Category: NSW News

Further efforts to relieve demand on emergency departments with expanded urgent care services are a step closer today, with expressions of interest now open.
 
The urgent care services, a joint commitment  of the  NSW and Victorian governments, can help ease pressure on emergency departments by giving people faster care for urgent but non-critical conditions and free up critical resources for patients with more serious needs.
 
As a result of the expression of interest process, it is expected that urgent care services will be enhanced in Western Sydney. Existing urgent care services are located in Wentworthville, Rouse Hill, Marsden Park and Castle Hill.
 
A total of 25 urgent care services will operate across New South Wales, with the expression of interest process to fill the remaining  sites. 
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government was stepping up to provide a service which supports the primary care sector and reduces pressure on emergency departments.
 
“We know the Federal Government is looking at providing more support for GPs and primary care but we need to act now to continue to make the NSW health system the best in Australia,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“Demand on emergency departments nationwide is at unprecedented levels, with many thousands of people presenting for treatment as they haven’t been able to see a GP, and often they don’t require emergency care.
 
“This initiative will help give people with non-critical conditions convenient and streamlined care.”
 
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said by expanding our urgent care services, the NSW Government is bridging the gap between GP Practices and hospitals.
 
“More people than ever are presenting to our hospitals, and with COVID still in our community, our health services are understandably under pressure,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“We need to be bold and try different things to improve health outcomes in our communities and that is exactly what this initiative will achieve.
 
“By expanding the footprint of urgent care services across NSW, we will ensure that people can get the high quality care they need for less serious conditions and also free up space in our emergency departments.”
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the latest quarterly BHI figures reveal almost 375,000 people attending our EDs – almost half of all those coming in for treatment – were for non-critical conditions.
 
“Our health staff will always triage the most urgent and life-threatening cases first, which means less urgent cases who could get their treatment at a GP, end up waiting,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“The expanded urgent care services, which include partnerships with General Practitioners, aim to free up those critical resources in our emergency departments for patients with more serious needs.”
 
Under the joint commitment with Victoria, 25 urgent care services will operate in each state for extended hours to offer more care outside the hospital system.
 
These services will be well equipped to handle conditions such as sprains, broken bones, wounds, insect bites and minor ear and eye problems. Patients will not be charged, and patients without a Medicare card will also have access free of charge.
 
Urgent care services can be delivered through a variety of models. Expressions of interest are being sought from local health districts, specialty health networks, and from general practices through primary health networks.
 
Further information on NSW Urgent Care Services is available at www.health.nsw.gov.au/urgentcare

A safe and permanent home for our most vulnerable children is critical to ensure our state’s young people are supported for the best start in life.
 
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said that the NSW Government is working closely with the out-of-home care sector to  improve and increase understanding of the guardianship and open adoption experience.
 
“A stable and loving home can have life-changing benefits for children and is the foundation for a happy and healthy life,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“Every child in NSW deserves to grow up in a nurturing, supportive home. This National Adoption and Permanency Awareness Month we are asking for those who can to open their homes and make open adoption a reality for a child in need.”
 
Open adoption and guardianship are just two permanency options for a loving home for children and young people.
 
The My Forever Family NSW program, delivered by Adopt Change, provides support for prospective adoptive parents, guardians, foster and kinship carers.
 
Renée Carter, Adopt Change CEO said becoming a carer means opening your homes and lives to provide the everyday experiences of childhood in a safe and stable environment.
 
“Every child needs a home where they are safe and supported. There are more homes needed across Australia and indeed here in NSW. This month while we recognise permanent families through adoption and other care options, we will also be seeking out more families to open their homes for children in need,” Ms Carter said.
 
“Adopt Change are heartened by the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting safe, nurturing and permanent family homes for children, and the provision of supports for children to thrive and heal from trauma through the My Forever Family NSW program.”
 
For more information about open adoption visit, facs.nsw.gov.au/families/adoption. To start your carer journey today, enquire online dcjnsw.info/becomingacarer.

The NSW Government is celebrating major milestones with Sydney Metro – 50 million commuter trips since opening three years ago and the start of passenger services on the first of 23 new trains for the next stage of Australia’s biggest public transport project.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said 50 million passenger journeys made it very clear that commuters across Sydney’s north-west had embraced travelling on the Metro. 

“Last night we hit another major milestone as new driverless trains for the Sydney Metro City and Southwest project join the existing North West Metro Line trains, following a rigorous testing regime,” Mr Elliott said.

“Most of the new trains for the Sydney Metro City and Southwest project have been delivered and undergone rigorous operational testing with four, which have completed all testing and commissioning, joining the North West Metro fleet this week.

“Once the testing program is completed, all 23 new trains are expected to be in service on the North West Metro Line in the first half of next year, doubling the number of trains on the network and providing customers with additional flexibility. 

“Sydney Metro is a city-shaping project that will transform how this city moves, with metro trains able to take more people across the Harbour in the busiest hour of the peak than the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel combined. This new fleet will ensure commuters have access to metro services every four minutes from Rouse Hill to the heart of Sydney.” 

The testing and commissioning confirms each train meets stringent design and operational requirements and adheres to Sydney Metro’s strict safety standards, including completing a minimum of 500 kilometres of travel prior to integration into passenger services.

Once the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line is connected with the operational line at Chatswood, trains will begin testing in the 15.5km twin tunnels under Sydney Harbour and through the seven new city stations. 

NSW continues to build its reputation as the top place in Australia to own and drive an electric vehicle (EV) with transit lane concessions to continue for another 12 months.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said EVs will be permitted to drive in transit lanes until 31 October 2023.

“Allowing EVs to drive in transit lanes builds on other initiatives from the Perrottet Government to incentivise uptake including rebates, phasing out stamp duty and building a world-class charging network to support these vehicles,” Mr Kean said.

“Through these initiatives, we have seen an 84 per cent increase in EVs in NSW since last year, the fastest growth in Australia, and we are confident this trend will continue.

“This is part of the NSW Government’s EV Strategy which is backed by a $633 million investment to accelerate the uptake of EVs and de-carbonise the state-owned vehicle fleet.”

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said allowing EVs to drive in transit lanes, regardless of the number of occupants, was yet another incentive for drivers to opt for vehicles of the future.

“Drivers of EVs are able to use the transit lanes to cut travel times which is another great reason to take up these vehicles in addition to the more than half a billion dollars in tax cuts and incentives being invested by the NSW Government over the next four years,” Mrs Ward said.

“EVs are an investment in our future, not only in the massive reduction in emissions, but also in savings on fuel and ongoing costs for drivers.”

For more information about the strategy and the NSW Government EV strategy, visit www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/nsw-governments-electric-vehicle-strategy

Global ratings agency Fitch has reaffirmed NSW’s triple-A credit rating with a stable outlook, the latest vote of confidence in the State’s financial management.
 
NSW is the only state in Australia with two triple-A credit ratings, with Moody’s also assigning a triple-A rating in September. Last month, S&P Global maintained the State’s double-A plus rating with a stable outlook. 
 
Treasurer Matt Kean, who will this week meet with Moody’s in London to discuss the economic outlook and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk factors, said the result was proof of the State’s strong fiscal management. 
 
“New South Wales remains the only state in Australia with a Moody’s and Fitch triple-A credit rating,” Mr Kean said.
 
“The State’s strong financial management has supported our credit rating and enabled the Government to continue to deliver on its record $112.7 billion infrastructure program.  NSW remains on track to return to surplus in 2024-25.”  
 
The State’s net debt is projected to stabilise at about 14 per cent of Gross State Product by June 2026, compared with a projected 26.5 per cent for Victoria at 30 June 2026.
Mr Kean, in his meeting with Moody’s, will discuss the direction of fiscal policy post-COVID and the most pressing credit risks for NSW.

The NSW Government will be responsible for assessing three planning proposals that could unlock around 19,000 new homes, and secure the protection and implementation of important koala corridors, in Appin, Gilead and North Appin.

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the Government was fast-tracking the assessment of three large, complex and interrelated proposals, as part of the Government’s $2.8 billion package to improve housing supply in NSW.

“In addition to potentially providing much-needed housing, these proposals will improve outcomes for the area’s koala population, one of only a few disease-free populations in NSW,” Mr Roberts said.

“Setting up koala corridors is a key part of our conservation efforts to make sure koalas can safely move around, and these proposals could help secure and implement koala plans identified in the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan.”

Mr Roberts said while planning proposals are normally lodged with councils in the first instance, the State will assess these proposals given their combined significance, complexity, and strong housing and environmental benefits if approved.

“The Department of Planning and Environment will undertake the assessment of these proposals, which are all located in the Greater Macarthur Growth Area, so councils don’t need to. However, it will be required to work closely with councils and other agencies to resolve any potential issues,” he said.

“Nothing about the assessment process changes including the important need for community consultation.”

The three proposals which are expected to be lodged shortly are:

• A 1,284-hectare site to support around 12,900 new homes, including affordable housing, and help secure new important koala corridors (Walker Corporation);
• A 300-hectare site for up to 3,000 new homes and help secure and implement a koala corridor along Ousedale Creek (Ingham’s Property Group); and
• An 876-hectare site for up to 3,300 new homes, a school, public open space and environmental conservation land, and land dedicated for several koala corridors, that all implement the advice of the NSW Chief Scientist (Lendlease).

The NSW Government’s highly successful education campaign, empowering young people to check consent before engaging in sexual activity, has been relaunched today in the lead up to the end of year party season.
 
The expansion of the Make No Doubt campaign follows the success of phase 3 of the social and digital media campaign which ran from May to August this year and has recorded more than 46.75 million impressions to date.
 
Attorney General Mark Speakman said independent research commissioned to assess the campaign’s impact on 16-24 year olds shows that it is changing attitudes and behaviours in relation to seeking consent.
 
“The Make No Doubt videos are designed to ensure people are empowered to check consent every time they engage in sexual activity,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“This is especially important for 16-24 year olds who have a higher risk of sexual assault perpetration and victimisation. It’s about making sure that when people engage in sexual activity, they are taking part voluntarily and are choosing to say ‘yes’.
 
“The feedback on the campaign has been very positive. I thank the many stakeholders who provided valuable feedback and support during its development, particularly Saxon Mullins, Rachael Burgin and Chanel Contos.”
 
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the relaunch of the Make No Doubt campaign builds on the NSW Government’s strong reforms to ensure consent needs to be given freely and voluntarily.
 
“We have listened extensively to victim-survivors about how we can improve our response to sexual violence, including how to boost education for the community on what constitutes consent,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“This campaign is empowering people to make the right choices and is making it clear that you need to check consent every time you engage in sexual activity.
 
“The NSW Government’s consent laws set clear boundaries for consensual sex and this campaign will help ensure even more people understand what they need to do to have healthy, respectful relationships.”
 
Survivor Advocate and Director of Rape & Sexual Assault Research & Advocacy, Saxon Mullins welcomed the expansion of the Make No Doubt campaign.
 
“It’s important that we continue to have open conversations about consent that don’t trivialise or obscure it,” Ms Mullins said.
 
“The extension of the Make No Doubt campaign keeps the conversation going. The more people who see these videos, the better we’ll all be.”
 
Chanel Contos, CEO & Founder of Teach Us Consent Movement, said the independent research shows that the campaign is clearly having an impact.
 
“The fact that 81% of people, and 83% of young men, who saw the campaign have already taken some form of positive action in relation to consent, speaks volumes to the success of this campaign,” Ms Contos said.
 
“Public education campaigns like this are crucial as we strive for cultural change. I hope this is one of many.”
The video ads will run on social media and digital channels, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok plus some new channels including Twitch and online dating platforms.
 
The NSW Government debuted Make No Doubt in 2018 and followed up with a second phase in 2019. Phase 3 of Make No Doubt ran for 12 weeks from 25 May 2022. 
 
The new campaign will run from today until January 2023.
 
The videos are the product of months of consultation with numerous stakeholders, including sexual violence service providers and community groups.
 
Make No Doubt campaign videos and images available here.

The ‘Class of 2022’ will be given the opportunity to access fee-free training to help them rapidly gain new skills for summer jobs in industries experiencing labour shortages such as hospitality, construction and early childhood education.
 
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the Summer Skills program will deliver 4,000 fee-free courses, with a focus on school leavers, as part of the NSW Government’s record $3.1 billion investment in skills and training.
 
“If you’re completing your HSC, now is the perfect time to get skilled for free and jump straight into a well-paid and rewarding job over the summer,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“This program is helping people boost their budget by slashing course costs, so that young people can get the skills they need for the jobs they want – whether that’s to kick start a career or earn money while they study.
 
“It will also help businesses address labour shortages so that they can employ more people and have a bumper summer.”
 
Summer Skills courses will be available for people between 16 and 24 who have left school through TAFE NSW and other registered training organisations.
 
Business NSW Executive Director David Harding said there has never been a better time for young people to get a job and this program will help them get the new skills they need.
 
“Businesses across NSW are crying out for staff as we head into summer and school leavers looking to get their start in the workforce will be welcomed by employers,” Mr Harding said. 
 
“Whether that be pulling beers, a role in childcare or caring for older Aussies, getting our kids into a job sets them up for a bright future.”
 
For more information, visit www.skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/summer-skills.

Safe spaces and modern facilities to help empower domestic and sexual violence survivors and vulnerable witnesses to give their best evidence in court have been installed or upgraded in 45 courthouses across the State.
 
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the now completed works utilised $9 million of COVID-19 stimulus funding from the previous federal government to deliver new or upgraded safe rooms and remote witness rooms in metropolitan and regional courthouses.
 
“Retraumatising a complainant does not advance justice. Courts are best assisted to hear and determine matters where witnesses and complainants are supported to present their best evidence, in the interests of the administration of justice,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“These new and upgraded facilities give vulnerable witnesses the private, secure areas they need to prepare for court and to provide evidence.
 
“Under the NSW Government’s domestic violence reforms, complainants in domestic violence criminal proceedings and related apprehended domestic violence order proceedings have a prima facie entitlement to give evidence remotely via audio visual and in a closed court,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“Cross-examination is an important part of the justice process because it safeguards convictions for crimes of sexual and domestic violence by ensuring a fair trial.
 
“These protections seek to minimise the stress and trauma of giving evidence in court for those witnesses, and empower them to engage with the justice process to deliver their evidence.”
 
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the prospect of having to face an alleged abuser, or their family members, in open court can re-traumatise and exacerbate the stress of having to testify in court.
 
“This is about further protecting and minimising the trauma of domestic violence victim-survivors,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“These new safe rooms and remote witness facilities enhance support for the courageous victims who come forward to report abuse. The NSW Government is committed to supporting victim-survivors if they choose to report to police, and it is crucial these facilities are available to support them and help alleviate the trauma of coming to court.”
 
Safe rooms are rooms within a courthouse which give vulnerable witnesses, such as victim-survivors of domestic and family violence or sexual assault, private and secure areas to prepare for court. 
 
Remote witness rooms are rooms within the courthouse which are linked to the main court room via Audio Visual Link (AVL). They allow vulnerable witnesses to provide their testimony without having to face perpetrator and/or their supporters in the court room.
 
In total, there are now 154 remote witness rooms and eight rooms that are directly connected to a courtroom at 100 locations in NSW. In addition, there are 84 safe rooms at 77 court locations in NSW.
 
Mr Speakman said the NSW Government has delivered a number of significant legislative reforms and resources to maintain the right to a fair trial while promoting a trauma-informed approach to court processes, including:
 

• Landmark affirmative consent reforms which were accompanied by five new jury directions to address common sexual assault misconceptions and ‘rape myths’, research into victim-survivors’ experiences with the criminal justice process, and the expansion of the successful “Make No Doubt” consent education campaign
• $5.6 million in funding to support the implementation of the NSW Government’s coercive control reforms, which passed the Legislative Assembly on October 19, 2022. The funding will enable coercive control training and education, including for police, lawyers and judges, as well as public awareness raising campaigns.
• Expanding the ban on direct cross-examination by self-represented accused of complainants in sexual offence proceedings to complainants in domestic violence criminal and related proceedings, through the use of an intermediary ‘Court Appointed Questioner’.

Road users can expect a simpler parking experience with a cutting-edge signage technology trial rolling out in Sydney.

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the Smart Signage trial will begin in the Sydney CBD as part of the $695 million Smart Technology Corridors Program.

“The aim of this trial is to make deciphering messages on parking signs easy,” Mrs Ward said.

“Smart Signage will replace confusing parking, clearway and bus zone signs with one simple, digital sign that is updated and monitored remotely.

“Not only will this technology potentially reduce parking fines, putting money back in people’s pockets, but it will also help prevent accidental parking in clearways, which adds greatly to congestion.”

The Smart Signage Program harnesses new digital technology to offer a simpler, more modern solution for complex clearway and parking signage. The digital signs provide information to drivers on timeframes for clearways, bus zones, no stopping zones, loading zones and up-to-date timed parking.

Motorists using Chalmers Street, Surry Hills between Cleveland Street and Devonshire Street will see the Smart Signage trial kick off from 21 November 2022 and run for up to 18 months.

A trial is also planned for Elizabeth Street, between Park Street and Liverpool Street, Sydney in the near future.
The community will be kept up to date on any work being carried out in their local area for a Smart Signage trial as well as timeframes.

The Smart Technology Corridors Program was announced in 2019 with three key focus areas; Smart Signage, Intelligent Traffic Light Program and Smart Motorways.

For more information on the Smart Signage trial or to give feedback go to https://yoursay.transport.nsw.gov.au/smart-signage