Category: NSW News

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.

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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.

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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.”

NSW renters will soon have a strong voice to government with the announcement today that sector leader Trina Jones will be the first NSW Rental Commissioner.

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The commissioner will work with the government to design and implement changes that rebalance the rental market, making it fairer and more modern.

In her role as NSW Rental Commissioner, Ms Jones will be a voice for renters and work with the government and stakeholders to get moving on the reforms open for consultation now, including:

• making it easier for renters to have pets in their homes
• ending ‘no-grounds’ evictions
• implementing a portable bonds scheme that allows renters to transfer bonds from one property to another
• improving the protection of renters’ information and privacy.

Beyond these proposed changes, the rental commissioner will also be responsible for identifying and investigating other issues that are impacting the NSW rental market.

The commissioner will examine rental affordability and supply, encourage longer term rental agreements, investigate ways to improve energy efficiency for renters, develop educational resources for renters and owners, and monitor current tenancy laws.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“The government’s appointment of NSW’s first rental commissioner is an important step to addressing some of the issues facing renters and importantly giving them a voice.

“Anyone who rents in NSW knows just how anxious and challenging the process can be to find suitable accommodation, not to mention the rent increases and cost of living pressures.

“I’m looking forward to working with the new commissioner to make our state a fairer place for both renters and owners.

“We can’t fix years of problems in the rental market overnight, but we have already made a start and we are determined to do more.”

Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Renters are almost a third of the state and they deserve secure and fair housing, Trina’s job will be to advocate and drive meaningful change.

“The housing challenge isn’t just about affordability, it’s about amenity too – and we need rules that let renters get on with their lives with the rights and security they need.

“We’re consulting now on changes to improve stability and fairness in the rental market, I’m looking forward to working with Trina to bring this work together by the end of the year.”

Incoming NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said:

“In taking on the role of rental commissioner, my mission is to amplify the voice of renters, help strengthen their rights and improve the fairness of the rental market.

“I look forward to working closely and productively with government, industry, renters and owners across our state as we collaboratively search for solutions to our housing challenges.”

A stunning First Nations-led design for Harbour Park at Barangaroo has been revealed, showing how an empty concrete slab will be transformed into a regenerated natural retreat in the heart of the city.

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Harbour Park will be 1.85 hectares of open space and will become a place where people can explore, play, rest, discover and reconnect to nature, alongside Sydney’s iconic harbour.

First Nations-led and Sydney based design team AKIN’s vision for the park features nature play for all ages and abilities, an event lawn for hosting community and cultural events with up to 6000 people, public art installations, winding pathways to explore, extensive native planting and interactive water features.

The awe-inspiring design honours the long and deep First Nations history of the Gadigal, while leaving a legacy for the future. It showcases First Nations design methodologies to create a place that is rich in culture and deeply connected to Country.

Harbour Park will be a drawcard for tourists and Sydneysiders alike. The design complements the naturalistic headland of Barangaroo Reserve and the urban environment of Barangaroo South and is set to be a feature along the 14-kilometre continuous harbourside walk from Glebe to Woolloomooloo.

An open design competition was held to attract the best designers from Australia and around the world. A jury chaired by former Prime Minister, the Hon. Paul Keating and comprising leading figures from the local and international design community selected the winner out of 5 finalists.

The AKIN team is comprised of Yerrabingin, Architectus, Jacob Nash Studio, Studio Chris Fox and Flying Fish Blue, with Arup as engineering consultants.

Now the winning design has been selected, the team will consult with the community to refine and finalise the design and begin planning and procurement processes.

Key features of AKIN’s design for Harbour Park include:

• a timeless landscape with extensive planting, canopy cover, waterways and ponds
• nature play for all ages and abilities with shallow water pools, interactive water features, meandering pathways, toilets and a kiosk
• a series of significant public artworks that will be places of exploration, play, education, shade and celebration
• a large event lawn at the northern end of the site for community and cultural events and ceremonies, capable of hosting up to 6000 people.

Acting Premier of NSW Prue Car said:

“Announcing the winner of the design competition for Harbour Park is a massive milestone for the project, and we are excited to share the first designs of the park, from this local and First Nations-led design team.

“Harbour Park is on the traditional lands of the Gadigal, who have been the custodians of the land and waterways for millennia. The park continues the precinct’s commitment to honouring the role of First Nations people, the history of the site and its wider context.

“The new park will be an inclusive, family friendly place, with experiences for all ages and abilities. I am looking forward to seeing this incredible design come to life.”

NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government ran a competitive design competition to ensure a world-class direction for the future of this park, with competitors asked to prepare a design that encouraged passive and active recreation, as well as spaces that can be programmed for community and cultural events, and this design meets the bill.

“We are particularly excited by the focus on the design’s connection to the water, as it not only capitalises on the already stunning harbour views, it also includes interactive water features for play and cooling on a hot summer’s day.

“The community had a major influence on many of the park’s features and activities, and we will continue to bring the community on the journey as the design features are finalised and brought to fruition.”

Yerrabingin co-founder Christian Hampson, on behalf of AKIN’s family of designers and artists, said:

“We are incredibly honoured and humbled to be part of such a defining public project, weaving together the threads of landscape, art, and architecture.

“For us, this is much more than a park – it’s a place for us to celebrate an enduring culture and to move with Country, acknowledging and experiencing our collective past and present while dreaming of our future. This design is a new chapter connected to the most ancient of stories, carved in the Sydney sandstone: the story of Country and of us, its people.”

A project aimed at enhancing cultural awareness and competency by promoting available volunteer opportunities through targeted recruitment processes has been awarded a NSW Government grant through the inaugural Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Grants program.

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Run by the South Sudanese Community and Youth Association of NSW, the South Sudanese and CALD Communities Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Project will emphasise volunteer recognition, retention, and support through training and engagement, with a focus on building strong volunteer relationships.

The Minister with responsibility for Volunteering Jodie Harrison said this is just one of 23 projects that have each received up to $25,000 through the program, which has a goal of encouraging volunteers from diverse communities across the state.

“Volunteers are the heartbeat of every community,” Minister Harrison said. “NSW is the best place to live and work in the world, and this is thanks to the selfless efforts of almost five million volunteers who contribute more than 1.5 billion hours of their time each year.”

“Volunteers come from all walks of life and bring a range of skills and experience and this grants program aims to tap into the wonderfully diverse communities of NSW.

“The South Sudanese and CALD Communities Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Project is an important initiative to encourage more diverse people into volunteering in their communities and to recognise the valuable contributions that they make.”

South Sudanese Community and Youth Association of NSW President Arek Desak said, “We are grateful to the NSW Government for awarding our South Sudanese Community and Youth Association of NSW the $23,520 for our South Sudanese and CALD Communities Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Project through the Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Grant program.

“Overall, the project seeks to empower the South Sudanese and CALD communities to engage in volunteering and contribute to their local communities.

“To enhance cultural awareness and competency, we will work closely with the South Sudanese and CALD communities to identify and address cultural barriers to volunteering. This will include implementing volunteer recognition programs, developing volunteer training programs, and providing ongoing support and engagement opportunities.”

The Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Grants program is a pilot initiative under the NSW Volunteering Strategy 2020-30. For more information and details about each funded project, visit Volunteering Diversity and Inclusion Grants Program.

The NSW Government opened ‘The Green’ at Parramatta North, a revitalised 8,000 square metre sportsground for the local community.

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The Green, first established in 1879, has been brought back to life as part of the revitalisation of Parramatta North, an emerging Western Sydney destination. This space responds to Parramatta North’s history, including the stories from the Burramattagal people of the Dharug Nation, and of other Aboriginal people who have new and enduring connections to this place. 

In collaboration with our partners, the City of Parramatta Council and the Office of Sport, The Green has accessible amenities, a rejuvenated turf playing surface, new temporary changeroom facilities and sustainable LED lighting.

Boosting participation in grassroots sport, The Green at Parramatta North will be open to the general public and local sporting groups to enjoy.

The revitalisation of Parramatta North will deliver a diversity of education, research, commercial, cultural and residential outcomes and provide key social and community infrastructure.

More information on Parramatta Northlaunch.

Minister for Lands and Property and Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Green at Parramatta North is a wonderful outcome for the community, and a new open space for sports organisations to run their programs and activities.”

“Between Parramatta Powerhouse, Parramatta Aquatic Centre and now ‘The Green’. The community offerings for Parramatta just keep getting better and better.”

“I look forward to seeing our future Parramatta sports stars get their start at this fantastic new community sportsground.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“Our community has been waiting a long time for The Green, so it is wonderful to be opening this new open space for the people of Parramatta.

“This is a part of Parramatta with a compelling story and deep history, and The Green, a revitalised sportsground, will bring more people to this incredible precinct.” 

Lord Mayor of City of Parramatta Sameer Pandey said:

“The Green at North Parramatta is an excellent new community sportsground providing a space to nurture the talented athletes of today and for generations to come.

“This sportsground is a terrific addition for our thriving population and for grassroots sports which is so essential in encouraging health, wellness and a sense of community in our great city.”

The NSW Government today announced major funding to bolster support for national charity, Lifeline. The investment will assist with the expansion of its telephone, text service, and online support for people experiencing a mental health crisis.

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NSW Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said the investment will see people across the state have access to enhanced support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Ms Jackson said Lifeline will receive $8.2 million over five years to facilitate the expansion of text and webchat services for NSW residents.

Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Lifeline provides people in crisis with help from trained volunteers who listen, provide immediate support, assist to clarify options and choices as well as information about local services.

“Mental health and emotional wellbeing remain a key priority for me and the NSW Government. Now more than ever people need access to lifesaving mental health support and we are committed to ensuring people have that support,” Ms Jackson said.

“In 2022, Lifeline received over 360,000 calls from NSW callers. We know the demand for this service is incredibly high.

“When people are in crisis it can be difficult to seek help. The expansion of Lifeline’s text and web chat service in NSW will help to ensure people have a range of options when they need it most.

“We know this is particularly important for young people as sometimes making a phone call can be a barrier. We’re using technology they’re familiar with to create easier entry points and better accessibility for vulnerable people,” Ms Jackson said.

Lifeline Australia Chief Executive Officer Colin Seery thanked the NSW Government for the additional investment.

“This funding injection will ensure that Lifeline can deliver more support to people in distress through our text and webchat services, which are used more by harder-to-reach and at-risk groups such as young people, people with disabilities and people experiencing domestic and family violence,” Mr Seery said.

“Demand for our digital services is increasing at a significant rate and this funding will help to ensure people can access the support they need, wherever they are, day or night.”

Suicide has a devastating impact on families, friend, communities and workplaces. Knowing where to go to find support in a crisis can be lifesaving. The additional funding will help Lifeline continue to support even more people with confidential, non-judgemental care.

Anyone experiencing a crisis can call the below helplines for support and advice: Lifeline 13 11 14launch | Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800launch | Beyond Blue 1300 224 636launch

To be connected with specialist mental health services, call the NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511launch.

Multicultural groups from across NSW will receive a share of a one-off $2 million grant to deliver activities or projects that will build the capability of their communities, to recognise and respond to domestic, family and sexual violence.

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The 19 successful groups were part of a competitive grant process funded under the National Partnership Agreement which opened earlier this year. These included Focus Connect for its Safer Multicultural Families initiative to build the capability of multicultural communities in recognising the responding to domestic violence; and Canterbury City Community Centre for its Healthy Relationships Program supporting newly arrived migrant communities and refugee and asylum seekers.

Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said empowering local community groups across a diverse landscape was critical to addressing domestic and sexual abuse at it roots. “We know that domestic and family violence can affect anyone from any social, religious or cultural background,” Minister Rishworth said.

“Supporting local groups who are already doing grassroots work to reduce the prevalence of family and domestic violence and sexual abuse in their communities is an important step in solidifying our approach to end this abhorrent crime.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said the grants will foster collaboration and innovation to assist multicultural and faith-led organisations to support culturally appropriate responses to domestic, family and sexual violence.

“This investment will help build the capability of multicultural communities in recognising and responding to domestic, family and sexual violence,” Minister Harrison said.

“Domestic and family violence leaves deep scars that affect everybody involved, in particular for women and children.”

Separately, the NSW Government has signed up to deliver additional frontline family and domestic violence workers as part of the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment for more on-the-ground support for victim-survivors.

Funding for the additional 148 workers will be provided under the National Partnership Agreement on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-27.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said it was important to provide multicultural groups with the tools they need to respond to domestic and family violence.

“These initiatives will be the bridge that connects individuals from multicultural communities with organisations that can provide help when they need it,” Minister Kamper said.

“We know from experience that a one-size-fits all approach does not work and that culturally appropriate tools and resources make a real difference in many communities.”

Focus Connect Interim CEO Lee-Ann Byrnes thanked the NSW Government for the grant. “Survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence require holistic support to help them recover and rebuild their lives,” Ms Byrnes said. 

“This funding allows a trained caseworker to work one-on-one with survivors to identify needs and goals and provide wrap around assistance so these can be met and achieved.”

Canterbury City Community Centre CEO Esta Paschalidis-Chilas said: “We have been working alongside the very diverse local community for over 50 years, so we know that the issues surrounding Domestic Family and Sexual Violence are not well understood nor are the right resources and supports always available.

“Our Healthy Relationship Program will be designed and implemented in partnership with the Australian Rohingya Women’s Development Organisation and the Paki Women’s Hub. The program allows us, our partners and collaborators, the opportunity to do the language and culturally specific work needed to uplift the understanding of these communities,” Ms Paschalidis-Chilas said.

Visit Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Multicultural Community Grant Programlaunch for more information on the multicultural DV grant and its recipients.