Category: NSW News

New short courses focused on the advanced manufacturing skills of the future will be rolled out in Western Sydney, with the aim of unlocking the half-a-trillion dollar global semiconductor market.
 
Semiconductors are the building blocks of modern computing and power almost all electronic devices, from smartphones to military communication and medical devices.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade and Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said three new semiconductor micro-credentials would be rolled out under the NSW Government’s $37 million New Education Training Model (NETM).
 
“The global semiconductor shortage in recent years has affected all manufacturers of electronic goods, including computers, smartphones and cars,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“NSW is perfectly positioned to capitalise on the opportunity that the semiconductor industry presents, but to truly cement our spot in the market, we need future-focused skills and knowledge.
 
“These new micro-credentials will be driven by what industry needs and will teach local people how to design and test semiconductors, fostering innovation, creating jobs and securing a brighter future for Western Sydney.” 
 
The University of Sydney, along with Cadence, a leader in electronic systems design and computational software, have developed three micro-credentials, or short courses, which will build knowledge, skills and experience in designing semiconductors.
 
Western Parkland City Authority Chair Jennifer Westacott said the NETM is being delivered by the Authority in collaboration with industry, universities, vocational education and training providers and government.
 
“As we attract new industry and create skilled new jobs in the Western Parkland City, giving people access to the right skills, training and education will be critical to taking advantage of these new high quality, high paying jobs,” Ms Westacott said.
 
“The NETM is industry-led and designed to fill the gaps in traditional training quickly. It allows businesses to create micro-credentials that plug gaps in their workforce training and lets them expand and grow into new and emerging industries.”
 
The launch of the new micro-credentials follows the NSW Government’s recent $4 million investment to establish the Semiconductor Sector Service Bureau (S3B) which will build capability and talent in the semiconductor industry.
 
S3B Director Dr Nadia Court said by 2025, the leading use of semiconductors is expected to be in smartphones, especially as these devices support advanced technologies like 5G and extended reality.
 
“The use of semiconductors in the automotive industry is also expected to triple with an increase in autonomous driving and e-mobility,” Dr Court said.
 
“It’s so great to see two leaders in their fields, Cadence and University of Sydney come together to deliver three amazing micro-credentials to design semiconductors.”
 
By 2025, the NETM will develop 100 micro-credentials providing more than 7,000 training opportunities. Some of the courses currently on offer include practical foundations of biology, microbiology, organic and inorganic chemistry, technical drawing and additive manufacturing.
 
For more information about the NETM visit, https://www.wpca.sydney/delivery/netm/.

The first ever joint National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Destination NSW tourism campaign has been launched, encouraging Australians to ‘find your path’ in the State’s magnificent natural landscapes.
 
Minister for Environment James Griffin said the advertising campaign showcases some of the most diverse national parks on the planet.
 
“From the crystal clear waters of Tomaree National Park, to other-worldly rock formations in the Warrumbungles, Australia’s best snow at Kosciuszko, and ancient cultural landscapes of Mungo and Mutawintji, we are so lucky to have an incredibly diverse range of landscapes right here in our backyard,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“With more than 890 diverse national parks are reserves, we know that NSW is the national parks capital of Australia, but research suggests that our national parks aren’t quite as well known as parks in other states.
 
“If you don’t know, you won’t go, so in collaboration with Destination NSW, NPWS has created a campaign to showcase our magnificent national parks to Australia and the world – from our icons to our hidden treasures.
 
“Our aim is for visitors to fall in love with our spectacular regions, arriving at our national parks as tourists and leaving as conservationists.
 
“Our national parks aren’t just brimming with natural wonders, they also support 74,000 jobs and contribute $18 billion in visitor expenditure to our economy annually, with 75 per cent of the economic benefits delivered in rural and regional NSW.”
 
The campaign will reach millions of people as it rolls out across television, digital media, billboards and outdoor media in Victoria, Queensland, the ACT, Sydney and regional NSW from 4 November.
 
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the first major National Parks and Wildlife Service and Destination NSW campaign aligns with the NSW Government’s ‘Feel New’ brand.
 
“Our ‘Feel New’ material creates an emotional connection to our
State unlike any previous campaign,” Mr Franklin said.
 
“Visitors to our national parks can bask on sunlit coastlines, walk among World Heritage-listed rainforests, make snow angels atop Australia’s highest mountain, and connect with Country on stunning desert landscapes.
 
“Tourism is the lifeblood of many regional and rural communities, and our national parks are perfectly positioned to support regional economic recovery and assist communities that have endured drought, bushfires, flooding and a pandemic.”
 
NSW is the ‘National Park State’ of Australia, with 890 spectacular parks and reserves, including the second oldest national park in the world Royal National Park, in Sydney.
 
Earlier this year, Lonely Planet reported that one of the prevailing trends in travel is the continued surge of interest in hiking.
 
NSW is one of the best places in the world to hike, and the NSW Government is determined to make it even better, with 755 kilometres of new and upgraded walking and mountain-biking tracks, 61 new or improved picnic and visitor areas, and 36 campground upgrades.
 
To make sure the experience in NSW national parks is as spectacular as the parks themselves, the NSW Government is delivering the largest investment in national parks history, with $450 million dollars for more than 200 visitor infrastructure projects across the State by 2024.
 
Learn more: Nature And Parks NSW – Plan a Holiday – National Parks & Wildlife (visitnsw.com)

Motorists visiting the Australian Capital Territory will now be able to search and compare petrol prices in real-time, with the nation leading FuelCheck app expanding across the NSW border again.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the app would display prices for the 60 plus service stations in the ACT to help motorists get the best price at the bowser.
 
“We know how porous the ACT and NSW border is so this is a win for residents of both NSW and the capital territory.  I congratulate the Chief Minister and his Government for embracing this technology,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Today’s announcement builds on the Tasmanian Government utilising this marvelous technology in 2020.
 
“There is often more than a 20-cent per litre difference in the price of petrol between service stations and using FuelCheck regularly can save you in excess of $800 per year.
 
“Since it went live in NSW in 2017, the app has had more than 2.2 million downloads, with 93 per cent of motorists giving it the thumbs up.
 
“I look forward to the app being adopted by other states on the eastern seaboard for the mutual benefit of our citizens”.
 
The app will list prices for Unleaded and Ethanol and Premium fuel types as well as Diesel. The technology will be initially piloted for six months in the ACT.
 
FuelCheck is one of more than 70 ways households can save money and boost their budget through the NSW Government.
 
For more information on FuelCheck and to download the app visit:  https://www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app 

The NSW Government is funding a crucial active transport link at Winston Hills in Sydney’s north-west connecting dozens of suburbs and vital pieces of infrastructure, including the 24km north-west T-way.
 
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the funding, part of the $110 million Get NSW Active program, would create real active transport solutions for people and families in and around the Parramatta and Cumberland Local Government areas.
 
“Funding this critical missing link will connect residents north of the Cumberland Highway to several key pieces of infrastructure including Toongabbie East Public School, the Westmead Health and Innovation District and the north-west T-way, 24km of uninterrupted cycleway from Parramatta to Blacktown and Rouse Hill.”
 
“By unlocking a safer, easier way to travel to school we’re providing families with greater choice on how they get around and giving them the opportunity to leave the car at home and save on fuel.”
 
Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor said the cycleway will also connect Old Windsor Road, Constitution Hill, with Briens Road, Northmead, providing a separated cycling connection that is accessible to people of all ages and cycling abilities.
 
“Children will be able to safely ride their bikes to school with mum or dad, local workers at Westmead, Toongabbie and Parramatta will have an entirely new option for their commute and members of the community will have a new way to explore their suburbs,” Mr Taylor said.
 
The path will cross over the Cumberland Highway and a new bridge will be built over Toongabbie Creek with construction due to commence in 2023.
 
The first two of three tranches of Get NSW Active funded 55 metropolitan and 67 regional projects across the Six Cities.
 
The final tranche for the year will be announced in its entirety in coming weeks.

The NSW Government has committed a further $180 million to continue modernising the rail network at Central Station’s Grand Concourse providing commuters with more frequent and reliable services, while reducing wait times and overcrowding.
 
The next stage of the More Trains, More Services program will also deliver critical railway infrastructure works to station platforms to accommodate new fleet and allow up to 15 trains every hour to access rail platforms at Central Station’s Grand Concourse.
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the multi-million dollar investment represented the future of our rail system.
 
“The More Trains, More Services initiative will simplify and bring our rail network into the 21^st century, creating high capacity, turn up and go services for commuters,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“We are committed to future-proofing the existing rail network and ensuring it remains in the best shape for generations to come. The investment will upgrade rail infrastructure and improve signalling to increase reliability, resilience, and frequency of services.
 
“Updating ageing critical signalling assets with new-generation technology means the rail network can recover faster after extreme weather or technical failures, leading to fewer delays and cancellations for our commuters.
 
“The program will further simplify and modernise the rail network, while supporting service changes from 2024 to integrate Sydney Metro City & Southwest services with the heavy rail network.”
 
The additional funding is on top of the NSW Government’s existing investment of more than $5.3 billion in the More Trains, More Services program, which has already delivered 41 new Waratah Series 2 trains and more than 1700 additional weekly services since 2017.

Lismore is set to get as many as 64 new affordable units in a $20 million boost to the city’s housing supply.
 
The plan to build additional affordable homes for Lismore is the result of a partnership between the NSW government and Lismore City Council.
                                                                                                
Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said Landcom has entered into an MOU with the council to develop up to 24 units on Bristol Circuit in Goonellabah and 40 units on Cynthia Wilson Drive in Goonellabah in partnership with a Community Housing Provider (CHP).
 
“This project will help ease housing pressures for people at risk of homelessness in Lismore,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“Greater access to affordable housing and support pave the way for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to secure a brighter future.
 
“We know that safe and stable accommodation is vital for people to get back on their feet and the NSW Government is committed to delivering more affordable housing to those in our community who need it most.”
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said that this is just one of the new projects being rolled out as part of Landcom’s expansion into the State’s regions.
 
“It is important we work with local government on innovative ways to unlock land and build homes,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“I look forward to the momentum this project creates as the NSW Government works to meet the growing demand for new homes in the regions.”
 
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said the project would go some way to easing the housing crisis in Lismore, particularly after the devastating February and March floods.
 
“This is a great outcome for our community after the devastation we experienced during the floods. This partnership will mean there is more affordable housing in the Lismore area for those who really need it,” Mr Krieg said.
 
Lismore Council has committed to providing a long term lease and to help fund the development at 44 Bristol Circuit site, Council will provide a 50+ year lease to a CHP.
 
The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation is contributing $2.5 million towards these new proposed developments.
 
Council will contribute the land for the 69 Cynthia Wilson Drive site and the Department of Communities and Justice will provide $5 million to support the development.
 
Under the MOU, Landcom will support the design and development application process. The yet-to-be appointed CHP will be responsible for the delivery and ongoing management of the project.

The NSW Government will make its biggest ever investment in the physical and mental wellbeing of police officers as part of a more than $100 million package of reforms designed to help recruit, retain and better take care of the 22,000 members of the NSW Police Force throughout their career.
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said $79 million will be invested over the next five years in Pulse – a new program designed to better look after sworn and unsworn members’ physical and psychological wellbeing.
 
“Police run towards danger when the natural instinct is to run the other way – and that carries with it a toll that can be both physical and mental,” Mr Toole said.
 
“Our Force make a commitment to spend their days on the frontline keeping our community safe. This is our commitment to make sure we do the same for them and take care of them at every stage of their career.”
 
Mr Toole said the reforms would also include the investment of an additional $27 million over the next five years in a new recruitment and retention fund to ensure the NSW Police Force’s ongoing strength.
 
“Our Government has delivered the biggest increase to Police numbers in 30 years with the addition of 1500 roles,” Mr Toole said.
 
“This fund will ensure we continue to draw in the talent we need for a world-class Police Force of more than 18,000 sworn officers – and to retain them in regional and remote areas.”
 
Commissioner Karen Webb said the new Pulse program is the single most significant investment into the health, safety, and wellbeing of our entire workforce.
 
“Our people are our biggest asset – and this investment recognises that, and ensures we put the right support around them from their first day on the job to their last,” Commissioner Webb said.
 
“For the first time we will see Mental Health clinicians embedded in stations and Specialist Commands across the state focusing on consultancy and counselling.
 
Officers medically retiring will gain access to a dedicated Career Transition team, designed to help them transition to civilian life.
 
Through periodic health checks, officers will also have access to nurses, dieticians and trainers to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
 
Police Association of NSW Acting President Ian Allwood said providing police with improved support and services is crucial to continue to attract and retain our police.
 
“Policing is an incredibly difficult job that takes its toll both mentally and physically. Providing our cops with the support they need isn’t just good for police themselves, but also for the broader community who rely on our police to keep them safe,” Mr Allwood said.
 
“NSW has a world class police force and ensuring the mental and physical well-being of officers is paramount. This investment will aid in the retention of officers across the state.”

The NSW Government has held its first annual Veterans Employment Roundtable at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park with a focus on transitioning veterans from the Defence Force into the construction industry.
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott today met with the Civil Contractors Federation, Master Builders Association and Housing Industry Association along with veterans support and employment organisations to discuss veterans career opportunities after their service.
 
“Today I met with leaders within the construction industry to discuss how veterans can ply their trade, using the skills they have learnt while serving in the Australian Defence Force.” Mr Elliott said.
 
“Approximately 1,200 personnel transition from the Australian Defence Force into NSW annually and each veteran has a transferable skillset that enables them to work across a great range of varying roles.”
 
“The construction industry is booming with many projects around our State. Veterans are employable and have the skills and attributes to contribute to roles in all sectors.”
 
As part of the development of the NSW Veterans Strategy, a NSW Veterans Employment Roundtable was to be convened annually. Previous Roundtables have been held in 2020 and 2021 and focused on work that government can do in partnership with private employers towards increasing collaboration and ultimately veteran’s finding meaningful employment.
 
This year’s Roundtable had a special focus on veterans working in the construction industry, and was attended by various organisations willing to work together and support veteran employment opportunities.
 
“We understand it can be challenging for some former Australian Defence Force personnel to find work after their service. We want to ensure our veterans enjoy a smooth transition from military service to civilian life. Today’s discussions centered on collaborative opportunities and a way forward for veterans looking for post service employment.” Mr Elliott said.
 
CEO of the Civil Contractors Federation David Castledine is a veteran himself and served with the Royal Australian Navy.
 
“Veterans are highly skilled, extremely adaptive, and come with an outstanding work ethic. The civil industry, being very process and compliance focused, greatly values such attributes. With a workforce shortage and a civil contractor working in every town in the State, there is great opportunity in our industry for these amazing people.” Mr Castledine said.
 
“Civil Contractors Federation NSW looks forward to assisting and enabling veterans to transition into the civil construction industry through our Veterans in Civil Program, which encourages more veterans to join the industry and to inform and support employers in the veteran recruiting process.”
 
More information on the NSW Government Veterans Employment Program available here.

4,572 new patients have taken advantage of the increased financial assistance available to people in regional communities who need to travel long distances to receive specialist care.
 
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said more than 1,000 additional patients per month have lodged claims under the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) since August 1, when the NSW Government’s $149.5 million funding boost came into effect.
 
“We know there were people in our regional and rural communities who were not seeking the care they needed because of the high cost of travel and accommodation,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“With the increased subsidies now available, many of these people are now receiving life-changing treatment.
 
“This crucial program is helping to ensure that no matter where you live in NSW, you can access the healthcare you need.”
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the subsidy for people requiring accommodation has almost doubled, while the NSW Government has also almost doubled the private vehicle subsidy rate from 22 cents to 40 cents per kilometre for patients who have to travel more than 100 kilometres for care.
 
“As well as receiving more money back, additional patients are now eligible to apply,” Mr Kean said.
 
“It’s great to see so many more people receiving help to ease the financial burden of travel and accommodation, and we want even more patients to come forward and use IPTAAS.”
 
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said patients attending non-commercial clinical trials, high-risk foot clinics, highly specialised publicly funded dental health clinics and ocularists can now access funding thanks to the expansion.
 
“It is fantastic that as a Government we are able to help reduce the financial burden of regional NSW patients and their families when travelling for treatment,” Mr Singh said.
 
“If you are paying travel and accommodation and you haven’t heard about this program I encourage you to check your eligibility as it could save you thousands of dollars.”
 
Armidale couple Pat and Robert Hanson thought they’d have to budget for large travel and accommodation costs when Robert learned he needed cancer treatment in Coffs Harbour.
 
“When Robert was diagnosed with cancer, it was a very stressful and overwhelming time as Robert’s treatment was going to be in Coffs Harbour, 180km away, and he needed six weeks of radiation treatment,” Mrs Hanson said.
 
“IPTAAS allowed us to travel and stay in Coffs Harbour for that time without needing Robert to drive back and forth, which was a huge relief. It covered our petrol and our accommodation at the hospital, saving us around $3,000.”
 
Community-based charity Can Assist provides financial support to cancer patients living in rural and regional areas to help access treatment and care.
 
“I can’t put into words the weight I see lifted when patients and our volunteers realise what the increase in IPTAAS rebates means for them,” Can Assist Executive Director Emma Phillips said.
 
The NSW Government is launching a comprehensive awareness campaign to promote the benefits of the expanded scheme, which will include flyers, fact sheets, an updated website and social media posts targeting existing, new and potential patients and their families and carers.
 
In addition, NSW Health is continuing to review and streamline the IPTAAS application processes to make it easier for patients to lodge claims.

The NSW Government has today announced two new initiatives to increase the number of women working in leading roles as the State continues to increase its uplift in Cyber Security.

Speaking at the 2022 NSW Government Cyber Security Showcase, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello announced 11 new $15,000 sponsorships for women across the NSW Government to increase their cyber security skills and that Cyber Security NSW would sponsor the Australian Women in Security Network, a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting and growing the number of women in the security community.

“These initiatives are designed to boost the number of women in cyber security and to help expand the recipients’ skills, whether in the technical, policy, governance or intelligence areas of the industry,” Mr Dominello said.

“With this investment we can upskill our workforce and offer new and exciting opportunities our candidates might have not considered in the past.

“While Cyber Security NSW is one of the leading agencies at the forefront of female participation in the industry, just like cyber security itself, this work is not set and forget.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Government is shifting the dial and increasing the participation of women in traditionally male dominated industries.

“The NSW Government is committed to understanding the challenges women face when looking to succeed in emerging high-value industries like Cyber-Security,” Mrs Taylor said.

“We know that when women and girls feel comfortable and welcome in an industry, they stick with it, so initiatives that support and encourage women to pursue their dreams are so important.

“My message to all women considering a future in cyber security is that we need you, we value you and your contribution to this space is crucial.”

NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer Tony Chapman said the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) is ideal the organisation for Cyber Security NSW sponsorship.

“The AWSN aims to increase the number of women entering, working in, and leading Australia’s security industry, in turn inspiring women to pursue a career in security and helping build the Australian pipeline of talented security professionals,” Mr Chapman said.

“The NSW Cyber Security Strategy has forecast that almost 17,000 new cyber security jobs will be needed by 2026.”
For more information about Cyber Security NSW visit: https://www.digital.nsw.gov.au/policy/cyber-security