Category: NSW News

The final tracks have been laid connecting the new Sydney Metro City and Southwest line with the existing North West line at Chatswood, completing a major component of the project.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new City and Southwest metro line would revolutionise the city’s public transport network.

“This marks a major milestone in the delivery of Australia’s biggest public transport project with the final tracks now laid to connect these two metro lines,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Once complete, the new City and Southwest metro line will revolutionise how Sydneysiders travel by providing fast, reliable services at seven new stations under the Sydney CBD and in the city’s north.

“Our long term economic plan is delivering major rail projects for the future and will support communities as they grow.”

Transport Minister David Elliott said the Northern Connection now links the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line to the existing Metro North West line marking another significant construction breakthrough in this State.

“The NSW Government is delivering Australia’s biggest public transport project right before our eyes. This milestone is another promise delivered by the Liberal and Nationals,” Mr Elliott said.

“Across the Sydney Metro City and Southwest, more than 5,000 people are currently employed; and 50,000 people will have worked on the project by the time it is complete.”  

“From 2024, passengers can travel from Tallawong in Sydney’s north, into the city in under 50 minutes, Castle Hill to Barangaroo in 33 minutes and Chatswood to Martin Place in 11 minutes on a fast and reliable metro service.”

Member for Willoughby Tim James said the Northern Connection is a 200-metre section of rail corridor connecting the northern suburbs to the Southwest.

“This major connection was constructed over two years with workers installing tracks and operational services in the 15.5-kilometre twin tunnels between Chatswood and Sydenham,” Mr James said.

“Six teams and more than 200 workers worked around the clock over one weekend to make the final connection. It was a mammoth effort.”

A rigorous testing and commissioning program along the new alignment will commence later this year, ahead of passenger services starting through the Sydney CBD in 2024.

New stations at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Pitt Street and Waterloo, along with new underground platforms at Central Station will open next year. 

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will slash red tape across NSW, cutting the cost of doing business while committing to a target of 1 million small businesses by 2030.

A new red tape tsar will be appointed as the NSW Red Tape Commissioner, with the strict task of delivering $1 billion of reductions of red tape. 

For an initial two-year blitz across government, Ministers will be required to identify regulation to remove if they are proposing a new regulation.

All government departments, through their secretary bosses, would be required to present regulations for the chopping block, with the goal of making it easier to do business. 

The Liberal and Nationals will also boost business opportunities for small and medium sized businesses by increasing the procurement contracts by more than $2 billion by the end of the next term, to a total of $10 billion.  

And $1000 for micro and small businesses to engage an expert to provide professional advice to help grow and expand their business.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said NSW needed to take action now to protect jobs and businesses as the whole world faced difficult and strong economic headwinds.

“Our long-term economic plan will protect the NSW economy and recession proof millions of businesses and jobs across our State,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Australia faces strong economic headwinds ahead with the dual challenge of inflation and interest rates hitting families and small businesses and NSW needs a government with an economic plan”

“We can’t allow NSW to stall and unfortunately that’s what will happen under Labor who have no plan to support small business and the 1.8 million NSW people that work for them.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the Liberal and Nationals would establish a series of industry taskforces to cut red tape and speed up application and approval times, with the first one focused on small business and local government.

“We’ve always stood shoulder to shoulder with small business, boosting the skills and capability of almost 50,000 small businesses via the Business Connect program or providing vital financial assistance during the pandemic and natural disasters,” Mr Kean said.

“Whether you’re a café owner, a tradie or a retailer, we want to work with you to reach new heights and achieve your goals.”

Minister for Small Business Victor Dominello said the Liberal and Nationals were focused on making it easier to do businesses.  

“We want to eliminate the paperwork, speed up processes and unlock valuable time from mundane admin tasks by looking at over 200 reforms across 70 pieces of legislation allowing processes to be digitised and streamlined for individuals, businesses and community groups” Mr Dominello said.

“We have established Service NSW for Business as a one-stop shop for business advice, assistance and compliance, helping to reduce the amount of time businesses spend dealing with Government processes.”

“We have also implemented a nation leading $166.5 million digital licensing program which significantly reduces the compliance burden on businesses through a tell us once approach to regulation.” 

Summary of measures:

· Committing to a target of 1 million small businesses by 2030.

· Appointment of NSW Red Tape Commissioner, delivering $1 billion of reductions of red tape.

· An initial two-year blitz across government, Ministers will be required to identify regulation to remove if they are proposing a new regulation.

· Government departments required to present regulations for the chopping block, with the goal of making it easier to do business. 

· Increasing procurement contracts by more than $2 billion by the end of the next term, to a total of $10 billion

· $1000 for 10,000 micro and small businesses to engage an expert to provide professional advice to help grow and expand their business.

A record number of new graduates have received their approval to teach in NSW public schools this year, as the largest-ever teaching workforce welcomes students back into the classroom for Day 1, Term 1 2023.    

Premier Dominic Perrottet extended a warm welcome to the 4,500 new graduates who have received their approval to teach in NSW public schools – the highest number since 2011 – and to the 95,000 public school teachers, beginners and veterans, returning to schools across the State. 

“A great teacher can change the course of a child’s life. Every single doctor, nurse, police officer, lawyer, scientist, and even politician, is a product of our school system,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“Teaching is an incredibly rewarding career. Every teacher standing at the front of a classroom this year, whether it is their first year or their tenth, has chosen this career because they are passionate about ensuring the next generation receives the high-quality education they deserve.” 

In another major boost for the workforce, Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell confirmed more than 15,000 existing temporary teachers and other school-based staff will be offered permanent positions during 2023, providing more job certainty and ensuring teaching remains an attractive profession.  

“We want our staff to have the choice to access the employment certainty of a permanent role or the flexibility of a temporary one,” Ms Mitchell said.  

“We’ve been able to blow our initial expectations of 10,000 permanent offers out of the water and will offer 15,000 staff permanent roles in 2023.”  

 The high number of temporary teachers in the public system is a result of record investment by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government thanks to their long-term economic plan. This has seen teacher numbers outpace student growth and increase above the required number of permanent roles. 

 The first cohort of eligible temporary staff to receive an offer of permanent employment during Term 1 this year are those working in priority rural and remote schools, at Schools for Specific Purposes, and Connected Communities schools. In addition, all eligible Aboriginal Education Officers have been included in the first tranche of offers.   

 “As the record number of applicants shows, there has never been a better time to choose teaching in NSW. I encourage anyone looking for a career change in 2023 to visit our Teaching Opens Doors website and explore our many innovative pathways into teaching,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will maintain a relentless focus on attracting and retaining NSW public school teachers, removing unnecessary admin tasks from their workload, and introducing sweeping reforms to recognise and reward our best teachers with salaries of up to $147,000 a year.”   

Since 2011, the number of teachers across NSW has increased by almost 10,000 – almost twice as fast as student growth. 

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will extend the Back to School vouchers to help cover the cost of school excursions in Term 1 and Term 2, helping to further ease financial pressure on household budgets as students return to school.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said more than 1.9 million vouchers have already been redeemed since the program was launched, with families spending more than $412 million on school items.

“Our long-term economic plan is supporting parents by easing financial pressure on household budgets through this important program,” Mr Perrottet said.

“By allowing parents to use these vouchers for school excursions we are providing yet another measure to ease financial pressure on back to school costs.

“The Back to School Vouchers are proof that only the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government can deliver real cost of living relief for families and have a plan to build a better future for the people of our State.”

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Back to School NSW vouchers are supporting every school-aged child get ready for school.

“Whether your child is about to begin Kindergarten or is heading to high school, whether that’s at a government school or home-schooling, families have until 30 June to apply for and spend their vouchers,” Ms Mitchell said.

“From new backpacks and textbooks, to a school excursion, the Premier’s Back to School vouchers are there to help.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said more than 647,000 families have downloaded the vouchers, with 97 per cent giving the program the thumbs up.

“The vouchers are a win-win – parents receive a boost to their budget, while businesses get more customers through the door, with an average of $214 spent for every $50 voucher,” Mr Dominello said.

“Applying for the vouchers is simple and easy via Service NSW. You can download them with just a couple of taps of your phone, or call Service NSW or visit a Service Centre.

“Finding a registered business is made easy with the Business Finder tool available on the Service NSW website, giving parents a bird’s-eye view of where they can spend them.”

Families have until 30 June 2023 to apply for and redeem their vouchers.

For more information about the vouchers visit: www.service.nsw.gov.au/back-to-school-vouchers.

Customers can search for registered businesses here: https://vouchers.service.nsw.gov.au/vouchers/providers-search/

Students and communities across NSW will continue to benefit from new and upgraded schools in 2023 with the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government historic school building program.

This commitment comes as thousands of students settle into new classrooms at 14 new and upgraded schools across NSW today.  

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell visited the new Edmondson Park Public School today to officially welcome students and families for the 2023 school year.  

Mr Perrottet said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has a clear track record of delivering public education infrastructure with more than $430 million invested in projects handed over to schools for Day 1 Term 1 2023.   

“We are a government that is committed to preparing our children for the future and providing them with the best learning opportunities. We have invested record funding in modern learning facilities and will continue to deliver for communities right across the State,” Mr Perrottet said.  

“This investment is providing our students access to new playing fields, sport courts, libraries and classrooms that have the latest technology and learning devices to support their learning.

“We are able to continue our historic school infrastructure pipeline because of the long term economic funding of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.”

Ms Mitchell said the investment from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will continue to deliver the schools of the future for communities right across the State.  

“Today more than 9,500 students at 14 new and upgraded schools across NSW from Googong and Murrumbateman to here in Edmondson Park will be stepping through the school gate to amazing new and upgraded learning facilities,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“Since 2019, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has delivered more than 150 major school projects for communities from across Regional NSW to here in Western Sydney, and thousands of minor school projects.” 

“We want to ensure that every student has access to state of the art learning facilities no matter where they live, which is why we have continued to invest in our record program of school projects.  

The NSW 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. 

New and upgraded schools opening on Day 1 Term 1 2023:

1. Bankstown North Public School (upgrade)
2. Bungendore High School (new school in temporary facilities)
3. Canterbury South Public School (upgrade)
4. Edmondson Park Public School (new)
5. Epping West Public School (upgrade)
6. Galungara Public School (upgrade)
7. Googong Public School (new)
8. Gregory Hills Public School (new school in temporary facilities)
9. Jannali East Public School (upgrade)
10. Jerrabomberra High School (new school in temporary facilities)
11. Jordan Springs Public School (upgrade)
12. Murrumbateman Public School (new)
13. Nangamay Public School (new)
14. Ngarala Public School (new)

More than 1000 electric vehicles (EVs) are set to hit the road thanks to the second round of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s EV fleets incentive.

Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean said the first two rounds of Government support to transition NSW fleets are expected to boost EV registrations by more than 10 per cent.

“Round 3 is now open as we fast track the State’s vehicle fleet of the future,” Mr Kean said. 

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is investing $105 million to support commercial fleets to purchase new EVs and fuel cell electric vehicles. Across round 1 and 2 about 2,000 EVs have been incentivised through the program.

Mr Kean said Round 2 had strong take up from organisations in the rideshare and vehicle subscription sectors, resulting in bids representing 81.6 per cent of the total vehicles.

“The second round had 20 successful bidders – 17 individual fleets and three fleet aggregators – who will receive a financial incentive to shift to EVs,” Mr Kean said.

“Successful bidders will also receive financial support to co-fund a total of more than 1,000  smart chargers.”

The incentive is part of the $633 million Electric Vehicle Strategy, which aims to make NSW the easiest and most affordable place to buy an EV in Australia. It is designed to help cover the gap between the cost of a new EV and the equivalent internal combustion engine vehicle that would have been purchased otherwise.

The successful recipients are: Splend, Custom Fleet, Reliance, IAG, Woollahra Municipal Council, CarBon Leasing and Rentals Pty Ltd, Northern Beaches Council, Murray River Council, CB Cars Pty Ltd, Palm Investment Holdings Pty Ltd, SIXT Australia, Origin Energy, ElevenX, Lockhart Shire Council, Essential Energy, Campbelltown City Council, Ballina Shire Council, Karmo Cars and TAS Australia.

Mr Kean said in Australia, the transport sector accounts for around 22 per cent of total emissions and this scheme will help NSW reach net zero by 2050.

“Corporate and government fleets account for over half of new vehicle sales in Australia and are a significant source of second-hand vehicles,” Mr Kean said.

“Leveraging the bulk purchasing power of fleets can expand both the range of models and number of EVs in NSW, which means prices will fall and more vehicles will be available to private buyers via the second-hand market in coming years.”

The EV Strategy is expected to increase EV sales to 52 per cent of new car sales by 2030-31 and the NSW Government’s objective is to see the vast majority of new car sales being EVs by 2035.

Round 3 of the Drive electric NSW EV fleets incentive is open until 23 May 2023. For more information, visit here.

The NSW Government is inviting leading infrastructure organisations to help shape and build the next stage of one of the State’s major transport projects, Parramatta Light Rail.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said it was very encouraging to see industry experts from not only across Australia but internationally, register their interest to be part of the procurement process for the delivery of such a transformative infrastructure project.

“We’ve seen strong interest from industry leaders excited to design and construct the first phase of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2, the new 320-metre-long public and active transport bridge over the Parramatta River between Wentworth Point and Melrose Park,” Mr Elliott said.

“Many of those shortlisted industry organisations will now be invited to participate in the Expressions of Interest (EOI) process for the enabling works package, which includes the delivery of the bridge and approaches on either side of the river – totalling 1.3 kilometres, with construction expected to start in 2024, subject to planning approvals.”

Member for Parramatta Mr Geoff Lee said this was a fantastic opportunity to be part of this Western Sydney mega transport project which will link Stage 1 of the light rail and Parramatta’s CBD to Sydney Olympic Park.

“When completed, the new bridge will be the first significant crossing over the Parramatta River since 1987 and will provide essential public transport access for the growing communities north and south of the river and onto Sydney Olympic Park,” Mr Lee said.

The Environmental Impact Statement received more than 125 submissions late last year, the team engaged with more than 850 people and over 2500 people visited the virtual engagement room. A submissions report is currently being prepared and will be released later this year. The Expressions of Interest process will close on Tuesday 14 March 2023. More information about the project is available here.

Families are being reminded to download their new Active Kids voucher and save $100 per child on sport and recreation activities.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said a new Active Kids voucher became available on 1 January and would help ease pressure on family budgets.

“It might be the middle of summer, but winter sport registration is heating up and now is the perfect time for families to turn their attention to their new Active Kids voucher,” Mr Henskens said.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Active Kids program has turbocharged sporting participation across NSW, with more than 4.85 million vouchers redeemed, saving families $481 million.

“It’s the largest grassroots sport funding initiative in the nation and is driving enormous increases in participation across all sports.”

The NSW Government recently extended the Active Kids voucher program to include school holiday sports and recreation activities.

The expansion of the program has contributed to a 40 per cent increase in voucher creation compared to the same period last year.

“NSW Labor wanted to cancel one Active Kids voucher per child at the last election, and Chris Minns endorsed this policy as a member of the Shadow Cabinet,” Mr Henskens said.

“It’s clear that NSW families have embraced the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Active Kids program and its expansion to include school holiday programs has been a hit.”

Families can access their child’s Active Kids voucher via the Service NSW app or website, attending a Service NSW Centre or by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88.

For further information on the Active Kids Program, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/active-kids.

Flood evacuation routes near Richmond will be upgraded as part of a $1 billion Liberal and Nationals Government investment through WestInvest, targeting Western Sydney roads.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said $15 million has been allocated to upgrade the intersection of The Driftway and Londonderry Road to deliver a new roundabout and an extra lane.

“After unprecedented rain and consecutive flooding events across Western Sydney, it is more important than ever that we provide the infrastructure needed to protect communities and ensure they have safe evacuation routes,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This important upgrade will boost capacity on this important evacuation route and support the new Richmond Bridge, which has been designed with increased flood resilience.”

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said early works will begin shortly, ahead of major construction next year.

“We want to give the community the assurance that if the last two flood events were to occur again, they would not be cut off from the services they need,” Mrs Ward said.

“As well as improving flood resilience, the two projects will ensure double traffic capacity across the Hawkesbury River and reduce travel times.”

Other road projects already announced include:

· $200 million for safety improvements on Elizabeth Drive at critical sections between Devonshire Rd and Western Road, Kemps Creek;

· $100 million to construct the Pitt Town bypass which has been identified as a crucial project following recent flooding events in the Hawkesbury-Nepean valley;

· $100 million to enable the upgrade of a 3.4 kilometre section of Garfield Road East between Piccadilly Street, Riverstone and Windsor Road, Box Hill.

For more information, go to https://nswroads.work/NewRichmondBridge.

Thousands of students across NSW will benefit from more catch up classes this coming school year thanks to a $253 million funding boost from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the pioneering small group tutoring initiative, started following COVID lockdowns to support school students who fell behind, is being extended to supercharge student learning as education moves beyond the pandemic.

“Making sure every student has the best possible start in life is a priority for the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government, and small group tutoring has been an important part of student growth these last two years,” said Mr Perrottet.

“This program has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s a no-brainer to boost the funding for this coming school year, so thousands more students continue to benefit.”

A recent evaluation of the Intensive Learning Support Program (ILSP) looked at the impact of the initiative on student learning and engagement from the teachers’ perspective. It showed student confidence and engagement improved by 80 per cent, and students’ motivation and attitude towards school had improved by 77 per cent and 69 per cent respectively. 

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government was seeing benefits for students and early career teachers. 

“We are seeing students’ confidence and classroom engagement improve thanks to the support they’re receiving. At the same time, hundreds of pre-service teachers are gaining invaluable hands-on experience that will only strengthen their teaching over the long term,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“It’s fantastic that students across all school sectors in NSW will continue to benefit from this scheme, thanks to the long-term economic plan of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.”

A wider evaluation of the program, including academic outcomes of students involved, will be completed by mid-2023 and will inform the approach to embedding small group tuition as part of the school system beyond 2023.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government invested more than $700 million in catch up classes for students in 2021 and 2022. Schools have already been provided $80 million in tutoring funding for the start of 2023, which will now be supplemented by a further $173 million.