Category: NSW News

The NSW Government has launched a major recruitment campaign in Willoughby to help ease staff shortages across the hospitality industry.
 
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said the Kickstart Your Career in Hospitality campaign will showcase the industry and highlight the range of long-term career options available throughout the sector.
 
“The NSW Government is already providing significant support to entice people to join the industry or upskill, through a variety of free short training courses. This will now be promoted by a targeted campaign to encourage people to consider starting their career in hospitality,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“Hospitality has traditionally been viewed as a short-term employment option, but this campaign highlights the broad range of opportunities that exist for people wanting a rewarding and long-term career.”
 
Member for Willoughby Tim James said this NSW Government initiative is a great way of highlighting the many fantastic reasons to join the hospitality industry, especially given the range of free courses currently available through the NSW Government.
 
“A strong hospitality sector is absolutely critical for communities in regional NSW, now and into the future. The Kickstart your Career in Hospitality program enables community members to train for free and get the skills needed for a job at a local pub, club, café or restaurant,” Mr James said.
 
The five week campaign has been designed in partnership with ClubsNSW, Australian Hotels Association and NSW Restaurant and Caterers Association.
 
It includes a mixture of video and display ads that can run across TikTok and in partnership with Pedestrian TV. The ads will drive audiences to nsw.gov.au/hospitalitycareer site, where they can explore a range of courses and job vacancies in the hospitality industry.
 
In a further boost for the industry, the Government has also recently launched a Hospitality Concierge service with a dedicated team to help new hospitality businesses start up, or existing ones to grow by expanding their offerings such as offering alfresco dining as we come into the Summer months.
 
The service will streamline application processes, and assist businesses and local councils to navigate the liquor licensing, planning and regulatory changes introduced through the 24-Hour Economy reforms.
Find a career to love in hospitality | NSW Government

Return and Earn is celebrating five years of its wildly popular recycling scheme, with the people of NSW returning more than eight billion containers and reducing drink container litter volume by 52 per cent since it was introduced by the NSW Government in 2017.
 
Minister for Environment James Griffin said this significant milestone demonstrates just how passionate the people of NSW are about turning their trash into treasure.
 
“While Return and Earn is only five years old, it has already achieved huge success, with more than eight billion containers returned in the last five years,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“It has delivered a massive 755,000 tonnes of additional material for recycling already, helping remove these containers from becoming landfill or litter.
 
“The NSW Government’s Return and Earn scheme has kick-started the circular economy in NSW, giving what were some of our most littered items a new life as new food and beverage packaging.
 
“The incredibly popular scheme has seen more than $800 million in refunds into the pockets of people in NSW, and delivered more than $40 million in donations to charities and community groups.
 
“I’ll be celebrating the fifth birthday by raising a can of lemonade to celebrate the amazing efforts of the dedicated Return and Earners.”
 
More than 600 return points are available across NSW, with more return points, including new smaller ‘shop-front’ style return points called ‘Return and Earn Express’, on the way.
 
Return and Earn is a partnership between the NSW Government, scheme coordinator Exchange for Change and network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.
 
In October, the NSW Government announced a proposal to expand Return and Earn to include even more types of beverage containers, such as wine and spirits bottles.
 
This would result in an additional 400 million eligible bottles recycled each year, including 233 million glass bottles.
 
The scheme expansion would boost recycling rates, reduce landfill, and supercharge our push towards a circular economy in NSW.
 
Public consultation on the plans closes on 2 December 2022, for more information visit https://yoursay.epa.nsw.gov.au/driving-nsws-circular-economy

Sydney’s historic third harbour crossing has reached another major milestone with the $4.24 billion contract to deliver stage two of the project awarded to ACCIONA.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new Western Harbour Tunnel would provide a western bypass of the CBD, taking pressure off other major roads across the city and helping commuters move around more easily.
 
“We are transforming the way Sydneysiders move around our great city, delivering on our vision for a better connected road network that reduces congestion and helps people get to where they need to be quickly and safely,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“The historic Western Harbour Tunnel will cut travel times from Sydney Olympic Park to North Sydney by 20 minutes and significantly reduce traffic on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Anzac Bridge.”
 
The Western Harbour Tunnel will connect to WestConnex at the Rozelle Interchange, cross underneath Sydney Harbour between Birchgrove and Waverton, and connect with the Warringah Freeway near North Sydney via a 6.5 kilometre tunnel with three lanes in each direction.
 
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the new tunnel would be constructed underground with Tunnel Boring Machines instead of being an Immersed Tube Tunnel.
 
“We’ve collaborated with industry to come up with the best outcome for the local community and the environment, which involves tunnelling underneath the harbour seabed rather than building a tunnel on top of the seabed,” Mrs Ward said. 
 
“We know our population is growing and this is how we make sure our infrastructure keeps pace, supporting a strong economy and a brighter future for everyone in NSW, not just those who use this tunnel.”
 
Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said her community would enjoy significant benefits from the project, which will redirect traffic off rat runs on local streets and see the delivery of more green open space.
 
“Tunnelling means we no longer need construction sites at Balls Head and Berrys Bay in Waverton,” Ms Wilson said.
 
“I’m enormously excited to be able to return Berrys Bay to the local community and deliver them 1.9 hectares of beautiful foreshore parkland and public space, even earlier than planned.”
 
Once complete, the Western Harbour Tunnel will cut traffic by 35 per cent in the Western Distributor, 20 per cent in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel and 17 per cent on the Harbour Bridge.
 
Construction of stage one is already underway. Further community consultation will take place next year ahead of the commencement of major work on stage two in late 2023.
 
For more information on the project, visit nswroads.work/whtportal.

First home buyers will have more support when making their own choice between upfront stamp duty or a small annual fee, thanks to the new advanced First Home Buyer Choice calculator.
 
First home buyers will be able to input the number of years they expect to own the property and the calculator will provide an estimate of the total amount they can expect to pay over that period in present value dollars.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the advanced calculator would help first home buyers make a more informed decision.
 
“We know that 50 per cent of owner-occupiers sell within 10.5 years. This new advanced calculator will show how much they may benefit from paying an annual fee,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This is all about giving people choice and helping families get the keys to their own home sooner by removing upfront costs and potentially reducing overall tax.”
 
Treasurer Matt Kean expects the majority of eligible first home buyers in the price range of $800,000 to $1.5 million to choose the annual property fee over upfront stamp duty.
 
“If you are planning to hold your property for 10 or 20 years, you can input that figure and the advanced calculator will compare the overall cost of paying an annual fee in today’s dollars to what you would pay in stamp duty,” Mr Kean said.
 
“This is another tool to help first home buyers make an informed choice that suits their financial circumstances and for many, will show that the First Home Buyer Choice can deliver significant savings over the long term.”
NSW Treasury analysis shows that two-thirds of owner-occupiers sell within 20 years.
 
First Home Buyer Choice is part of the NSW Government’s $2.8 billion Housing Package.
It will take effect from January 16 for purchases under $1.5 million but any eligible first home buyer who bought from the time the legislation was enacted on 11 November, 2022 can opt in to the annual fee and receive a refund of stamp duty paid.
 
To view the advanced calculator, go to https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/calculate-your-property-tax
 
For more information on the First Home Buyer Choice, go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/first-home-buyer-choice

Residents in south west Sydney are set to benefit from a $7 million upgrade to Revesby Police Station by the NSW Government. 

The police station, which has been in operation since 1953, will receive a new façade and further internal upgrades, as part of a record $434 million investment to construct new and improve existing police stations, buildings and training facilities across the State.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the revamp to Revesby Police Station comes after calls from local police and the community.

“We have listened to those requests and delivered funding to provide a modern, state-of-the-art police station to meet the needs of south-west Sydney now and into the future,” Mr Toole said.

“The upgrades will allow the station to accommodate the growing number of officers in the Bankstown Police Area Command for years to come.

“As Minister for Police, I am committed to providing all of our 22,000 workforce with the very best resources and facilities to help them keep our community safe.”

Member for East Hills Wendy Lindsay said the upgrade to Revesby Police Station will be welcomed by the community.

“I have been advocating for this upgrade since I was elected in 2019 and I am so pleased that the Liberal State Government is investing in our community. Our police officers work hard every day to keep our community safe and I’m glad this upgrade will contribute to the station’s efficiency and security,” Mrs Lindsay said.

South West Metropolitan Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith said the purpose-driven upgrades would support the future needs of the policing resources for the area.

“All of our local officers – whether they are general duties officers patrolling our streets, or specialist officers working behind the scenes to solve crimes – work hard to keep our families and communities safe, and it is vital we provide the state-of-the-art facilities they need to do these important jobs,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

“The upgraded Revesby Police Station will provide a more welcoming and efficient space for the local community and our officers, including the most up-to-date technology, and secure and safe facilities to accommodate vulnerable victims of crime.”

Planning for external works has begun and early work is expected to commence next year.

The NSW Government has unveiled the next steps in the State’s digital future with the goal of becoming the most customer-centric government by 2030 at the Digital.NSW showcase.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said no matter where someone lives or where they are at in their life journey, there was a digital innovation to make their life easier be it how they live, work or raise a family in NSW.

“From empowering customers to have more control of how they share personal information in a safe and secure way through the NSW Digital ID program, to never losing or misplacing your birth certificate with the nation-leading Digital Birth Certificate, NSW is delivering digital initiatives for all walks of life,” Mr Dominello said.

“NSW Digital ID and verified credentials will mark the begging of a new epoch for trusted digital service delivery that will reframe NSW and the nation for the future. It is akin to stepping out the current swamp and onto the land.

“The catalyst for every product is how we can improve the lives of the more than eight million people of NSW and we are striving to empower all residents with digital solutions which are relevant to their personal circumstances, no matter how diverse their backgrounds, skills or interests.

“But for those who prefer the human touch, we are also continuing to add to the 114 Service NSW Centres so no one is left behind as we strive to become the most customer-centric government in the world by 2030.”

Speaking at the 2022 Digital.NSW Showcase, Mr Dominello said the NSW Government was at the forefront of ensuring services were accessible to all and were designed with the customer at the heart.

“We are building on products already delivered, such as the ServiceNSW App which has had 5.5 million active users in the past 90 days, the Digital Drivers Licence which has 74 per cent adoption, the Dine & Discover NSW voucher program which contributed almost $1 billion to the NSW economy, and the money saving FuelCheck and Park’nPay apps to deliver world-leading digital products,” Mr Dominello said.

“We also recently established Accessibility NSW to understand how clusters and agencies can foster truly inclusive digital environments because we know accessibility looks different to everyone and factors like age, disability, linguistic diversity and digital literacy level all have an impact.”

Innovations include:

• Delivering the nation-leading NSW Digital ID program to make it easier to prove who you are anywhere, anytime, while reducing the oversharing of information
• Launching Australia’s first Digital Birth Certificate in 2023 which will be safer, more secure and more accessible to customers than ever before
• Providing seamless, digital solutions across Life Journeys from birth and the first 2000 days of a child’s life through Brighter Beginnings to preparing for the end of life with the End of Life Planner
• Digital Licensing program giving customers and businesses back more than 540,000 hours by saving time in application processing and helping NSW tradies get on with the job with the full suite of digital trade licences now available in the Service NSW app
• Leading the development for government services in the Metaverse and how it can support customers
• Enhancing the State’s Pet Registry to enable people to keep track of critical information like change of address and vet details.

“As we continue on our digital journey we are listening to our customers about what innovations they want to see next, with 100 online Have Your Say consultations now complete, and many more on the way,” Mr Dominello said.

For more information visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/customer-service

NSW Small Business Month will wrap up today with more than 500 events held in November to support and celebrate small businesses across the State.
 
In all, 274 official collaboration partners have taken part in hosting events and 137 grants made to assist event organisers.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Small Business and Fair Trading Victor Dominello said today’s schedule of more than 40 events will conclude the month-long festival.
 
“NSW Small Business Month has shown the strength of community support for the 800,000 small businesses across the state and the optimism and resilience of business owners and operators, especially over the last two years with drought, fires and floods,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“They have brought to life the theme of this Small Business Month, ‘Connect for Success’, with their energy, enthusiasm, expertise and sense of community.”
 
NSW Small Business Commissioner Chris Lamont said many events provided small businesses with opportunities to network and share information with other small businesses.
 
“Running your own small business can be isolating, yet they employ almost half of the workforce and represent 98 per cent of all business in NSW,” Mr Lamont said. 
 
“Small Business Month connects small business owners and operators with others like them so they can share their challenges and successes.”
 
Mr Dominello said the NSW Government thanked all businesses and organisations, large and small, for their participation in Small Business Month and their continued support of small businesses in NSW.
 
“We look forward to an even bigger event in 2023 which will again celebrate the achievements of our small businesses and assist them in their growth and development.”
 
For more information, visit smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Government has granted 40 community led projects that raise awareness about domestic violence a share of $80,000 as part of its ongoing commitment to addressing the issue.
 
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the provision of the grants coincided with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based violence campaign.
 
“This is all about empowering people to join the call to end violence against women and children, and I’m so impressed by the people driving that work in communities around New South Wales,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“From workshops on the state’s new consent laws, to a forum on the support services available to victims, these locally led initiatives have immeasurable impact.
 
“The NSW Government remains committed to funding important programs that protect the vulnerable and put an end to gender based violence.”
 
The types of projects funded under the grants program include promotional activities and events relating to the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence campaign (25 November to 10 December), Human Rights Day (10 December) and International Women’s Day (8 March).
 
Other funded projects include educational and awareness raising resources, events, social media campaigns, arts and theatre projects, community forums and fair days, education workshops, printed signage, booklets, flyers and posters.

Truck drivers will now face tougher penalties for entering Sydney tunnels in an overheight truck, to minimise disruptions to our busy road network and keep commuters moving.
 
There have been 40 overheight trucks detected in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel alone in 2022, almost double the number in 2021.
 
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the NSW Government was increasing the penalties following a recent spike in the number of incidents of overheight trucks wreaking havoc on our roads.
 
“The vast majority of truck drivers do the right thing, but for those who refuse to obey multiple warning signs and drive overheight vehicles into our tunnels, this should serve as a strong message that this has to stop,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“On multiple occasions in the last two weeks, hardworking commuters have been left inconvenienced and frustrated, particularly those using the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, and I won’t allow that to continue.
 
“The fine for overheight trucks will now increase from $3740 to $5,500, which is the maximum penalty that can be applied for a road rule offence.
 
“We are also doubling the suspension period for a driver licence to up to six months and increasing the demerit points from six to 12.
 
“Our Government is committed to keeping Sydneysiders moving and ensuring they spend less time in traffic and more time with family and friends, and doing the things they love.”
 
Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Sam Farraway said truck drivers had an obligation to check their vehicles and their loads.
 
“The many truck drivers who obey the rules rely on our roads to put food on the table, which is why we need to do everything we can to protect their livelihoods,” Mr Farraway said. 
 
“I would encourage all drivers to plan their trips to ensure they don’t break the rules and to pay attention to the signage which gives them ample warning.”
 
“We will work with industry to ensure the rules are clear and drivers are educated about their responsibilities.”

Community sporting clubs and organisations can now apply for life-saving defibrillators as part of the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.
 
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the NSW Government has committed $2 million over four years to the program, ensuring more sporting clubs and councils are equipped to respond to life-threating emergencies.
 
“Whether you’re at your local sailing club or playing footy with your mates, when someone has a cardiac arrest, time is crucial – they can happen to anyone, anytime, or anywhere so it’s vital that a defibrillator is readily accessible,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Through this funding, the NSW Liberals and National Government is ensuring our sport clubs and venues are safe environments for everyone, both on and off the field.”
 
Since 2017, more than 2,000 devices have been installed at sports facilities across the State.
 
Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Professor Jamie Vandenberg said people who play sport may think they are healthy but sudden cardiac arrest does not discriminate.
 
“Sudden cardiac arrest is a devastating disease which takes the lives of nine out of ten people who suffer an arrest outside of hospital. It’s vital we install as many life-saving defibrillators as possible across NSW and beyond and that people know how to use them,” Professor Vandenberg said.
 
“I encourage sporting clubs to apply for these generous grants that will help prevent the trauma, and the heartache, that cardiac arrest causes families.”
 
The Local Sports Defibrillator Program is available to sport and recreation clubs, associations and organisations as well as councils and service clubs. Up to $3,000 is available per device with organisations able to apply for up to three devices.
 
Applications are open and close Friday 10 February 2023. For more information, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program.