Category: NSW News

The NSW Government has appointed an Interim Biosecurity Commissioner who will guide the formation of an independent biosecurity commission and begin work to map out the pest and weed threats impacting the state.

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Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said interim Commissioner Dr Marion Healy has more than 20 years of high-level expertise and experience related to identifying and managing the biosecurity risks related to the movement of plant products and their impact on the Australian environment.

“Last month I announced plans to establish an independent biosecurity commission and today I am pleased to welcome Dr Healy as interim commissioner,” Ms Moriarty said.

“I know biosecurity risks present the most significant threat to the primary industries sector, the economy, the environment and our communities, and today’s appointment demonstrates that we are delivering on our election commitments.

“Dr Healy is well-respected by her peers across the industry and her biosecurity expertise will ensure the independent biosecurity commission is equipped and ready on day one to build and strengthen the resilience of our agriculture industry.”

Ms Moriarty said Dr Healy, working with the Department of Primary Industries, will during the next 3 months;

• develop a discussion paper on the role and powers of the NSW Biosecurity Commissioner for targeted consultation across Government and stakeholders
• engage the Natural Resources Commission to develop a baseline report on the extent of pests and weeds on public lands
• commence scoping guidelines and focus of the $10 million Good Neighbour Program.

“It’s really important that we tackle the biosecurity challenges that come from pests and weeds and that government are good neighbours,” Ms Moriarty said.

“Farmers and landowners do their very best to keep weeds and other pests out, and we need to make sure all other landowners are doing the same – including the government.”

The statutory position of Independent Biosecurity Commissioner will be created and appointed by the end of 2023.

The NSW Government has launched a new online course to equip the hair and beauty industry with the skills to start a conversation about skin changes that could save a life.

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Developed by TAFE NSW in conjunction with the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation, Hair and Beauty Australia (HABA), and Keune Australia, the ‘Spot a Spot’ course is the first in Australia to target hairdressers, barbers and beauticians to increase early awareness and prevention of skin cancer.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“Australia has some of the highest melanoma rates in the world, but we know that 90 per cent of melanomas can be treated successfully if caught early.”

“The NSW Government is committed to increasing the rates of early detection of melanoma in the battle against skin cancer, and this is a great initiative to help people detect the early signs of this potentially-deadly disease.”

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Tim Crakanthorp said:

“One Australian is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes and it results in around 1300 deaths every year.”

“But we know early detection matters, which is why this new course is a great example of TAFE NSW working with industry to identify skills needs and fast-tracking solutions that benefit, not only the workforce but the wider community.”

“By offering free places for TAFE NSW apprentices studying Certificate III in Hairdressing and Barbering and Certificate IV in Beauty, we’re working to equip the next generation with the skills to have these important conversations.”

Maureen Harding, the National President of HABA, said:

“I’ve been a hairdresser for 50 years and have had these conversations with my clients, including ones that turned out to have lifesaving outcomes.” 

“What’s great about this course is that it can be completed in an hour and on a mobile device. It offers practical information about what makes a spot suspicious and different ways to start a conversation with a client about a subject that can be very scary.”

Dr Wayne Harvey from the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation said:

“Early detection of melanoma is associated with high survival rates. Hairdressers and barbers are in regular contact with their clients and access hard-to-see spots, so they are very well placed to recognise skin changes.”

“Helping the industry to develop the skills to recognise a suspicious spot and then confidently talk about skin changes with their clients has the potential to significantly contribute to reducing the incidence of melanoma long term.”

The story aired on 7 News, Sunday 18 June: NSW TAFE hair and beauty students being trained on how to spot skin cancers on customerslaunch.

The NSW Government has commenced consultation with contemporary veterans and their families to seek feedback on how their service can be further acknowledged.

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The survey is an important step to hear directly from the veteran community in response to the proposal to establish a new memorial to honour their service and sacrifice.

The NSW Office for Veterans Affairs is leading the consultation process which includes an online survey for veterans of recent operations, as well as forums to enable further discussion once the survey results have been analysed.

The information received from the survey and community consultation will complement the current NSW Government Veterans Strategy and Actional Plan which is in place until the end of 2024.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“The NSW Government values our veteran community and is working hard to ensure that veterans and their families are acknowledged and supported.

“I encourage all veterans from recent conflicts and peacekeeping operations to share their thoughts via an online survey so we can hear what the community values as an important way to honour their service.

“The survey is completely anonymous, and it is important that veterans and their families share their views with us. The results will be analysed, and the data will then help inform us about the needs and wishes of our veteran community.

“This could be a new memorial to honour contemporary service, a living and interactive memorial space that veterans and their families can use, or other ideas.”

The survey will be open for another 2 weeks and closes on Sunday 9 July 2023.

Get more information at Veterans Affairslaunch.

The Opposition is calling on the Labor Government to rule out cuts to the state’s infrastructure pipeline, saying the Government’s priorities mean that there will be less jobs, more congestion and longer commutes for the people of NSW.

The Liberal and Nationals Government left a $116.6 billion infrastructure pipeline that would provide the vital roads, rail, metro, schools and hospitals needed for NSW.

Following comments in Parliament by the Treasurer it is clear the Labor Government is shifting blame for its broken promises, wrong priorities and public sector union wage deal cost blowout.

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Natalie Ward said the new Government’s priorities are clear – to cut investment in the future.

“Government priorities have a cost, and the cost of Labor’s economic management is cuts to infrastructure spending.”

“Infrastructure projects are not just line items in the budget, they are jobs and livelihoods and an investment in the future.”

“Every cancelled or delayed project means more congestion, lower jobs and slower commutes for the people of NSW.”

“The Minns Government said it would focus on local roads, instead all they are doing is short-changing local communities.”

The Opposition is calling on the Labor Government to rule out cuts to the state’s infrastructure pipeline, saying the Government’s priorities mean that there will be less jobs, more congestion and longer commutes for the people of NSW.

The Liberal and Nationals Government left a $116.6 billion infrastructure pipeline that would provide the vital roads, rail, metro, schools and hospitals needed for NSW.

Following comments in Parliament by the Treasurer it is clear the Labor Government is shifting blame for its broken promises, wrong priorities and public sector union wage deal cost blowout.

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Natalie Ward said the new Government’s priorities are clear – to cut investment in the future.

“Government priorities have a cost, and the cost of Labor’s economic management is cuts to infrastructure spending.”

“Infrastructure projects are not just line items in the budget, they are jobs and livelihoods and an investment in the future.”

“Every cancelled or delayed project means more congestion, lower jobs and slower commutes for the people of NSW.”

“The Minns Government said it would focus on local roads, instead all they are doing is short-changing local communities.”

The Opposition is calling out Labor’s Budget blackhole lie, saying the Government is shifting blame for its broken promises, wrong priorities and public sector union wage deal cost blowout.

“The Government is choosing to slash vital cost of living programs including Active Kids, Creative Kids and First Lap, to limit energy relief for NSW households and to risk vital infrastructure projects in order to deliver its unfunded election promises,” Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said.

“The Labor Government has seemingly plucked a figure out of thin air, and hasn’t substantiated its claim that there’s a $7 billion blackhole. This is Labor’s Budget blackhole – and these attempts to sheet responsibility back to the former government simply don’t pass the test.”

“The cause of Labor’s Budget blackhole is it’s unfunded public sector wages deal. Before the election Labor said that any public sector wage increase would be paid for through productivity gains. Its submission to the independent Parliamentary Budget Office showed a cost of $0 over the forward estimates.”

“Labor now reveals that its 4.5% pay rise, which is yet to be accepted by all unions, will cost $618 million in 2023-24 and $2.5 billion over the forward estimates. Yesterday the Premier claimed to have found over $600 million in savings to pay for this broken promise – but again he can’t provide the detail to substantiate his words.”

“Slashing Active Kids and slashing other cost of living programs are not productivity savings. These are hits on cost of living programs that will be paid for by NSW families.”

Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope highlighted the strong economic record of the Coalition government that confirmed two AAA credit ratings.

“Labor’s complaints about the State’s debt reek of hypocrisy – Labor supported every measure delivered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, and supported infrastructure programs financed through debt. Despite these challenges, NSW retained two AAA Credit Ratings,” Mr Tudehope said.

“NSW State net debt is projected to stabilise at about 14 per cent of Gross State Product by June 2026, compared with a projected 26.5 per cent under the Victorian Labor Andrews Government at 30 June 2026.”

“Without having identified any potential reductions in our State’s debt, its rich for the Treasurer to express shock at debt that has been forecast and known since before the election.”

Mr Speakman said that the Coalition is proud of its economic management, record investment in schools, hospitals and infrastructure; and support for families, households and businesses.

“Chris Minns must take responsibility for the fact NSW households and families are paying the price for Labor’s broken promises,” Mr Speakman concluded.

The future sustainability of the NSW budget is being put at risk by today’s announcement by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey that contributions towards the NSW Generations Fund (NGF) will be indefinitely suspended.

Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope MLC has raised concerns that the Minns Labor Government is planning to abolish a fund set up to responsibly manage the state’s debt.

“The taxpayers of NSW should be concerned that the savings responsibly invested for the future are going to be raided to pay for Labor’s unfunded election promises”, Mr Tudehope said.

“The NSW Generations Fund (NGF) is NSW’s superannuation fund that delivers investment returns to ensure the state’s long-term debt obligations are managed responsibly.

“NSW taxpayers expect the Government to responsibly manage funds for the future while spending within their means today, its clear Labor does not agree with this approach.

“The Treasurer needs to rule out any move to abolish the NGF and assure NSW taxpayers that the fund will remain in place for the purpose of debt retirement.”

The Treasurer has also asked a Labor-dominated committee to review the long-term strategy for the NGF.

“The Treasurer is asking members of his own party to lead a committee to review the NGF strategy, it is akin to putting Dracula in charge of the bloodbank.”

The NGF was established by the former Coalition Government as a responsible way to manage the State’s debt obligations to ease the burden of the State’s debt on future generations by setting funds aside.

Contributions into the NGF included the sale of WestConnex and cash surpluses delivered by budget surpluses and invested by the State’s funds management arm TCorp.

The Opposition is calling out Labor’s Budget blackhole lie, saying the Government is shifting blame for its broken promises, wrong priorities and public sector union wage deal cost blowout.

“The Government is choosing to slash vital cost of living programs including Active Kids, Creative Kids and First Lap, to limit energy relief for NSW households and to risk vital infrastructure projects in order to deliver its unfunded election promises,” Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said.

“The Labor Government has seemingly plucked a figure out of thin air, and hasn’t substantiated its claim that there’s a $7 billion blackhole. This is Labor’s Budget blackhole – and these attempts to sheet responsibility back to the former government simply don’t pass the test.”

“The cause of Labor’s Budget blackhole is it’s unfunded public sector wages deal. Before the election Labor said that any public sector wage increase would be paid for through productivity gains. Its submission to the independent Parliamentary Budget Office showed a cost of $0 over the forward estimates.”

“Labor now reveals that its 4.5% pay rise, which is yet to be accepted by all unions, will cost $618 million in 2023-24 and $2.5 billion over the forward estimates. Yesterday the Premier claimed to have found over $600 million in savings to pay for this broken promise – but again he can’t provide the detail to substantiate his words.”

“Slashing Active Kids and slashing other cost of living programs are not productivity savings. These are hits on cost of living programs that will be paid for by NSW families.”

Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope highlighted the strong economic record of the Coalition government that confirmed two AAA credit ratings.

“Labor’s complaints about the State’s debt reek of hypocrisy – Labor supported every measure delivered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, and supported infrastructure programs financed through debt. Despite these challenges, NSW retained two AAA Credit Ratings,” Mr Tudehope said.

“NSW State net debt is projected to stabilise at about 14 per cent of Gross State Product by June 2026, compared with a projected 26.5 per cent under the Victorian Labor Andrews Government at 30 June 2026.”

“Without having identified any potential reductions in our State’s debt, its rich for the Treasurer to express shock at debt that has been forecast and known since before the election.”

Mr Speakman said that the Coalition is proud of its economic management, record investment in schools, hospitals and infrastructure; and support for families, households and businesses.

“Chris Minns must take responsibility for the fact NSW households and families are paying the price for Labor’s broken promises,” Mr Speakman concluded.

The NSW Opposition has condemned the Labor Government’s decision to slash the value of Active Kids and First Lap vouchers, cease the standalone Creative Kids voucher and massively restrict the eligibility of NSW families.

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said hundreds of thousands of NSW families will lose hundreds of dollars each year.

“Before the election, Chris Minns promised to fund Active Kids vouchers, and after months of uncertainty families across NSW are paying for Labor’s broken promise,” Mr Speakman said.

“Given the rising pressure on family budgets, Chris Minns’ cuts mean children right across NSW will miss out on the opportunity to learn to swim, play sport and participate in creative activities.

“NSW families shouldn’t pay for the Labor Government’s broken promises and wrong priorities.”

Visiting Sutherland Aquatic Centre today, Shadow Minister for Sport Eleni Petinos said the first 12 months of the First Lap program had saved NSW families $18 million on swimming lessons.

“These vouchers not only reduce pressure on family budgets, they also give our young ones water safety and survival skills which could quite literally save lives,” Ms Petinos said.

“With 87 per cent of Australians living within 50 kilometres of the coastline, financial support for swimming lessons is too important to be cut by the Labor Government.”

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and Shadow Planning and Housing Minister Scott Farlow have called on the Labor Government to explain how their plan to increase densities for projects with 15% affordable housing will deliver more affordable homes.    

“The Opposition is committed to working constructively with the government to identify solutions to the National housing crisis, but we need more than social tiles and press releases to see how the Government will actually deliver 314,000 homes in the next five years,” Mr Speakman said.

“To date, the Labor Government have demonstrated an ideological approach, including the repeal of First Home Buyers Choice which increases the barriers to home ownership and their ill-fated rental reforms that would have resulted in higher rents.”

“Today’s announcement in concerning as there’s no evidence that the Labor Government have engaged with industry, stakeholders or local government.”

“Solving the housing crisis will take more than repackaging old policies and telling communities to “get out of the way”.

“We call on the Labor Government to provide detail to today’s announcement, how many properties will it deliver? Where will they be built? And will appropriate access to infrastructure including public transport be guaranteed?”

Mr Farlow questioned how the proposed change in affordable housing requirements, from 20% to 15% would deliver more affordable homes, given the Labor Government had provided no detail or modelling.

“The requirement of 15% affordable housing in order to gain a floor space ratio bonus is less than the 20% trigger that exists at present under the Housing SEPP, while delivering increased floor space ratio and height bonuses,” Mr Farlow said.

“How many additional dwellings will be delivered as a result of this change?” Mr Farlow said.

“At the same time the Labor Government announces higher density for the city, they announce plans to reduce Sydney’s housing supply by removing new greenfield sites. People across Sydney should have choice about where and how they live.”

“Our State needs a properly thought through response, with detailed policies and the impact of change understood – not the quick fix bandaid solutions evidenced by this Labor Government.”