Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is fulfilling its election promise to provide Energy Bill Relief to small businesses, as it announces an increase to the payment for vulnerable people in financial hardship and crisis.

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The Energy Bill Relief Fund will provide support to 1.6 million eligible NSW households and 320,000 eligible NSW small businesses. This is part of a jointly funded scheme to reduce cost of living pressures as announced by the Albanese and Minns governments.

Most eligible households and small businesses will automatically receive the Energy Bill Relief from Monday 31 July 2023.

The NSW Government is encouraging eligible people who won’t automatically receive the Energy Bill Relief to apply from Tuesday 1 August 2023.

Increase to EAPA Crisis Support Payment

The NSW Government is announcing it is increasing the crisis support payment for vulnerable people struggling to pay their bills, due to short-term financial hardship, crisis or emergency, such as loss of income, unexpected costs or natural disasters.

Under the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) Scheme, the NSW Government will increase the EAPA limits to $500 for the 2023-2024 financial year for both electricity and gas bills.

Eligible people can receive the payments for both electricity and gas, twice per financial year, meaning they could receive up to $2,000 over the financial year.

When will eligible households receive their energy bill relief?

Households with a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card, a Health Care Card, a DVA Gold Card or life support equipment who already receive a NSW electricity rebate from their energy retailer will automatically receive a quarterly rebate of $125 on their electricity bills from Monday 31 July 2023 onwards.

If the above households do not receive a NSW energy rebate but are eligible, they should apply to their retailer for the relevant NSW energy rebate. These customers will then be provided the additional Energy Bill Relief payment automatically.

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders, Family Tax Benefit A and B recipients, and people living in embedded networks (that is private electricity networks used by apartment blocks and caravan parks) need to apply for the relevant rebate from Tuesday 1 August 2023.

Energy bill relief is also being provided to some people who are not eligible for existing NSW energy rebates. Customers who do not receive a NSW energy rebate but receive the Carer Allowance, or hold a Low Income Health Care Card or DVA Gold Card, will be contacted by Services Australia or the Department of Veterans Affairs from September with information about how to apply.

When will eligible small businesses receive their energy bill relief?

Eligible small businesses that:

• Use less than 100 megawatt hours of electricity per year will receive a one-off $650 payment in the 2023-24 financial year.
• Are a retail customer do not need to do anything. Energy retailers will automatically apply the energy bill relief to their electricity account (if they are eligible) from Monday 31 July 2023.
• Are part of an embedded network (such as located in a shopping centre) will be able to apply from October 2023.

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“We understand many people are doing it tough as cost of living pressures make it difficult for families to get by and businesses to keep their doors open, and I want them to know more help will be available from Tuesday 1 August 2023. 

“I want every household and small business that is eligible, to get the support they are entitled to.

“We’re increasing crisis support payments to make sure the lights stay on for people in crisis. Vulnerable people will be able to apply for up to $2000 in vouchers each year though the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Scheme. 

“The increased payment will make a real difference to those in our community are struggling, due to an emergency such as loss of income, unexpected costs or natural disasters.” 

How to check if you are eligible

If you…	And you…	You need to…
Did receive a NSW energy rebate on your last electricity bill	Hold a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card, or Health Care Card, or Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card (marked with ‘War Widow’ or ‘War Widower Pension’ or ‘Totally and Permanently Incapacitated’ or ‘Disability Pension’), orYou use life support equipment	Do nothing. You will automatically receive a quarterly payment of $125 on your energy bill from Monday 31 July 2023.
If you did not receive a NSW energy rebate on your last electricity bill	Hold a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card (marked with ‘War Widow’, ‘War Widower Pension’, ‘Totally and Permanently Incapacitated’ or ‘Disability Pension’), orUse life support equipment	Apply for the NSW energy rebate from your energy retailer. You will then receive the additional Energy Bill Relief payment automatically.
If you did not receive a NSW energy rebate on your last electricity bill	Receive the Carer Allowance, orHold a Low Income Health Care Card, orHold any other DVA card	Wait to be contacted by Services Australia or the Department of Veterans Affairs from September 2023 onwards with information about how to apply.
Did or did not receive a NSW energy rebate on your last electricity bill	Hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, orReceive Family Tax Benefit	Apply for the relevant 2023/24 rebate on the Service NSW website. Applications can be made from Tuesday 1 August 2023. You will then receive the additional Energy Bill Relief payment automatically.
Live in an embedded network (such as apartment blocks, retirement villages and caravan parks)	Hold a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card (marked with ‘War Widow’ or ‘War Widower Pension’ or ‘Totally and Permanently Incapacitated’ or ‘Disability Pension’), orUse life support equipment	Apply for the relevant 2023/24 NSW energy rebate on the Service NSW website. Applications can be made from early August 2023. You will then receive the additional Energy Bill Relief payment automatically.
Are a small business using less than 100 megawatt hours of electricity per year	Are a small business customer with an energy retailer	Do nothing. Energy retailers will automatically apply the energy bill relief to your electricity account from Monday 31 July 2023.
Are a small business using less than 100 megawatt hours of electricity per year	Are part of an embedded network (such as a shopping centre)	Wait to be advised from October 2023 onwards how to apply. Information will be made available on the Energy NSW website.

Shadow Minister for Health Matt Kean has called on Premier Chris Minns to urgently resolve the stand-off between the Government and the Health Services Union.

“It is now abundantly clear that health workers across our state were lied to by the Labor Government before the election, a promise of wage increases that the Government can’t deliver,” Mr Kean said.

“Labor can’t deliver on their promise to the HSU and health workers because they have no way to pay for wage increases. Despite telling the people of NSW that any wage increase would be offset by productivity gains, it’s now evident that it will cost the Budget at least $2.5 billion over the next four years, if not more.”

“Already we’ve seen families pay the price for Labor’s unfunded election promises, with essential cost of living programs slashed and cut, while households struggle with record inflation and higher interest rates – families simply can’t afford to pay more, Labor need to come clean on how they’ll pay for a wage increase.”

The Labor Government has offered a four per cent pay rise to all public sector workers but the HSU is seeking 6.5 per cent inclusive of 0.5 per cent super.

“With the HSU warning of escalating industrial action from Monday, including stop work orders and strikes, it is quite frankly remarkable that Premier Minns is on leave and either unavailable or unwilling to sit down with union bosses to reach a resolution.”

“Before the election Minns said he would sit down at the table, but he is missing in action, and it is the people of NSW who are paying the price, with industrial action potentially impacting access to health services from next week.”

“Minns needs to return to work, sit down at the table, and solve this deadlock to ensure any industrial action is avoided,” Mr Kean concluded.

The NSW Government has officially given Montague Island Nature Reserve a dual Aboriginal name, in honour of the cultural significance of the island to the Yuin people.

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Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve, off Narooma on the NSW south coast, is valued as a significant ceremonial area and resource gathering place.

In addition to its Aboriginal cultural values and state-listed European lighthouse heritage, the nature reserve protects several seabird species including the endangered Gould’s petrel, one of the largest little penguin colonies in NSW, and Australian and New Zealand fur seals.

The island is recognised in the international Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List of Protected Areas, for its excellence in protected area management. Visitors can experience the island’s wildlife by day trip or staying in historic lighthouse accommodation.

The process of renaming Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve was initiated by the Aboriginal traditional owners to recognise the cultural heritage of the site.

Yuin Elder Uncle Bunja Smith said:

“From Mother mountain Gulaga, came the two sons. Najanuka and Barunguba. We know this because it is in our stories and our songs.

“As an Aboriginal Man and a Yuin Elder, I am filled with emotion to be standing here today with the ministers and our local member, to hear the word “Barunguba” sounded out as it should be!

“I know this will delight all our Elders and Tribes people past, present and emerging.

“I pray that the spirit of this scared place touches the hearts of the wider south coast community and all visitors who may come. May we always say yes to reconciliation, as it always was and always will be Aboriginal land, Walawanni.”

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said:

“I am delighted to be in this stunning location to officially announce the dual name of Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve.

“The cultural significance of Barunguba has been passed down by ancestors to the traditional Yuin custodians of the Far South Coast and I acknowledge the effort of the traditional owners in leading this name change.

“The Aboriginal name will sit alongside the non-Aboriginal name and I look forward to seeing Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve become widely and commonly used.”

More than $500,000 has been awarded to help boost cancer screening rates among multicultural communities, as a record number of women in NSW accessed free breast screening.

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More than 37,000 women had mammograms at BreastScreen NSW clinics throughout the month of May – the highest number of women ever screened for breast cancer in a single month in BreastScreen’s history.

Meanwhile, more than 371,000 women had a mammogram during the 2022-23 financial year – the highest number of women ever screened in a single year since BreastScreen NSW began operating in 1991.

Mammogram bookings were also at an all-time high during May, with more than 42,000 eligible women making an appointment at one of BreastScreen NSW’s more than 250 clinics and mobiles sites in NSW.

It is a significant rebound from the record low screening rates seen in 2020 and 2021, as the health system responded to the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Crucially, peak numbers of Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women were also screened for breast cancer throughout May.

Encouraging Indigenous and CALD women to participate in cancer screening is a key priority, as screening rates for breast, bowel and cervical cancer are lower in these at-risk communities.

To further improve cancer screening and outcomes in CALD communities, the Cancer Institute NSW has today awarded more than $500,000 to deliver 20 cancer control programs in areas such as Liverpool, Far West NSW, the Illawarra and Newcastle.

Acting Premier Prue Car said:

“Around 1 in 7 women will develop breast cancer but we know early detection saves lives.”

“We continued to see high numbers of women being screened throughout June and I encourage all eligible women to keep the momentum going and not wait until it’s too late.”

“If you’re over 50 and haven’t had a mammogram since June 2021 – don’t wait for a letter in the mail.”

“Pick up the phone or go online to book in your breast screen – it could save your life.”

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said:

“We know mammograms are the most effective way to detect breast cancer early.”

“So it’s really encouraging to see so many women return to BreastScreen NSW after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Record numbers of women from metro, regional and remote NSW had a breast screen in May, which is an increase of nearly 15% compared with the same period in 2019.

“NSW has one of the highest survival rates for most cancers, and that’s due in part to programs like BreastScreen.”

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and, as a survivor, I welcome the government’s funding commitment for multicultural communities.”

“A mammogram can detect cancer when it’s smaller than a grain of rice – well before you would notice or feel any change in your breasts.”

“Detecting cancer early means treatment can be started early – when it’s going to be the most effective.”

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:

“We know our multicultural communities, such as those in Liverpool, often face significant barriers in accessing cancer screening and care.”

“NSW is a global leader in cancer care but people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities are often at higher risk of cancer and are less likely to use cancer screening services due to barriers in accessing and engaging in services.”

“I want all women to know breast cancer screening is safe, discreet and free for women aged between 50 and 74.”

Chief Cancer Officer for NSW and CEO of Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien said:

“Multicultural communities face significant barriers accessing cancer screening services and care, often due to language barriers, poor health literacy, trauma, and cultural stigma and beliefs.”

“Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Australia and by working together with CALD communities, we hope to truly understand and break down barriers to care, to ensure all people have equitable cancer outcomes.”

“With more than 275 languages spoken in NSW, we recognise that a one size fits all approach won’t work.”

“These grants will support local community groups and health services to roll out targeted initiatives that will help arm people with multilingual information to reduce their cancer risk, in a way that is aligned with their cultural beliefs.”

Chair of the Board of Settlement Council of Australia and CEO of Community Migrant Resource Centre, Melissa Monteiro said:

“As one of the 20 grant recipients, this funding will go a long way towards creating awareness and improving cancer outcomes for CALD communities.”

“While cultural diversity enriches our community, it can present challenges in the delivery of cancer-related healthcare.”

“We are thrilled to be able to use this grant to deliver a series of interactive education sessions in Mandarin and Hindi, that will focus on the important role healthy living and screening plays in preventing bowel cancer.”  

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (LHD) recorded the highest number of breast screens throughout May, followed by Hunter New England LHD, Northern Sydney LHD and Central Coast LHD.

In NSW, around 30% of people were born overseas, with 1 in 4 people speaking a language other than English at home – higher than any other state or territory. 

Visit Cancer Institute NSWlaunch more information on breast, bowel and cervical cancer screening.

Related information

• Cancer Institute NSWlauncheast
• Breast screen NSWlauncheast

The NSW Government has awarded more than $300 million or 98% of project contracts to date to local suppliers as construction of the new Sydney Fish Market continues to ramp up.

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Among the local suppliers are Rozelle’s SMC Marine, Traino/Hanson Australia in Blackwattle Bay, and Active Steel from St Marys.

These companies are each playing a pivotal role in building the innovative new Sydney Fish Market.

There has been major progress on the project, with a massive concrete pour underway at the site’s cofferdam, laying the foundation for the watertight basement level – a unique feature of the building’s design.

This ambitious undertaking requires about 34,000 cubic metres of concrete, equivalent to nearly 14 Olympic swimming pools.

A highly specialised and sustainable concrete mix is being used, prioritising the reduction of CO2 emissions and ensuring long-term durability.

Hundreds of marine piles installed by SMC Marine and the concrete base will provide the foundations for the iconic new fish market, which is on track for construction to be completed by the end of next year.

https://nswdigitalchannels.zendesk.com/agent/tickets/21911Active Steel is supplying steel reinforcement for the concrete slabs using a 70% recycled steel product sourced in Australia. Due to the basement being surrounded by seawater, the concrete slabs require a high amount of reinforcement steel compared to above water sites.

The new Sydney Fish Market is key to the transformation of Blackwattle Bay, delivering a waterfront promenade, more than 6000sqm of public space, and improving pedestrian and cycling links.

In a major boost for the economy, building the new Sydney Fish Market creates more than 700 jobs during construction and supports 700 jobs once complete. 

For more information visit Infrastructure NSWlaunch.

NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government is proud to be involved in a project that combines cutting-edge design with a commitment to the environment and the local economy. We recognise the vital role that local businesses play in driving economic growth, and we are proud to announce to date more than $300 million has been awarded to local suppliers for the new Sydney Fish Market.

“By investing in local suppliers, we are enabling our business owners to thrive, innovate, and contribute to the growth of NSW. This investment will have a lasting impact on the local economy, as well as the wider community.

“The new Sydney Fish Market will provide a platform for local businesses to thrive, attracting international visitors and supporting the growth of our tourism and food sectors.”

David Ghannoum, Regional Managing Director – NSW and ACT of Multiplex, said:

“Multiplex recognises the value of working with local suppliers and supporting the local economy.

“We are committed to fostering strong partnerships with businesses in our community, as it not only bolsters the local economy, but it also promotes collaboration and sustainability.

“Multiplex’s investment in the local economy is creating employment opportunities, fosters resilience, and contributes to the overall growth and prosperity of the wider community.”

Premier Chris Minns celebrated 100 days in office by foreshadowing that ‘a range of infrastructure projects will be put on ice’.

Minns told the ABC “we’ve already identified a range of infrastructure projects that we don’t believe are a priority right now.”

Acting Leader of the Opposition Natalie Ward said the Premier must come clean and be honest with the people of NSW.

“It’s a simple question that the Premier should answer – what projects are you cutting?” Ms Ward asked. 

“For 100 days we’ve seen broken promises and wrong priorities, and now we’re seeing cuts to infrastructure. This is a Government that doesn’t have a plan to keep our state moving.”

“When the Premier talks about priorities we know that he can’t be trusted to do what’s best for our State, prioritising unions ahead of families. Cutting vital infrastructure projects is in Labor’s DNA, they just can’t help themselves, and the result is more congestion, fewer jobs and less productivity.”

“Labor can’t be trusted to build the infrastructure our state needs, having already said it would cancel the Great Western Highway Tunnel and the Westmead to the Aerotropolis, and Bankstown to Glenfield Metro Lines.”

“The Premier needs to demonstrate leadership and tell us what projects are being cut today, not in three months time.” 

Labor’s plan to cut vital infrastructure projects is in stark contrast to the record of the previous Coalition Government that delivered bold infrastructure projects like WestConnex, NorthConnex, Sydney Metro, scores of new schools, hospitals, arts and cultural projects – investments in communities totalling billions of dollars.

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

The NSW Government is supporting this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations by providing $310,000 to support Aboriginal participation in celebratory events across NSW.

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NAIDOC Week will stretch from 2 – 9 July and the theme will be ‘For Our Elders’.

The funding provided under the Aboriginal Affairs NSW NAIDOC Grants Program attracted 206 submissions across the state, up by 77 from last year.

Some of the grants issued include funding towards the popular Souths Cares NAIDOC Festival in Maroubra, flag-raising ceremonies, a Community Day at the Armidale and Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place and a traditional food day hosted by Jubullum Local Aboriginal Land Council.

One grant recipient, Murrin Bridge Preschool Association in Western NSW, is using its funding to plant trees for each of its Elders to signify how important they are to their community.

This year’s theme ‘For Our Elders’ reminds us all to value First Nations Elders and the incredible role they play, and will continue to play to hold the cultural knowledge and lead community.

Elders have played a huge role across generations of thousands of years of Indigenous culture, as knowledge holders, trail blazers, teachers and nurturers.

This NAIDOC Week we pay homage to this important role and those who came before who paved the way for the present and future.

David Harris, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty said: 

‘I’m thrilled that we are able to play a part in ensuring NAIDOC Week is a success for the community, given the hard work that goes into preparing for and hosting such events.

“I look forward to attending as many of these events as I can and meeting with community members from all over the state.’

“NAIDOC Week celebrates the proud history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and is embraced by Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities around the country.

“It is an opportunity for all of us to come together to celebrate the resilience, rich heritage and ongoing contributions of the oldest continuous cultures on earth.”

Leanne Smith, Murrin Bridge Preschool Association President said:

“Building resilience and giving ownership back to our community is of great importance. Our Elders will be remembered by the trees planted and the plaques placed near them to symbolise the three mobs and Murrin Bridge.

In our first 100 days the Minns Labor Government has hit the ground running to address the serious challenges facing NSW.

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We were elected with a clear mandate to scrap the wages cap and sit down for a genuine negotiation with our frontline workers including nurses, paramedics, teachers, firefighters and police. 

We were elected to rebuild health and education in NSW and reinvest in our essential workforce – to put people back at the heart of government.

And from the moment our team was sworn in we have been working hard to make this happen.

We’ve made good progress – with a lot more to do.

We’ve smashed the wages cap and delivered the biggest pay rise to public sector workers in NSW in over a decade.

This is the first step to resolving the state’s essential worker recruitment and retention crisis after 12 years of Liberal-National wage suppression. 

We’ve already transferred thousands of temporary teachers and support staff in our schools to permanent contracts.

We’ve begun the transition to safe staffing levels in our hospitals.

We’re making renting fairer while delivering more affordable housing.

We’ve made serious progress in reforming planning in NSW to deliver more supply and quality homes.

The NSW Government has also enshrined the protection of publicly-owned assets including Sydney Water and Hunter Water in the constitution and taken significant steps to reduce the impact of energy price increases.

We’ve had a productive first session of parliament, with 13 bills passed.

But we’ve made clear the biggest challenge we face is the budget.

Since forming government in March, we have been upfront with the people of NSW about the economic challenges we have inherited from the former government.

They handed over to us the largest debt in our state’s history, with the state on track for a record $187.5 billion in debt.

Incoming briefs have also uncovered a $7 billion black hole of unfunded programs.

In 100 days the Minns Labor Government has hit the ground running, but there is still much more to do – every member of this government is committed to building a better future for NSW.

Here is just some of what the NSW Labor Government has already achieved:

• delivered the biggest pay increase for NSW public sector workers in more than a decade
• frozen politician and public sector senior executive pay increases
• transitioned 7000 teachers and school support staff from temporary to permanent contracts
• cut admin work for teachers and increased numbers of school admin staff in schools
• began the transition to safe staffing levels in NSW hospitals
• established at Paediatric Heart Transplant service at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
• shut down unused COVID PCR testing drive through centres
• prioritised English and Maths in updated curriculum rollout
• maintained Lismore flood relief support
• expanded stamp duty exemptions and concessions to more first home buyers
• reformed rental laws by introducing a rental commissioner and creating a portable bonds scheme
• introduced new planning rules to deliver further housing supply and more affordable housing
• abolished hidden speed cameras in NSW
• began a comprehensive toll review led by Professor Allan Fels
• introduced a demerit point return scheme to reward safe drivers, sooner
• secured UFC Match for Sydney
• started the process of increasing the concert cap at the SCG Precinct
• banned VIP Lounge signage from pubs and clubs
• introduced a bill to ban clubs and pubs with pokies from donating to NSW political parties
• legislated to double penalties for knife crimes
• successfully switched Walgett’s water supply to river water
• engaged an interim Biosecurity Commissioner.

Australia’s first purpose-built biocontainment centre at Sydney’s Westmead Health Precinct has been unveiled.

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NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the NSW Biocontainment Centre is highly specialised and was built to treat and safely isolate patients with rare highly infectious diseases, known as high consequence infectious diseases.

High consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) are a range of acute infectious diseases with high case-fatality rates or special significance such as Ebola or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

While other prevalent infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza are important, they are not included in the range of diseases managed at this unit.

Minister Park said the purpose-built biocontainment centre at the Westmead Health Precinct clearly demonstrates how important it is for NSW to be capable of keeping people safe and providing the best care possible.

“The centre is equipped with 6 specialised quarantine class and negative pressure beds and helps us effectively respond to future pandemics and provide high level care to both adult and paediatric patients,” Mr Park said.

“The community can be assured that, with this facility, NSW is ready to act and keep the community safe.

“I am really pleased to see clinicians from both Westmead Hospital and the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network embracing this model of care, which is the first of its kind in Australia.”

The state-of-the-art facility includes a critical lift to transport contagious patients directly from the Westmead Hospital helipad or an ambulance straight to the biocontainment centre.

It will also use 3 steam steriliser autoclaves to process contaminated waste and has its own sewage treatment plant to treat contaminated patient waste.

The floor of the centre has also been purpose-designed in different colours to identify which areas are clean or contaminated for additional safety.

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said the Westmead Health Precinct is home to some of the state’s most talented clinicians.

“We have some of the best and brightest working here in the Westmead Health Precinct,” Ms Davis said.

“It makes sense this facility is based here, where our highly trained clinicians stand ready to manage any cases of these highly contagious diseases.”

Specialist medical, nursing, pharmacy, laboratory and allied health staff trained to manage patients through strict infection prevention and control practices are available to the unit when required.

Western Sydney Local Health District’s Acting Chief Executive Rebecca Nogajski said the centre plays many roles, operating as the statewide referral and outreach facility for patients with suspected or confirmed HCID, as well as the education and training hub for preparedness and safe practice in managing these diseases.

“This centre is self-contained, able to provide high-level emergency care, as well as access to specialist therapies such as phage therapy,” Dr Nogajski said.

“The centre stocks rarely used antibiotics, antivirals, antitoxins, vaccines and other key therapeutics.

“It also offers expert infectious diseases advice, including referral to relevant diagnostic testing and locations of testing, links with NSW Health Pathology and management able to be utilised as a 24/7 service in the early phases of the response.”

Chief Executive of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network Cathryn Cox PSM said the centre’s specialist staff are highly trained in managing patients.

“We look forward to collaborating with all our colleagues across the Precinct, and NSW, to deliver a coordinated, specialised response through this centre of expertise, with a focus on containment and high-quality care of patients and their families,” Ms Cox said.

The centre is a shared facility of Westmead Hospital, part of Western Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network supporting the whole state in this specialised service.

The Westmead Health Precinct is one of the largest health, education, research and innovation precincts in Australia and is a key provider of jobs for the greater Parramatta and Western Sydney region.

More than $3 billion has been committed by government and our precinct partners to upgrade and expand the precinct’s health services, education, research and innovation facilities over the coming years.

After 100 days in office the Labor Government is continuing to shift blame for its broken promises and wrong priorities.

The Labor Government’s first 100 days have been characterised by dozens of reviews and taskforces, the slashing of vital cost of living programs, and lies about a Budget black hole.

Deputy Liberal Leader Natalie Ward said Chris Minns must take responsibility for the fact NSW households and families are paying more.

“After 100 days, the Labor Government still can’t explain how they’re addressing the cost of living pressures faced by families, households and businesses,” Mrs Ward said.

“Instead Labor is backflipping, showing blatant disregard for the promises they made before the election, and repealing the former Liberal and Nationals Government’s nation-leading reforms like the First Home Buyer Choice scheme.

“The Coalition will continue to hold the Government to account and ensure that the people of NSW are put first.”

“That’s why today we’ve launched a new website, allowing the people of NSW to find out more about Labor’s broken promises, wrong priorities, cancelled projects and deals with Union bosses.

Broken promises in Labor’s first 100 days:

• Cutting the Active Kids, Creative Kids and First Lap vouchers.
• Backflipping on a ban of secret rent bidding.
• No Budget impact to deliver public servant pay rises.
• No privatisation of government-owned land.
• No disruptions to train services.
• Ending industrial action and Union strikes.
• Enshrining our State’s water assets in the Constitution, but leaving out critical infrastructure like Warragamba Dam.
• Implementing a cashless gaming trial by July 1.
• Preventing mining and exploration off the NSW coastline.
• Building ferries in NSW, only to award the contract to Tasmania.

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