Category: NSW News

Liberal Candidate for Holsworthy, Tina Ayyad, welcomes the Perrottet Liberal Government’s announcement today that tens of thousands of kids across the state will have access to free preschool sooner, with a re-elected NSW Liberal Government to accelerate the rollout of its $5.8 billion one-year free pre-Kindergarten program.

The commitment will bring forward $1 billion to commence construction on the first of the new preschools in the second half of this year, with the first 500 on public school sites to be completed within four years.

By 2030, every single child in NSW will have access to a full year of free, play-based learning in the year before school.

A re-elected Perrottet Liberal Government will also legislate the right to one-year free pre-Kindergarten in the next term of government.

“Free pre-Kindergarten is a landmark reform for families and education across Holsworthy.” Ms Ayyad said.

“This is a game changer for working parents and businesses, but most importantly for our kids getting a head start in their social and educational interactions.

“The commitment to our kids and families in Holsworhty with the construction of a new pre-school connected to Hammondville Public School, is a true reflection of the Perrottet Liberal Government’s focus on empowering local communities.”

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this would kick-start learning for tens of thousands of kids across the state, setting them up for future success.

“NSW is leading the nation with our pre-Kindergarten program, which will give every single child access to free, high-quality learning in the year before they start school,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We know there is significant demand for childcare and preschool services across NSW, with many families facing long waitlists or long commutes to the nearest facility.

“That is why we will accelerate the program and get shovels in the ground this year to deliver the first 500 new preschools within four years, making it easier for working parents and getting our kids learning sooner.

“The benefits of this are huge. Not only are we giving our kids a head start in life by kick-starting their early learning, we’re giving more time back to busy parents.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said universal pre-Kindergarten will help grow the economy by setting ours kids up for lifelong financial success. 

“Because of our universal pre-kindergarten policy, thousands more children are expected to go to preschool, adding $123,000 on average to their lifetime earnings,” Mr Kean said.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said that she was pleased to be able to unveil the first 500 schools that will have purpose-built infrastructure for universal pre-Kindergarten.

“Universal pre-Kindergarten will require 100,000 places for our youngest learners, and we will deliver 50,000 in the next four years on public school sites alone,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Our experience and capacity to deliver quality school infrastructure means we’ve been able to identify and assess initial sites faster than anticipated.

“Cementing universal pre-Kindergarten as a new part of the education journey for children in NSW will be the first thing on the legislative agenda for a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

“Under a Liberals and Nationals Government families have certainty. Labor’s commitment of 150 ‘new or upgraded’ preschools creates less than 6,000 places – a drop in the ocean compared to the 100,000 our universal pre-Kindergarten plans will deliver. Chris Minns will leave young families with less.”

The NSW Liberal Government is investing more than $15.9 billion in early childhood to deliver a brighter future for every child in NSW.  

This includes the introduction of universal pre-Kindergarten, the Brighter Beginnings initiatives, a workforce package for early childhood educators and the Affordable Preschool fee relief.    

One of the state’s most important public parklands is set for a $56 million makeover thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s WestInvest program, making it one of the best places to walk or ride a bike and soak up Parramatta’s history.  

Treasurer Matt Kean said the funding would future-proof the World Heritage-listed Parramatta Park as a crucial public space for the growing Western Sydney community.

“Parramatta Park is an 87-hectare green oasis on the doorstep of the Parramatta CBD and Westmead Health Precinct and it must be able to cater for the growing number of families flocking to the area,” Mr Kean said.

“We’re building two new pedestrian and cycling bridges over the area known as Little Coogee, making it easier than ever to walk or ride between the park and the Parramatta CBD, Commbank Stadium and Westmead Health Precinct.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said funding would go towards reconfiguring the way people move around the park.

“We can now realise our vision for the People’s Loop, a 3.2 kilometre path for walkers, runners and bike riders, while creating new access points and parking bays for families who need to drive to the park,” Mr Stokes said. 

“We’ll also restore the original vision for the town of Parramatta, reinstating the historic connection between Old Government House and the Parramatta River, with an uninterrupted walk through the old gatehouse along George Street.”

Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said Parramatta’s heritage would be further celebrated with the restoration of Wistaria Gardens and Glengarriff House.

“Parramatta Park is a heritage gem and I’m delighted to see that these two important pieces of Parramatta’s history will be restored to their former glory,” Mr Lee said.

Liberal candidate for Parramatta Katie Mullens said this investment would mean the park can accommodate the community for generations to come.

“The park welcomes two million visitors every year and that’s expected to grow 65 per cent by the year 2036, which is why this funding is so crucial to ensuring everyone can continue to enjoy it,” Ms Mullens said.

The project will be delivered by Greater Sydney Parklands over the next five years in consultation with the community.

Liberal candidate for Leppington, Therese Fedeli, has welcomed the announcement that a re-elected NSW Liberal Government will deliver a new high school for the growing suburbs across Sydney’s South West, as part of its record investment in public education infrastructure.

“This a terrific announcement for families in the south west,” Ms Fedeli said.

“The Liberal Team knows how to manage the state’s finances and that means significant investments like a new high school for this community are able to be made, and will be delivered.

“The Perrottet Government has a long term financial plan for the future to keep NSW moving forward.”

The new school will be located within the South West Growth Area and service suburbs such as Austral, Leppington, Denham Court, Gregory Hills and Gledswood Hills.

Site options in the area are being considered as part of the project’s early planning phase, alongside analysis of community needs.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the site for the new high school needs to be carefully considered so that it supports all future students in the community.

“We are looking at all options to determine where this new high school will be located, and how it can best serve the entire local community,” Ms Mitchell said.

“We know there is strong community interest for a new high school here, and we want to ensure the correct site is chosen to allow us to deliver a project that supports the best for all local students.

“This investment adds to an already historic school building program, with new schools in Gregory Hills and Edmondson Park opened this year, planning for a new high school in Edmondson Park underway as well as upgrades for Austral Public School and Leppington Public School announced in the 2022-23 NSW Budget.”

The NSW Liberal Government will work with the community through the planning phase and provide further updates as they become available.

This commitment comes with confirmation the new selective high school for South

West Sydney will be built in Leppington on land adjacent to the train station.

“After careful consideration, with a particular focus on of transport links, a site owned by government near the train station has been identified as the most suitable location for the new selective high school,” Ms Mitchell said.

“This allows us to progress to the next stage of the project as we look to offer aspirational families in South West Sydney access to a world-class selective high school.”

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure.

The state’s Indian communities will once again be supported to hold cultural celebrations and festivals by a re-elected Perrottet Liberal Government.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said in its next term of government, the NSW Liberals and Nationals will invest $900,000 over four years to help Indian communities celebrate major events and festivals across the state.

“We believe in helping our state’s diverse communities be proud of who they are, and one of the ways we do that is by helping them celebrate their culture with everyone,” Mr Perrottet said.

Over the past four years, the NSW Liberals and Nationals invested $900,000 into Indian community groups and organisations to host events and festivals throughout the state.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the Perrottet Liberal Government is proud to invest further funding for our Indian community in NSW to run festivals and events such as for major cultural celebrations like Holi and Diwali.

“Over the past four years we have seen so many incredible events, which showcase the colour and vibrancy of the Indian community. We want to see more of that continue, and that is why we are committing to providing $225,000 a year for four years to help Indian communities host these wonderful events,” Mr Coure said.”

Liberal candidate for Londonderry, Samantha Talakola, said the Indian community has been making an important contribution to our state for generations.

“As someone who migrated from India to Sydney because of the great opportunities and the wonderful and welcoming local community, I know how important it is to come together and celebrate our new home and our traditions,” Ms Talakola said.

Liberal candidate for Parramatta, Katie Mullens, said the Indian community has grown to become an integral part of the state’s multicultural society.

“The Indian communities are a true reflection of our state’s multicultural society—each community brings its own diversity and vibrancy that adds to the rich mosaic of cultures we have in the Parramatta electorate and the entirety of NSW. I am so pleased a re-elected Perrottet Liberal Government will continue to help these communities showcase their diversity to everyone,” Ms Mullens said.

Liberal candidate for Riverstone, Mohit Kumar, added that Indian events are some of the brightest and most inviting.

“Indian communities are incredibly inviting to all those who want to learn and immerse themselves in Indian culture, and one way they do that is through events. The more we support communities to celebrate their diversity, the more we can help build harmony across our communities,” Mr Kumar said.

Parents will have more choice when it comes to cost of living support thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Active Kids and Creative Kids voucher swap initiative.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said families would be able to use the two vouchers interchangeably from Term 2, letting kids do more of what they love.

“Our Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers have been incredibly popular with parents across the state, with almost 7 million vouchers already downloaded and redeemed saving families $694 million,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We want to give our kids the opportunity to do more of the things they love the most, which is why we’re making our voucher program more flexible to better suit each family’s needs.

“Only a Liberal and Nationals Government can take pressure off family budgets thanks to our long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the change would allow families to lean in to the activities their kids loved.

“Whether it’s playing netball, footy or the violin, we want kids to be able to extract the most out of every day. Helping families with costs like these means they can focus on seeing their kids grow and kick goals, no matter what they love doing,” Mr Toole said.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said families across the State could use the digital voucher in just a few clicks through the Service NSW app.

“Under a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government, parents will be able to switch an unused Active Kids voucher for a Creative Kids voucher, or vice versa,” Mr Dominello said.

“This is all part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s commitment to supporting families with more than 70 waysto save across the Savings Finder program.”

The voucher swap program will commence from the start of Term 2 (26 April) and only apply to:

· $100 Active Kids voucher for sport and recreation costs including school holiday programs.

· $100 Creative Kids voucher for arts and cultural activities costs including school holiday classes and workshops.

Families can download their child’s vouchers via the Service NSW app or website and by calling 13 77 88.

For further information, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/concessions-rebates-and-assistance/vouchers

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will inject $1.2 billion in critical health infrastructure to build and upgrade 20 hospitals and health facilities, providing a major boost to communities right across state.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this investment would improve the quality of healthcare facilities delivered across the state.

“Since 2011, the Liberal and Nationals have delivered more than 180 health infrastructure projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This major $1.2 billion investment will see a further 20 hospitals and health facilities built or upgraded right across the state, future-proofing our health system and ensuring our communities continue to have access to world-class healthcare.

“As part of this investment, $260 million will be allocated for stage two of the Concord Hospital redevelopment, which is already transforming patient care in Sydney’s inner west following the completion of stage one earlier last year.

“These critical investments in health infrastructure are only possible thanks to the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government had driven the biggest investment in regional hospitals and health services in the State’s history to deliver better care closer to home.

“With these new projects in the pipeline, we are on track to have built or upgraded more than 150 hospitals and health services in the regions by 2027 including in some of our most remote communities like Wentworth and Buronga,” Mr Toole said.

“At the last election, Labor threw everything at blocking the new $723.3 million Tweed Valley Hospital, the single largest hospital project ever seen in regional NSW. The Liberal and Nationals knew it is what the community needed and look where we are now – on track for it to be treating patients later this year. Labor can’t be trusted when it comes to regional health.”

Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said only a re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government can guarantee that regional health projects are delivered.

“While Labor plan on dumping the Regional Health portfolio, the NSW Liberal and Nationals in Government are focused on improving health outcomes for our regional, rural and remote communities,” Mrs Taylor said.

“It is only the NSW Liberal and Nationals that are committed to future-proofing health care in the bush – that is our track record. We will continue to ensure our rural and regional communities have the health facilities they need and deserve.

“We are also investing in our workforce, with regional communities reaping the rewards of our $883 million incentive scheme. Thousands of health workers have taken up the package and they will be the ones working in our new hospitals and health facilities that are being delivered by this government.”

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said since 2011, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has more than tripled Labor’s previous annual health infrastructure spend.

“These world class facilities are only as good as the people who work there, which is why last year we also announced the largest workforce boost in the nation’s history of 10,148 staff for our metropolitan and rural/regional hospitals,” Mr Hazzard said.

“The physical surroundings in which you spend your working life can be an important source of job satisfaction, productivity and wellbeing but especially so for health staff.

“Building new health facilities plays a big part in helping to attract and retain health workers and ensuring better health outcomes for patients.

“Unlike Labor, every hospital and health facility that our Government has promised to build, has been delivered or is in progress and planning.”

The $1.2 billion investment includes $260 million to deliver stage two of the Concord Hospital redevelopment, and $243 million for two new integrated health hubs recently announced for south west Sydney, which will help ease pressures on local hospitals by providing many of the same services closer to home.

It also includes $114 million announced for the Manning Base Hospital redevelopment, $66 million for a major upgrade of the Warren Multipurpose Service and $7.5 million for improved health services at Milton-Ulladulla Hospital.

Raising awareness about menopause, more opportunities for regional and rural women, and promoting careers for young women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are among the issues being tackled this NSW Women’s Week.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said this year’s theme is #CrackingTheCode, with the focus on promoting gender equality and celebrating the social, cultural and political achievements of women.

“The 2023 NSW Women’s Week is an important celebration of women from every corner of NSW. So many incredible women and girls call NSW home, and this week we are putting their achievements in the spotlight,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Driving forward gender equality is pivotal for the future of NSW and we are leading the country with the delivery of the biggest blueprint in the state’s history to level the playing field for women, investing $16.5 billion over 10 years to empower women’s economic opportunities and child development.”

The 2023 NSW Women’s Week is set to be the biggest ever, with events including a Menopause Mixer, One to Watch Awards, Engineering Your Future Summit, and a networking event for women from regional and rural NSW.

Mrs Taylor said women from all ages and walks of life will be celebrated in the schedule of events.

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to supporting women through every lifestage – from the introduction of a universal pre-Kindergarten year, free menstrual hygiene products in every NSW public school, making it easier and more affordable to have IVF, helping women enter and re-enter the workforce, supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs, to raising awareness about menopause – we are here with you,” Mrs Taylor said.

“We know that women thrive, everyone thrives.”

NSW Women’s Week runs from Monday, 6 March to Sunday, 12 March. International Women’s Day is on 8 March and the NSW Women of the Year Awards is on 9 March.

45 organisations across NSW have received $200,000 in funding from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to host events during NSW Women’s Week.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to supporting women’s economic opportunities, health and wellbeing, and participation and empowerment.

For more information about events in your area this NSW Women’s Week, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/womens-week

A re-elected Perrottet Liberal Government will invest $5 million to assist the growing Maronite community in Parramatta by supporting the continued refurbishment and upgrade of the Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral precinct.

The NSW Government had previously invested $7 million into the community’s Aged Care & Wellness Centre, and in the next term of government, an additional $5 million will go towards completing current projects along with a new precinct forecourt.

The Maronite College will also receive an additional $100,000 from a re-elected Perrottet Government for the installation of solar panels, to help reduce the school’s energy bills and make it more environmentally sustainable.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said this investment would help the tens of thousands of Maronite community members visiting the area.

“These facilities are a critical community hub, and our investment will help the Parish accommodate the growing Maronite community,” Mr Perrottet said.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the Maronite community has always contributed to the state since the 1800s to make it a great place to live.

“Whether it be through charities, community organisations or volunteering, the Maronite community is a remarkable representation of our multicultural and multi-faith society, and this is our investing back,” Mr Coure said.

NSW Liberal Candidate for Parramatta Katie Mullens said this is a big win for the local Maronite community.

“Only the Perrottet Liberal Government has a plan and vision to help support our growing communities,” Ms Mullens said. “Our strong economic management allows us to invest in community facilities and services for our community, with the experience and leadership needed to make sure they are delivered.”

“The Maronites have played a huge part in Parramatta’s history and development. This investment will help realise our vision for this important community precinct.”

The Maronite Eparch, His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, welcomed the announcement and added, “Funding will help us to continue serving the Maronite community in Harris Park and surrounds, and will enable us to meet the needs of our growing community.”

Scientific researchers and organisations will soon be able to apply for $7 million to support projects that aim to replace the use of animals in experimentation and to rehome animals who have been used in medical research.

Competitive grants will be available through two new programs:

· Replacing Animals in Medical Research Grants – $4.5 million to support science-based research that replaces or significantly reduces the use of animals in experimentation; and

· Rehoming Animals who have been used in Medical Research Grants Program – $2.5 million for charitable or rescue organisations who are rehoming animals who have been used in medical experimentation.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the grants build on the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s record funding for scientific research, innovation and technological development.

“NSW is already leading the nation in this space, but we want to continue to grow our economy and be a world leader when it comes to research and development,” Mr Henskens said.

“We want to back our cutting-edge researchers to develop their ideas and translate their work into real-world solutions that help grow our economy in line with the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan.

“This work builds on our record investment which is already delivering the world’s first RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility at Macquarie Park and driving an unprecedented level of R&D in universities and research institutions across NSW.”

Action to make schools in NSW a safer space for all students and staff will be at the heart of a landmark 10-year partnership between a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government and the State’s religious communities.

Following concerns of antisemitic and faith-based bullying in schools, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will bring the Department of Education, Multicultural NSW and the Religious Communities Advisory Council together to create a unified approach to continue stamping out racism, religious intolerance and discrimination against students and teachers.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said a proposed Memorandum of Understanding would reflect and formalise the constructive and open relationship the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has had with faith communities over many years.

“Our faith communities play a vital role in NSW, including in our school system and so it is fantastic we have been able to make a commitment to this partnership to continue our collaborative work on such important issues,” Ms Mitchell said.

“No students or staff should face discrimination or bullying, including based on their faith. The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government remains focussed on addressing this issue, as well as reaffirming our commitment to special religious education and special education in ethics in NSW public schools.”

Activities and initiatives as part of the partnership between the Department of Education and Religious Communities Advisory Council would include:

· Consultation as part of the Curriculum Reform process and development of curriculum resources to support teaching and learning of the new syllabuses, including best-practice teaching of the Holocaust in all NSW schools

· Accredited professional development to support teachers and school staff to promote student wellbeing when managing religious discrimination

· Cooperation with the Student and Experience Directorate Complaints team to build trust and facilitate better reporting of religious vilification and bullying

· Ensuring that every public school has a trained Anti-Racism Contact Officer, and is provided with additional training and resources to combat religious discrimination including antisemitism and religious bullying.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the school environment is integral to fostering peace and respect between young people so those values are carried into their adult years. 

“School is a formative time for young people, and we want to ensure that students are guided to understand the impacts of racism, hatred and religious intolerance,” Mr Coure said. 

“By highlighting the dangers of hate and promoting harmony, we can foster a new generation of leaders that can help steer NSW towards becoming an even more successful multicultural and multi-faith society.”