled local workforce, and we look forward to opening to traffic soon.

“Now is a good time for drivers to start thinking about their journeys and how they may change after the opening of the interchange. These videos provide a preview of the new connections and will help in planning.

“When a major piece of road infrastructure like Rozelle Interchange opens, we expect drivers will take time to adjust to the new roads and route options, but these videos will give a head start.

“We are expecting an increase in congestion along Victoria Road and the City West Link as well as some queuing on the new M4 exit ramp in the AM peak until road users adapt and establish new travel patterns.

Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said:

“Rozelle Interchange is close to completion, and we look forward to opening 16.6km of new roads to give Sydney motorists more options to get where they want to go across our growing city.

We know from the opening of other major road infrastructure projects that motorists can take time to adjust to changes on the road network.

“These driver animation and flyover videos will help people familiarise themselves with the new routes as motorists familiarise themselves with the interchange and its various connection points.

“These new additions to the road network will require a change of behaviour for drivers and we are eager to help the public as much as possible before the green light goes on for Rozelle Interchange.”

The public can view the driver animation and flyover videos on the Transport for NSW website.launch

Police recruitment breakthrough – trainees will be paid to become officers

The NSW Government is continuing to rebuild our frontline services today announcing an historic breakthrough agreement to address the ongoing critical shortfall in police numbers by paying Student Police Officers while they study at the Goulburn Police Academy.

This is an important workforce incentive to encourage more people to take up a career in the NSW Police Force.

From March 2024, Student Police Officers will be paid to study at the Goulburn Police Academy. Student Police Officers will be employed as clerk grade 1/2 administrative employees on a temporary fixed term contact.

They’ll receive a total salary of approximately $30,984 over the 16-week study period.

That works out to be $1,360 per week plus superannuation and an estimated $380 in award-based allowances.

At the end of their studies, they will be employed and paid as Probationary Constables, as is the current arrangement.

This initiative also brings NSW in line with other states and territories who already offer students extra allowances.

To ensure the current classes are not worse off, they will receive a scholarship administered by their education provider – Charles Stuart University.

Class 360 will receive a pro-rata scholarship from the date of today’s announcement.
Class 361 will receive a $21,760 scholarship.
NSW Police is being severely strained by a huge shortfall in police numbers.

We are currently carrying more than 1,500 vacancies – a legacy of the previous government’s mismanagement of police recruitment and retention.

These vacancies are placing significant strain and an increased workload on serving officers. It is critical that something is done to address this.

The scheme, combined with NSW Police’s Associate Degree level qualification that police recruits earn at Goulburn Academy will make NSW the most attractive jurisdiction in Australia to train as a police officer.

This will unlock opportunities for a more diverse range of recruits including mature age students who have existing financial responsibilities, women, particularly women with families, and people from low-income households who simply can’t afford to study for four months with no income.

Our plan to rebuild essential services is only possible because of the careful and responsible approach to repair the budget without privatising our essential assets or imposing an unfair wages cap on our workforce.

We are a government with a clear focus – managing our finances responsibly so we can provide support when you need it most and improve the essential services that we all rely on, now and into the future.

This is an important workforce incentive to encourage more people to take up a career in the NSW Police Force.

They’ll receive a total salary of approximately $30,984 over the 16-week study period.

That works out to be $1,360 per week plus superannuation and an estimated $380 in award-based allowances.

At the end of their studies, they will be employed and paid as Probationary Constables, as is the current arrangement.

This initiative also brings NSW in line with other states and territories who already offer students extra allowances.

To ensure the current classes are not worse off, they will receive a scholarship administered by their education provider – Charles Stuart University.

Class 360 will receive a pro-rata scholarship from the date of today’s announcement.
Class 361 will receive a $21,760 scholarship.

NSW Police is being severely strained by a huge shortfall in police numbers.

We are currently carrying more than 1,500 vacancies – a legacy of the previous government’s mismanagement of police recruitment and retention.

These vacancies are placing significant strain and an increased workload on serving officers. It is critical that something is done to address this.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We owe a great debt of gratitude to NSW Police and this announcement makes it clear that the NSW Labor Government backs our police officers 100 per cent.

“I’m committed to improving working conditions, stopping our frontline workers quitting and attracting more people to these vital roles – that’s why we are introducing this new incentive for future police officers.”

“Police do an incredible job to keep us safe, but the truth is they are stretched and overworked, and we can’t fix that if we don’t recruit and retain more officers.

“We want to attract a diverse new cohort of NSW Police Officers, my message to anyone who has considered joining the NSW Police is that now is the time to apply.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“This is a historic day. NSWPF recruitment has been in the doldrums for years.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the team, along with Commissioner Webb, that has delivered this landmark reform for our trainee police.

“I want to thank the Police Association of NSW which has advocated tirelessly for this reform and been a huge support to me and the Government in seeing it delivered.”

“This will be an enduring legacy of my time as Minister and Karen’s as Commissioner. We’re both very proud of it.”

“I’ve heard many stories of people wanting to change careers and join the NSW Police Force but who simply cannot afford to train for four months without income. I’m thrilled that’s about to change.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said:

“This announcement is a game changer for our organisation. Post covid, recruitment in policing has suffered in Australia and across the world. Breaking down the barriers for people to leave one job and start with us without being financially disadvantaged is the most attractive incentive we’ve been able to offer for many years.”

“I can’t think of a more exciting announcement for the NSW Police Force and it comes at a time when I know all our current hard working, dedicated officers will be very relieved. The calvary is coming!”