Category: NSW News

The NSW Government’s vision to transform Sydney’s west with a world-class metro network is coming to life with planning approval received to build all nine new vibrant station precincts as part of the Sydney Metro West mega project.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the new transport-orientated hubs would reinvigorate communities at station locations in Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock, The Bays, Pyrmont and Hunter Street in the Sydney CBD.

“Sydney Metro is a once-in-a-century project and the station precincts planned for Sydney’s west will become destinations, and landmarks in their own right, linking together one of the fastest-growing regions in this city,” Mr Elliott said.

“All nine new metro stations will become thriving hubs with fast and reliable metro transport at their heart, they will connect communities and slash travel times in Western Sydney like never before.

“We’re talking about 20 minute metro journeys from Parramatta to Hunter Street in Sydney’s CBD, eight minute metro trips from Five Dock to Hunter Street – travel times you couldn’t match in a car, not even without traffic.” 

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said plans for all nine stations for the 23 kilometre Sydney Metro West line were on public display last year, with stakeholder feedback helping to refine plans for how these station and precincts would look, feel and operate.  

“Each station will integrate with current and future planned transport, including Sydney Trains, buses, light rail and ferries,” Mr Roberts said.

“These precincts will bring communities to life with planned new green spaces and meeting areas to bring people together, opportunities for local business and new commercial centres delivering an economic boost for the area.”    

Additionally, planning approval has also been received for rail infrastructure, the essential elements needed to bring Sydney Metro online and operational in 2030, including a stabling and maintenance facility at Clyde, set to become the powerhouse behind the fully automated Sydney Metro West.

Construction for Sydney Metro West stations, their precincts and rail infrastructure is planned to commence from 2025. 

Further planning assessments are underway for over and adjacent station development at Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, Pyrmont and Hunter Street.  

Construction started on Sydney Metro West in 2020, with the project on track to be completed by 2030. In 2030, Sydney will have a network of four metro lines, 46 stations and 113 kilometres of new metro rail. 

The Perrottet Government’s $25 million Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program will help make local sporting facilities more inclusive.

Liberal candidate for Coogee, Dr Kylie von Muenster, said it is vitally important that local sporting facilities accommodate girls and women that want to participate in sport.

“Playing sport is a very important part of our community’s social fabric, and a lack of female change rooms and amenities and adequate lighting can serve as a serious barrier to participation,” Dr von Muenster said. “This great program will improve our sporting facilities to cater for the growing number of women’s and girls’ sporting teams.”

Liberal candidate for Vaucluse, Kellie Sloane, said the Government had committed more than $1 billion since 2017 to deliver new and upgraded community sporting facilities.

“The Perrottet Government recognises the importance of good local sporting infrastructure in keeping our communities healthy and active,” said Ms Sloane. “By ensuring that local fields and courts have facilities and changing rooms that are welcoming for female players, this program will help boost female participation, in turn helping to build up their health and confidence.”

Liberal candidate for Sydney, Phyllisse Stanton, said that Trumper Oval will be getting more than three hundred thousand dollars for a complete renewal of changerooms, toilets, showers and coaching areas.

“This funding will improve the Oval’s accessibility and safety for female and disabled members and community users,” Ms Stanton said. “From gender equitable showers and toilet areas to privacy screens at the changeroom entrances, Trumper Oval will become an even better home for local Aussie Rules.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said major events including the recent FIBA Women’s World Cup and upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup are creating enormous excitement and inspiring the next generation of female sporting stars.

“Whether it’s on the court, field or track, we continue to be inspired by our homegrown talent like Ellyse Perry, Lauren Jackson and Madison de Rozario, who are captivating the nation with their extraordinary athleticism and passion,” Mr Henskens said.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government’s investment in community sport infrastructure is improving facilities for women and girls, and boosting female participation in sport, in line with our Her Sport Her Way strategy.”

NSW Liberal candidates have jointly called on the Albanese Labor Government to oppose the extension of PEP-11 offshore mining and ensure that the project is stopped.

The NSW Government has been steadfastly opposed to PEP-11, and had taken a clear stand against offshore coal and petroleum exploration and mining due to its many potential negative impacts.

Premier Dominic Perrottet has written to, and had a discussion with the Prime Minister, reaffirming the NSW Government’s opposition to the extension of PEP-11.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government opposed the extension of PEP-11 in 2022, and although a decision has yet to be made by the Federal Court of Australia, I reaffirm our opposition as we have done over a number of years. The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will always stand up for the best interests of our communities.”

Liberal Member for Manly, James Griffin MP, called on the Albanese Labor Government to show their conviction and back the Perrottet Government.

“I have loudly opposed PEP-11 for many years as the Member for Manly, and on behalf of my community, I wholeheartedly support the Premier’s letter to the Prime Minister,” Mr Griffin said. “It’s clear that coastal communities like ours will not stand for offshore drilling in NSW.”

Liberal Member for North Shore, Felicity Wilson MP, has been unceasingly championing her community’s opposition to the project.

“We have steadfastly opposed PEP-11 for years, and I stand beside my community in defence of our marine ecosystems and our coast. We will not be giving up this this fight to protect our local communities and environment.”

Liberal Candidate for Pittwater, Rory Amon, said the Northern Beaches community have made it clear that PEP-11 should not go ahead.

“We are clear that this project does not have community support, and the Premier’s resolute stand shows how he’s always had our community’s back,” said Mr Amon. “PEP-11 was issued and renewed under a Labor Government, while the Liberals fought it every step of the way and have stood up against exploration in our coastal waters.

Liberal Candidate for Wakehurst, Toby Williams, said the community is united behind Dominic Perrottet’s stand.

“I’m so glad the Premier is working hard to stop this application, supporting us to preserve our beautiful coastal communities. Our community doesn’t want this to go ahead, and the Premier is backing us all the way.”

The Liberal and Nationals Government today announced a record investment of $40.6 million in funding to improve the welfare of animals across the State.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the major funding boost will provide greater outcomes for animal rehoming organisations and crack down on animal abusers who violate the Governments strict animal cruelty laws.

“The past few years have shown just how important companion animals are to the wellbeing of families and households across the State,” Mr Perrottet said.

“These programs will increase capacity of those organisations that support rehoming and animal welfare to ensure more companion animals are given a safe and secure place to call home.”

The funding includes:

·           $20.5 million for the RSPCA NSW to expand enforcement of animal cruelty laws

·           $5.5 million Animal Welfare League to expand enforcement of animal cruelty laws

·           $12 million to support the construction of new facilities for companion animal rehoming at the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home at Kurnell

·           $1.5 million to the Cat Protection Society to deliver cat desexing programs

·           $750,000 for Lucy’s Project, an organisation which improves access to support for people with animals experiencing domestic and family violence

·           $350,000 to Greyhound Rescue to support the rehoming of greyhounds

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the funding package follows a review of animal rehoming practices, focused on actions to reduce unnecessary euthanasia and to increase the rehoming of companion animals.

“This record investment by the Liberals and Nationals will ensure that unclaimed or abandoned cats and dogs can be quickly adopted by new families and into their forever home,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“This Government has made major investments in shelters across the State to fast-track upgrades and worked closely with metropolitan, rural and regional councils to better understand rehoming practices.

“We’ve also introduced free lifetime pet registration for people who adopt a rescue dog or cat from shelters or pounds, another cost-saving incentive to adopt your next family pet.”

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders welcomed the funding boost for animal welfare enforcement.

“It’s important that RSPCA NSW and the Animal Welfare League have the resources they need to continue to do their important work to stamp out animal cruelty in NSW,” Mr Saunders said.

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals have a strong track record when it comes to animal welfare in NSW, following the implementation of some of the most severe penalties for animal welfare in the country.”

RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said the enforcement capacity boost accelerates the organisation’s plans centred around the Inspectorate to achieve its mission of reducing animal cruelty.

“This funding unlocks growth in our enforcement agency so we can continue prosecuting those who cause harm, while implementing prevention programs that reduce animal cruelty across the state.” Mr Coleman said.

General Manager of the Sydney Dogs & Cats Home Melissa Penn said this capital funding will help build a new shelter in Kurnell to address Sydney’s surge of unwanted pets now and into the future.  Having been at risk of closure, this permanent facility secures the future of Sydney Dogs & Cats Home.

“After almost 80 years of service, Sydney Dogs & Cats Home has been an essential service supporting over 1.1 million Sydneysiders. We have the experience and expertise and with a permanent facility securing our future, we can scale up and help even more lost, abandoned and unwanted pets,” Ms Penn said.

“Thank you, Minister Tuckerman, for funding 60% of our new purpose-built shelter in Kurnell and supporting us to continue our essential community service. This is a critical first step to not only helping us save thousands of animals every year, but to growing our community programs and support, creating a lifeline to both the animals we care for and those in the community who need it most.”

Member for Cronulla Mark Speakman said the future of the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home was secure thanks to the Liberals and Nationals in Government.

“My family adopted our beautiful Golden Retriever Lucy from the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home in 2018, and she has brought my family so much love and joy. I’m proud to be part of a Government which is ensuring this organisation can continue to do their amazing work and bring the same joy to future families and pets.” Mr Speakman said.

Multicultural groups will receive an extra $2 million in funding as part of a record investment by the Liberal and Nationals Government to address domestic and sexual violence.

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the funding will ensure faith based and community response services can assist more people than ever before.

“Domestic violence does not discriminate and every victim survivor should be able to receive the help they need regardless of their background,” Mrs Ward said.

“We know there are victim-survivors in diverse communities who are reluctant to seek mainstream support because of their visa status, the absence of a trusted social network in Australia or language and cultural barriers.

“These grants will increase the capacity of our response services across NSW and provide more targeted support for victim survivors in diverse communities.”

Eligible faith and multicultural community based applicants can apply for a one-off grant from a minimum of $20,000 up to $150,000.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said that in a culturally diverse society like NSW, everyone must have the means to respond and be safe from domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is not unique or isolated to any one community, which is why we all must rally together to bring an end to it,” Mr Coure said.

“We know that no two communities are the same, and that is why we are providing the investment to grassroots groups and organisations that know their communities best to deliver meaningful outcomes.

“This is about empowering local groups to respond to domestic and family violence in their communities in a way that is inclusive, culturally respectful, and accessible.”

The Government is investing record funding of over $700 million in initiatives to support Women’s Safety including:

• $426.6 million to expand the Core and Cluster initiative, to deliver and operate new women’s refuges that will support up to an additional 2,900 women and children escaping domestic and family violence each year. This is the largest funding commitment ever made to the domestic violence sector;
• Landmark laws to criminalise coercive control in intimate partner relationships
• Nation-leading affirmative consent laws, which commenced on 1 June 2022.
• Facilitating the immediate termination of a tenancy to escape violence;
• The ‘Right To Ask’ scheme where people can find out if their partner has a history of domestic violence offences;
• $20 million over two years for up to 200 additional electronic monitoring devices;
• Providing 24/7 support via the NSW Domestic Violence Line to help victims find a safe place to stay, or transport for them and their children; connecting them to police, courts, lawyers and counsellors; and help with a safety plan;

If re-elected, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has also committed to:

• Reviewing all NSW sentences for domestic violence related offences;
• Funding a specialist Domestic and Family Violence List across three local courts and funding a surge of five additional magistrates to ensure cases are heard earlier in the next term of Government.
• Waiving the Rentstart Bond Loan eligibility criteria for people leaving domestic violence;
• Providing access to First Homer Buyer Choice and First Home Buyer Assistance schemes to victim survivors;

Grant applications will open on 13 February and close on 27 March.

Funds will be released in June 2023 following the grant assessment and approval process and must be expended by 30 June 2024.

Further information is available here – https://www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/service-providers/grants/domestic-family-sexual-violence-multicultural-community-grant.html

The NSW Government has appointed a new specialist careers adviser who has been tasked with showing the employment opportunities available to the state’s multi-lingual young people and boosting its interpreting and translating ranks.

A first-of-its-kind in Australia, the new adviser will work with students fluent in another language across high schools, community language schools, and universities to show them the opportunities to work as interpreters and translators.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said this new role will be a big win for multi-lingual young people and the NSW Government’s language services. 

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to supporting our multicultural state. But, to do that, we need to increase our interpreting ranks, especially with people that speak languages from new and emerging communities that weren’t prevalent five or ten years ago,” Mr Coure said. 

“Through this new adviser, we will be able to strengthen our language services while also connecting young people with opportunities that are available simply for being fluent in another language, whether as a professional interpreter or as a means to earn money while undertaking further study.” 

Identified students will have the opportunity to secure a partial or full interpreting and translating scholarship, where those who complete the program can access employment, mentoring and professional development opportunities with Multicultural NSW. 

“With more and more people speaking a language other than English at home and people needing help accessing services or information, we should be empowering those that can speak a second or third language with these opportunities,” Mr Coure said. 

“Thanks to an $8 million investment into the NSW Government’s language services, we will provide 450 scholarships a year to people wanting to become interpreters and translators. 

“While this will give opportunities to people to find employment using their language skills, it will also mean we have more people to call on to help make sure our services and information are accessible to everyone.”

Chief Executive of SydWest Multicultural Services Elfa Moraitakis hailed the new initiative as a great investment into the state’s multicultural future. 

“Speaking a second language myself and being very passionate about language and culture, I am very pleased to see the level of investment that has been made into increasing the opportunities for young people to use these skills as a profession,” Ms Moraitakis said. 

“Recognising the importance of speaking another language will give our youth a sense of pride and belonging. It is a skill that is not easily obtained, and it is great to see that it is appreciated and valued.”

Over the past four years, the NSW Government has provided more than 400 Scholarships to budding interpreters covering more than 55 different languages. 

In December, the NSW Government announced that HSC language students who achieved a Band 6 score in targeted extension languages would also be eligible for scholarships to become interpreters or translators.

To find out more about the NSW Government’s language services and Interpreting Scholarship Program, visit www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au. 

Women and girls across NSW will have access to more inclusive sporting facilities, thanks to the NSW Government’s $25 million Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said 94 community sport facilities are set to be transformed, delivering female-friendly change rooms, amenities and lighting upgrades, which is one of the biggest barriers that prevent women and girls from playing sport.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government recognises the critical role local sport infrastructure plays in keeping our communities healthy and active,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Community sport is where it all begins, and by investing in our local communities to help boost female participation, we will ensure any young girl or woman who wants to shoot a hoop, score a try or kick a goal, can do so in a supportive environment.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said since 2017 the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has committed more than $1 billion to deliver new and upgraded community sport facilities.

“Women’s sport is booming in NSW and this program will deliver the facilities women and girls need and deserve,” Mr Kean said. 

“This groundbreaking program will level the playing field by improving facilities that for decades have been predominately used by men, but now cater for a growing number of women’s and girls’ sporting teams.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said major events including the recent FIBA Women’s World Cup and upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup are creating enormous excitement and inspiring the next generation of female sporting stars.

“Whether it’s on the court, field or track, we continue to be inspired by our homegrown talent like Ellyse Perry, Lauren Jackson, and Madison de Rozario who are captivating the nation with their extraordinary athleticism and passion,” Mr Henskens said.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government’s investment in community sport infrastructure is improving facilities for women and girls, and boosting female participation in sport, in line with our Her Sport Her Way strategy.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said we know that when women and girls feel comfortable, they are more likely to stick with their chosen sport.

“Some of the biggest barriers faced by women and girls are the lack of female change rooms and amenities,” Mrs Taylor said.

“I am so thrilled that more than 90 projects will be funded through this program, with more than half of those in our regional communities. This means more women and girls in the bush will have equal opportunity to play their favourite sport.”

More information about the program and the list of successful recipients is available online. 

Residents from across Baulkham Hills, Carlingford, Northmead, West Pennant Hills, and surrounding suburbs will soon have access to a new state-of-the-art Service NSW Centre in North Rocks Shopping Centre when it opens in mid-2023.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the new Service Centre would be located at Shop 50-56, North Rocks Shopping Centre, 328-336 North Rocks Road, North Rocks and will offer more than 1000 NSW Government transactions, including up to 180 driving tests per week.

“The North Rocks Service Centre will make it easier for customers to access important NSW Government services and transactions, including vehicle registration, Working with Children Checks, Seniors Card applications, trades licences, driver licences and driver testing,” Mr Dominello said.

“North Rocks will add to our driver testing capacity across the Hills and Parramatta region, making it more convenient for learner drivers and others needing to book in for their practical examination.

“Customers will also be able to sit computer-based driving examinations such as the Driver Knowledge and Hazard Perception tests at this location.”

Mr Dominello said the new Service Centre would be open six days a week and would offer enhanced digital offerings and a concierge service to assist and guide customers as they step through the doors.

“Customers are busy people and they don’t need to spend hours waiting in line. This is a one-stop-shop where customers can come in and complete their transactions faster and more conveniently,” he said.

“There will also be a Savings Specialist on hand to help customers apply from more than 70 government savings and rebates, with customers across the State saving on average about $750 per appointment with the Savings Finder program.”

North Rocks will become the 116th Service Centre opened across the State since 2013 and eighth new Metro Service Centres to open in Sydney since 2019, with another two due to open in 2023.

In addition to the recent metropolitan Sydney expansion, 24 new Service Centres were opened across regional and remote NSW as part of a $20 million expansion of the network between 2017 and 2019.

New state-of-the-art sporting facilities, walking and cycling tracks to connect communities and a range of arts and environmental projects will be funded through the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $5 billion WestInvest program.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Treasurer Matt Kean today announced more than $268.9 million for councils and community groups in the Blue Mountains and Penrith to deliver 30 transformational infrastructure projects.

The announcement takes the total projects funded through the $1.6 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round to 51 with further successful projects to be announced in the coming weeks.

The 30 projects announced in the Blue Mountains and Penrith today include:

· $106.7 million for the Penrith City Council to deliver a huge new indoor multi-sports arena in Claremont Meadows.

· $40 million for The Salvation Army (NSW) Property Trust to deliver the Greater West Sydney Oasis – a collaborative community arts and cultural hub in St Marys.

· $24.4 million for the Blue Mountains City Council for four active transport projects that provide missing links to encourage more people to walk and cycle around the beautiful world heritage-listed asset:

o    $14 million to deliver 24km of active transport links, improving connections between 27 towns and villages in the Blue Mountains.

o    $5.6 million to add 1.9km between Kiah and Echo Point to the Great Blue Mountains Trail providing the missing link from Leura Station to Scenic World and the Katoomba Golf Course Precinct.

o    $2.6 million for a new 3.8km off-road shared path link along Singles Ridge Road, Yellow Rock, between Vendetta Road and Yellow Rock Road in Winmalee.

o    $2.2 million to add 2km to the Great Blue Mountains Trail on Cliff Drive between Narrow Neck Road and Acacia Street in Katoomba.

· $9.1 million for We Help Ourselves (WHOS) to deliver the West Multi Function Alcohol and other Drug Centre in St Marys.

· $8.2 million for Penrith City Council to deliver the City Park Urban Retreat project for a new 7000sqm green heart in the city centre featuring gardens, water features, public art and natural shade for people to relax, play and be active. 

· $5 million for the Penrith City Council to upgrade the Penrith nursery to help green the city and protect threatened ecological communities including the Cumberland Plain Woodland.

· $815,827 for The Eleanor Dark Foundation to help deliver an architect-designed cultural hub for workshops, literary events and writing groups in the Blue Mountains.

· $427,500 for the Mulgoa Valley Landcare Group Inc to support the Mulgoa Creek Connecting Community with Healthy Habitats project to restore local biodiversity and habitat with a special focus on protecting the platypus.  

Mr Perrottet said the exciting new projects will secure a brighter future for local communities.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government created WestInvest to deliver local infrastructure that will improve livability in Western Sydney and that is exactly what we are doing,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We are making a huge array of projects in the Blue Mountains and Penrith a reality, helping to deliver the playgrounds, cultural centres, sporting fields and facilities the people of Western Sydney deserve.”

Mr Kean said many of the projects funded in the Blue Mountains focus on better connecting the much loved and world-renowned area.

“The Blue Mountains is one of our most treasured natural attractions and these projects will ensure more locals and visitors can explore and enjoy its beauty,” Mr Kean said. 

“The four active transport projects will connect towns and villages and encourage more people to walk and cycle around this spectacular area.” 

Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the projects announced today provide a huge boost to sporting organisations.

“The new state-of-the-art indoor sports arena in Claremont Meadows will deliver eight new multi-sports courts to accommodate just about every kind of indoor sport you can imagine,” Mr Ayres said.

“This project will provide a cool, all-weather facility to support netball, basketball, volleyball, futsal, squash, roller skating and so much more. This arena will encourage young people to take up and excel in new sports, supporting a healthy lifestyle.”

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the $427,500 for the Mulgoa Valley Landcare Group Inc will ensure they can continue to undertake critical work in restoring the riparian corridor of Mulgoa Creek, with a special focus on protecting the platypus.

“The Mulgoa Valley Landcare Group has been rehabilitating a 10km stretch of Mulgoa Creek for more than 27 years,” Mrs Davies said.

“This WestInvest funding will help them to continue their incredible work to restore biodiversity and habitat within the Mulgoa Valley by delivering interpretive signage to educate and engage community along the riparian corridor of Mulgoa.”

More than 680 applicants submitted a WestInvest application to the value of more than $7.9 billion. The successful projects were announced after a comprehensive assessment process outlined in the WestInvest Community Project Grant Guidelines. All unsuccessful applicants will be offered a 1:1 feedback session.

A full list of projects announced today can be found at www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest

A nation-leading program that reduces the trauma of court processes for children who are victims of sexual abuse will be expanded across the state, providing greater support to more young people.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Attorney General Mark Speakman today announced the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $64.3 million over four years to expand the Child Sexual Offences Evidence Program (CSOEP) to every District Court and Police District in NSW.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this important program reduced the difficulties and stress endured by our most vulnerable victims as they navigate the justice system.

“Child sexual abuse is one of the most heinous crimes and those children who have already endured the unimaginable should not have to suffer further at the hands of a justice system designed for adults,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Under this program, young people are able to pre-record their evidence and are provided with intermediaries to assist them during police interviews and hearings, as well as supports to spare them the trauma of facing their alleged attacker in court.

“Our Government led the nation when we piloted this program and now we want to make sure that every child – no matter where they live in our state – can access this support.”

Attorney General Mark Speakman said the program will further strengthen the state’s criminal justice response to child sexual abuse.

“Re-traumatising a complainant does not advance justice,” Mr Speakman said.

“We need to do all we can to ensure that children and young people who have been sexually abused are supported through the court experience, so they can begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

“The NSW Government was nation-leading in piloting the CSOEP, nation-leading in making it a permanent program and is now nation-leading in extending it state-wide.”

The CSOEP commenced in 2016 as a pilot in two court locations – the Sydney (Downing Centre) District Court and Newcastle District Court – as well as in the corresponding South-West Metropolitan, Central Metropolitan, and parts of the Northern Police Districts.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government invested more than $28 million in 2018 to make the program permanent in these locations.

This followed an independent assessment by the University of NSW that found that the CSEOP received very strong support from participants, reduced stress for children and resulted in a better quality of evidence from child witnesses.

It also followed the release of the landmark final report by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in 2017, which made seven recommendations about the importance of pre-recording witness evidence and using intermediaries in child sexual offence prosecutions. The CSOEP is consistent with those recommendations.

The expanded program will be rolled out across NSW from 1 July 2023 to every District Court. A list of these locations is at: https://www.districtcourt.nsw.gov.au/district-court/court-lists-and-sitting-dates/district-court-sittings—criminal-jurisdiction.html