Category: NSW News

NSW households and businesses will benefit from cheaper, cleaner electricity with the first tender round for generation and storage projects under the Government’s landmark Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap attracting significant industry interest.

Bids for more than 5.5GW of wind and solar generation projects and more than 2.5GW of long duration storage projects have been received, which is enough to power the equivalent of 2.4 million homes.

NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean said the level of interest was an outstanding result for the Government’s long-term plan to modernise the NSW electricity system.

“This is an overwhelming response from the market and a strong endorsement of the Roadmap’s vision for the NSW electricity system,” Mr Kean said.

“Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the resulting global energy crisis has added extra impetus to modernise our electricity system.

“The need for new sources of electricity generation that are not tied to the volatility of global commodity prices has never been greater.

“The best way to provide structural, long-term relief from high electricity bills is to drive in new supply and put downward pressure on energy prices at the source, which is exactly what our Roadmap is doing.”

Bids for the generation and long-duration storage tenders will now be independently assessed by the NSW Consumer Trustee, AEMO Services, according to set criteria such as community engagement, regional economic development and land-use opportunities.

Successful projects will be awarded long-term energy service agreements, underwriting the delivery of built energy resources that will benefit the long-term interests of the State’s electricity consumers.

“These tenders have been specifically designed to identify the best projects to bring quality energy to market in the earliest possible timeframe,” Mr Kean said.

“The level of investment we are facilitating in the NSW energy system is unprecedented, which is why these tenders will run every six months for at least the next 10 years.”

Families in Mount Druitt, Wagga Wagga, Kempsey, Nambucca, Bourke, Cobar and Coonamble will be the first to benefit from the NSW Government’s landmark reform to introduce a universal pre-Kindergarten year of education for every child in NSW.

Early childhood services in these first seven locations will begin rolling out the first stage of the universal pre-Kindergarten policy in early 2023, with interested providers urged to register from today. 

More locations across NSW will be added ahead of the full state-wide implementation of a full new year of education for children by 2030. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the $5.8 billion 10-year investment in universal pre-Kindergarten is of a scale not seen before in Australia and will benefit our youngest learners’ physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. 

“This is a life changing investment that the NSW Government is delivering to ensure our children benefit from a full year of quality preschool education at no cost to parents,” Mr Perrottet said.  

“The Liberals and Nationals in government are building a brighter future for NSW, with international evidence demonstrating a quality, play-based preschool program underpins a child’s long-term success.” 

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said families and services in the first stage of the universal pre-K reforms will help shape the rollout of the initiative across the state.

“This first stage of universal pre-Kindergarten will allow us to gather crucial information ahead of implementation of the program across the NSW,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“We are continuing to work collaboratively with families, peak bodies, service providers and schools to develop the best model of universal pre-Kindergarten for NSW.”    

Eligible services are invited to have their say and ask questions at several workshops to be held in pilot regions during November 2022. 

The NSW Government’s $15.9 billion Early Years Commitment announced as part of the 2022-23 budget will deliver a brighter future for every child in NSW.  

Through the introduction of a universal pre-Kindergarten year, a suite of Brighter Beginnings initiatives to support the first 2,000 days of life, a workforce package for early childhood educators and Affordable Preschool subsidies available to all families, the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government is ensuring NSW is the best state to live, work and raise a family. 

Expressions of Interest are now open and close on 16 December 2022. For more details, visit:  https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/early-years-commitment/universal-pre-kindergarten/universal-pre-kindergarten-pilots

A Minns Labor Government will upgrade Fairfield Hospital with an initial $115 million over three years to expand the hospital’s bed capacity by almost 60 per cent as well as provide more services.

More capacity and more services

This commitment will deliver 130 more desperately needed medical, surgical and rehabilitation beds.

This will increase emergency department and intensive care unit capacity as well as elevate the hospital’s emergency service level from three to four – meaning more specialist staff, and greater care for emergency presentations.

This extra funding will expand dialysis spaces and enhance radiology services, including CT and MRI capabilities.

Rehabilitation beds will help expand aged care, orthopaedic, respiratory and interventional cardiology services.

And this commitment will expand mental health services as well as introduce a Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre.

Urgent upgrades to the hospital were recommended by the parliamentary inquiry into South West Sydney health services, which heard of some services being rationed, and other services simply non-existent.

The Fairfield Hospital redevelopment will include upgrading existing facilities as well as expanding the site to accommodate further services.

The final cost of the redevelopment will be established after further planning and detailed design, but is anticipated to be around $550 million, and take up to six years from when work commences.

Hospital overwhelmed

Fairfield Hospital opened in 1988 – and has not yet received an upgrade.

Since then, the local population has outgrown the hospital.

The number of presentations at the hospital’s emergency department have increased by almost 30 per cent since 2011 – from around 7,700 a quarter to 10,000 a quarter.

Over 15 per cent of patients came to Fairfield emergency – and then turned around and left without receiving or completing their treatment – one of the highest rates in the state. That was over 1,500 patients in the last quarter alone.

The percentage of critical emergency presentations to start on time has tanked from a peak of 73 per cent in 2013, to 37 per cent today.

Patients on the elective surgery wait list have increased by over 50 per cent, from less than 1,400 to over 2,000.

The median wait times for elective surgery have increased by 200 per cent for urgent surgeries, 82 per cent for semi urgent surgeries; and 36 per cent for non-urgent surgeries.

And the Fairfield LGA is set to increase in population by 36,662 people in the next 20 years.

Labor’s initial commitment of $115 million will come from the unallocated $3 billion WestInvest Government agencies fund – not the $2 billion allocated to Local Governments and community groups – which under Labor will also have its remit expanded to include urgently needed healthcare projects.

Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader, said:

Today’s announcement forms part of Labor’s broader health response to begin to turn around 12 years of Liberal neglect of our state’s health and hospital system.

“Boosting our health staff and expanding our hospital capacity to reduce the wait and treatment times and improving patient outcomes.

“I want to thank the hardworking hospital staff, nurses, paramedics, doctors who do an incredible job around the clock in really difficult conditions.

“We want to ensure no matter where you live, you have access to world class health facilities.”

Ryan Park, NSW Shadow Minister for Health, said:

“This is what happens after 12 years of neglect of our hospitals from the NSW Liberals.

“Local residents are left with absurd hospital wait times and patients are leaving without being treated in droves.”

Hugh McDermott, NSW Member for Prospect, said:

“I’m so proud to stand with a NSW Labor Government that will deliver this much needed boost to our local hospital.”

A new jet ski and support vehicle is being delivered to every Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) Branch, boosting the capability of volunteer lifesavers in time for what is expected to be a bumper summer season across the State’s waterways.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the 11 jet skis and 4WD vehicles, representing a $1 million NSW Government investment, will enhance the ability of lifesavers to respond to emergencies.
 
“These jet skis will give our lifesavers the ability to get to people in trouble in the water quickly, and also allow them to reach those in treacherous locations like off rock platforms,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“Because of its speed and manoeuvrability, the jet ski is one of the most important tools used by Surf Life Saving NSW.
 
“Our 20,000 lifesavers are better prepared than ever before and are ready for a big summer, but safety is a shared responsibility so I’m respectfully asking beachgoers to follow advice, avoid  unnecessary risks and swim between the flags.”
 
Over the past two years, jet skis have been used in 704 rescues, 271 emergency call outs and have spent nearly 23,000 hours on the water helping lifesavers keep swimmers, surfers and boaters safe.
 
SLSNSW President George Shales said the speed of response, agility and ability to get close to rock platforms make the jet skis a life-saving asset.
 
“Overall, Surf Life Saving NSW’s core mission is to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. The delivery of a fleet of new Rescue Water Craft to our Branches helps us deliver on our mission,” Mr Shales said.
 
“In providing state-of-the-art support operations equipment and vessels to our Branches, we increase our capacity to save lives and, indeed, build better communities.”
 
Patrolled beach locations, patrol times and live weather updates are available on the BeachSafe app or website.

The NSW Government and NRMA charging network has enabled more than 13 million zero emission kilometres – or the distance to the moon and back more than 30 times – of electric vehicle (EV) travel across the state.

The impressive milestone was reached as the network continues to expand, with new chargers along the Mitchell Highway at Nyngan and Bourke and out to Brewarrina along the Kamilaroi Highway. The new site at Casino supports travel along the Bruxner Highway and the new Temora site provides another NRMA fast charging location in the Riverina. 

Treasurer Matt Kean said the chargers are part of a partnership between the NSW Government and the NRMA to deliver 20 fast chargers to extend the regional EV travel network and support regional tourism.

“The fast charging network has enabled NSW drivers to travel more than 13 million kilometres, powered by green energy. That represents thousands of trips to our regions that are boosting tourism and supporting jobs and businesses across the state,” Mr Kean said.

Mr Kean said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is making NSW the easiest and most affordable place to buy and drive an EV in Australia.

“On top of our $3 million program with the NRMA, we’re investing more than half a billion dollars in tax cuts and incentives to drive uptake and reduce barriers for EV purchases over the next four years.

“This is Australia’s most ambitious EV package and will support NSW drivers to make the move to the vehicles of the future, now.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said fast chargers mean cars can gain 120-150km of range in 30 minutes, allowing people to take a break from driving and pop into a local café or restaurant for lunch.

“Sixteen towns in regional NSW are benefiting from the fast chargers already delivered as part of this program with the NRMA and it is exciting to be able to officially open chargers at five additional locations in Casino, Temora, Bourke, Brewarrina and Nyngan,” Mr Farraway said.

“These fast chargers encourage additional travel, are located at the heart of each town where people can get out and enjoy a coffee, meal or look in a local shop while their vehicle charges.

“Speaking to local café owners in Cobar they have noticed an uptick in the number of visitors taking the time to come in, have a coffee and a toasted sandwich and explore the town a bit more while their cars charge.

“They’re also encouraging drivers to take those much needed breaks when driving long distances, making the journey safer.”

NRMA Head of Electric Vehicle Charging & Partnerships Suzana Barbir said the continued expansion of NSW’s EV network future-proofed the state as more drivers adopted the technology.

“Electric vehicles are the future of motoring in Australia and the NRMA is committed to making the transition to electric vehicles smooth and beneficial for our members and all Australian motorists,” Ms Barbir said.

“Range anxiety is one of the biggest considerations for people when it comes to purchasing an EV. With new charging locations across NSW, drivers can confidently explore all the wonderful destinations throughout regional NSW.”

Transport for NSW and the NRMA have already installed chargers at Armidale, Broken Hill, Cobar, Coonamble, Jerilderie, Scone, Tenterfield, Wagga Wagga, Walgett, Wilcannia and Yass.

The NSW Government has also recently approved $5.4 million in grant funding to the NRMA to construct 11 new fast charging stations across NSW under its Fast Charging Grants, where chargers will be able to fully recharge a modern EV in 15 minutes.

The stations will be located at Bathurst, Bogangar, Caringbah, Cooma, Euston, Jamisontown, Molong, Port Macquarie, Prestons, Queanbeyan and Rouse Hill.

This grant is part of the first funding round which allocated $39.4 million in funding from a total program budget of $149 million. The grants program is expected to leverage more than $160 million in private investment.
To find out more about EVs, including charging locations, visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/electric-vehicles

Jointly funded disaster assistance is now available to an additional four local government areas (LGAs) as the severe flooding that has affected large parts of New South Wales since mid-September continues.
 
The LGAs of Bathurst, Oberon, Shellharbour and Uralla are now subject to a natural disaster declaration (NDD).
 
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, said damages to areas within the additionally declared LGAs had been significant.
 
“The intense and ongoing floods have left councils across the State with major repair works,” Minister Watt said.
 
“With such a massive task ahead of them, these councils need the Australian and New South Wales Governments to work collaboratively and quickly so they know they’ve got the financial backing to get on with the job.”
 
New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said 70 LGAs are now been subject to a NDD.
 
“The widespread and ongoing nature of this flood event has meant it has taken more time to assess the damage across New South Wales, with eight river systems across our State still experiencing major flooding,” Ms Cooke said.
 
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) for the flood event that started on 14 September 2022.
 
Assistance available under the DRFA may include:

• Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply);
• Support for local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets;
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations; and
• Freight subsidies for primary producers.

 
For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.
 
To apply for a concessional loan, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.
 
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.

Eligible businesses can now register as an approved provider for the Premier’s Back to School NSW program, which will deliver families $150 worth of vouchers for each child enrolled to attend school in 2023.  

Premier Dominic Perrottet said a new school year is an expensive time for families, and this new program will help them pay for essential items.   

“The NSW Government is standing alongside families and providing a boost to household budgets by providing financial support to cover some of the costs of essential school supplies,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“Three $50 Premier’s Back to School NSW Vouchers are available for each child and can be spent on supplies at any registered business – from school uniforms and prescribed textbooks to general stationery and equipment, such as lunchboxes and drink bottles. 

“We are encouraging all businesses who stock school supplies to register as a provider as soon as possible, to ensure all families are able to take advantage of the program before the 2023 school year begins.” 

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said that the back to school period is exciting for families, but can also be stressful with school supplies adding up quickly.  

“No matter if your child goes to a public or non-government school, you will have access to the Premier’s Back to School NSW Vouchers,” Ms Mitchell said.  

“It’s just one of many cost of living measures the NSW Government is delivering to support families. These vouchers will help parents and carers in getting their students ready for the 2023 school year, so I urge businesses to register early so parents can start planning their back to school checklists.”  

“These vouchers will not only be good for families but as we’ve seen from past programs, businesses will benefit from the extra spending stimulated by the vouchers, which will be available to around 1.3 million school children.” 

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the registration process will be simple and available online.  

“Eligible businesses can register as providers through the Service NSW website from today or by speaking with a Business Concierge who can lead them through the process,” Mr Dominello said. 

“The vouchers will be redeemed using the same app many businesses already have on their devices, so approved providers simply need to ensure the Service NSW for Business app is updated to begin scanning. 

“This program is one of more than 70 ways the NSW Government is providing hip pocket relief to households.” 

All businesses who register as a provider, whether part of a national chain or a stand-alone small business, will be listed on the Service NSW website so they will be easy to find when families are looking to save on school supplies. 

The Premier’s Back to School NSW vouchers will be available for parents to download and use from December. Further details will be announced shortly.

For more information about the Premier’s Back to School NSW Vouchers and how to accept and redeem vouchers, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/back-to-school-vouchers, call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or book a call with a Business Concierge. 

Information on how a business can register for the program is available at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/register-a-business-for-back-to-school-vouchers

For more information about the NSW Government’s range of rebates and discounts, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/savings-finder or make an appointment with a Savings Specialists via phone on 13 77 88 or visiting a Service NSW centre.

Thousands of first home buyers can now fast track their home ownership dreams after the Perrottet Government’s landmark legislation received royal assent.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said in a national first, buyers will now be able to choose between paying a smaller annual property tax or an upfront stamp duty on their first home.
 
“First home hopefuls will now be able to attend auctions and inspections this weekend across NSW knowing that the First Home Buyer Choice is on the table,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“As prospective buyers inspect homes this weekend, they can now choose to opt into the First Home Buyer Choice and receive a refund in January on the upfront stamp duty they pay for homes valued up to $1.5 million.
 
“From January 16, first home buyers who opt into the annual payment won’t have to pay any stamp duty at all.”
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the new program signed into law today would help thousands of young people and families shave about two years off the time needed to save for a deposit.
 
“Young families can save thousands in the long run by opting for the annual payment, with Treasury estimating about two-thirds will choose this because of the financial benefit,” Mr Kean said.
 
“There’s no limit on the number of eligible first home buyers who can apply for the First Home Buyer Choice.”
 
First Home Buyer Choice details
 

• Eligible first home buyers who sign a contract of purchase on or after 16 January 2023 will not have to pay stamp duty, provided they choose to pay the property tax before their purchase settles.

• Eligible first home buyers who sign a contract of purchase between 11 November 2022 and 15 January 2023 will also be able to choose the property tax:
  • For this group, applications to choose the property tax can be made at any time between 16 January 2023 and 30 June 2023.
  • If settlement occurs on or before 15 January 2023, they will need to pay stamp duty, and then will be able to apply for a refund of the stamp duty from 16 January 2023.
  • If settlement occurs on or after 16 January 2023, and they have chosen property tax, they will not need to pay stamp duty.

• These transitionary arrangements are necessary as time is needed to allow industry participants to update their electronic conveyancing systems to facilitate first home buyers opting into the new system.   

 
First Home Buyer Choice will be available for dwellings costing up to $1.5 million. For the purchase of vacant land intended for the construction of a first home, the price cap will be up to $800,000.
 
The NSW Government has estimated First Home Buyer Choice will cost $728.6 million over the next four years.
 
NSW Treasury analysis shows the breakeven period between upfront stamp duty and an annual property tax would be 36 years for an $800,000 apartment, 28 years for a $1 million townhouse, and 26 years for a $1.25 million house.
 
The same analysis shows that if a first home buyer purchased a $1 million house and sold it 10 years later, which is around the median holding period, the annual property payments over the 10 years would total $19,881 in present value terms compared with $40,090 in upfront stamp duty – a saving of $20,209.
 
The First Home Buyer Choice is a key component of the Government’s $2.8 billion Housing Package announced at the 2022-23 NSW Budget that aligns with the Housing 2041 vision.
 
For more information on the First Home Buyer Choice, go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/first-home-buyer-choice.
 
Eligible first home buyers can register their interest at: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/get-notified-about-first-home-buyer-choice.
 
An online calculator is available to assist first home buyers to assess their options. To view the calculator, go to https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/calculateyour-property-tax.

The NSW Government welcomes the decision by the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) to put more money into the pockets of the state’s teachers.   
  
The IRC granted a six per cent increase in remuneration to teachers over 2022 and 2023.   
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell welcomed the pay deal for the state’s more than 90,000 teachers and urged the teacher unions to work constructively with the Government following this decision.
 
“Making sure our teachers receive the maximum increases they are eligible for has been a focus for me and the NSW Government,” Ms Mitchell said.  
 
“I hope the Teachers Federation will now begin working with us on improving outcomes for our students. 
 
“We are committed to a program of significant reform including new, streamlined curriculum and giving teachers back time to teach, and have guaranteed additional release time for all teachers to enable effective implementation of these reforms.” 
  
Under the pay deal secured in the IRC, over 2022 and 2023 teachers will receive:    
 

• an additional 0.25 per cent increase from 1 July 2022 (back dated) on top of the 2.5 per cent increase received on 1 January 2022; and
• a 3 per cent increase from 1 January 2023.

 
Teachers will also receive an additional one-off payment outside the Award, amounting to 0.25 per cent of their annual salary as at 30 June 2022. This will be paid as a lump sum once the award is finalised, and means teachers will effectively receive 3 per cent from July.  
 
Over the last 11 years, the NSW Government has streamlined the wages policy and locked in pay increases for teachers ensuring stability whilst reducing NSW’s budget deficit and responsibly managing the economy. Under this sensible approach, teachers have received an almost 30 per cent pay increase since 2011.  
  
Minister for Finance and Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said this was a fair deal for teachers in line with the Government’s new wages policy that provides for higher pay alongside productivity-enhancing reforms.    
 
“Our wages policy provides amongst the highest public sector wages growth in the country and I’m pleased we can deliver our teachers a pay rise well above the 2 per cent per annum increase recently made by the Victorian Government,” Mr Tudehope said. 
 
The NSW Wages Policy provides for a further 0.5 per cent increase in 2023-24 pending agreement on productivity enhancing reforms.
 
Teacher salaries in NSW have grown nearly 2.5 times faster than the OECD average over the past two decades.  
 
The NSW Government’s Quality Time Program is on track to deliver a 20 per cent reduction in workload and admin burden faced by teachers by the end of 2022, having already met our targets for principals and school admin staff. 

It was on this day 104 years ago when, after four years of conflict, the guns finally fell silent over the Western Front.

Over 324,000 Australians served in a bloody and brutal conflict, the battles of the Great War claimed the lives of almost 60,000 Australian soldiers and wounded more than 150,000 more.

Every year we pause to remember the more than 103,000 Australian men and women who have died serving our nation in various conflicts since 1885, including in more recent times Australians who have served in the Middle East.

The sacrifices made by those men and women, as well as the many more who have been wounded both physically and mentally, should never be forgotten.

Nor should the loss and grief experienced by their family and friends.

We must also remain committed to the duty we owe our veterans to ensure they continue to receive the ongoing support they need.

Today on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we remember and reflect on the contributions made by those brave men and women.

Lest we forget.