Category: NSW News

More than 50 specialists from NSW firefighting and emergency service agencies are on their way to Canada as more than 800 fires continue to burn across the country.

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Marking the fourth deployment from NSW, this group will join an Australian and New Zealand contingent of more than 120 first responders departing this week, bringing the total number of deployed personnel to more than 700 this year.

Team members include arduous firefighters who will provide welcome relief to their Canadian colleagues on the fire front, along with incident management and specialist aviation support officers.

Canada has had more 3,900 fires burn through more than 9.7 million hectares since DATE which is almost twice the amount of bush and grass which was burnt in NSW during the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.

Following briefings in Sydney and Brisbane, NSW personnel will begin departing for Vancouver on Friday and Saturday. The deployment of the Australian team is coordinated through the National Resource Sharing Centre.

There are 22 firefighters from the RFS, 15 from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, eight from the NSW SES, and three from both Fire and Rescue NSW and Forestry Corporation NSW.

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:

“We appreciate the support of our Canadian colleagues during the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires and it is with deep appreciation we continue to return the favour with our fourth emergency services deployment during this difficult fire season that Canada is facing.”

“I thank these men and women who are leaving their homes and loved ones to help their international colleagues battle this huge number of fires.”

“I wish them well, thank them for the hard work they will undertake in Canada and look forward to their safe return.”

Commissioner of the RFS, Rob Rogers said:

“Canada continues to see significant fire activity and the RFS is fortunate to be in a position to assist in coordinating the NSW contribution to the international response.”

“I thank those who are departing this week, along with those involved in the logistical task of organising this deployment, potentially of up to 42 days.”

“Continued international requests for Australian assistance are a testament to the professionalism, skill and experience of our fire specialists.”
 
NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York said:

“At the NSW SES, we know that protracted campaigns put incredible strains on human resources.”

“We’re proud to be able to offer the assistance of some of our most skilled members in this fourth deployment to Canada.”

“At short notice we’ve seen people put their hand up for this deployment – it wouldn’t be possible without the support of their workplaces, family and loved ones.”

Once again the Minns Labor Government has demonstrated their wrong priorities, failing the flood-affected communities of the Northern Rivers by failing to convene a single meeting of the Advisory Board of the Reconstruction Authority.

Shadow Minister for Emergency Services and the North Coast Gurmesh Singh said the Government’s inaction was inexcusable, as local residents continue to suffer while they wait for help to arrive.

“Minister Jihad Dib told ABC Radio National today that ‘circumstances have changed’ and ‘a reset is important’,” Mr Singh said.

“The Minister also confirmed the worst fears of the community by saying that the total number of buybacks and home retrofits is now limited to just 2,000 homes.

“It is extremely disappointing that on top of all this, the Reconstruction Authority Advisory Board hasn’t even met yet.

“The Minister claimed today that the board is still awaiting appointments before convening. However, the previous Coalition Government appointed enough members for the board to meet in March this year – more than four months ago.

“The Federal Labor Government is responsible for nominating the remaining two members to sit on the Board and we’ve heard nothing from them either.

“I agree with Minister Dib this is not a blame game, but the flood-affected communities of the Northern Rivers expect certainty, better lines of communication and a higher degree of transparency moving forward.

“The Opposition are calling on the Minns Labor Government to commit to funding a full recovery package which doesn’t neglect housing, and which also supports the business and tourism sectors.”

The NSW Government is warning workplaces and kids to remain vigilant in the final days of school holidays after a business was convicted and fined in the Downing Centre Local Court for using a forklift to lift children up in a makeshift elevated work platform.

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Sky Cool Pty Ltd was fined $6,000 in total for two offences, while the forklift driver was fined $1000 after video footage showed children being lifted using a forklift at a commercial site in Hornsby.

The footage showed two children, entering, being lifted, and exiting the bucket multiple times, while SafeWork confirmed the man did not possess a high risk licence to operate the forklift at the time of the incident.

The man was found to be operating a forklift with a makeshift bucket, made from a plastic bulk container with its top cut off, placed on the tines and used to move and store containers of material used by the business.

The Court noted the bucket used was uneven and lower than 900mm as recommended as a minimum by the Australian Standards. The court also noted that the children could have lost balance and fallen from the bucket, landing head first.

The prosecution comes while SafeWork Inspectors examine an incident which occurred on the 4th of July 2023 in Sydney’s northern beaches, where a child suffered serious injuries to their fingers after they were caught in a chain used to raise an industrial roller door during the school holidays.

Over the past three years, SafeWork has been notified of more than 1300 incidents involving children under the age of 18.

Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Work Health and Safety sadi:

“We are reminding businesses and parents they have obligations to supervise children especially around machinery, hazardous chemicals and other risks, there is zero tolerance to anyone who puts someone’s safety at risk at work”

“If you are a business where children may have access to your place of work, there needs to be protections in place to protect not just kids but all visitors to the workplace”

“We take workplace safety seriously in NSW, this is a warning to any workplace that there will be consequences for not following the rules”.

The NSW Government has today announced the appointment of a new Transport Secretary and a new Secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment. Both are ongoing, permanent roles.

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Josh Murray has been appointed Secretary of the Department of Transport and comes to the role with more than a decade’s leadership experience at global construction firm, Laing O’Rourke. The appointment follows a market testing and recruitment process led by the Acting Secretary of the Premier’s Department, Peter Duncan AM, in consultation with the Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen.  

Ms Kiersten Fishburn has been appointed to the role of Secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment, and has a distinguished career in leadership roles in planning and local government, including most recently as Acting Secretary of the Department. 

The highly qualified appointments come at a critical time when strong and fresh leadership is required to deliver the government’s priorities in these key areas.  

Minister Haylen said:

“We were elected with a clear mandate from the people of NSW to fix our state’s public transport system and to do that we need strong and innovative leadership.

“As Group Leader of People at Laing O’Rourke, Josh Murray has the right skills and experience to lead an organisation that is heavily reliant on an engaged and enthusiastic frontline workforce.  

“I’m looking forward to working with Josh to ensure our state’s public transport is not only accessible, affordable and reliable, but is also a system that the people who use it and run it every day can be proud of.

“I’m grateful to Howard Collins for his stewardship of the department over the past few months and I am looking forward to continuing to work with him.” 

Minister Scully said:

“Kiersten Fishburn is a well-regarded leader in the NSW public sector and is recognised for driving positive change across her various roles.

“Housing, planning and the environment are key priorities for this government, and I am confident Ms Fishburn has the dedication and fresh perspective to guide the department to important policy reform.” 

About Josh Murray

Josh Murray has been at international engineering and construction company Laing O’Rourke since 2008 and has since held executive roles across the agency, including in global roles since 2017 and in London 2017-2021. He joined the Laing O’Rourke Global Executive Committee in 2019. He has significant experience in NSW Government having worked in previous Premier, Deputy Premier and ministerial offices, including in transport portfolios. 

About Kiersten Fishburn

Kiersten Fishburn is a highly regarded leader in the NSW public sector. Ms Fishburn moves into the permanent role after acting in the Secretary capacity since May. She was previously the Deputy Secretary Cities and Active Transport with Transport for NSW, and prior to that role served in a number of senior positions across the former NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, including as Secretary and Coordinator General of the Planning Delivery Unit. Ms Fishburn also served as Chief Executive Officer of Liverpool City Council. 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”