Category: NSW News

NSW’s growing homelessness crisis can be solved with urgent government action on housing and support, says Homelessness NSW.

CEO Trina Jones said: “The rising cost of living, low wages and a dire shortage of affordable rental homes is fuelling a homelessness crisis across NSW.

“Ensuring that everyone has a safe place to call home should be among the first priorities of any government. The solutions are easy to implement and relatively affordable.   

“The state government must act by urgently building more social housing and better supporting homelessness services which are under pressure with soaring demand from people in need.”

Mission Australia today reports demand for homelessness services is up 26 per cent and a PropTrack analysis shows the plunging proportion of affordable rental housing.

Homelessness NSW is calling on the state government to:

1. Increase net stock of social housing from 4.7% to 10% 
2. Properly fund homelessness services to meet rising demand 
3. Improve coordination on housing across government

Key facts

• 68,500 people were supported by Specialist Homelessness Services in NSW in 2022
• NSW currently builds an average 34,000 residential dwellings per year.
• Approximately 700 – or just 2% are social housing. At the current rate of social housing investment, it will take over 80 years to meet the current demand of the waiting list

The State Library of NSW has just announced the winners of the $350,000 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, with Debra Dank’s debut We Come With This Place taking out a record four of the 14 prizes. 
NSW Premier, The Hon. Chris Minns MP said: “Our Government is pleased to celebrate our most talented writers and I’m thrilled that this year’s awards in particular highlight the incredible achievements of Gudanji/Wakaja woman, author Dr Debra Dank. On behalf of the NSW Government, I congratulate all winners and shortlisted authors of the 2023 Awards whose works inspire, educate and delight readers and writers alike.”
State Librarian John Vallance added: “We’re delighted that our new Government is continuing the long-standing tradition of support for our writers and those who read their work. The best way for us all to judge the strength of this year’s writing is to buy the shortlist and get reading.” 
According to Senior Judge, Jane McCredie: “This year’s awards celebrate the courage, diversity and sheer brilliance of contemporary Australian writing. Our judges assessed a record 856 entries exploring a huge range of styles and subject matter.It’s exciting to see so many debut works recognised this year, and we look forward to hearing more from these writers in the future.” 
The winners are:

Book of the Year ($10,000) 

We Come With This Place by Debra Dank (Echo Publishing) 

Indigenous Writers’ Prize ($30,000)  

We Come With This Place by Debra Dank (Echo Publishing) 

Douglas Stewart Prize for Non-fiction ($40,000)  
We Come With This Place by Debra Dank (Echo Publishing) 

UTS Glenda Adams Award for New Writing ($5,000 — sponsored by UTS) 
We Come With This Place by Debra Dank (Echo Publishing) 

Christina Stead Prize for Fiction ($40,000) 

Women I Know by Katerina Gibson (Scribner an imprint of Simon & Schuster Australia) 

Kenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry ($30,000) 
The Singer and Other Poems by Kim Cheng Boey (Cordite Books) 

Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature ($30,000)  
The First Scientists: Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia’s First Peoples by Corey Tutt and Blak Douglas (Hardie Grant Explore)  

Ethel Turner Prize for Young People’s Literature ($30,000) 
The Upwelling by Lystra Rose (Hachette Australia)  
 

Nick Enright Prize for Playwriting ($30,000) 
Whitefella Yella Tree by Dylan Van Den Berg (Griffin Theatre Company/ Currency Press) 
 

Betty Roland Prize for Scriptwriting ($30,000) 

Blaze by Del Kathryn Barton and Huna Amweero (Causeway Films) 

Multicultural NSW Award ($30,000) 
The Eulogy by Jackie Bailey (Hardie Grant Books) 

 
NSW Premier’s Translation Prize ($30,000 — biennial award) 

People from Bloomington by Budi Darma, translated by Tiffany Tsao (Penguin Classics)  

University of Sydney People’s Choice Award ($5000 — sponsored by University of Sydney)  

Every Version of You by Grace Chan (Affirm Press) 

Special Award ($10,000)

Bankstown Poetry Slam

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has called on Premier Chris Minns to immediately make clear what his proposed public sector wage rise will cost the people of NSW.

“Before the election Mr Minns said that he would negotiate wage deals with each sector individually, meaning the people of NSW were in the dark about the potential cost and impact of his deal to win union support; today we’re still in the dark,” Mr Speakman said.

“Within the first couple of months of the new Labor government, we’re seeing nurses and ambulance workers walk off the job because the Premier hasn’t kept his word. The people of NSW shouldn’t suffer because of the Premier’s broken promise.”

“The Premier needs to come clean and answer the following questions:

1. When will the government remove the wages cap?

2. When will he sit down with the unions to discuss their demands?

3. What is the figure of the pay rise he says is being developed, how much will it cost, and what programs and projects will need to be cut to pay for it?”

“Prior to the election, the Parliamentary Budget Office found that costs would increase by $2.6 billion over three years if public sector wages rose by 1% above the cap. Reports today suggest that unions are demanding a 6.5% increase in the next year, putting major pressure on the Budget.

“We know that removing the cap removes Budget certainty, we know that we’re looking at billions in uncosted additional spending, and we know that the PBO has said Labor’s plans to offset additional costs through productivity gains have proven difficult in practice,” Mr Speakman said.

“This means the people of NSW will continue to face cuts to cost-of-living programs, such as the Active Kids vouchers, and cuts to key infrastructure projects so that Labor can meet the unions’ demands.”

“We have a government that is completely silent on this unfolding crisis with a Premier who can’t tell us his government’s priorities, all while the health and wellbeing of the people of NSW are put at risk. It’s time for the Premier to honour his word and sort this mess out,” Mr Speakman concluded.

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Scott Farlow, has called on the Minns Labor Government to work with the community on planning and housing matters.

“So far we’ve seen the Labor Government tell communities to ‘get out of the way’, and a reluctance to stand up to Canberra, meaning vital infrastructure projects necessary for growing communities are under threat from Labor cuts,” Mr Farlow said.

“New South Wales needs to build more homes, but we need to ensure we bring communities with us on this journey, providing the necessary health, education and transport infrastructure while preserving public space and local amenity.”

“Minister Jackson said she is ‘very motivated to just push through’ with medium and high-density developments, which shows Labor aren’t prepared to hear the views and concerns of residents in communities right across NSW.”

“Labor’s plans to drop more development into Sydney, without addressing congestion, green space and other infrastructure needs, while ignoring genuine concerns and abandoning community consultation, is just wrong.”

Mr Farlow stressed the importance of infrastructure planning, service delivery and maintaining and enhancing public spaces as priorities in any new push to address housing supply.

“The Premier has ordered his ministers to urgently find vacant blocks of public land to rezone for housing. Given comment from his Housing Minister, telling communities to ‘get out of the way’, the government needs to be upfront with what land they’re targeting, and have a plan to address legitimate community concerns such as access to transport and services,” Mr Farlow said.

“It’s hard to plan for a growing city when you have a government hell bent on cancelling vital infrastructure projects, like the Sydney Metro.”

As households across NSW struggle under higher energy prices and increased cost of living pressures, Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change James Griffin says it’s clear that Labor don’t understand the issues impacting communities.

“In Parliament this week, I asked Labor two very simple questions, on behalf of families, seniors and households across our state,” Mr Griffin said:

1) “Federal budget papers confirm that the average household’s energy bill will increase by $380 next financial year. The New South Wales Coalition proposed $250 energy bill relief for every household in New South Wales. How many New South Wales households will be hit by this price increase because of your Government’s decision to limit energy bill relief?”

2) “Following up from your inability to answer the question yesterday. What will be the average increase in electricity bills in the next financial year, for families who will not be eligible for the limited bill relief provided by NSW and Federal Labor Governments, given they will not receive the $250 off energy bills for all families announced by the NSW Coalition?”

“Labor couldn’t answer either question, taking the first question on notice, and not knowing that the average household’s energy bill will increase by $380.”

“If Labor can’t tell us how many households will be hit by the rise in power bills, how can anyone expect them to reduce the cost of living for the residents of NSW?”

Before the election Labor admitted it would take seven years for their energy policies to lower power bills. In contrast the Coalition committed to providing $250 energy relief for every household in the state.

“Households and businesses can’t wait seven years. People rightly expect their government to be taking action now. This is yet another demonstration that Labor don’t understand the cost of living pressures across our community, that they aren’t across the detail, and that they’re not up to scratch,” Mr Griffin concluded.

To support the work of the shadow cabinet, NSW Liberal Leader Mark Speakman and NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders today announced shadow assistant ministers (sitting outside the shadow cabinet).

“The people of NSW expect us as an opposition to be constructive, to represent their interests and to hold the government to account. Today’s announcement builds on the shadow ministerial team and strengthens our commitment to the areas of policy vital to the success of our state,” Mr Speakman said.

“We are committed to fighting for the needs and concerns of the people of NSW, and our shadow assistant ministers will play an important role in engaging with communities across our state, hearing concerns and ideas, and developing practical solutions that benefit households and businesses.”

Mr Saunders said that the Labor Government has already dropped the ball by failing to detail its policies or explain how it will pay for anything.

“From addressing increasing cost of living pressures, to ensuring investment in infrastructure in our cities and regions, this government is already out of puff and ideas.”

“We will spend every day focused on the needs of people across this state, and our experience and record of delivery will put us in good stead to present a strong alternative government at the 2027 election,” Mr Saunders concluded.

Coalition Shadow Assistant Ministers Tanya Davies MP	Shadow Assistant Minister for Jobs and Small Business
Wes Fang MLC	Shadow Assistant Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Susan Carter MLC	Shadow Assistant Attorney General Shadow Assistant Special Minister of State Shadow Assistant Minister for Corrections
Mark Hodges MP	Shadow Assistant Minister for Western Sydney
Dave Layzell MP	Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional NSW Shadow Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Natural Resources
Rory Amon MP	Shadow Assistant Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Shadow Assistant Minister for Housing Shadow Assistant Minister for Youth
Tanya Thompson MP	Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health Shadow Assistant Minister for Trade Shadow Assistant Minister for Seniors
Matt Cross MP	Shadow Assistant Minister for Transport and Roads Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure
Jordan Lane MP	Shadow Assistant Minister for Multiculturalism Shadow Assistant Minister for Health

Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and Shadow Sport Minister Eleni Petinos today launched a campaign to Save Active Kids, inviting people to visit www.saveactivekids.com.au to show their support.

Active Kids has been a very popular and successful measure implemented by the Coalition Government, giving kids, who may have otherwise missed out, an opportunity to participate in sport and helping with their physical and mental health. This great program is now under threat due to Labor cuts.

“The Labor Government needs to come clean. It needs to tell kids and parents why it’s looking to cancel vouchers and increase cost-of-living pressures on them at the worst possible time,” Mr Speakman said.

“At the 2019 election NSW Labor was upfront about its plans to cancel Active Kids, but it said nothing at this election,” said Mr Speakman. “If it was planning to scrap the program, it should have been honest with NSW families.

“We want to see this program continue for NSW families, helping to take the pressure of family budgets and helping our kids get active.”

At the start of this year more than 4.85 million vouchers had been redeemed, saving families $481 million.

Shadow Sport Minister Eleni Petinos said that the program not only helps to reduce the pressure on household budgets, but also encourages healthy and active lifestyles for our children.

“The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states that 70% of children fail to meet physical activity guidelines. This can lead to poorer academic outcomes and increased childhood obesity rates,” Ms Petinos said.

“Chris Minns must come clean and tell us if he’s cutting these important vouchers. The Coalition will fight every day for families, sporting clubs and small businesses to ensure that these and other important cost-of-living relief aren’t cut at a time when families can least afford it.”

NSW Liberal Leader Mark Speakman and NSW Nationals Leader Paul Toole today announced the first tranche of shadow ministry appointments:

• Mark Speakman as Opposition Leader and Leader of the Liberals
• Paul Toole as Shadow Minister for Police, Shadow Minister for Regional NSW and Leader of the NSW Nationals
• Bronnie Taylor as Shadow Minister for Regional Health, Shadow Minister for Trade, Shadow Minister for Seniors and Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals
• Damien Tudehope as Shadow Treasurer and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council
• Sarah Mitchell as Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning, Shadow Minister for Western NSW and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council
• Natalie Ward as Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads
• Alister Henskens as Shadow Attorney General and Manager of Opposition Business in the Legislative Assembly
• Matt Kean as Shadow Minister for Health

Mr Speakman said appointments in these key portfolios demonstrate the Coalition’s commitment to holding the Labor government to account and fighting for the interests of the people of NSW.

“We will continue to fight for NSW families and businesses, to ensure they have the economic settings and support to succeed and prosper, and weather the current cost-of-living challenges,” Mr Speakman said. “We will make sure that the Labor Government is held to account and doesn’t compromise our economic security to satisfy the demands of union bosses.”

NSW Nationals Leader Paul Toole said the Coalition will utilise our experience in government, our strong record of economic management and investment in infrastructure as well as service delivery, to ensure that NSW remains strong and prosperous.

“Our shadow ministers have the experience to deliver the ideas for a strong economy and job creation and support world-class health, education and transport.” 

The NSW Liberals are calling on the Labor Government to come clean with NSW families.

Liberal Leader Mark Speakman said the Government should tell kids and parents why it’s looking to cancel vouchers and increase cost-of-living pressures on them at the worst possible time.

“At the previous election NSW Labor was upfront about its plans to cancel Active Kids, but they said nothing at this election,” said Mr Speakman. “If they were planning to scrap the program, they should have been honest with NSW families.”

Active Kids has been a very popular and successful measure implemented by the Coalition Government, giving kids who may have otherwise missed out an opportunity to participate in sport and helping with their physical and mental health.

At the start of this year more than 4.85 million vouchers had been redeemed, saving families $481 million.

“We want to see this program continue for NSW families, helping to take the pressure of family budgets and helping our kids get active.

“While kids in other states get to enjoy similar programs, it seems that in order to pay for the demands of union bosses the NSW Government will make families and businesses foot the bill.”

Following the withdrawal of The Capital Spirit from the Premier League Competition for Season 2023, Netball NSW (NNSW) confirms that it will seek expressions of interest from potential licensees to join the competition for Season 2024 and beyond.

Subject to the right licensee being identified, NNSW’s current position is that a 10-team competition is the optimal competition structure when considering NNSW’s 2023 to 2025 Strategic Plan. Accordingly, it is intended that the organisation will add one licensee to the competition.

“Premier League is the pinnacle netball competition in NSW, showcasing the best current and emerging talent within NSW,” Netball NSW Competitions Manager Claire Dale said.

“It offers a local, pre-elite performance environment for players, coaches, officials, and administrators, providing bridging opportunities into the Australian Netball Championships (ANC) and subsequently, Suncorp Super Netball.

“In addition to creating a sustainable competition, the NNSW Premier League aims to enhance the profile of the game across the State through increased media and promotional opportunities. 

“NNSW is committed to enhancing the reputation of netball in the community and increasing the engagement of fans and current and future participants.

“In providing an initial notice, we are hoping this encourages potential licensees to think about partnerships, community connection and future growth opportunities prior to our request for EOI.”

Premier League is contested across two divisions – Opens and Under 23s – with currently nine teams in each division facing off in the competition. 

NNSW’s strategic objectives aim to create a seamless pathway for developing players, coaches, officials, and administrators throughout NSW, with a focus on increasing the depth and quality at the elite level of the game in NSW.

To ensure the purpose and pathway linkages between Metro League, Premier League and State/National Programs are clearly articulated and designed for player growth and retention, NNSW is seeking expressions of interest from parties who share the organisation’s strategic objectives and are committed to contributing to the development of the netball community across the ecosystem.

Expression of Interest Process

Prior to opening the expression of interest (EOI) process, NNSW is providing the opportunity for parties who may have an interest in being a part of the competition, to engage in conversation to assist it in determining their suitability to submit an application during the EOI process. 

To read more about this please CLICK HERE