Category: NSW News

Close to 70,000 HSC students are putting pen to paper as the start of the 2023 HSC written exams officially kicks off with English Paper 1.

Having completed 50% of their course mark throughout the year, the next 18 days of HSC exams are the opportunity for students to demonstrate all they have learned, bringing together their 13 years of schooling.

When the exams come to an end on Friday 3 November, some 68,689 Year 12 HSC students will have sat more than 400,000 unique exam sessions.

 Some 124 exams are scheduled over the next 3 and a half weeks, with papers written by more than 300 exam developers, concluding with the Food Technology course exam.

All students will receive their HSC results and ATAR on Thursday 14 December.

The Minns Labor Government has made a record investment in the state’s education system at the NSW Budget, including investing to give the state’s 95,000 teachers a historic pay rise.

$3.5 billion will also go to building and upgrading Western Sydney schools, and $1.4 billion will go to building and upgrading schools in the state’s regions.

$45 million will also be spent on boosting the NSW Education Standards Authority’s cyber, information security and technology program, enhancing the agency’s security.

The Premier, Deputy Premier and Member for Heffron will wish students well at a media event in the Heffron electorate on Wednesday.

Students can visit the Stay Healthy HSC hublaunch for advice and resources on taking care of their wellbeing during exams.

The written exam timetable can be found on the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) website, along with the 2023 HSC Enrolment Snapshotlaunch.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Today is an important day for our HSC students.

“To everyone sitting their exams, I wish you all the very best.

“All of NSW is behind you as you enter this exam period.

“Do your best – that is all anyone can ask of you.”

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

“This is a big moment for our senior school students and one they have spent months, even years, preparing for.

“My message to the HSC Class of 2023 is to trust in your abilities, reflect on all that you have learnt, and enter every exam room with confidence and determination.

“Balance your exam and study schedule with regular downtime, connect with friends and loved ones and get plenty of sleep.

“I would especially like to thank the parents and teachers who have supported our HSC students to reach this milestone. They have inspired, educated and nurtured a love for learning in their children and students.”

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Chief Executive Officer Paul Martin said:

“The HSC is a major operation and one that relies on the support of schools, teachers and exam staff. Over the next 18 days we will have completed 400,000 exams.

“Thank you to the school communities, including NSW principals, teachers and school staff who have supported HSC students throughout the year and today as they commence their written exams.

“Parents, families and caregivers – to think 13 years of primary and high school is coming to an end.

“Congratulations to the families who have supported their young people through their education careers. This is an exciting day for many.”

Major construction work on the next stage of the NSW South Coast’s Princes Highway upgrade is set to begin following the awarding of the major construction contract.

SRG Global Civil will this month begin work on the $164 million Jervis Bay Road intersection upgrade, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.

The upgraded intersection will include 2 lanes in each direction of the Princes Highway, longer entry and exit lanes, and free-flow traffic access north and south.

Bus bays, car parking, a kiss-and-ride facility, bicycle racks, bus shelters and shared path connections will also be built as part of a multi-modal facility that will form part of the upgraded intersection.

Early construction work on the new grade-separated intersection, which provides the main link to the coastal villages of Huskisson, Vincentia, Hyams Beach and Jervis Bay, will begin in coming weeks.

Construction is expected to take about 4 years, with completion expected in late 2027, weather permitting.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“Enabling works were completed earlier this year, and now, with the contract for major construction work awarded, this allows us to forge ahead with this much-needed safety upgrade for an intersection.

“The intersection has the highest volume of vehicle movements on the Princes Highway between Nowra and the border with Victoria and has been the location of 15 crashes in the past 5 years, resulting in 6 serious and 11 minor injuries.

“The work we’re funding will help save lives and reduce crashes.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said:

“This intersection upgrade will be a game-changer for motorists and communities on the South Coast.

“The upgraded intersection includes an overpass bridge for highway traffic to safely cross Jervis Bay Road and it will also allow road users on Jervis Bay Road to turn north on the Princes Highway without being held up by highway traffic.”

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said:

“The design of this upgraded intersection will include roundabouts on either side of Jervis Bay Road, reducing the likelihood of crashes and providing safer, reliable and congestion-free connectivity for all road users.

“It’s great to see community feedback has been incorporated into the final design, with western entry and exit lanes and a roundabout connecting the Old Princes Highway a direct result of that feedback.

“The design has also been enhanced to include improved connectivity options for wildlife.”

State Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“Along with members of my community, I am very pleased to see work ramping up on this important infrastructure project.

“The awarding of the major construction contract demonstrates the Albanese and Minns Labor governments are getting on with the job of delivering important infrastructure that will set up the South Coast for the future.”

Qualified applicants are invited to help steer the future direction of some of NSW’s most iconic holiday destinations by joining the board of Reflections Holiday Parks.

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment is seeking to fill 3 board positions including a new chair for Reflections, which is a Crown land manager of 37 holiday parks and 45 community reserves across coastal and inland areas of regional NSW.

Candidates will be considered based on their expertise across priority areas including property management, information technology, government relations, tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement and legal skills. Other desirable skills include governance, audit and risk management, organisational performance and marketing communications.

Reflections Holiday Parks is appointed by the NSW Government as the NSW Crown Holiday Parks Land Manager under the Crown Land Management Act 2016, providing coordinated management of holiday parks on Crown land across regional NSW. 

Its board sets the strategic direction and governance framework for the organisation which manages about 300 staff, generates over $80 million in economic benefits for the state, and hosts holiday stays for an estimated 2 million guests each year.

Applications are open from 11 October to 1 November 2023 with 3 successful candidates to be appointed to the 7-person board by December and beginning 5-year terms from April 2024.

To find out more and how to apply visit I Work for NSWlaunch.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Reflections is the state’s largest holiday park group and the only social enterprise holiday park group in Australia, reinvesting all profits back into the parks and 9300 hectares of Crown land it manages for social and environmental good on behalf of the people of NSW.

“Reflections operates in coastal locations from Brunswick Heads to Eden and inland near major dams like Burrinjuck and Copeton, offering cabin, caravan, camping and glamping accommodation on pristine reserves in some of the state’s most beautiful locations.

“I look forward to welcoming qualified and committed people who can assist the board’s critical work to ensure these iconic holiday spots are well-managed and protected for current and future generations to enjoy.”

The NSW Government will move forward on critical reforms to strata laws this week, implementing changes to make the system fairer and more transparent.

Strata laws govern community living arrangements like apartment buildings or townhouses, they put owners corporations in charge of making key decisions on repairs, maintenance or collective sales.

Despite around 1,000 strata schemes being registered every year for the last decade, the previous government did not act to implement recommendations from the 2021 Report on the statutory review of these laws.

To help bring a new focus to strata living and to implement the changes needed, John Minns will add strata to his responsibilities, becoming the state’s Strata and Property Services Commissioner.

At the moment the Property Services Commissioner is charged with setting professional development requirements for agents and setting the rules supervision of agency businesses.

Elevating strata into the Commissioner’s role will make him responsible for oversight and reform across the whole sector, with strata at the centre.

The NSW Government will move ahead with its first phase of reforms to give immediate benefits to people living in strata. Legislation before Parliament this week will:

• Make the strata collective sale and renewal process more transparent by ensuring owners must disclose conflicts of interest and letting courts award costs against those acting unreasonably. This will help close the loopholes that have seen some strata residents hoping to sell their buildings stuck in courts for years because an alternative developer owns several apartments.
• Make it easier and fairer for residents to keep pets by banning fees, bonds or insurance as a condition of having a pet.  Currently, some strata schemes are charging application fees to consider an application to keep a pet or imposing a bond on keeping a pet.  These fees or bonds are costly, unnecessary and unreasonable. Owners already pay levies to finance the administration of their scheme and the cost of insurance for any damage to common or association.
• Ensure goods and services are obtained at competitive prices, by requiring owners corporations to get a second opinion when the bill for work will be over $30,000. Currently, only large strata schemes are required to obtain two quotes. The change ensures that competitive quotes are obtained for significant expenditure, regardless of the size of the scheme.
• Give Fair Trading the ability to ask the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal to appoint a compulsory strata managing agent to help manage dysfunctional strata schemes. Currently, owners and certain other persons such as creditors can apply to the Tribunal. The changes mean that NSW Fair Trading can also apply to the Tribunal to protect owners where a scheme is so dysfunctional that it is not undertaking its core duties.

Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Across government we’re working to get more homes built, but we’re also making sure we’ve got the right systems and laws to manage them.

“There are currently over 85,000 strata schemes in NSW compared to just 50,000 in 1996, so getting this right will be critical.

“As the number of strata schemes in the state has grown rapidly, the rules haven’t kept pace.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“We are now seeing safeguards that were intended to support owners in renewing their strata schemes being used against them.”

“This reform will help restore balance, improve transparency and boost protections for owners in the collective sale and redevelopment process.”

The President of the Strata Community Association, Chris Duggan said:

“The appointment of John Minns is a genuine reflection of the Government’s authentic commitment to the strata sector and consumers.

“Strata is the engine room for solving the housing supply crisis and having an experienced and engaged commissioner such as John is welcome news to the industry.

“John has excelled in his role as Property Services Commissioner through active industry and consumer engagement and advocacy and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented to community living.”

The NSW Government is prioritising road safety on The Grand Parade in Sydney’s south, with the introduction of 3 new fixed speed cameras to help prevent further road fatalities and serious injury.

Two cameras will be installed from November at Brighton-Le Sands near Gordon Street and a third camera will be installed at Sans Souci near Alice Street, following an urgent review conducted by Transport for NSW. 

The new cameras will help prevent excessive speeding or ‘hooning’ in the area and follows the tragic incident in August in which 2 young boys died when the car they were travelling in lost control and hit a tree.  Between 2018 and 2022, there were 64 crashes on The Grand Parade where someone was injured, including 16 crashes where someone was injured seriously.

The new speed cameras will complement enforcement activities already completed in 2023 by mobile speed cameras, with more deployments on the way for the summer period.

The new speed camera on Alice Street at Sans Souci will be bi-directional to monitor speeding traffic both ways.

A standard commissioning and calibration period will follow installation of all 3 cameras and they are expected to be fully operational in early 2024.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“First and foremost, safety must always be the priority when it comes to NSW Roads.

“The NSW Government has zero tolerance for hoons or anyone who breaks the speed limit and endangers the lives of fellow road users and the community.  These cameras on The Grand Parade will encourage people to adjust their speed, stay within the limit and prevent hooning.

“So far this year, Transport has carried out more than 700 hours of mobile speed camera enforcement on The Grand Parade and NSW Police have commenced Operation Katana to target dangerous driving behaviours, however it is clear that more can be done and that’s exactly what we are doing with these camera installations.

“Mobile speed camera operations will also be increased along The Grand Parade over coming months, and Police will continue to target illegal behaviour on the roads in this location.

“There is never an excuse for speeding and I’m reminding everyone to make sure they stick to the speed limit, and drive to the conditions, so everyone makes it home safely.”

Member for Rockdale Steve Kamper said:

“We have seen too many preventable crashes from speeding along The Grand Parade, with 16 serious injury crashes and 2 deaths since 2018. Our community has lost patience with the hoons.

“These new fixed speed cameras, along with mobile speed cameras will work together to prevent further fatalities and serious injuries along this popular stretch of road. 

“I want to thank the community of Rockdale for their feedback and support for the cameras as we look to make sure everyone can get home safely when they use our roads.”

NSW’s early childhood sector workforce has been given a welcome boost of more than $12 million as the Minns Labor Government delivers its election commitment to provide scholarships to the educators of the state’s littlest learners.

Funding of $12.2 million to provide scholarships to the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce was secured in the NSW Budget, beginning the practical work to create a pipeline of educators for this vital sector.

A target of 1700 scholarships will be made available from today, to those already working in the sector wanting to upskill, those wanting to become early childhood educators, and those wanting to gain Outside School Hours Care (OSCH) skills, growing the workforce.

These incentives will expand the ECEC workforce and help retain those already working as early childhood educators.

Applications for scholarships for early childhood educators and those interested in joining the sector are open now.

Funding includes:

• scholarships of up to $25,000 for ECEC teachers studying a Bachelor or Master degree in teaching with an early childhood education specification
• scholarships of up to $15,000 for relevant Graduate Certificates or Graduate Diplomas
• scholarships of up to $5000 for ECEC educators studying a relevant Diploma in ECEC or School Age Education and Care
• scholarships of up to $3000 for students earning a Certificate III in ECEC, OSHC.

The process of applying for scholarships has also become easier as the Minns Labor Government scraps application rounds, allowing current and prospective students to apply freely throughout the year.

A targeted stream has also been created for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students wanting to apply.

This funding is just part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to boost the Early Childhood and Care workforce, and comes in addition to our maintenance of the $5 billion Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund and $5.7 billion to work towards universal preschool.

More information about available scholarships can be found on the NSW Department of Education websitelaunch.

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

“Backing the future career of those who educate our littlest learners is one of the best investments a government can make.

“There is a shortage of early childhood workers across NSW, and this is just one of the measures the Minns Labor Government will deliver to help tackle this ongoing issue.

“This scholarship program is open to people already working as early childhood educators, and for those who may want to take the plunge and start a new career in the sector.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to building capacity and resilience in our early childhood educator workforce.”

This World Mental Health Day the Minns Government is shining a light on the importance of workplace mental health and encouraging workplaces in NSW to minimise and prevent psychological harm at work.

A mentally healthy workplace is a great place to work, where a positive culture and engaged staff create an environment where there is better productivity and increased business and professional success.

SafeWork NSW is asking employers to explore the Workplace Wellbeing Assessment (WWA) digital tool, which can help businesses improve their understanding and management of workplace mental health.

The free tool allows businesses to confidentially survey their staff. Based on the results, the tool generates a detailed report with recommended actions on how the business can respond to risks and create a workplace where mental health thrives.

For business leaders who want to gauge how mentally healthy their workplace is without surveying their workforce, SafeWork NSW also has the Workplace Pulse Check. It is an 11 question survey which takes only 5 minutes. Users get practical actions to take to improve their score and make their workplace mentally healthier.

For more information on a mentally healthy workplace, visit the SafeWork Mental Health at Work website.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“Many of us spend more than a third of our days at work and if the workplace environment has unmanaged risks including high workloads, exposure to trauma, stress or bullying, work can have a significant impact on what the rest of our lives look like.

“When a workplace addresses psychosocial risks and other factors affecting mental health, it makes it easier to attract and keep great workers and support businesses to thrive.

“I encourage businesses today to use SafeWork NSW’s resources to find out more about their own workplace, and what they can do to improve its effects on mental health.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“Our mental health and that of those around us at work, home and socially should always be a priority.

“When you’re not taking care of your mental wellbeing you cannot function at 100% in any aspect of your life so it’s important to prioritise moments of self-care.

“We’ve had a tough few years particularly for those working on the front lines, facing a pandemic, fires, floods and now an El Nino declaration. I encourage everyone to use World Mental Health day as a time to check in on themselves and how they are prioritising their mental wellbeing in all aspects of their life.”

The NSW Government will provide an extension to on-grass parking at Moore Park whilst supplementary parking solutions are being built, to ensure these public facilities are accessible to all residents, not just those nearby or those who have easy access to public transport.

The grass at Moore Park East has been used as a game day carpark for a century.

In 2022, the former government amended the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust Act to include deadlines for the final removal of all on-grass parking near Kippax Lake and at the south of Moore Park East opposite the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and Hordern Pavilion.

Work is underway to develop a new carpark that will offset the removal of parking near Kippax Lake.

However, the expected carpark completion date is late 2025, 2 years after the current 31 December 2023 legislated deadline.

It means thousands of parking spots will disappear without alternative parking arrangements being in place to ensure no overall loss of parking in the precinct.

This significant shortage will disproportionately affect residents who, despite the public transport improvements in the area, will still need to drive to attend events at the SCG and Allianz Stadium.

This is particularly crucial for young families, the elderly, those with accessibility needs and those travelling from Western Sydney and Regional NSW who require parking options to get to Moore Park.

The NSW Government will bring legislative amendments that will extend the operation of Lower Kippax until the Venues NSW carpark is completed, and until a solution to offset the parking at the showground is established.

The financial impact of not having a viable parking solution is significant.

Venues NSW has estimated an $18 million dollar revenue loss, with the local visitor economy set to lose $30 million across 66 event days per year.

Transport for NSW has been directed to develop a transport plan for the Moore Park precinct.

The NSW Government remains committed to removing on-grass parking at Moore Park over time and continuing to transform the space into 22 hectares of high-quality, multi-purpose parkland for the community including community sport.

The existing closure of parking on the grass at Upper Kippax remains in place.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Moore Park has been used for parking for decades. But it doesn’t make sense to shut off access to thousands of parking spaces before the new carpark is complete.

“This is about ensuring people who travel from Western Sydney or around the state for sports and entertainment at Moore Park have equal access to parking.

“These public facilities need to be accessible to all residents, not just those nearby or those who have easy access to public transport.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is just another instance of the former government failing to properly plan for our city and its major attractions. We are committed to delivering a cohesive precinct.

“This is a common-sense approach, and a common-sense solution. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of both the parklands and parking alternatives.”

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“If you are a family from Menangle, an elderly sports fan or a person with a disability, public transport isn’t always an option. These fans need a viable alternative.

“The NSW Government is committed to delivering the parklands, but we need to ensure we have a viable parking alternative in place. We don’t want to see anyone miss out on attending the New Year’s Test or Paul McCartney this summer.”

The NSW Government is expanding and strengthening drug diversion programs in NSW, that will save more lives and continue the fight against addiction.

Under the changes, NSW Police will be given the ability to issue up to two on the spot Criminal Infringement Notices (CINs), which are $400 fines, to adults for personal drug use and small quantity drug possession offences.

This will not apply to any serious drug offences like drug supply.

The scheme will encourage people who get a Criminal Infringement Notice to complete a tailored drug and alcohol intervention and, if they do complete it, then their fine will be treated as though it was paid.

If the health intervention is not completed, the penalty will be enforced by Revenue NSW.

NSW Police will retain their discretion in all cases to charge a person and proceed to court – this adds another tool to their kit. It is still an offence to possess and use illicit drugs.

It is anticipated that this scheme will divert thousands of people away from our court system each year, including hundreds of First Nations people.

The majority of low-level drug offenders who attend court receive a fine yet do not receive any incentive to take up health advice.

This is a commonsense, evidence-based approach that if you divert people early to health and education services, they are less likely to reoffend.

This is about preventing crime.

This change will bring NSW into line with all other Australian states and territories, which operate drug diversion programs for low level illicit drug offences.

This reform seeks to ease the burden on police and courts, allowing resources to be reprioritised to focus on the suppliers and manufacturers of illegal drugs in NSW.

This early intervention approach will help prevent long-term drug use, which may lead to further criminal offending.

It will also reduce contact with the criminal justice system for these first- and second-time drug possession offenders. Formal contact with the criminal justice system can increase the likelihood of reoffending.

The former government in 2022 tasked NSW Police and NSW Health with preparing a report detailing their implementation readiness ahead of final endorsement, following a recommendation from the ice inquiry.

The Commissioner of Police and Chief Health Officer supported the approach and have advised the government of their operational readiness to implement the scheme from next year.

The Government will this week introduce Justice Miscellaneous Provisions Bill to finalise this change.

The scheme will use the existing Criminal Infringement Notice framework already used by police.

The new drug diversion program will not apply to the following:

• Drug supply, dealing or trafficking; or
• Drug production or manufacture; or
• Previously convicted drug dealers; or
• People who have large quantities of drugs; or
• People who have already received two Criminal Infringement Notices for drug possession offences.

It is anticipated that the scheme will commence in early 2024.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“Drug use and dependence are very much health issues and ones that are far better addressed through health support outside the courts and criminal justice systems.”

“This is an evidence-based approach in line with community expectations. It responds directly to expert evidence, and recommendations from the Special Commission of Inquiry into the drug ice.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“The safety of the community is our top priority and this scheme provides better outcomes for low-level drug offending without compromising safety.

“It is not mandatory for the Police to issue an on-the-spot fine – this is another tool in their kit and police retain their discretion to deal with the matter as appropriate, including proceeding to court.

“Providing the police with more options to manage drug offences allows a proportionate response to the offending behaviour and health issues that officers are seeing in the community.

“It brings NSW in line with other Australian states and territories, which all currently operate drug diversion schemes for illicit drugs.”

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Formal contact with the criminal justice system only increases the likelihood of reoffending, and this has knock-on effects on people’s employment, their housing and their relationships.

“We want to see people receive the health supports they need rather than see them caught up in the criminal justice system.

“It is still an offence to possess and use illicit drugs and the NSW Government supports people, their families and communities impacted by illicit drugs.

“This approach to personal drug use and possession will also reduce pressures on the Local Court system and free up its resources to deal with more serious issues.”

The NSW Opposition has slammed the Minns Labor Government for permitting an anti-Semitic pro-Hamas protest to prevent a peaceful gathering of Sydney’s Jewish community at the illuminated Sydney Opera House to mourn the barbaric attacks on innocent civilians in Israel. 
 
“The Premier, Attorney General and Minister for Police have failed in their duty to ensure the safety and protection of Sydney’s Jewish community – instead telling the community “to stay home,” Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said. “The Premier is blaming the NSW Police, the Attorney General is unaware of the anti-Semitic protests and the Police Minister is once again missing in action”.
 
“Chris Minns as Premier must take responsibility for the ineptitude of his Ministers. He must immediately explain why his Attorney General and Minister for Police did nothing, or worse knew nothing, and failed to ensure the safety of people across Sydney.”
 
“For the Attorney General to tell people to ‘stay home if the streets aren’t safe’ is an astonishing admission that the government has given up controlling law and order in Sydney.”
 
At the time of this media release being issued, the Minister for Police has been totally silent on the decision to allow the protest to proceed and march on the Opera House.
 
“The Premier is pointing the finger at NSW Police, yet neither he nor his Ministers prevented or even discouraged attendance and participation at a march that saw anti-Semitic slurs chanted and the Israeli flag burned,” Mr Speakman said.

“The buck stops with the Premier. He must get his government in order and instruct his Ministers to provide a full explanation as to how last night’s events were allowed to occur. If he or his Ministers failed to take action, it’s another example of a government out of its depth.”
 
“The Premier and his Ministers should apologise to the Jewish community and the people of NSW for failing them at this crucial time.”