Category: NSW News

Women in NSW who undergo fertility treatment with an accredited private provider will be eligible for a cash rebate of up to $2,000 from 1 October, thanks to the NSW Government.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the rebate is the first of its kind in Australia and builds on earlier NSW Government initiatives that make fertility treatments more affordable.
 
“Around 12,000 eligible women will benefit from the new fertility treatment rebate as part of the NSW Affordable IVF Initiative from this month onwards,” Mr Kean said.
 
“Families navigating their fertility journey don’t need to do it alone – we are backing them with an $80 million investment over four years to increase access to affordable fertility treatments.
 
“This funding will mean more women won’t have to choose between looking after their household budget and starting a family.”
 
To be eligible for the fertility treatment rebate, women must:

• Be a resident of NSW
• Have incurred an out-of-pocket cost from an accredited private provider from 1 October 2022.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said falling pregnant for many women is stressful enough without the added challenge of finding additional funds for fertility treatment.

“The NSW Government has led the nation in its efforts to lower these costs so that families can have access to our world-leading fertility specialists,” Mr Hazzard said.

“NSW is now one of the most affordable places in the world to have fertility treatment.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said one in every six couples experience fertility issues. 

“Fertility challenges can be absolutely heartbreaking and a huge financial burden. The NSW Government is lowering the cost of treatments, helping more women on their journey to start a family,” Mrs Taylor said.

“This new rebate builds on the NSW Government’s $42 million 2019 election commitment for affordable IVF, which is helping so many families.”

Professor Luk Rombauts, President of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), welcomed the continued investment and commitment from the NSW Government to support people on their fertility journey.

“This rebate is an opportunity to provide more equitable access to fertility treatments  and builds on the existing pre-IVF testing rebate that has already helped so many people across NSW,” Professor Rombauts said.

This rebate is separate to the existing one for pre-IVF fertility testing and is not available for out-of-pocket costs for lower cost treatments in publicly supported fertility clinics in NSW.

The $80 million expansion to the NSW Affordable IVF initiative also includes:

• Extending the rebate for pre-IVF fertility testing
• Expanding statewide access to lower cost IVF treatment through publicly supported clinics
• Boosting fertility preservation services for patients with a medical need
• Providing up to five days paid fertility treatment leave for teachers, nurses and other public servants across NSW.

The rebate eligibility criteria is listed here.

The new fertility treatment rebate of up to $2,000 will open for applicants to make a claim from 1 January 2023. Women who have undergone an eligible procedure from 1 October 2022 will be able to submit a claim when the rebate scheme opens.

More information on how the NSW Government is working to improve affordability and access to IVF services in NSW is available online here.

High-tech sensors which can predict and detect fires and clean energy solutions for bush fire-affected communities are among five innovative ideas being piloted under a landmark NSW Government research and development (R&D) program.
 
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the Bushfire Technology Pilots Program, a total of $6 million over four years, will support trials of field-ready bush fire technology developed by NSW businesses.
 
“NSW is a world leader in bush fire technology and this NSW Government investment is unlocking opportunities for homegrown innovators to test their potentially life saving research,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“We’re investing in these innovative technologies so that NSW can remain at the cutting edge of bush fire technology, and save lives by enhancing bush fire preparedness and response.”
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the grants on offer through the Bush Fire Technology Pilots Program cover multiple components of a bush fire response, including providing power to remote sites, real-time monitoring of fire conditions and data-sharing.
 
“The investment being announced today will put innovative technologies to the test so that one day they can be used by our emergency services in NSW, as well as organisations across Australia and the world, to save lives and improve the way we respond to disasters,” Ms Cooke said.
 
NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the wide range of work funded through the grants reflects NSW’s position as a global leader in bush fire technology.
 
“These projects will be collaborative, with grant recipients working closely with lead NSW fire response organisations, including the Rural Fire Service, Fire & Rescue, NSW Telco Authority, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Planning and Environment,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.
 
The program is the first initiative to be rolled out under the Bushfire Response R&D Mission, a recommendation of the NSW R&D Action Plan

More than 15,000 NSW high school students have had the opportunity to access personalised career guidance, coaching and support to help inspire and prepare them for life after school through the expansion of a NSW Government program.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet confirmed the successful Careers NSW program had been trialled in 32 high schools, enhancing existing school-based career services and opening doors for exciting opportunities for students.
 
“This program is about empowering students to take control of their future and learn more about the careers that are available when they leave school,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“By providing young people with additional professional careers guidance and connecting them to real industry experts, this program will unlock opportunities and inspire them to secure a brighter future.”
 
Careers NSW was a key recommendation of the review into the NSW vocational education and training sector led by David Gonski AC and Professor Peter Shergold AC.
 
The high school trial has helped students explore their interests, skills and possible career pathways, as well as helped to coordinate connections to industry experts and career opportunities.
 
Younger students participated in group careers exploration sessions, while parents and guardians have been given the opportunity to seek advice from professional careers practitioners about how they can better support their children.
 
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government will conduct another two trials next year to inform how Careers NSW can best support students and schools moving forward.
 
“Close to 100,000 people have already used the Careers NSW website since the adult pilot was established last year, and these trials in high schools allow young people to get their first taste of this whole-of-life careers guidance service,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“The Careers NSW trial in high schools complements existing careers advisers, enhancing their ability to deliver quality, professional advice and facilitate industry connections, to help students and parents understand how to aim high and secure a successful career.”
 
The pilot program follows the expansion of the Educational Pathways Program and the introduction of TAFE NSW Launchpad, as well as recent changes to the HSC and ATAR that will increase the take-up of vocational education and training in high schools.
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said embedding Careers NSW in schools is another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to create stronger pathways from high school to a career.
 
“Careers NSW will help students explore their future, offering advice and information on everything from traditional trades to new and emerging industries,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“This program will help young people think big and explore the education and employment pathways available to them when they leave the school gates.”
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said Careers NSW was the first service to utilise the Whole of Government online booking system as of February 2022, an initiative of the Government Made Easy program.
 
“The online booking system will provide students and parents with a one-stop shop and streamlined experience when booking appointments with careers practitioners through the program,” Mr Dominello said.
 
For more information on Careers NSW, please visit: https://careers.nsw.gov.au/.

NSW families saved more than $18 million on swimming lessons during the first year of the First Lap learn to swim voucher program, with the State Government reminding parents to take advantage of the second $100 voucher which became available on 1 July.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet joined families at Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre today and encouraged parents of children aged 3-6 years old to use the new voucher.
 
“NSW families were quick off the blocks, diving in to the First Lap Program and redeeming more than 180,000 vouchers for swimming lesson fees in the first year of the program, giving their children vital water safety and survival skills,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“As a father, I know how important swimming lessons are and how helpful the First Lap vouchers are for families.
 
“This program is one of more than 70 ways for households to save and boost their budgets. My message to families is simple – check to see if you’re eligible for this voucher and redeem it. You’ll save money and could save a life.”
 
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said with summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time for families of pre-schoolers to download their learn to swim voucher.
 
“Taking your child to swimming lessons is one of the most rewarding moments in a parent’s life and this voucher allows you to kickstart that journey,” Mr Henskens.
 
“This program is helping families across NSW access swimming lessons to ensure more children are safe in the water this summer.”
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said using the voucher is simple and can be done in a few clicks on your phone.
 
“Just like Active Kids, Creative Kids and the Dine and Discover NSW vouchers, families have embraced the First Lap program, with 94 per cent giving it the thumbs up,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Parents can redeem the voucher via the Service NSW app, by visiting the Service NSW website or calling 13 77 88.
 
“Swimming is part of our country’s DNA and this program makes this critical life skill even more accessible for parents.”
 
Royal Life Saving Society NSW CEO, Michael Illinsky said it was the right of every child to access a quality swimming and water safety education.
 
“Learning skills such as general swimming techniques and treading water, survival techniques and strategies, floating and rescue skills is vital for Australian children,” Mr Illinsky said.
 
“The First Lap vouchers help provide many children with their first swimming and water safety experience which in turn leads to a lifetime of fun and enjoyment in, on and around water.”
 
First Lap vouchers can be accessed from Service NSW and redeemed with registered First Lap providers. A list of First Lap providers is available on the Service NSW website. More information is available on the Service NSW website.
 

Dozens of new businesses have signed up to the NSW Seniors Card program to offer seniors discounts on everything from retail to travel and health services.
 
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said more than 140 new firms have joined the Seniors Card program, which will help ease cost of living pressures on seniors while providing a boost to many small businesses.
 
“This is one of several NSW Government initiatives to help seniors with cost of living pressures including toll relief and energy rebates,” Mr Kean said.
 
“The Seniors Card for over-60s has thousands of discounts covering groceries, tradies, holidays, insurance and services such as accountants and medical care. Businesses signing up to the program get more people through the door so it’s a win-win.”
 
Among the new businesses joining the program are dental surgeries, pubs and hotels, health and wellness centres and home cleaning service providers.
 
Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said the over 140 new additions join more than 6,500 businesses already helping ease the cost of living for seniors across retail, food and beverage, travel, and professional services.
 
“Each and every one are offering a range of discounts to cardholders, some even up to 30 per cent. This means seniors are able to take some pressure off the household budget and keep more money in their back pocket,” Mr Coure said.
 
“I encourage more businesses to sign up and open their door to more than 1.9 million seniors across NSW.”
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said that over 120,000 customers had already opted in for the Digital Seniors Card since its launch in April, with a customer satisfaction rate of about 90 per cent.
 
“Importantly, seniors will be able to make their dollar go further by accessing great discounts and savings, adding to the almost $7 billion NSW customers have already saved through the savings finder,” Mr Dominello said.
“We are working to improve and uplift the experience for all seniors across NSW through the Digital Seniors Card program and we will have more to share next month.”
 
For a full list of discounts available via the NSW Seniors Card, or for businesses to join the program, visit seniorscard.nsw.gov.au.
 
In addition to the NSW Seniors Card, there are more than 70 discounts and rebates available through the Savings Finder Program available on the Service NSW website. Those without internet access can make an appointment with a savings specialist at a Service NSW centre or by calling 13 77 88.

The NSW Government has released an Action Plan to guide the state’s legal assistance sector in their crucial work supporting the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
 
The NSW Legal Assistance Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2025 has been developed with key stakeholders including Legal Aid NSW, the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT and Community Legal Centres NSW.
 
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the Action Plan reflects the collective approach taken to realise strategic priorities identified by the sector and the NSW government in July 2022.
 
“The NSW Legal Assistance Strategy and Action Plan 2022-25 is informed by a significant partnership between the NSW government and the legal assistance sector which aims to break the cycle of disadvantage and ensure people in NSW can fully participate and prosper in their communities” Mr Speakman said.
 
“This Action Plan outlines a whole-of-sector approach ensuring our community’s most vulnerable members have access to justice. It has been developed in recognition of the valuable and crucial work the NSW legal assistance sector contributes to these goals.”
 
The Action Plan will inform the legal sector’s work over the remaining three years of the State’s current NLAP Agreement with the Australian Government, securing crucial funding for legal assistance in NSW.
 
Key commitments of the Action Plan include:
 

• A project to better identify and understand unmet legal need in vulnerable communities across NSW
• Providing responsive and culturally safe legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander client
• Supporting the establishment of an Aboriginal Women’s Advisory Network to guide Aboriginal-led and place-based solutions to address domestic and family violence.

 
The Action Plan has been developed in accordance with the National Legal Assistance Partnership 2020-2025 (NLAP). The NLAP is an agreement between the Australian Government and all states and territories for Commonwealth funded legal assistance. 
 
Commonwealth Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP said: “The legal assistance sector plays a vital role in helping those in greatest need.”
 
“The Commonwealth Government is committed to supporting the legal assistance sector to deliver access to justice to Australians most in need,” Mr Dreyfus said.
 
View the NSW Legal Assistance Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2025 here.

The NSW Government will contribute $15 million to repair crucial  Crown land features, damaged during the recent floods.
 
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said 62 local councils can now apply for a grant under the Crown Land Flood Recovery Funding.
 
“The February and March flooding  events were disastrous for many communities. The record rain caused landslides, erosion, roads to collapse and significant damage from overflowing rivers and creeks,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“This $15 million will be used to help clean-up, repair and restore smaller community assets on Crown Land,  such as parks, playgrounds, reserves, visitor and cultural sites and Crown roads, bridges, drains and other structures.”
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the funding will also ensure  local infrastructure in flood-affected communities is built back to a more resilient standard to help withstand future natural disasters.
 
“62 local government areas were impacted by this flooding and I encourage each council to make the most of this funding opportunity so  we can be better prepared for future severe weather events,” Ms Cooke said.
 
Applications are open until 14 October, after which they will be assessed by the Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands to determine the amount of funding to be allocated to each local council.
 
Local councils can contact the Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program team on floodrecovery@crownland.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 886 235.

An innovative program that helps victim-survivors of domestic violence to stay safely in a home of their choice is being expanded to 14 additional local government areas across the state.

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence, Natalie Ward, said the expansion of the Staying Home Leaving Violence program would provide support to more vulnerable women across NSW.

“The Staying Home Leaving Violence program provides support to women and children who have suffered domestic violence by allowing them to stay safely and heal in their own home while the perpetrator is removed,” Mrs Ward said.

“Earlier this year I announced phase one of the expansion, including $20 million for 28 existing Staying Home Leaving Violence service providers to extend their service reach from 33 locations to 70.

“Today we’re announcing $12.5 million to deliver phases two and three, to deliver 11 new locations and trial the program in three additional locations, to help even more victim-survivors.”

Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the program is another example of the NSW Government expanding comprehensive services to support domestic violence victim-survivors right across the state.

“We know that being surrounded by a strong support network is incredibly important for victim-survivors, but the reality is, many women and children who have suffered domestic violence often find themselves forced to flee their homes, and this means they may also lose touch with their trusted network,” said Mrs Taylor.

“This program will allow more women and children across the state to stay closer to their family, friends, school and employment, while receiving support and the services they need to remain safe while they rebuild their lives.”

The Local Government Areas to have the program for the first time include:

• Mid-Coast
• Muswellbrook and Upper Hunter
• Armidale, Uralla and Walcha
• Canterbury and Burwood
• Georges River
• Sutherland
• Wagga Wagga and Junee
• Parkes, Forbes and Cowra
• Bathurst and Lithgow
• Mid-Western
• Queanbeyan-Palerang

 
Under phase three, the program is being trialled across three Local Government Areas where demand is lower, or where there are geographical barriers to accessing mainstream services, including the Blue Mountains, Lachlan and Weddin, and Snowy Monaro Regional Council.

The trial will include combining technological solutions and outreach services to deliver safety planning and case management support.

Support available to victim-survivors through Staying Home Leaving Violence can include improved home security, intensive case management, legal assistance, and financial advice.

The Staying Home Leaving Violence program has already helped more than 4,500 women and children to stay safe. The expansion of this program will help support an additional 2,100 women and children across the state.

For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63), NSW Rape Crisis (1800 424 017) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491). In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Construction has kicked-off on Australia’s newest city, Bradfield City Centre, a visionary undertaking that will create more than 17,000 jobs and accelerate a wave of new advanced manufacturing, research and innovation in Western Sydney.
 
Work is underway on the first building, a 3,840 square metre multi-purpose building that will house office, exhibition and event spaces, Hitachi’s Kyoso Creation Centre and the first stage of a new Advanced Manufacturing and Research Facility.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the 114-hectare Bradfield City Centre development is backed by a $1 billion investment from the NSW Government and will unlock a further $10 billion in private investment.
 
“We are building a world-class city centre that will supercharge the creation of jobs and economic opportunities across Western Sydney,” Mr Perrottet said. 
 
“This first building is the start of a game-changing and job-generating city centre that will transform Bradfield into a hive of economic activity for businesses and offer new services and attractions for residents across Western Sydney.
 
“With this new high-tech city located close to new airport, businesses will be able to manufacture products in Western Sydney and export to the rest of world, generating even more export dollars for our state.”
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said Taylor Construction Group had been awarded the construction tender to build the first building.
 
“This facility will bring high-skilled jobs and global career opportunities to Western Sydney residents, deliver shared high-tech manufacturing equipment and machinery with local Sydney businesses and fast-track development in areas like defence and space,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Beyond this first building, the NSW Government has committed a further $260 million to establish the largest Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility in Australia, right here in Western Sydney.”
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said Bradfield’s first building was given State Significant Development Application approval.
 
“Major international companies are turning their eyes to Western Sydney and our work in creating this new city,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“The first building will deliver 150 construction jobs and 60 new operational jobs once it is up and running.”
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the start of construction marked a monumental moment for the residents of the Western Parkland City who will experience the Bradfield City Centre come to life on their doorstep. 
 
“Families and communities in Greater Western Sydney are seeing first-hand the benefits of a Government that is building infrastructure to make life easier,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“Western Sydney residents will soon see this empty paddock grow into a thriving city centre with world-class transport infrastructure.”
 
Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the sod turn on the first building marks the start of what will be an enormous jobs boom for Western Sydney.
 
“The Bradfield City Centre will grow and evolve in coming decades to become a major hub for jobs in Western Sydney, generating enormous economic benefit for the NSW economy,” Mrs Davies said.
 
Chair of the Western Parkland Authority Jennifer Westacott AO said the city is being designed for the future with inbuilt digital capabilities, smart technology and targeting net-zero emissions.
 
“This will be a truly a global city with a 24/7 economy and the beautiful parks, playgrounds and buzzing cultural life Western Sydney deserves,” Ms Westacott said.
 
“The Bradfield City Centre is being created by harnessing the region’s existing strengths to attract investment in manufacturing, agribusinesses and education and by leveraging the huge decisions the NSW Government has already made.”
 
The team is working to complete Bradfield’s first building by late 2023.