Category: NSW News

The Riverina’s welding and metal fabrication sector has received a boost with the completion of the $500,000 upgrades to training facilities at TAFE NSW Griffith.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the investment comes amid strong demand for qualified metal fabricators and welders in the region, with several major infrastructure projects – including the $250 million Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment.

“Skilled engineers play a critical role in building the future of communities like Griffith, and it’s great to see TAFE NSW creating a pipeline of homegrown welders and metal fabricators,” Mr Whan said.

“The investment in these engineering facilities, which includes new welders and a hydraulic press, will ensure graduates continue to have the job-ready skills and experience to support local industry, the economy, and the community.

“Additionally, communities like Griffith will be the beneficiaries of the recently signed landmark National Skills Agreement between the Commonwealth and NSW Government.

“The five-year agreement places TAFE NSW at the heart of the vocational education and training sector, providing up to $3.81 billion in funding for NSW to help expand access to skills training in communities across New South Wales, including the Riverina.

TAFE NSW Griffith Head Teacher of Metal Fabrication and Welding Franc Prestia said Griffith’s manufacturing sector supported around 3000 jobs, while TAFE NSW engineering graduates were also highly sought after in the local agriculture and food processing industries.

“We are in constant contact with local industry to ensure we meet their training needs,” Mr Prestia said.

“TAFE NSW Griffith has seen solid growth in engineering apprentice numbers in recent years, and the upgrade to our workshop will ensure we continue delivering the job-ready skills employers expect and deserve.”

The NSW Government has today announced the appointment of Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon as the new State Librarian.

Dr Butler-Bowdon, a published author in architectural and urban history, brings with her over 20 years of leadership experience in large public institutions. Her career ranges from the museum and heritage space to most recently the activations in our streets, centres and open spaces.

Dr Butler-Bowdon has a consistent track record of supporting creative communities, building partnerships across government.

Dr Butler-Bowdon is currently Acting Deputy Secretary, Cities and Active Transport at Transport for NSW and has previously held leadership roles at the Historic Houses Trust of NSW, overseeing programs and initiatives for some of Australia’s most important museums and institutions including Hyde Park Barracks, Museum of Sydney, Rose Seidler House and Vaucluse House.

Dr Butler-Bowdon will take over from Dr John Vallance, who is retiring after six years at the helm of the State Library of NSW as State Librarian, and a distinguished career in the arts and academia.

The State Library of NSW is the oldest library in Australia, with more than six million items in its collection, and receives almost a million readers and visitors every year.

Dr Butler-Bowdon will commence in the role on Wednesday 15 November 2023.

Dr Butler-Bowdon’s appointment means five of the six leaders of the state’s cultural institutions will be led by women.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“I want to thank Dr John Vallance for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind.

“The State Library of NSW is one of our most beloved institutions and I’m thrilled to have Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon bring her profound expertise and demonstrated excellence in cultural, creative and place leadership to this important institution.

“Caroline Butler-Bowdon has a passionate commitment to cultural leadership for the widest audience. I look forward to seeing the State Library of NSW continue to flourish under her drive to engage and inspire communities in the joys and power of ideas and culture.

“The State Library has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, with accessibility improvements and a new multi-purpose space, making it a more inclusive place for people to enjoy the collections.

“I look forward to working with Dr Butler-Bowdon in making the State Library an even more welcoming and diverse institution for readers and visitors to experience.”

Library Council President, The Honourable George Souris AM said:

“I want to thank Dr John Vallance for his leadership over the past six years – he brought a wealth of knowledge to the role through his many years in the arts and academia, and the State Library is a better place for his service.

“We welcome Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon to the role of State Librarian – she will be an incredible asset to the team and has an unbridled passion for our cultural institutions.”

Incoming NSW State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon said:

“Libraries, like parks, are at the very bedrock of the best democracies, global cities and states.

“I look forward to playing a part in the future of this wonderfully storied institution, championing the work of its loyal and creative staff, its globally significant collections, and its state-wide reach.

“The State Library of NSW is an important cornerstone in our community. Its location, its position, its deep and rich collections, its global reach coupled with its statewide brief fill me with genuine excitement.

“One of the keys to success will be balancing the focus on the physical library with the opportunities to work in western Sydney, and of course regionally through the Public Libraries network.

“Together we will ensure that every citizen has access to this great library and its public network across NSW, as places of experience, learning, research, connection and community.”

The Minns Labor government has halved the state’s overdue planned surgery list, according to the Surgical Care Taskforce interim report.

On his first full day in the job, Minister for Health Ryan Park announced the formation of the Surgical Care Taskforce to reduce the number of planned surgeries waiting longer than clinically recommended.

Between March and September 2023, this number was slashed from 14,067 to 7010.

One of the ways the taskforce was able to achieve this was by expanding the category of some procedures eligible for same day surgery when clinically appropriate, and by increasing the capacity for NSW Health to undertake surgeries.

The taskforce identified common (or high volume) procedures typically undertaken with a 1-night stay and has identified surgery types that can be increasingly conducted as same-day procedures.

The taskforce’s next steps will focus on building capacity in the NSW public health system to ensure a sustainable surgical service into the future.

The initiative will reduce wait times as well as demand for overnight beds.

The taskforce has brought together some of the state’s leading clinical experts, working in both the public and private health sectors.

Members include surgeons, anaesthetists, nursing and allied health clinicians from regional and metropolitan locations as well as Local Health District, Specialty Health Network, Ministry of Health and NSW Health Pillar organisation executives.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“I’m so proud of the work and progress made by the taskforce in halving the planned surgery wait list.

“I see the thousands of patients in our community waiting for life changing surgery, often in pain and discomfort.

“We have brought together some of the state’s leading clinicians to find and embrace innovative solutions, to improve the delivery of health care, and ultimately improve health outcomes for the people of this state.

“I thank NSW Health staff for their tremendous efforts throughout this period of high planned surgery activity across NSW, as these results are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and determination to get access to care for our patients.

“I also thank the private hospital partners who have played a very important role in achieving this outcome.”

Clinical Dean Western Sydney University and Taskforce Co-Chair Professor Neil Merrett said:

“Focusing on improving same-day models of care delivers faster access to care and reduces pressure for overnight beds in public hospitals.

“These combined strategies will mean patients get access to surgery sooner using internationally recognised best practice.

“More patients will be able to safely go home sooner and be provided with appropriate support where required.

“These models increase convenience for patients while also delivering the same or improved clinical outcomes.”

On World Teachers’ Day, the Minns Labor Government is celebrating NSW teachers for their tireless support of the state’s students and their contribution to our communities.

Today, schools and communities will take time to say thank you to the state’s 170,000 teachers who educate students across Government, Catholic and Independent schools.

It can also be a day to reflect on how to support teachers, whether it is getting involved in your local school community, or providing a personal “thank you” to a special teacher for the extra work they put in.

The effect of quality teaching extends well beyond the classroom, shaping the minds and lives of students long after they complete school.  

Education is at the heart of the NSW Government’s agenda, and the Minns Labor Government has made significant progress working to restore respect to this vital profession.

This includes scrapping the unfair wages cap, giving public school teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation, and delivering on our election commitment to offer 10,000 temporary teachers permanent positions.

This work is crucial after teachers were treated with contempt for 12 years by the Liberals and Nationals, who denied the state was in the grips of a teacher shortage crisis, refusing to properly invest in our children’s educational futures.

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is encouraging school communities to share kind messages on its NSW Teaching Gems Map, where many messages have already shown the high regard in which the state’s teachers are held.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said:

“Today we can all take a moment to value our passionate and hardworking teachers.

“Teaching is one of those rare professions where you have the opportunity to transform young lives.

“It’s that commitment to enriching young minds that makes teaching both a vocation and a profession, and World Teachers’ Day is the perfect opportunity to let teachers know how grateful we are.”

This week NSW teachers are enjoying more money in their bank accounts, as the state’s educators see the benefits of a historic pay rise delivered to teachers by the Minns Labor Government.

Last month, the Minns Labor Government secured a deal with the Teachers Federation giving a once-in-a-generation pay rise to all of NSW’s 95,000 teachers.

The agreement, endorsed by the Teachers Federation Council, saw teachers’ starting salaries increase from $75,791 to $85,000, and salaries for top-of-the-scale teachers go from $113,042 to $122,100.

This agreement benefits every teacher in NSW, and the new establishment of a 7-step scale ensures all educators are progressing more rapidly through the system, seeing ongoing recognition for their hard work educating the state’s students. 

Striking this pay deal was a key election promise of the Minns Labor Government, and is vital to restoring respect to the teaching profession and, crucially, key to attracting more teachers to the profession.

The pay rise took effect from the first pay period after 9 October, and increased salaries from this pay period will be paid into those accounts from this week.

Recently, the NSW Government reached a key target of converting 16,000 temporary teaching and school-based support staff roles from temporary to permanent positions, with more to come.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Pay is a mark of respect and I am thrilled that this week teachers have woken up to an increased pay packet landing in their bank accounts.

“This pay rise was desperately needed and I am proud the Minns Labor government was able to deliver this major achievement within our first months in office.

“Striking this deal was vitally important, so our hardworking teachers can see they are respected by their government, and being paid adequately for the hard work they are doing to educate the state’s students.”

Fitch Ratings has affirmed NSW’s triple-A credit rating with a stable outlook, becoming the second global agency this week to acknowledge the Minns government’s 2023–2024 Budget approach to stabilising the state’s finances.

It follows the decision by Moody’s on 24 October to reaffirm its triple-A credit rating, reflecting the Minns government’s strong financial management and the state’s diversified economy.

The state’s fiscal position had weakened in recent years, exacerbated by the former government’s reckless $27 billion spend in the 9 months leading up to the last election and their legacy of a $7 billion black hole of unfunded programs.

Since taking office, and through the September budget, the Minns government has begun the work of budget repair, including through the Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER). 

The CER identified $13 billion in budget improvements. These funds are being reinvested into unfunded programs and essential services to help keep the state’s overall expenses at a manageable level.

As a result, the 2023–2024 NSW Budget projects a surplus of $844 million in 2024–2025. 

The government has also begun the work to reduce the impact of the Debt Retirement Fund and the Transport Assets Holding Entity on the state’s balance sheet. Gross debt is projected to be $173.4 billion by June 2026, which is $14.8 billion below the 2023 Pre-election Budget Update. 

Net debt is now projected to peak at 12.6% of gross state product by June 2027, around 1.4 percentage points lower than at the 2023 Pre-election Budget Update.

Fitch Ratings noted its view that the strength of the NSW economy, coupled with disciplined financial management, will enable the state to withstand further global economic pressures.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“NSW is one of two states in Australia with triple-A credit ratings and Fitch has reaffirmed this position, highlighting the successful plan the government set out in the 2023–2024 Budget.

“The state’s credit ratings were under significant threat but the September budget began the repair work of reducing debt and rebuilding our essential services.

“This task continues as we work towards the 2024–2025 Budget.”

NSW Grandparents Day on 29 October is a great opportunity to celebrate the nonnas and the poppas, grans, nans and grandpas around the state.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said no matter what names we give our grandparents, they all make a tremendous contribution to family life.

“Grandparents play a special role in many NSW families, supporting busy mums and dads with the family juggle, teaching valuable life lessons to their grandchildren and keeping families connected,” Minister Harrison said.

“We should ensure we are celebrating grandparents every day of the year, but Grandparents Day is a particularly great time to acknowledge their past, present and future contribution to their families and communities.

“Others in our families or communities may sometimes also play the role of grandparents in our lives and they too should be celebrated on this day.”

This year, with funding provided by the NSW Government, the NSW Public Libraries Association has invited libraries across the state to host events to mark Grandparents Day.

“There are many activities on offer this weekend in libraries across the state, or you could simply curl up with a good book together,” Minister Harrison added.

“Grandparents hold a unique place in our families so I encourage families to take this opportunity to spend some quality time with your older loved one this Grandparents Day.”

For ideas on ways to celebrate and which local library is hosting events for Grandparents Day, visit the NSW Grandparents Day webpage.

Aboriginal business leaders have met with their Māori counterparts to better understand and share information about how to grow Indigenous businesses and create new jobs across the Tasman in the fourth Aboriginal Business Roundtable on Closing the Gap. 

The Looking Abroad: Aboriginal and Māori Businesses Roundtable is the first time businesses have come together in this way brought together by the NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris and NZ Consul General, Bill Dobbie. 

The roundtable deliberated on how the ‘trans-Indigenous’ trade had evolved over thousands of years and how this new era of collaboration would unlock new opportunities for indigenous businesses in a global marketplace. Participants used the opportunity to knowledge share and network with Austrade providing practical advice on how to expand businesses for export markets. 

The NSW Government recognises a thriving Aboriginal business sector is essential for economic self-determination and Closing the Gap. NSW is the only jurisdiction in Australia that has an additional priority reform to Close the Gap on employment, business growth and economic prosperity.

A key action to deliver this priority is the convening of Aboriginal business roundtables to hear directly from Aboriginal businesses on what challenges they face to enter, grow and thrive in the NSW business sector.

In 2021, 59.6% of people aged 25 to 64 years who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander were employed, compared to 75.2% of people who identify as non-Indigenous. Over 20 years this has only increased by 14.0% (45.6% in 2001).

Australian Government data shows that between 2006 and 2016, the number of Indigenous businesses has increased to 11,587. However, the rate of business ownership by Indigenous Australians is lower than non-Indigenous Australians. Indigenous businesses only represent between 0.6% to 0.8% of the 2.1 million businesses nationwide.

The NSW Government has established an Aboriginal Business Taskforce to provide independent advice, develop strategic approaches and coordinate and drive initiatives under Priority Reform 5 relating to starting, supporting and growing businesses. Expressions of Interest are now open.

October is Indigenous Business Month, with Australia’s First Nations communities being called ‘To Gather, together’.

For more information on Closing the Gap and Aboriginal Business Taskforce visit the NSW Aboriginal Affairs website.launch 

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The NSW Government is committed to Closing the Gap.

“We acknowledge that to close the gap, Aboriginal people must determine, drive and own their own future.

“More than ever, Aboriginal people are seeking to achieve economic independence through business creation.

“Aboriginal businesses want to grow and expand into new markets, and the NSW Government is keen to support these businesses on this journey.

“This roundtable is an exciting opportunity for Aboriginal and Māori business entrepreneurs to forge connections and create business ties and networks.

“Initiatives such as this are driving change and helping close the gap in real and sustainable ways.”

The NSW Government is encouraging eligible fire-affected primary producers and landholders in 7 local government areas (LGAs) to access disaster assistance in response to recent and ongoing bushfires in those areas.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and will be administered through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) to help communities and individuals directly affected by the fires.

The assistance measures available through the NSW RAA are:

• Concessional interest rate loans for primary producers and small businesses up to a maximum of $130,000, with interest rates currently set at 1.79%.
• Concessional interest rate loans for non-profit organisations up to a maximum of $25,000, with interest rates currently set at 1.79%.
• Transport subsidies for primary producers of up to 50% of the total freight cost to a maximum of $15,000 per farm enterprise per financial year.
• Donated fodder transport subsidies for the costs of donating and transporting donated fodder to affected properties or storage facilities in a central location up to a maximum distance of 1500 kilometres.

Further information, including guidelines, fact sheets and application forms can be found on the RAA’s websitelaunch or by calling 1800 678 593launch.

Fire-affected farmers and land managers in these LGAs requiring assistance with livestock assessment, animal welfare and veterinary assistance can contact the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647launch to access support.

The 7 LGAs now able to access disaster assistance following this week’s joint Commonwealth-NSW government announcement are:

• Inverell, Kyogle and Tenterfield from 13 October
• Kempsey, Mid Coast and Port Macquarie from 16 October
• Mid-Western from 17 October.

Visit the Department of Primary Industries BushfireHublaunch for more information.

Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government appreciates that many of our farmers are facing another significant natural event and is committed to supporting our producers as they recover once again.

“Natural disaster recovery grants and subsidies will provide immediate relief such clean-up, transport and restoration costs to eligible primary producers, small businesses, and non-profit organisations in the 7 LGAs of Port Macquarie, Mid-Coast, Kempsey, Inverell, Kyogle, Tenterfield and Mid-Western.

“The NSW Rural Assistance Authority will work compassionately with affected producers and I encourage impacted people to reach out and access the assistance available to them.”

The NSW Respect at Work Advisory Group has been established, to ensure coordinated and effective action across government and non-government leaders to address workplace sexual harassment.

Workplace sexual harassment occurs in every industry and is unacceptably common in Australia. The most recent data from the Australian Human Rights Commission found a third of Australians have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.

Work is already underway to curb sexual harassment in the workplace in NSW, with SafeWork NSW launching a 4-year strategy to stamp out sexual harassment in the workplace.

A new, dedicated team focused on addressing gender-based harmful workplace behaviours, the SafeWork NSW Respect at Work Taskforce will lead the implementation of the strategy.

This includes educating NSW businesses on their duties to prevent and respond to workplace sexual harassment before it occurs and take appropriate enforcement action to protect workers.

The NSW Respect at Work Advisory Group will be led by SafeWork NSW and will be supported by Minister Sophie Cotsis and Minister Jodie Harrison.

The NSW Government is committed to fostering safer and more respectful workplaces in NSW.

The Respect at Work Advisory group, strategy and SafeWork will drive efforts to prevent specialise in the prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace.

The advisory group will inform the government’s approach to regulating  workplace sexual harassment and ensure efforts are coordinated with key NSW and Commonwealth government agencies working to address sexual harassment.

The advisory group is comprised of:

• SafeWork NSW 
• Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW  
• Australian Human Rights Commission 
• NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner 
• Legal Aid NSW  
• NSW Police Force 
• NSW Public Service Commissioner 
• Women NSW, Premier’s Department 
• Full Stop Australia  
• Australian Institute of Health and Safety 
• Australian Industry Group 
• Unions NSW 
• Our Watch 
• Muslim Women Australia 
• Professor Rae Cooper, AO.

The NSW Respect at Work Advisory Group will meet for the first time on Monday 24 October.

The NSW Government has resources for business and workers on how they can help prevent sexual harassment in their workplaces and what they can do if they experience workplace sexual harassment.

Minister for Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The prevalence of sexual harassment in Australian workplaces is incredibly concerning and we believe the collaboration that the NSW Respect at Work programs will help reduce this.

“My expectation is that we listen to the feedback from the experts.”

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

“Workplace sexual harassment has a profound impact on individuals and undermines workplace productivity.

“The establishment of the NSW Respect at Work Advisory Group is an important step in reducing the prevalence of workplace sexual harassment and making sure people can feel safe at work.

“The work the advisory group will do in prevention is absolutely key to changing the culture in workplaces to one of respect and inclusiveness.”