Category: NSW News

The Minns government has today bolstered its plan to support businesses in NSW with the launch of the Service NSW Business Bureau, a leading initiative dedicated to breaking down the barriers to make doing business easier.

The Service NSW Business Bureau will give small business owners a seat at the table with a commitment to tackling unproductive red tape, helping businesses navigate government and boosting growth opportunities.

The Service NSW Business Bureau will make it even easier for businesses to connect with specialised support, with a major upgrade to the Service NSW Business Bureau App. The app will provide businesses with support and a new range of features, including:

• Tracking and saving licences associated to their business and employees in one place
• Booking expert advisors based on their unique business needs
• Viewing voucher payment summaries, transaction reports and bank details.

All with just a few taps.

No matter the stage of their business journey, the Service NSW Business Bureau connects businesses with free, personalised support to understand and access government programs to grow their business, alongside digital tools to manage transactions and licences.

From guidance on government regulations, processes and programs, to one-on-one advice on topics such as business planning, marketing and cash flow, the Service NSW Business Bureau will connect businesses with the support they need.

The NSW Government has begun working on the development of a Charter for Small Business, which will provide a framework for engaging with and supporting small businesses.

The Service NSW Business Bureau will be responsible for oversight of the Charter for Small Business, as well as the provision of advice and recommendations on further actions to support small businesses.

There are more than 840,000 small businesses in NSW which make up 98% of all NSW businesses. NSW small businesses employ 1.8 million people in the private sector, which is around 45% of the state’s private sector workforce.

For more information about the Service NSW Business Bureau, visit the Service NSWlaunch website.

Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:

“I’m passionate about small business. I’ve lived it my whole life and understand how important it is to work with business owners to find solutions which make being in business easier.

“The Service NSW Business Bureau will boost support for small business owners with customised advice, no matter where they are on their business journey.

“Service NSW Business Bureau is there for every small business, there is no wrong door and we will work together to tackle unproductive red tape, break down barriers and build a stronger future.

“Whether it’s getting a business idea off the ground, growth opportunities or support in times of need, the Business Bureau is there for small businesses every step of the way.”

Minister for Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“I know how busy life can get and how precious our time is, which is why Service NSW has developed this enhanced business app to make it easier than ever to access the advice, information and support every small business owner needs, to help them spend more time focused on their business.

“The new Service NSW Business Bureau App brings together support and services that were previously, only available through our website, such as tracking and saving licences and connecting with our Business Concierge team, making the app as nimble and versatile as your small business.

“To have a Service NSW Business Concierge available on your phone and on the go via the business app will be a game changer for small business owners across the state, as well as the people who work for them.”

Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter said: 

“Business NSW members across the state say dealing with paperwork is often the most time-consuming, unproductive and difficult part of running a business.

“We see the Service NSW Business Bureau as a way to decipher paperwork and ultimately let mum and dad business owners get on with what they do best – growing their business.

“We welcome the government’s approach to navigating red tape and its commitment to reduce it. It’s everyone’s business to ensure small businesses can go big.

“Providing business support for both winning government tenders and exporting will also play a key role in growing small businesses. What’s good for business is good for NSW.”

The NSW Government has adopted an amendment to the Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan, which authorises aerial shooting as an approved method of reducing the number of wild horses in the park. The change is essential to protecting the park’s threatened native wildlife and ecosystems.

The amendment allows the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to use aerial shooting in addition to existing control methods – such as ground shooting, and trapping and rehoming – to reach the legally required wild horse population target of 3000 by mid-2027.

The proposal to amend the plan was put on exhibition for community input and attracted 11,002 submissions. Advice from the Wild Horse Community Advisory Panel and National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council was also considered.

Of the submissions that commented on aerial shooting, 82% expressed support for the control method being included in the plan.

Following careful consideration of submissions, Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe has determined the amendment is necessary to help save endangered and vulnerable species and their habitat, protect soil and waterways and conserve cultural heritage.

The minister noted the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee Report, which found effective control of wild horses could be the difference between survival and extinction for up to a dozen threatened species found only in the Australian Alps.

As part of the decision, the NSW Government is releasing a summary of submissions. The Review of Environmental Factors and a carcass management plan will be finalised and released. The 2023 population survey undertaken in October will be peer-reviewed and made publicly available.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will undertake a short, preliminary program that will refine the standard operating procedure for aerial shooting in Kosciuszko National Park. The preliminary program has been developed with input from an independent wildlife veterinarian and RSPCA NSW, which will observe and evaluate.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service staff are highly trained and undergo rigorous testing to be approved to carry out aerial shooting on a range of invasive species, including deer and pigs.

Read the summary of representations at the Department of Environment and Planninglaunch website.

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“There are simply too many wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park. Threatened native species are in danger of extinction and the entire ecosystem is under threat. We must take action.

“I want to make sure our National Parks staff have all the options they need to reach the population target and protect this precious alpine environment.

“This was not an easy decision. No one wants to have to kill wild horses. I have carefully considered all the options, and I thank everyone who took the time to make a submission.

“Aerial shooting, when carried out by highly trained personnel in accordance with rigorous standards, delivers the best possible animal welfare outcomes.

“I know this decision will upset some members of the community. I empathise with those who feel distressed that we must undertake control programs. My commitment is that I will always be open and honest with the community about these matters, without risking safety to visitors and staff.”

Further information

The need to reduce wild horse numbers

In 2018, the NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee determined habitat degradation and loss by feral horses as a key threatening process, identifying more than 30 adversely affected NSW and Commonwealth-listed threatened species and communities.

These include the critically endangered southern and northern corroboree frogs, the endangered Alpine she-oak skink, the vulnerable broad-toothed rat, the critically endangered blue-tongued greenhood, and the critically endangered fish stocky galaxias. Soil, waterways and limestone caves are also under threat.

The wild horse population

The November 2022 survey of wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park showed an estimated population of 18,814, with a 95% confidence interval of 14,501 to 23,535 wild horses.

The 2023 population survey conducted during October will be peer-reviewed and results will be made publicly available as soon as possible.

Submissions

The proposed amendment to the plan was shared with the community for input, and 11,002 submissions were made by individuals and organisations between 8 August and 11 September 2023.

Eighty-seven per cent of all submissions commented on aerial shooting. Of these, 82% expressed support for aerial shooting being included in the plan. The most frequently raised reasons in support of aerial shooting were:

• inadequacy of existing control methods
• acceptability of animal welfare outcomes
• accuracy of population estimates
• safety of aerial shooting.

For those opposed to aerial shooting, the most common points raised were related to concerns around animal welfare and the accuracy of wild horse population counts.

Authorised control methods for future management of wild horses under the plan

• mustering or passive trapping, followed by rehoming
• mustering or passive trapping, followed by transporting to a knackery or abattoir
• ground shooting
• shooting or euthanising in trap yards
• aerial shooting (additional method now added).

Preliminary aerial shooting program

There will be a preliminary program using aerial shooting as a control method. It has been developed in consultation with an independent wildlife veterinarian and RSPCA NSW.

After the preliminary program and with full consideration of independent animal welfare advice a standard operating procedure will be finalised. It will be followed in any future wild horse aerial shooting programs and remain under ongoing review.

Managing safety

Relevant areas of Kosciuszko National Park will be closed when aerial shooting occurs.

The safety of the community and staff is and will always be primary considerations for any shooting operations.

NPWS will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to threats against its staff.

Managing carcasses

A carcass management plan is being prepared taking account of issues raised by stakeholders and an environmental assessment, and in consultation with the Environment Protection Authority. The plan will be subject to ongoing refinement, as required.

Carcasses will not be left in or close to major waterways or within 400 metres of busy visitor areas such as campgrounds. Carcasses will be moved if necessary to meet the requirements of the carcass management plan.

Protecting the heritage value of wild horses

The plan requires 3000 wild horses to be retained in 32% of the park to protect their heritage value. The proposed amendment to the plan does not change this requirement. Horse riding will continue in Kosciuszko National Park.

The Opal gates are installed and train testing is underway as Waterloo Station prepares to open its doors to passengers next year.

Waterloo is one of eight stations that make up the transformative Sydney Metro City & Southwest line that spans from Chatswood in the north, before heading under the harbour, through Sydney’s CBD and onto Sydenham.

Work at Waterloo, one of the six brand new stations is 95% complete.

The station’s four lifts and seven escalators are commissioned and ready to move passengers between street level and the platforms which sit 25m below ground. The last of the station signs are being fitted to ensure easy navigation for commuters at the brand-new, fully accessible station.

The focus for the 100 workers on site each day will now turn to completing the main station entrance on the corner of Cope and Raglan Streets.

6,000 people an hour are expected to pass through Waterloo Station during morning peak when it opens to the public. It will take pressure off Redfern and Green Square stations and provide fast, safe and reliable journeys to Central in 2 minutes, Barangaroo in 8 minutes and to North Sydney in 11 minutes.

More information about Waterloo Stationlaunch

Jo Haylen, NSW Transport Minister said: 

“World-class metro services will start at Waterloo Station next year making this growing pocket of Sydney more connected than ever before.”

“A metro service every four minutes at Waterloo Station will significantly reduce traffic on our inner-city roads and alleviate pressure at nearby Redfern and Green Square stations.”

“Progress at Waterloo Station is well-advanced, and it is exciting to see what journeys will look like for passengers when transformative metro services start through the city.”

The Riverina’s welding and metal fabrication sector has received a boost with the completion of the $500,000 upgrades to training facilities at TAFE NSW Griffith.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the investment comes amid strong demand for qualified metal fabricators and welders in the region, with several major infrastructure projects – including the $250 million Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment.

“Skilled engineers play a critical role in building the future of communities like Griffith, and it’s great to see TAFE NSW creating a pipeline of homegrown welders and metal fabricators,” Mr Whan said.

“The investment in these engineering facilities, which includes new welders and a hydraulic press, will ensure graduates continue to have the job-ready skills and experience to support local industry, the economy, and the community.

“Additionally, communities like Griffith will be the beneficiaries of the recently signed landmark National Skills Agreement between the Commonwealth and NSW Government.

“The five-year agreement places TAFE NSW at the heart of the vocational education and training sector, providing up to $3.81 billion in funding for NSW to help expand access to skills training in communities across New South Wales, including the Riverina.

TAFE NSW Griffith Head Teacher of Metal Fabrication and Welding Franc Prestia said Griffith’s manufacturing sector supported around 3000 jobs, while TAFE NSW engineering graduates were also highly sought after in the local agriculture and food processing industries.

“We are in constant contact with local industry to ensure we meet their training needs,” Mr Prestia said.

“TAFE NSW Griffith has seen solid growth in engineering apprentice numbers in recent years, and the upgrade to our workshop will ensure we continue delivering the job-ready skills employers expect and deserve.”

The NSW Government has today announced the appointment of Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon as the new State Librarian.

Dr Butler-Bowdon, a published author in architectural and urban history, brings with her over 20 years of leadership experience in large public institutions. Her career ranges from the museum and heritage space to most recently the activations in our streets, centres and open spaces.

Dr Butler-Bowdon has a consistent track record of supporting creative communities, building partnerships across government.

Dr Butler-Bowdon is currently Acting Deputy Secretary, Cities and Active Transport at Transport for NSW and has previously held leadership roles at the Historic Houses Trust of NSW, overseeing programs and initiatives for some of Australia’s most important museums and institutions including Hyde Park Barracks, Museum of Sydney, Rose Seidler House and Vaucluse House.

Dr Butler-Bowdon will take over from Dr John Vallance, who is retiring after six years at the helm of the State Library of NSW as State Librarian, and a distinguished career in the arts and academia.

The State Library of NSW is the oldest library in Australia, with more than six million items in its collection, and receives almost a million readers and visitors every year.

Dr Butler-Bowdon will commence in the role on Wednesday 15 November 2023.

Dr Butler-Bowdon’s appointment means five of the six leaders of the state’s cultural institutions will be led by women.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“I want to thank Dr John Vallance for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind.

“The State Library of NSW is one of our most beloved institutions and I’m thrilled to have Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon bring her profound expertise and demonstrated excellence in cultural, creative and place leadership to this important institution.

“Caroline Butler-Bowdon has a passionate commitment to cultural leadership for the widest audience. I look forward to seeing the State Library of NSW continue to flourish under her drive to engage and inspire communities in the joys and power of ideas and culture.

“The State Library has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, with accessibility improvements and a new multi-purpose space, making it a more inclusive place for people to enjoy the collections.

“I look forward to working with Dr Butler-Bowdon in making the State Library an even more welcoming and diverse institution for readers and visitors to experience.”

Library Council President, The Honourable George Souris AM said:

“I want to thank Dr John Vallance for his leadership over the past six years – he brought a wealth of knowledge to the role through his many years in the arts and academia, and the State Library is a better place for his service.

“We welcome Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon to the role of State Librarian – she will be an incredible asset to the team and has an unbridled passion for our cultural institutions.”

Incoming NSW State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon said:

“Libraries, like parks, are at the very bedrock of the best democracies, global cities and states.

“I look forward to playing a part in the future of this wonderfully storied institution, championing the work of its loyal and creative staff, its globally significant collections, and its state-wide reach.

“The State Library of NSW is an important cornerstone in our community. Its location, its position, its deep and rich collections, its global reach coupled with its statewide brief fill me with genuine excitement.

“One of the keys to success will be balancing the focus on the physical library with the opportunities to work in western Sydney, and of course regionally through the Public Libraries network.

“Together we will ensure that every citizen has access to this great library and its public network across NSW, as places of experience, learning, research, connection and community.”

The Minns Labor government has halved the state’s overdue planned surgery list, according to the Surgical Care Taskforce interim report.

On his first full day in the job, Minister for Health Ryan Park announced the formation of the Surgical Care Taskforce to reduce the number of planned surgeries waiting longer than clinically recommended.

Between March and September 2023, this number was slashed from 14,067 to 7010.

One of the ways the taskforce was able to achieve this was by expanding the category of some procedures eligible for same day surgery when clinically appropriate, and by increasing the capacity for NSW Health to undertake surgeries.

The taskforce identified common (or high volume) procedures typically undertaken with a 1-night stay and has identified surgery types that can be increasingly conducted as same-day procedures.

The taskforce’s next steps will focus on building capacity in the NSW public health system to ensure a sustainable surgical service into the future.

The initiative will reduce wait times as well as demand for overnight beds.

The taskforce has brought together some of the state’s leading clinical experts, working in both the public and private health sectors.

Members include surgeons, anaesthetists, nursing and allied health clinicians from regional and metropolitan locations as well as Local Health District, Specialty Health Network, Ministry of Health and NSW Health Pillar organisation executives.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“I’m so proud of the work and progress made by the taskforce in halving the planned surgery wait list.

“I see the thousands of patients in our community waiting for life changing surgery, often in pain and discomfort.

“We have brought together some of the state’s leading clinicians to find and embrace innovative solutions, to improve the delivery of health care, and ultimately improve health outcomes for the people of this state.

“I thank NSW Health staff for their tremendous efforts throughout this period of high planned surgery activity across NSW, as these results are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and determination to get access to care for our patients.

“I also thank the private hospital partners who have played a very important role in achieving this outcome.”

Clinical Dean Western Sydney University and Taskforce Co-Chair Professor Neil Merrett said:

“Focusing on improving same-day models of care delivers faster access to care and reduces pressure for overnight beds in public hospitals.

“These combined strategies will mean patients get access to surgery sooner using internationally recognised best practice.

“More patients will be able to safely go home sooner and be provided with appropriate support where required.

“These models increase convenience for patients while also delivering the same or improved clinical outcomes.”

On World Teachers’ Day, the Minns Labor Government is celebrating NSW teachers for their tireless support of the state’s students and their contribution to our communities.

Today, schools and communities will take time to say thank you to the state’s 170,000 teachers who educate students across Government, Catholic and Independent schools.

It can also be a day to reflect on how to support teachers, whether it is getting involved in your local school community, or providing a personal “thank you” to a special teacher for the extra work they put in.

The effect of quality teaching extends well beyond the classroom, shaping the minds and lives of students long after they complete school.  

Education is at the heart of the NSW Government’s agenda, and the Minns Labor Government has made significant progress working to restore respect to this vital profession.

This includes scrapping the unfair wages cap, giving public school teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation, and delivering on our election commitment to offer 10,000 temporary teachers permanent positions.

This work is crucial after teachers were treated with contempt for 12 years by the Liberals and Nationals, who denied the state was in the grips of a teacher shortage crisis, refusing to properly invest in our children’s educational futures.

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is encouraging school communities to share kind messages on its NSW Teaching Gems Map, where many messages have already shown the high regard in which the state’s teachers are held.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said:

“Today we can all take a moment to value our passionate and hardworking teachers.

“Teaching is one of those rare professions where you have the opportunity to transform young lives.

“It’s that commitment to enriching young minds that makes teaching both a vocation and a profession, and World Teachers’ Day is the perfect opportunity to let teachers know how grateful we are.”

This week NSW teachers are enjoying more money in their bank accounts, as the state’s educators see the benefits of a historic pay rise delivered to teachers by the Minns Labor Government.

Last month, the Minns Labor Government secured a deal with the Teachers Federation giving a once-in-a-generation pay rise to all of NSW’s 95,000 teachers.

The agreement, endorsed by the Teachers Federation Council, saw teachers’ starting salaries increase from $75,791 to $85,000, and salaries for top-of-the-scale teachers go from $113,042 to $122,100.

This agreement benefits every teacher in NSW, and the new establishment of a 7-step scale ensures all educators are progressing more rapidly through the system, seeing ongoing recognition for their hard work educating the state’s students. 

Striking this pay deal was a key election promise of the Minns Labor Government, and is vital to restoring respect to the teaching profession and, crucially, key to attracting more teachers to the profession.

The pay rise took effect from the first pay period after 9 October, and increased salaries from this pay period will be paid into those accounts from this week.

Recently, the NSW Government reached a key target of converting 16,000 temporary teaching and school-based support staff roles from temporary to permanent positions, with more to come.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Pay is a mark of respect and I am thrilled that this week teachers have woken up to an increased pay packet landing in their bank accounts.

“This pay rise was desperately needed and I am proud the Minns Labor government was able to deliver this major achievement within our first months in office.

“Striking this deal was vitally important, so our hardworking teachers can see they are respected by their government, and being paid adequately for the hard work they are doing to educate the state’s students.”

Fitch Ratings has affirmed NSW’s triple-A credit rating with a stable outlook, becoming the second global agency this week to acknowledge the Minns government’s 2023–2024 Budget approach to stabilising the state’s finances.

It follows the decision by Moody’s on 24 October to reaffirm its triple-A credit rating, reflecting the Minns government’s strong financial management and the state’s diversified economy.

The state’s fiscal position had weakened in recent years, exacerbated by the former government’s reckless $27 billion spend in the 9 months leading up to the last election and their legacy of a $7 billion black hole of unfunded programs.

Since taking office, and through the September budget, the Minns government has begun the work of budget repair, including through the Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER). 

The CER identified $13 billion in budget improvements. These funds are being reinvested into unfunded programs and essential services to help keep the state’s overall expenses at a manageable level.

As a result, the 2023–2024 NSW Budget projects a surplus of $844 million in 2024–2025. 

The government has also begun the work to reduce the impact of the Debt Retirement Fund and the Transport Assets Holding Entity on the state’s balance sheet. Gross debt is projected to be $173.4 billion by June 2026, which is $14.8 billion below the 2023 Pre-election Budget Update. 

Net debt is now projected to peak at 12.6% of gross state product by June 2027, around 1.4 percentage points lower than at the 2023 Pre-election Budget Update.

Fitch Ratings noted its view that the strength of the NSW economy, coupled with disciplined financial management, will enable the state to withstand further global economic pressures.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“NSW is one of two states in Australia with triple-A credit ratings and Fitch has reaffirmed this position, highlighting the successful plan the government set out in the 2023–2024 Budget.

“The state’s credit ratings were under significant threat but the September budget began the repair work of reducing debt and rebuilding our essential services.

“This task continues as we work towards the 2024–2025 Budget.”

NSW Grandparents Day on 29 October is a great opportunity to celebrate the nonnas and the poppas, grans, nans and grandpas around the state.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said no matter what names we give our grandparents, they all make a tremendous contribution to family life.

“Grandparents play a special role in many NSW families, supporting busy mums and dads with the family juggle, teaching valuable life lessons to their grandchildren and keeping families connected,” Minister Harrison said.

“We should ensure we are celebrating grandparents every day of the year, but Grandparents Day is a particularly great time to acknowledge their past, present and future contribution to their families and communities.

“Others in our families or communities may sometimes also play the role of grandparents in our lives and they too should be celebrated on this day.”

This year, with funding provided by the NSW Government, the NSW Public Libraries Association has invited libraries across the state to host events to mark Grandparents Day.

“There are many activities on offer this weekend in libraries across the state, or you could simply curl up with a good book together,” Minister Harrison added.

“Grandparents hold a unique place in our families so I encourage families to take this opportunity to spend some quality time with your older loved one this Grandparents Day.”

For ideas on ways to celebrate and which local library is hosting events for Grandparents Day, visit the NSW Grandparents Day webpage.