Category: NSW News

Mark Speakman has been elected as the new leader of the NSW Liberal Parliamentary
Party and will lead the Party to the 2027 NSW election.

Mark grew up in Caringbah, in the Cronulla electorate he has represented since 2011 and
where he has lived most of his adult life. He has two children, Kate and Matt, with Caroline.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (first class honours and the university medal) and a Bachelor of
Economics from Sydney University as well as a Master of Law (first class honours) from
Cambridge University. Mark was appointed Senior Counsel after a successful legal career
before entering NSW Parliament.

In the previous Coalition Government, Mark served as Attorney General, Minister for the
Environment and Heritage, and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence. As
AG he led major legal reforms in domestic and sexual violence (including sexual consent law
and coercive control law), improving community safety and modernised defamation law. As
Environment Minister he led NSW’s early adoption of net zero by 2050, as well as container
deposit scheme legislation. He also served as Leader of the House.

“The NSW Liberals have delivered more than a decade of unprecedented economic success
and investment for our state. Our government left NSW with two triple-A credit ratings, low
unemployment and strong economic management that allowed us to support for families,
businesses and the wider community,” Mark said.

“From vouchers that have been helping family budgets, to programs that have helped small
businesses survive repeated economic shocks, to transformation of infrastructure and
frontline services, the Coalition government left NSW stronger and more prosperous than it
was in 2011.

“In challenging times we will continue to work hard for the people of NSW and keep fighting
for the needs of communities from Albury to Port Macquarie, and from Vaucluse to Broken
Hill.

“After 12 years in opposition, Labor have only been able to achieve minority government on
an extraordinarily narrow platform. We intend to operate as a constructive opposition –
offering support where it is warranted, and holding the Government to account where they
fail the community.”

Damian Tudehope and Natalie Ward have been elected as the Leader and Deputy Leader in
the Legislative Council.

Netball NSW is delighted to announce the launch of an interactive Cultural Competency and Reflections E-Learning course entitled C.A.R.E.

The course aims to empower and support the netball community to unite and take action to create positive change for First Nations participants in the game. It will give the NSW netball community a vital toolkit to help create culturally safe and inclusive environments for First Nations peoples who love our game.

C.A.R.E is now free for all netball participants, Clubs and Associations across the State. Importantly, it’s the first course of its kind to be launched by an Australian sporting organisation, and has been designed in close consultation with Netball NSW’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group.

It encourages participants to challenge coaching, officiating, selection and leadership policies and practices within their sphere of influence, given these policies and practices can often exclude or discriminate against Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples. The C.A.R.E package then encourages participants to reflect and advocate for positive alternatives.

Work started on the project in 2018 and Netball NSW General Manager of Performance & Pathways Mardi Aplin said C.A.R.E was the fulfilment of a huge body of work by many stakeholders within the game.

“Education is one of the most important tools to help us build a better future for all, and netball can only fully reach its potential when we provide a safe environment for everyone,” she said.

“The C.A.R.E course is a fantastic achievement, and we are exceptionally proud to be launching a product that provides our netball community with a brilliant resource to ensure ignorance is no longer an excuse when it comes to cultural awareness.  

“The course asks our netball community to put themselves, or their child, in the shoes of the speakers, and to explore their reactions and feelings.

“It is important to acknowledge that to grow, to listen and to learn as a sport, we must be comfortable with being uncomfortable when taking the course. By taking part, our participants are helping to build towards a much better, shared netball experience for everyone.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our RAP Working Group for their wisdom, energy, passion and patience while collaborating with us on this vital education course.”

Alison Tucker-Munro of the NNSW RAP Working Group said the launch of the C.A.R.E course was a very welcome development.

“As Mardi said, education is vital when it comes to Reconciliation, and this online resource is just one step in a bigger journey that our sport must take if we want to work and walk together towards ensuring our sport is genuinely inclusive to all,” she said.

“The course really does highlight the critical role we all play in providing culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal people across NSW. We must strive to be a sport of choice for all Australians, and specifically our First Australians.

“It has taken a very long time to bring this to fruition, but these projects require a lot of time and proper consultation to ensure they can deliver what they are set up to do.
“The Information modules are designed to build knowledge and confidence to enable Associations and Clubs to create culturally safe and inclusive spaces for Aboriginal players, coaches, umpires, selectors and administrators.

“Together, with the help of the netball community we will find a way to stand against racism, because we, and our sport, will all be the better for it.”

To learn more about C.A.R.E, and to take the course, please CLICK HERE

Central to our future prosperity is the growth of a NSW economy that works in the interests of people – not the other way around.

The Liberals and Nationals have sold off over $90 billion worth of public assets but failed to set our economy up for the future. Since they came to office 12 years ago, the number of people in NSW finishing apprenticeships each year has more than halved; the state has lost 42,000 manufacturing jobs; and NSW gross debt has increased by five times to over $128 billion.

And by selling off so many public assets, our budget has lost billions of dollars in dividends that were previously reinvested back into essential services like schools and hospitals.

Labor’s Fresh Start Plan will build a strong economy for the future and provide jobs growth and skills to fulfill the ambitions of the people of NSW.

We’ll halt the privatisation of public assets, back local manufacturing – starting by building the Tangara replacement trains right here, back local businesses with a NSW Jobs First Commission, and address the skills gap through TAFE Manufacturing Centres of Excellence.

Across the state, we’ve heard from families and businesses struggling with rising power bills.

For 12 years, our electricity network has been sold off to the highest bidder without adequate investment in renewable energy. This has left NSW more exposed to the impact of global affairs on energy supply.

The results speak for themselves – record high energy prices, and an energy system on the brink of disaster.

Labor’s Fresh Start Plan will stop any further privatisation of our energy assets. 

We will create the NSW Energy Security Corporation, a state-owned body that will accelerate investment in renewable energy assets to deliver cleaner and more reliable energy and help keep the lights on.

We will legislate NSW’s carbon emissions reduction targets, including net zero by 2050 and a 50% reduction on 2005 carbon emissions levels by 2030. And we will establish a Net Zero Commission to monitor and review our progress, its impacts on jobs and industry, as well as energy prices.

Labor believes everyone should have access to affordable, reliable and sustainable transport – whether that be road, rail, bus, light rail, bike or emerging platforms. 

Our Fresh Start Plan will invest in better public transport – including an end to the privatisation of these essential services.

We will improve the quality of public transport by building our trains, buses, ferries and light rail right here in NSW.

And we will stop selling our motorways to private, for-profit companies, and instead deliver practical toll relief to motorists by introducing a $60 weekly toll cap.

Only Labor will deliver the transport system that NSW deserves.

2

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will immediately deliver on a range of key priorities in the first 100 days of government to support families through uncertain economic times and keep NSW moving forward.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said a re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government would not waste a minute putting its plan for NSW into action.

“My number one priority will be to continue to provide families the support they need, including slashing $250 off every household power bill and cutting the weekly Opal cap by 20 per cent,” Mr Perrottet said.

“I will also charge my team with getting straight to work delivering expanded health services at pharmacies, expanding our First Home Buyer Choice policy, and with setting up the Kids Future Fund accounts.

“We will continue to drive the major infrastructure projects that are transforming our state, including kicking off the first stage of work on the new Western Sydney Metro lines which will connect our city like never before.

“With uncertain economic times ahead, only the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan will keep NSW moving and provide certainty and security to families across the state.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Liberal and Nationals plan would tackle cost of living pressures now and lay the foundations for a brighter future for families and businesses long-term.

“Our plan puts people first, prioritising help with household bills now and rolling out landmark reforms that create opportunities for the future – from help studying for your first career to buying your first home.”

Key Priorities for the first 100 days:

· Open expressions of interest for our NSW Kids Future Fund on Service NSW, and work with TCorp to finalise the design of the account.

· Make the $250 energy bill rebate available for all households that undertake a comparison of their current energy deal.

· Direct Transport for NSW to reduce the Opal cap by 20 per cent, effective 1 May.

· Introduce and pass legislation in Parliament to:

o  Expand the First Home Buyer Choice program, giving eligible homeowners the opportunity to continue paying an annual fee instead of stamp duty for future home purchases.

o  Allow domestic and family violence victim-survivors to have their first home owner status reinstated.

o  Increase community involvement in planning decisions.

o  Legislate the right to one-year of free preschool for all children.

o  Ban offshore mining and exploration in NSW waters.

· Appoint a new Supply Chain Commissioner and hold the first industry roundtable, with a focus on regulatory barriers.

· Roll out a trial in pharmacies across the state for the diagnosis and treatment of UTIs and the renewal of contraceptive pill scripts.

· Make the $1,000 Small Business Fees and Charges rebate available through Service NSW.

· Continue planning works for the construction of new preschools on school sites across NSW.

· Establish the cashless gaming transition taskforce – including industry and harm minimisation experts – to lead the implementation of our plan for cashless gaming.

· Commence the procurement process for the business cases for the four new Sydney Metro lines to ensure Western Sydney has the infrastructure needed for a growing population.

· Commence industry and stakeholder consultation on our ‘reasonable grounds eviction’ policy, standard three and five year lease agreements and design of the rental bond rollover scheme.

· Open applications for the expanded Farm Innovation Fund from July 1 to help farmers invest in innovation and infrastructure to futureproof their operations.

· Go-live of our website reporting on the delivery of election commitments.

Women and girls across Western Sydney will have access to more inclusive football facilities, with the Liberal and Nationals Government committing $10 million to the Western Sydney Wanderers to build a state-of-the-art Community Indoor Centre.

Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres, said this funding by the Perrottet Liberals will not only provide more opportunities for people to play football, but will generate a local sports facility infrastructure boom, creating hundreds of jobs and delivering an economic boost for local community.

Candidate for Badgerys Creek, Tanya Davies, said this is a great win for the local community and another example of the Perrottet Liberal Government investing in and enhancing our sporting facilities.

Liberal candidate for Londonderry, Samantha Talakola, welcomed the announcement saying investments like this in community sport infrastructure are only possible because of the Perrottet Liberal Government’s long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward, and this project will create an incredible football facility here in Western Sydney.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the Wanderers new multipurpose facility for women, powerchair and futsal players, as well as other indoor sports, at Wanderers Football Park in Rooty Hill would open its doors to nearly 100,000 visitors a year.

“The Western Sydney Wanderers have always shown strong ties with their local community and this commitment will help create a modern and diverse sporting facility that will be used for generations to come,” Mr Henskens said.

The Wanderers Community Indoor Centre would support the development of women’s football and provide a new home for the Wanderers Futsal leagues and Wanderers Powerchair, as well as first-class sporting and community hub.

Western Sydney Wanderers Chief Executive Officer Scott Hudson said the football club has a proud history of representing the people of the region and a new indoor centre would be a welcome addition to their Rooty Hill headquarters.

“Western Sydney Wanderers are driven by our local community, and this investment from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will help us to provide a facility that our women and girls, powerchair and futsal programs can call home. It will also allow us to open up our world-class facility to more people in Western Sydney than ever before,” Mr Hudson said.

Since 2017, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has invested more than $2 billion in grassroots sport infrastructure and programs.

Women and girls playing Aussie Rules across the Inner West will have access to more inclusive facilities at St Luke’s Oval in Concord with a re-elected Perrottet Liberal Team committing $500,000 to upgrade amenities at the popular sportsground.

Liberal candidate for Drummoyne Stephanie Di Pasqua welcomed the announcement saying this important funding would ensure St Luke’s Oval meets the needs of locals, sports clubs and visitors.

“Drummoyne has a rich sporting history so it’s vital that we continue to work together on ways to achieve greater access for young girls and women playing sport in the local community,” Ms Di Pasqua said.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said if re-elected the NSW Liberal Team would make St Luke’s Oval a premier destination for Aussie Rules in the Inner West.

“This is about creating a modern and fit-for-purpose facility that removes barriers, and encourages even more women and girls to play the sports they love,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This investment is another example of the work we’re doing to boost grassroots community sport and it’s only possible because of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said since 2017, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has invested more than $2 billion in grassroots sport infrastructure and programs.

“Under Labor, grassroots sport will be starved of investment, and it will be our booming women’s sport sector that will be the hardest hit,” Mr Henskens said.

“Labor have already signaled they’ll cut funding out of community sport, which should be a major concern for all local sporting clubs and organisations.”

Canada Bay Cannons and Drummoyne Power Junior AFL President Milan Serovich said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s funding commitment would make a big difference to footy players across the Inner West.

“Improved facilities for our footy clubs and players at St Luke’s Oval will go a long way in the local community and we look forward to working with all the partners to bring this project to life,” Mr Serovich said.

The sportsground is currently undertaking a surface redevelopment, following a $939,000 investment from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government in 2019.

St Luke’s Oval is home to three local Aussie Rules teams, the Concord Giants, Drummoyne Power and Canada Bay Cannons, as well as Concord Briars Cricket Club and Little Athletics.

No matter where we visit, you have told us that when someone you love is injured or sick, you want them to have the very best healthcare as soon as possible and close to home. 

But right now, our healthcare system is in crisis.

We need more than band-aid solutions. We need a Fresh Start Plan for better healthcare.

Labor will rebuild and retain our health workforce by introducing enforceable minimum Safe Staffing Levels in our public hospitals and hiring an additional 500 paramedics in rural and regional NSW.

We’ll expand hospital capacity and deliver over 600 new hospital beds in Western Sydney, delivering a brand new 300 bed hospital for Rouse Hill, upgrade Canterbury, Fairfield, Mount Druitt and Blacktown Hospitals, and open the new Eurobodalla Hospital at Level 4 capacity – with more announcements to come.

We’ll invest $100 million over five years to boost the funding to Women’s Health Centres and make NSW the first state in Australia where every person experiencing breast cancer can access a free breastcancer nurse.

And that’s just the start. Labor will ensure that everyone in NSW gets world-class healthcare when and where they need it.

A Minns Labor Government will make it easier for renters to have a pet in New South Wales, by introducing a new fairer and more streamlined application process.
 
Currently, a property owner is able to decline a renter’s request for a pet for no specific reason and is under no timeframe to consider a request.
 
Almost two thirds of Australian households have a pet today. At the same time, around one third of New South Wales residents live in rented properties – that is more than 2 million people.
 
Under Labor, rules for renters with pets will be fairer. Renters will be able to complete a simple pet request form, with owners required to make a decision within 21 days. If property owners choose to refuse a request, they will have to provide a reason to the renter.
 
This does not guarantee renters will be able to have a pet, but it will make it easier to apply to have one. If the owner fails to respond, the pet request will automatically be approved.  
 
NSW Labor will also establish a list of prescribed reasons for refusal, similar to those operating in Queensland, to be determined by NSW Labor’s recently announced Rental Commissioner.
 
Refusing to allow pets as a blanket rule restricts a renters’ ability to find appropriate and affordable housing. Renters compete for a limited number of pet friendly properties, making many of them unaffordable or difficult to acquire.
 
A lack of pet-friendly rentals can also be a major barrier for people experiencing and trying to leave domestic violence situations.
 
This can lead to pets being given up to shelters or abandoned – the RSPCA had more than 27,000 animals in its care over Christmas, citing rental restrictions as a key reason behind the influx.
 
This policy will work in tandem with NSW Labor’s already announced rental commitments which will deliver fairer rental rules for renters and owners by providing more certainty as well as flexibility in leasing arrangements.