Category: NSW News

The NSW Government is taking the next step in reducing gambling harm and tackling criminal activity through money laundering by establishing an independent panel into gaming reform.

---

The panel will oversee the cashless gaming trial and recommend an implementation roadmap for gaming reforms in NSW.

This delivers on the Minns Labor Government’s election commitment to establish an independent panel made up of representatives from law enforcement, gambling and health experts, academics and industry.

The panel will be chaired by former NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing Commissioner Michael Foggo.

The panel will consist of 16 members, with 3 independent Executive Committee members with extensive experience in government-led inquiries and committees – including Mr Foggo, former Labor Senator Ursula Stephens and former MLC and Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals, Niall Blair.

The panel will also include:

• 4 industry representatives
• 4 harm minimisation representatives
• 2 academics with relevant expertise
• 1 Cyber Security NSW representative
• 1 NSW Police representative
• 1 United Workers Union representative.

The panel will also have the power to seek input from a wide range of external experts in the field and government bodies such as the NSW Crime Commission, NSW Information and Privacy Commission and AUSTRAC.  

The NSW Government is focused on delivering reform which ensures the protection of participants’ privacy. Representatives from Cyber Security NSW and NSW Police will provide valuable insight into the panel’s consideration of robust privacy and data protection measures.

The panel will establish, implement, evaluate and review the trial of cashless gaming in electronic gaming machines across NSW.

This will include mandating certain requirements to participate in the trial. The NSW Government will make this the panel’s first priority.

At the conclusion of the trial, the independent panel will deliver its report, findings and recommendations to the NSW Government.

The panel will develop recommendations for government to consider in relation to the possible introduction of cashless gaming in hotels and clubs, taking into consideration infrastructure investments required, impact on employment and industry, options to further reduce gambling harm, and the impact on reducing the risk of money laundering.

Finally, the panel will provide additional advice to the government in the form of a gaming reform implementation roadmap by November 2024. This will include making recommendations to the government on:

• use of the $100 million harm minimisation fund
• expanding the self-exclusion register to the whole state and providing for third-party exclusions:
  • the use of facial recognition technology to support the enhanced exclusions schemes
  • milestones for the possible delivery of gaming reform in all NSW hotels and clubs
  • technical and system standards and privacy and data protections that should be adopted by government.

The NSW Government will also undertake a review of the ClubGRANTS Scheme to be conducted by Liquor & Gaming NSW in consultation with NSW Treasury and The Cabinet Office separately to, but concurrently with, the panel’s work.

The ClubGRANTS scheme has not been formally reviewed since 2013.

The announcement builds on a number of reforms the NSW Government has already introduced to curb gambling harm and tackle criminal activity in clubs and pubs including:

• a ban on external signage for gaming rooms across NSW beginning 1 September
• lowering the cap for poker machine entitlements by over $3000
• reducing the cash input limit from $5000 to $500 on all new machines.

The Minns Government has already passed legislation to ban political donations from clubs with pokies in NSW.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said:

“We know the harmful effects of problem gaming on families, and I want to make sure we stamp out criminal activity in clubs.

“This panel is an important next step.

“The panel has a big job to do but we have the balance right to ensure we have an evidence-based roadmap for future gaming reforms.”

Minister for Gaming & Racing David Harris said:

“We have taken the time to get the right people around the table to ensure we get the best possible trial that will protect consumers and provide confidence in cashless gaming.

“Michael Foggo and the independent panel will advise on the technology, infrastructure, cost, impact on industry and employment, and options to reduce gambling harm, that is their primary purpose.

“I look forward to the panel’s expert contribution as we continue to deliver on our commitment to gambling reform.”

Chair of the Independent Panel Michael Foggo said:

“I am delighted to have been appointed Chair of the Independent Panel overseeing the expanded cashless gaming trial.

“Throughout my career I have taken a keen interest in the field of gaming reform and am pleased to once again be working alongside the NSW Government on this important initiative.

“Harmful gambling not only impacts individuals but also their loved ones and the broader community, which is why it is so important that we work together to reduce gambling harm.

“We must also ensure that there are appropriate mechanisms in place to stop the money laundering and criminal activity associated as outlined in the NSW Crime Commission report.

“We want to make sure we get the balance right and consider all relevant factors so that any future reforms implemented by the NSW Government, work.

“The Independent Panel will get straight to work and will meet in the coming weeks to confirm the framework of the cashless gaming trial and recommend an appropriate mix of venues for the trial to the NSW Government.”

Tapping on and tapping off is now more seamless for public transport users in NSW as Express Mode for Apple Pay comes online.

---

The major upgrade to the Opal ticketing system allows users to tap on and off without needing to unlock their iPhone or Watch first.

Transport for NSW undertook a staggered roll out of Express Mode across the 25,000 card readers on the Opal network, starting with ferries and light rail, then train stations, and then the thousands of Opal readers on buses, which finished this week.

Express Mode for Apple pay is supported on iPhone and Apple Watch running iOS 16.4 or later. Users should add their card to Apple Pay, then set an Express Travel Pass card in settings.

For more information see Contactless paymentslaunch at transportnsw.info

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Commuters in the Hunter, Illawarra, Blue Mountains and everywhere in between will benefit from being the first public transport users in Australia to benefit from the mass roll out of this initiative.

“It will make life so much easier for the almost 2 million transport passengers who use contactless payments with a digital wallet in NSW.

“We’re embracing the future of travel, putting our state in line with global cities such as New York, London and Hong Kong. Think of your phone as your public transport passport.

“We know it can hold things up when you’re trying to quickly scan your face or finger to unlock your device at the reader. Now for Apple users it’s as simple as tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch without having to wake up or unlock your screen.”

Transport for NSW Chief Technology and Innovation Officer Kurt Brissett said:

“Everyone in greater Sydney and our major regional hubs will benefit from the new technology.

“Transport for NSW has now updated the software across the state’s 25,000 Opal readers across the metro, rail, bus, ferry and light rail networks to enable this innovative feature.

“Over 65% of contactless card taps we see on the Opal network are now made using a digital wallet, and Apple Pay represents the vast majority of these. This means the upgrade provides access to a seamless tap on and tap off experience for most of our passengers, joining Samsung users who have already been afforded with the capability.

“This really is amazing technology that will deliver a simple time saving solution with fewer hold ups and more peace of mind. Those with the latest Apple iPhone and software can even tap if their battery is flat.”

The Opposition has slammed the Labor Government’s appointment of Josh Murray to the position of Secretary of Transport for NSW as an extraordinary and unprecedented case ‘jobs for the boys’.

Mr Murray’s appointment to the reportedly over $500,000 a year role can’t be believed, with his only relevant qualification being his time as a Labor staffer including as Chief of Staff to former Labor Premier Morris Iemma.

At the time of Mr Murray’ position, the Iemma Labor Government was characterised as having an abysmal public transport record1 and providing diabolically inadequate transport services2.

According to publicly available information, Mr Murray has no experience in managing a public transport system, delivering infrastructure or managing a significant capital budget.

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward commented:

“Mr Murray’s only qualification for the role is that he is an ex-Labor staffer. Unfortunately it is just a culture of jobs for the boys.”

“I am not sure how an individual whose experience is in corporate affairs is qualified to run an organisation with 25,000 employees and manage a $76 billion infrastructure pipeline.”

“He would be the least qualified person to ever mange and run the State’s critical transport network. After promising everything to the people of NSW, the Premier and Transport Minister are only focused on hiring Labor mates to cushy Government roles.”

The Opposition is calling on the Minns Government to release the Strategic Infrastructure Review following its delivery to the Premier and Treasurer on 30 June 2023, and rule out cuts to critical NSW infrastructure.

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Natalie Ward said the Coalition Government left Labor a $116.6 billion infrastructure pipeline of roads, rail, metro, schools and hospitals that NSW needs.

Instead of safeguarding our state’s critical infrastructure Premier Minns has already told media “We’ve already identified a range of infrastructure projects that we don’t believe are a priority right now”.1

“Premier Minns has a secret infrastructure hit list and he needs to be honest with our community, about which critical infrastructure is he going to cut. Will the Premier guarantee the delivery of key transport infrastructure like Mulgoa Road, Henry Lawson Drive, Richmond Road, New Richmond Bridge or the Pitt-Town Bypass,” said Mrs Ward.

“This Labor Government has been unwilling to put the community first, instead cutting local community projects to pay for promises to union bosses.”

“We know the outcome of any Labor Review is a Labor Cut, but they won’t even tell us which communities are going to miss out under the Minns Government.”

The NSW Government has released the terms of reference for the Industrial Relations Taskforce.

---

The taskforce will be looking into a more consultative bargaining stream through reform to the Industrial Relations Act 1996. The review aims to identify opportunities for reform that will attract and retain public sector workers, delivering better outcomes in health, education and transport services.

For the past 12 years, the Industrial Relations system in NSW has been systematically eroded by the previous government, which has left workers and employers worse off.

The taskforce will also be reviewing the powers of the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) in NSW and making recommendations on the current ability of the IRC to resolve industrial disputes.

The taskforce will engage key stakeholders including employer bodies, unions, public sector agencies, local government and the legal profession, to create a new, cooperative interest-based approach overseen by the IRC.

Currently the IRC considers the state economy when awarding pay increases. The taskforce will examine how to consider the finances of the government while supporting efficient service delivery. 

The taskforce will be led by former Deputy President of the Fair Work Commission Anna Booth and former President of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission Roger Boland. It will report back to Cabinet with recommendations.

View the Industrial Relations Taskforce terms of referencelaunch.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“The terms of reference of the Industrial Relations Taskforce further emphasise our government’s commitment to implement a modern and cooperative industrial relations framework.

“This taskforce will help set the framework for a more inclusive, collaborative industrial relations system that this state so desperately needs.

“We said we’d fix the recruitment and retention crisis in essential services, and this is a step closer to achieving just that.

“We can’t fix 12 years of wage stagnation and pay caps in a single years pay increase. We were upfront about this before the election.”

Women and children escaping domestic and family violence, disaster victim-survivors, rough sleepers and couch surfers are just some of the vulnerable people across the state who will now be able to access temporary accommodation for a longer period with the NSW Government expanding support for those seeking assistance.

---

Temporary accommodation is emergency housing support that is provided to people experiencing homelessness.

The reforms mean that people in need can now access an initial period of 7 days temporary accommodation, instead of just 2 days under the previous government.

This change marks a significant shift in how we support people in vulnerable situations across NSW.

The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) have revised eligibility requirements for people requesting temporary accommodation raising the asset cap to $5000 instead of $1000 and removing this requirement altogether for those fleeing domestic or family violence.

Under the changes, people who contact Link2home can initially access 7 days of temporary accommodation.

Clients will continue to receive temporary accommodation while seeking longer-term accommodation options, providing they keep engaging with support and accommodation services and take up options for accommodation.

This announcement builds on the NSW Government’s commitment to addressing homelessness. We have committed to:

• 30% social and affordable housing.
• A 2-year extension of Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) contracts. The end date for these contracts has changed from 30 June 2024 to 30 June 2026. Providing stability and continuity for some of the state’s most vulnerable people.
• People in temporary accommodation are no longer required to complete a Rental Diary to demonstrate they are actively looking for housing. Women and children escaping domestic violence and flood victims are just some of the people in temporary accommodation.
• The 12-month freeze on the requirement to complete seeker diaries started on Saturday 1 July 2023 as we thoroughly review and assess this scheme.
• Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Housing staff are available to assist people in temporary accommodation to access the Specialist Homelessness Services that can help them find stable housing.

Residents can visit their local housing office or call the Housing Contact Centre on 1800 422 322launch.

If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of homelessness, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling Link2home on 1800 152 152launch.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Everyone in NSW should have access to safe and secure housing.

“The NSW Government is committed to increasing housing supply and delivering solutions to help break cycles of homelessness.

“I don’t want to see a situation where a woman fleeing domestic and family violence has to pick up and leave every 2 days. This is an important change for people in some of the most vulnerable situations.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“This is about bringing humanity and dignity back to the housing system in NSW and sends a clear message that this government cares about our homeless community and people in crisis.

“Two days just isn’t enough time for someone experiencing housing insecurity to organise their next steps. We want to ease the burden on people trying to find stable accommodation, not add to it.

“Part of rebuilding our housing system includes giving people in temporary accommodation more time to find their feet, get connected with the services and access stable housing from the safety of a motel.

“Homelessness is not a personal failing. Many people are one bad job, one bad relationship, one climate disaster away from facing homelessness. We need to strengthen our safety net to ensure people don’t fall through the cracks and find themselves unable to access shelter.”

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

“Access to temporary accommodation is crucial for women and children escaping domestic violence and sexual assault. Not knowing what will happen, especially where they are going to live, often becomes a barrier for women who leave a violent relationship.

“Access to an initial period of 7 days temporary accommodation instead of 2 provides women with peace of mind so they can access other support services they need to leave a violent partner.”

Manager of Policy and Research for Homelessness NSW Kate Davies said:

“These sensible changes are the right thing to do, prioritising people, not processes, and their pathway out of homelessness. Emergency accommodation is critical in a crisis, but we must see investment in frontline support services and social housing to give people a safe home and the support to keep it.

“These changes are another step in the right direction to helping people exit the cycle of homelessness for good.”

NSW, like the rest of Australia, is in the midst of a domestic violence crisis and the NSW Opposition is calling for the Government to act urgently on the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission review and support the Opposition’s Private Members Bill to make women and children safer in their homes.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman welcomed the Government’s announcement of increased support for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, and others who require access to temporary accommodation.

The Opposition notes that the Government has retained the 28 day temporary accommodation provided through the department of Communities and Justice, while increasing the ‘initial period’ from two to seven days.

We also welcome the revised eligibility requirements, lifting the asset cap from $1,000 to $5,000 and the removal of this requirement for those fleeing domestic or family violence.

“Today’s announcement builds on the former Coalition Government’s strong investment in Specialist Homelessness Services, with an increase of approximately 185% in funding to Temporary Accommodation, the Link2home program and the NSW Homelessness Strategy,” Mr Speakman said.

“The former Government also invested $426 million to deliver 39 new refuges, designed in the Core and Cluster model, which is an innovative approach that provides independent living and access to critical services such as counselling, legal; assistance and further education.”

“Just a few weeks ago the LECC’s review of NSW Police Force responses to family and domestic violence incidents made a number of important recommendations.”

“The Police Minister needs to urgently release the Government’s response to these recommendations and put them into action.”

Shadow Minister for Women and Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Leslie Williams called on the Labor Government to support the Opposition’s Private Members Bill to reform the Crimes Act and other relevant legislation so that all renters, and particularly women, are protected in the event of relationship breakdown.

On 10 May in BA v The King, the High Court found a former tenant not guilty of the crime of breaking and entering. The former tenant had kicked down the door of his old apartment when his ex-girlfriend refused to let him in, he shook her, yelled at her, and seized her mobile phone – but because his name was still on the lease, the Court found that he had a legal right to enter and so did not commit the crime of break and enter into the premises.

“As well as investing in shelters and support, the Government needs to help keep women safe in their own homes when relationships break down,” Ms Williams said.

“The High Court decision has shown an urgent need for the NSW Parliament to amend our criminal law.”

“We are calling on the Labor Government to support the Opposition’s Private Members Bill which reforms the Crimes Act and other relevant legislation so that all renters, particularly women, are protected in the event of relationship breakdown.”

Today’s release of the Industrial Relations Taskforce Terms of Reference is a further demonstration of the NSW Labor Government’s wrong priorities, as they continue to put unions ahead of our state’s economic security and NSW families.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said, “by inviting the Industrial Relations Commission to increase public sector wages in NSW to match those of the highest paying States, the NSW Labor Government would be feeding inflation, abandoning budget restraint and risking our triple A credit ratings.”

“Before the election, Chris Minns said his public sector pay rises wouldn’t cost taxpayers a cent – he has broken this promise – and now we know that over the next four years it will cost at least $2.5 billion, and up $3.4 billion if the proposed HSU deal is extended to other workers.”

“Before the election, Chris Minns said his Government would identify productivity savings to meet union demands – he has broken this promise – as there are no productivity savings in sight.” 

In addition to these broken promises, the Government is yet to reach an agreement with the Health Services Union who continue to threaten industrial action that would weaken our state’s healthcare system.

“Since coming to Government, Chris Minns and Daniel Mookhey have consistently talked down our economy – and have shown no indication that they are interested in preserving our Triple A credit rating,” Mr Speakman said.”

“For this Terms of Reference to state that the IRC should merely ‘consider the finances of the government while supporting efficient service delivery’is farcical – this Government simply can’t be trusted to manage our states finances and maintain our strong economy.”

“Chris Minns and Daniel Mookhey must guarantee that any wage rise beyond the current wages policy is fully offset by productivity gains. Otherwise the Government will have no choice but to increase taxes, increase debt or cut essential services and cost of living programs.”

“Today’s announcement is a further demonstration of the Government’s broken promises and wrong priorities, and it’s the households and families of NSW who will continue to pay the price.”

Projects and organisations supporting women, children and other high priority groups who are at risk of, or experiencing sexual violence will receive a share of more than $10.5 million in joint NSW and Commonwealth Government funding.

---

NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said 14 projects have received between $100,000 and $1.5 million each through the Sexual Violence Project Fund grants program. This program supports the delivery of actions under the NSW Sexual Violence Plan 2022-2027.

“Sexual violence has a devastating impact on victim-survivors and those around them. Early intervention is critical to reducing the prevalence of sexual violence and improving responses,” Minister Harrison said.

“These grants will fund intervention initiatives that support specific groups at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence, including women and children, First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQ+ people, older women and people with disability.

“This means greater access to services and support for victim-survivors to enable a trauma-informed and inclusive response.”

One in 3 women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and 1 in 6 has experienced sexual violence. A 2021 study by Monash University indicated that 1 in 3 migrant and refugee women had experienced some form of family and domestic violence.

Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the grants program was delivered as part of the Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses National Partnership Agreement 2021-27 and aligned with the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032.

“Sexual violence does not discriminate. It targets victims of all colours and faiths, from all backgrounds and socio-economic groups,” Minister Rishworth said.

“The Commonwealth is committed to doing everything it can to stop sexual violence, and to better support victim-survivors to ensure improved outcomes.

“We are working in partnership with the NSW Government, as well as other states and territories and community organisations, to end the cycle of violence and provide additional on the ground support.”

Domestic Violence NSW CEO Delia Donovan said the projects funded under the Sexual Violence Project Fund will support community organisations to deliver trauma-informed initiatives that have been co-designed with victim-survivors to enable greater inclusivity in response to sexual violence.

“As an organisation, we want to see an end not just to sexual violence but also the systemic violence that re-traumatises victim-survivors navigating their own personal road to recovery,” Ms Donovan said.

“Sexual violence is pervasive and insidious, demanding a holistic and accessible response. Every victim-survivor’s story is unique, and our systems of support must be equipped to listen and accommodate that.

“The initiatives funded through the sexual violence grant program will allow a more intersectional response across government and non-government partners to change the narrative and break the cycle.”

CEO of the Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) Jorge Aroche said programs supporting refugee victim-survivors of sexual violence are vital.

“Dislocation and displacement are synonymous with the refugee experience because of this, women and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, our job is to create culturally acceptable supports that resonate.

“Our team maintains strong relationships with the refugee community, this funding allows us to extend our work with young people, adults and parents, to build awareness, knowledge, and essential supports.”

Visit NSW Sexual Violence Project Fundlaunch for more information on the successful grant recipients.

Related information

• draft NSW Sexual Violence Plan 2022-2027launcheast
• Register interest NSW Sexual Violence Project Fundlauncheast

Penrith in Sydney’s west has been selected as the location of the first Community Cabinet of the Minns Government.

---

The Community Cabinet meeting will provide a unique opportunity for the Penrith local community to hear directly from the NSW Government’s key decision-makers and offer insights into life in Western Sydney.

The meeting will be held on Monday 31 July at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and is open to all residents, business owners and stakeholders of the Penrith area.

Registrations are now open for the event at the Community Cabinet website or by phoning (02) 9228 5188launch.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Community Cabinet is a critical forum for us to develop a strong understanding of how to deliver services and projects that meet the needs of communities across the state.

“It has been a high priority for me to re-instate this valuable meeting swiftly since taking government.

“Penrith is only the beginning for us. I plan to hold Community Cabinet meetings regularly throughout the next 4 years to ensure we are listening to the unique challenges and strengths of communities across NSW.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“There is nowhere else in the world quite like Western Sydney – it is home to the most incredible, diverse and strong communities.

“The only way to grasp the culture or demands of the region is to actively listen to the local community on what matters most to them.

“I am thrilled to be inviting the Premier and my fellow ministers to meet in Penrith for our first Community Cabinet together to ensure our priorities align with the Western Sydney community.”