Category: NSW News

The work to implement stage 2 of the Minns Labor Government’s landmark rental reforms is underway, with consultations open across the state. 

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After 12 years without a voice, the Minns government is asking renters – along with owners and industry – for their views on critical changes to make renting fairer.

Through this process, people in NSW can comment on changes that will help transform the system and bring it into the 21st century, including;

• ending no grounds evictions by requiring a reason to end a lease
• making it easier for renters to have pets
• protecting renters’ personal information and privacy
• making it easier to transfer rental bonds from one property to another
• other ways to improve conditions for renters and take the pressure off.

The move paves the way for legislation to be introduced by the end of the year.

Aside from rental reforms, the Minns Government is taking steps to increase housing supply across the state with high-quality new homes to put downward pressure on rents.

That work includes an audit of surplus public land that could be rezoned for housing, speeding up project approvals and establishing the NSW Building Commission.

People in NSW can have their say on the rental reforms until August 11 2023.

Get more information and Have Your Say on the improving NSW rental lawslaunch

Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Renters are under extreme pressure in a tight market, but they’re also saddled with unfair and outdated rules that make life even harder.

“We’re getting on with our commitment to rebalance the equation, give renters more protections and let them get on with their lives.

“We want to hear from everyone because renters and owners need each other, and they both need a fair set of rules.

“This consultation will give people across the state a voice on what they think of changes to improve stability and fairness in the current rental environment and into the future.”

The Broken Hill community has been given a first look at designs for the new purpose-built Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit which will provide a modern and contemporary therapeutic space for people with mental health needs, their families, carers and staff.

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Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said the new co-designed facility will be built on the Broken Hill Base Hospital campus in Thomas Street, and will provide safe and reliable care for vulnerable people now and into the future.

“Having a space which complements recovery and is close to other related health services is essential. The design of this facility shows the future of mental health care in Broken Hill,” Ms Jackson said.

“We want to ensure communities in regional areas have access to comprehensive facilities and services to provide elevated support for those with mental health needs.”

The Mental Health Inpatient Unit will be built to the south-west of the current facility and adjacent to existing community mental health related services which received positive feedback during the master planning process.

The proposed location takes into account key considerations including options for future expansion, proximity to the Emergency Department which is also being expanded as part of the Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment Project, and impact to hospital operations.

The new designs showcase the exterior of the building, including key features such as the front entry and main courtyard.

“Safe and secure outside spaces are an important consideration in the design, with the availability of natural light and fresh air, as well as Indigenous influenced landscaping, contributing to a therapeutic and culturally safe environment for all people in our community,” Ms Jackson said.

“Internally, the unit will be used flexibly to care for a range of mental health consumers including the most vulnerable and those with very high needs.”

FWLHD Chief Executive Mr Brad Astill said extensive consultation with staff, carers and the community, including Aboriginal representatives, has enabled the project team to take on feedback on various aspects of the building design to ensure it best supports clinical and staffing needs.

“Co-design has been crucial in providing valuable input into the infrastructure so that it meets the needs of Broken Hill and surrounding communities.”

“I encourage everyone in the community to view the concept designs and speak directly with the project team at a series of information sessions in July,” Mr Astill said.

Pop-up sessions will be held as follows:

Monday 10 July 2023, 3.30pm to 5pm  
Outside Coles Supermarket, South St, Broken Hill  

Tuesday 11 July 2023, 9am to 10.30am
Westside Plaza, 5 Galena St, Broken Hill  

Tuesday 11 July 2023, 11am to 12.30pm 
Main Foyer, Broken Hill Health Service, Thomas St, Broken Hill  

The Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment also includes a $10 million upgrade to the hospital’s Emergency Department, which will be reconfigured to better meet the critical health needs of the region and includes tailored treatment spaces for children and those requiring mental health services.  

Construction is expected to start in early 2024.

As people across NSW celebrate NAIDOC Week 2023, Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper met with an Aboriginal business owner in Redfern today to discuss the opportunities and challenges for building a small business.

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Hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and small business owners across NSW have received free, culturally safe and inclusive business coaching and advice through the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative (ABAI).

Support is exclusively for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who own a business or are thinking about starting a business in NSW. The ABAI provides independent, tailored advice face-to-face or over the phone.

The free advisory services are delivered by independent Aboriginal advisors who bring their own lived experience, knowledge of small business operations and strong community connections to the coaching sessions.

The Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative can help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at every stage of their business journey by supporting businesses start-up, encouraging business expansion, providing access to training and building capacity through greater connectivity to NSW Government procurement.

Arts, recreation and construction are some of the top industries supported by the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative, with the majority of people seeking advice on business planning and start up.

The Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative is complemented by the Service NSW Business Connect program which has more than 100 independent business advisors, including multiple who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, who have experience running their own business and have qualifications in business-related disciplines such as business and commerce.

The program moved from Training Services NSW under the NSW Department of Education to Service NSW for Business on 1 October 2022.

Find more information on the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiativelaunch

Find out more information about Service NSW Business Connectlaunch or by phoning 13 77 88launch

NSW Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government is focused on removing barriers for small business owners at every stage of their business journey and is committed to seeing more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples build a small business.”

“The Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative provides free, culturally safe and inclusive business coaching and advice face-to-face or over the phone.”

“More than 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across NSW have received independent, tailored advice from the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative and we want to see this number continue to grow.”

NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said: 

“We know that economic advancement contributes to Closing the Gap outcomes, which is why NSW specifically developed a fifth Priority Reform to focus on Aboriginal employment, business growth and economic prosperity – the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative supports this vision.”

“The NSW Government supports a flourishing Aboriginal business sector under NSW Closing the Gap Priority Reform 5 – Aboriginal economic prosperity, jobs and businesses.”

“Investing in strong Aboriginal businesses not only benefits all communities in NSW but creates lasting impacts in Aboriginal communities through wealth creation and employment.

“The NSW Government is committed to investing the $10 million over 4 years associated with the NSW Roadmap for Aboriginal Business Growth into strong partnership and collaboration with Aboriginal businesses in this state.”

Following yesterday’s chaos on Sydney’s train network, the Opposition is calling on the Minns Government to implement a fare free day next Monday to apologise to impacted commuters.

In February 2022 then Opposition Leader Chris Minns supported providing a fare free Monday following a shutdown of the train network during a period of negotiations with trade unions. [1]

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said “the Premier and Transport Minister need to step up and be accountable for what occurred yesterday”.

In February 2022 responding to similar incident Transport Minister Jo Haylen commented:

“The lights are out across our train network, and they are also out in the Transport Minister’s office,”

“It’s clear there is no accountability. No one knows who’s in charge and passengers are yet again paying the price.”[2]

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward continued:

“In the past week we have seen the Premier and Transport Minister on leave with looming industrial action hanging over the State, the transport system grind to a halt and no one from the Government bothering to front up and provide answers on what they plan to do about it,” Ms Ward said.

“The Transport Minister launched a review promising to ‘fix’ Sydney trains, yet all we have seen is commuters inconvenienced and now the train system unable to function as a result of a single person phoning in sick.”

“The job of Government is to ensure the trains run on time, not issue press releases and reviews, The Government has a lot to answer for.”

Acting Leader of the Opposition Natalie Ward has called out the NSW Labor Government for spending more time in their first 100 days in office opening projects delivered by the former Liberal and Nationals Government than delivering their own election promises.

“The only list longer than Labor’s list of broken promises is their list of projects they’re taking credit for,” Ms Ward said.

“Labor Ministers need to spend less time swanning around cutting ribbons and taking credit for projects they often opposed, and more time getting their priorities right and delivering for the families and households of NSW.”

Projects the NSW Labor Government has taken credit for include:

1. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the redevelopment of Westmead Children’s Hospital
2. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in new Shellharbour Hospital
3. Announced beginning of testing under Sydney Harbour of new Metro line
4. Opened a new sporting facility at Newport
5. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the redevelopment of Shoalhaven Hospital
6. Expanded the Coalition Government’s inTouch urgent care service
7. Opened an upgraded road at Heddon Greta
8. Opened an upgraded railway station in Dubbo
9. Opened a new domestic violence refuge in Penrith
10. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the Sydney Gateway project
11. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s trial of the supply of the pill / UTI medication in pharmacies
12. Turned the first sod on construction of a primary school in Gregory Hills
13. Announced re-opening of Zig Zag railway
14. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in Australia’s first pride museum
15. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the redevelopment of Liverpool Hospital
16. Announced opening of new concourse at Central railway station
17. Opened a new sporting facility at Heffron Park
18. Opened the RPA HealthOne hub at Green Square
19. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in social housing at Greenacre
20. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the redevelopment of St George Hospital
21. Handed over 80 four-wheel-drive ambulances
22. Opened a renal dialysis service at Hornsby, part of the Coalition Government’s investment in the redevelopment of Hornsby Hospital
23. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in social housing at Parramatta
24. Re-announced the Coalition Government’s commitment to a new Urgent Care Clinic in Long Jetty
25. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in a new primary school at Liverpool
26. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in new facilities at Liverpool West Public School
27. Opened a new Acute Services Building at Prince of Wales Hospital
28. Opened a new STRONG Medicine centre in Concord
29. Expanded the Coalition Government’s Sustaining NSW Families program
30. Announced milestone on new Metro station at Barangaroo
31. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s transferral of Goat Island
32. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the new Westmead Health Precinct
33. Announced expansion of Coalition Government’s Single Employer Model approach to health care in regional NSW
34. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s redevelopment of the Sydney Fish Markets
35. Lending of contracts for the Sydney Fish Markets
36. Returned platypus to Royal National Park

To find out more about Labor’s broken promises and wrong priorities, you can visit www.laborsbrokenpromises.com.au

Access to healthcare in regional communities will be given a boost, after the NSW Government’s proposal to expand the Single Employer Model was approved by the Commonwealth Government.

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The Single Employer Model provides a tailored, coordinated pathway for doctors wanting to become rural generalists during their training in public health facilities and private GP practices.

In turn, it will give more people across rural, regional and remote NSW greater access to locally available healthcare services.

The initiative achieves this by making it more attractive for junior doctors to enter the rural generalist training pathway, while supporting the delivery of services in emergency departments and general practices.

Rural generalists are GPs who provide primary care services, emergency medicine and have training in additional skills like obstetrics, anaesthetics or mental health services.

This specific training will ensure GPs have the right skills to practice in rural settings and can address the individual needs of regional, rural and remote communities.

The model is based on an innovative program trialled in the Murrumbidgee region.

The NSW Government will be able to access exemptions under Section 19(2) of the Health Insurance Act 1974 for up to 80 rural generalist trainees per year, as part of a 2022/23 federal budget commitment.

Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler said:

“The Single Employer Model is an innovative approach and will help to attract and retain the doctors we need to provide essential primary healthcare services into the future.

“We look forward to working collaboratively with the Minns government on the expansion of this innovative model, including the additional trials we announced in the May 2023 budget.

“We’ve seen the positive impact the Single Employer Model has made to the availability of healthcare services in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.

“This innovative program will make training and working in rural general practice a more attractive option for young doctors and importantly it will make it easier for people in regional NSW to see a doctor close to home.

“The Albanese government is committed to supporting further trials to ensure this reaches communities in need across Australia.”

NSW Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said:

“Recruitment and retention of a primary health workforce is a major challenge for regional, rural, and remote NSW communities and addressing this is a priority for our government.

“This partnership with the Commonwealth Government means more of our regional and rural communities are set to benefit.

“We welcome this opportunity to improve access to primary care and essential medical services.

“This announcement by Minister Butler will ensure the creation of attractive and secure training opportunities to foster the next generation of rural generalist doctors in NSW.”

A young and proud Wiradjuri woman from Wellington whose artwork is now displayed in Dubbo Service NSW Service Centre hopes to inspire other young Aboriginal people to paint and delve into the stories of their culture.

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To celebrate NAIDOC Week, 20-year-old artist Shakyla Toomey’s painting ‘Home’ has been unveiled near the entry of the centre as part of Service NSW’s Aboriginal Artwork Initiative aimed at strengthening engagement with and acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

‘Home’ reflects how land and water is connected and how those elements have been essential for the continuity of the Wiradjuri people. Locals and other customers can enjoy and appreciate the artwork when completing government transactions at the Service Centre.

Service NSW’s Aboriginal Artwork Initiative was established after listening to staff and customer feedback to enhance relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to make local centres more welcoming.

Dubbo is the first of 10 Service Centres engaging with local Aboriginal communities to display Aboriginal artwork and follows a successful pilot at Moree and Kempsey Service Centres in 2022 where staff engaged with Elders and Aboriginal community organisations to select an Aboriginal artist’s work to display in the Service Centre.

Service NSW also offers an Aboriginal Traineeship Program and partners with a group training organisation to provide an employment pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Today an Aboriginal trainee is working at Wellington Service Centre with the program offering onthe-job training, development and study with the opportunity to work towards a Certificate III in Customer Engagement.

Most graduates move into ongoing customer service roles with two Aboriginal trainees recently receiving ongoing roles at Dubbo Service Centre with the centre’s four Aboriginal team members working closely with the local Aboriginal Land Council and other community organisations to increase awareness of government services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week is from 2 to 9 July 2023 and is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme for NAIDOC Week 2023 is ‘For Our Elders’.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said:

“I recently visited Dubbo and attended the Service Centre where I had the chance to chat with many locals and it is great to see this community coming together to celebrate Australia’s long history.”

“Being able to share stories, especially through artwork, is a great way to engage and educate local communities whilst also bringing people together to share a sense of place.”

“Our Service Centres are a place where people from all walks of life come together to complete transactions so it is important they are reflective and inclusive of the communities they serve.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris said:

“As we celebrate NAIDOC week it is great to see this beautiful artwork unveiled in the Dubbo Service Centre.”

“I want to thank Shakyla Toomey for her passion and dedication to share Aboriginal culture and stories with her local community.”

“As people come to visit the centre it will surely start conversations which can lead to stronger bonds between community members.”

Artist, Shakyla Toomey said:

“I feel very proud that something I have created is now displayed in the Service Centre. The artwork represents my Country and my family and I now have a space to be able to share that with other people.”

“The blue represents the water and the red tones represent the earth that surround us. The goanna represents the Wiradjuri totem and the fish represents the food which helped our culture to survive.”

“The artwork is bright and vivid and I hope it grabs people’s eyes, making them stop, appreciate it and want to learn more about the Wiradjuri people.”

“I also hope my painting ignites inspiration within other Indigenous artists particularly young ones to explore their own stories and share them.”

As part of the NSW Government’s Return to Work Pathways Program, $250,000 has been provided to Angus Knight Foundation to help First Nations women and girls gain employment.

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Minister for Women Jodie Harrison congratulated Angus Knight Foundation (AKG Foundation) for its Women’s Business Return to Work project, which supports the NSW Government’s commitment to enhance women’s economic opportunity and advancement.

“Increasing women’s workforce participation is a cornerstone to achieving gender equality and economic security,” Minister Harrison said.

“Women face common and persistent employment barriers, and for some communities, there are additional complexities unique to their needs, life stages and circumstances.

“I am thrilled to support this project which will help Aboriginal women and girls to re-engage with the workforce and aspire to leadership in a culturally safe place.”

The AKG Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established to advance Indigenous Peoples, including through employment and community development programs, education, and training. The Foundation supports specialised services for First Nations Women.

The Women’s Business Hubs create meaningful and lasting opportunities through providing a culturally safe space where women can come and dream, imagine and become. Each of the Women’s Hubs provide valuable access to employment pathways, quality learning, entrepreneurship, and educational and vocational training workshops.

Christianna Cartwright, Real Futures CEO & Chair of the AKG Foundation said “We are thrilled to be delivering the NSW Government’s Return to Work Pathways Program. We know First Nations women face adversity, but as the 2020 Wiyi Yani U Thangani Report found, ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls have remarkable skills, knowledge and boundless potential’ and are capable, resilient and courageous in the face of adversity if given the right support. We have made it our purpose to offer this social, emotional and practical support to advance the economic participation and empowerment of women and girls.”

AKG Foundation operates across Blacktown City Council, Coffs Harbour City Council, Kempsey Shire Council, Newcastle City Council and Penrith City Council areas, which will see the impact of the Government’s funding reach many First Nations women across the State.

There were 13 successful projects of the $2.7m Return to Work Pathways Program, which will support more than 1,000 women over the next 2 years to become job-ready and to gain sustainable employment and carve out meaningful careers.

For more information, visit the Return to Work Pathways Program grant page.

Macarthur’s refugees, migrants and diverse communities will benefit from greater support with the NSW Government and the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre opening a new support location in the region.

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The NSW Government and the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre officially opened its Campbelltown office today.

The Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre plays a crucial role in the settlement and integration of refugees and humanitarian migrants by offering vital resources, guidance and a strong support network to those who are rebuilding their lives.

From settlement support and employment programs, to youth programs and aged services, the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre assists in addressing the multifaceted needs of refugees and migrants.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper attended the event, announcing the winners of a community competition to name the centre’s 2 new community rooms.

Before expanding to Campbelltown, the centre provided community outreach and support to new, established and emerging communities in the Liverpool region.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government has a strong and proud history of working collaboratively with the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre.

“This partnership has been a vital relationship over many years, most recently it was instrumental in providing support services to the Liverpool region’s diverse communities during COVID-19.

“The centre is a shining example of how local communities are best placed to find local solutions.

Western Sydney MRC Acting CEO Mohan Gunasekara said:

“Our expansion into Campbelltown is a direct recognition of the growing need for supports and services in the Macarthur region.

“I’m proud to be leading an organisation that has its heart in the community and works to empower some of our newest residents to settle and thrive.”

Patients, staff and the community are set to benefit from a series of upgrade works at Deniliquin Hospital, as part of a $4.6 million joint investment by the NSW Government and the Australian Government.

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NSW Regional Health Minister Ryan Park toured Deniliquin Hospital today and said the upgrades have created modern, fit for purpose clinical spaces for the community and staff at the hospital.

“The upgrades have provided an enhanced experience for patients, visitors and staff, and ensure the local community will continue to receive vital health care close to home,” Mr Park said.

“Works completed as part of the $4.6 million project include an upgraded emergency department, an upgraded day surgery unit and operating theatre, a relocation of the oncology unit to a purpose-built space, an enhanced paediatric care area and a new computed tomography (CT) scanner.”

“We are committed to ensuring every patient receives the highest level of care available and these upgrades demonstrate the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to providing high quality healthcare in rural and regional areas.”

Mr Park also recognised the challenge of maintaining essential health services during the works.

“To complete a project of this scope with minimal disruption to services is a credit to the staff and contractors,” Mr Park said.

Helen Dalton, the independent Member for Murray, praised the roll out of the CT scanner.

“This new technology is a game changer for rural and remote communities,” Ms Dalton said.

“I am determined to work closely and constructively with the newly elected government on ensuring rural and remote communities have access to the most modern hospital infrastructure and health care.”

The Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, said the upgrades will help people who live in the Deniliquin region to access health care where they live.

“All Australians deserve to have access to high-quality health care close to home when they need it,” Mr Butler said.

“The Australian Government is working hard to tackle this, so that people who live in rural and regional areas like Deniliquin don’t have to travel far from home just to get health care.

“The Deniliquin hospital upgrade of its facilities and equipment will be of great benefit to patients and the hospital’s hard-working health professionals.”