Standing up for Regional NSW: Independent Agriculture Commissioner

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to safeguard the future of regional communities and the state’s agriculture sector, with the election commitment to appoint an Independent Agriculture Commissioner to be delivered in full.  

Legislation will be introduced to NSW Parliament during the September sitting to establish a statutory office of the Agriculture Commissioner.

The Commissioner will provide dedicated oversight and advice to the Minister for Agriculture on issues relating to agriculture, land use, food security and agricultural productivity, supporting the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensure regional communities continue to thrive.  

Over the past decade NSW farmers have faced, floods, bushfires, drought, multiple biosecurity incursions and the impacts of COVID19 on global supply chains. At the same time the growing impact of climate change means it is more vital than ever that Government receive independent, expert advice on policies and issues facing the state’s primary industries.  

The Minns Labor Government’s commitment to an Independent Agriculture Commissioner, was informed by strong advocacy from the state’s agriculture sector.

The Commissioner will undertake the following functions:

  • provide advice, conduct reviews and make recommendations on issues relating to agriculture, agricultural productivity, land use and food security when requested by the Minister 
  • monitor trends and issues relating to agriculture, land use and food security, and to identify opportunities to improve agricultural productivity 
  • promote a coordinated and collaborative approach across all tiers of Government 
  • engage experts and stakeholders in matters relating to the exercise of the Commissioner’s functions

Once legislation passes Parliament work will begin to appoint the new Commissioner, consistent with legislation, policies and procedures. 

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said: 

“The Legislation will be an important milestone as the NSW Government continues its work to ensure our regional communities continue to thrive. 

“Farmers are the lifeblood of New South Wales, from the food we eat, to the clothes we wear, and it is important there is an independent commissioner advising Government on how we can enhance farmers’ productivity. 

“The advice of the Commissioner to me will be used to inform evidence-based decisions on policy and programs that can best promote our agricultural sector.

“Thank you to the former Commissioner, Daryl Quinlivan, for his tireless work in this space and in outlining options for the independent commissioner role.”  

125 paramedics on the road to boost the regional health workforce in NSW

An additional 125 paramedics are now working across NSW, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s election commitment to boost the regional workforce by 500 paramedics over four years.

This is a significant increase for regional areas and will further assist NSW Ambulance in providing world-class emergency and mobile healthcare across the state.

The first cohort of additional paramedics have joined teams at the following locations:

  • Ballina Station
  • Lismore Station
  • Lithgow Station
  • Mudgee Station
  • Goulburn Station
  • Broken Hill Station
  • Bathurst Station
  • Parkes Station
  • Port Macquarie Station
  • South West Rocks Station
  • Tottenham Station
  • Kangaroo Valley Station
  • Bomaderry (Nowra) Education

This workforce boost is part of the $1.76 billion Strategic Workforce and Infrastructure Team (SWIFT) Program, which is delivering up to 2,500 staff across NSW, 30 new stations and hundreds more ambulances over the coming years.

This major workforce boost delivers better health outcomes for patients and their families, while also providing more support to our existing NSW Ambulance staff in the bush.

The Minns Labor Government will continue to roll out the additional 500 paramedics over a four year period, with future locations to be determined through consultation between NSW Ambulance, the Health Services Union, local communities and health staff about the needs and resourcing in their area.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The addition of these highly skilled paramedics in the bush will help drive better health outcomes for patients and their families, while also providing more support to our current NSW Ambulance staff across the state.

“We are dedicated to boosting healthcare staffing levels across the state, which will ensure we continue to meet the needs of our community by providing high-quality medical care.

“By funding the 125 additional full-time paramedics, the NSW Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our health workforce in the bush.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“This significant increase to the paramedic workforce across the state will boost NSW Ambulance’s capacity to provide high quality care to patients across NSW.

“As demand for services continues to grow, we remain committed to providing world class emergency and mobile health care to the NSW community.

“All our paramedics share a commitment to excellence in serving their communities all over NSW.”

Staying safe and cyber smart with Tech Savvy Seniors

More than 145,000 NSW seniors have learnt how to sidestep scammers, access online government services, and connect with friends and family on Facebook thanks to the NSW Government’s Tech Savvy Seniors program.

A partnership between the NSW Government and Telstra, Tech Savvy Seniors is delivered free-of-charge in NSW public libraries and either free or at low cost through community colleges across the state.

The NSW Government invests $500,000 annually in the program with the latest round of funding to be awarded next month.

The digital literacy program is designed to help seniors develop the confidence they need to participate online, whether it’s sharpening smartphone skills, staying safe online, finessing their finances or bagging a bargain.

Training sessions are offered at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels and are conducted in English, as well as a range of languages including Arabic, Burmese, Cantonese, Hindi, Italian, Khmer, Korean, Mandarin, Nepalese, Persian, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

In addition, a culturally appropriate program, First Nations Computer Classes, has been rolled out to Aboriginal communities across NSW.

A key focus area in the NSW Government’s Ageing Well in NSW Seniors Strategy: 2021-2031 is to help older people stay informed and build resilience to better navigate changes.

Tech Savvy Seniors is a key commitment under the strategy, providing seniors with the skills to stay connected in an increasingly digital world.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“Our seniors grew up in an different time, when technology was not as ubiquitous. The shift to digital has opened up a world of convenience and connection and we don’t want seniors to be left behind.

“The NSW Government is committed to making sure people thrive in their senior years and continue to participate in the community. Nowadays, technology plays an important part by keeping them informed and connected.

“Tech Savvy Seniors has a proven track record of transforming technophobes into cyber smart citizens with simple step-by-step lessons which take the fear out of technology.”

Senior Mandy said:

“I used to be terrified of technology. Completing the Tech Savvy Seniors program taught me so many new skills and gave me the confidence I need with both the computer and smartphone.

“I have now gone back to TAFE and the program has given me the skills to be confident with my course work.

“More people should give it a go as it’s a great program to help you learn technology.”

53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Tonga from 27 to 29 August 2024 for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting.

This will be his third PIF Leaders’ Meeting, and his first visit to Tonga as Prime Minister.

The Pacific Islands Forum is our region’s top multilateral body and the PIF Leaders Meeting is the most important annual meeting of leaders of all PIF member states.

Prime Minister Albanese will join other Pacific leaders to discuss important issues affecting our region, including climate resilience, education, health and regional security.

The Prime Minister will be joined by the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting is central to safeguarding our region’s collective prosperity and security.

“It is important that Pacific leaders meet each year to discuss our shared aspirations and challenges — and work together towards Pacific-led solutions that benefit us all.

“Australia understands that climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of Pacific Island communities.

“I thank Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku for hosting the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum and welcome his leadership in helping deliver tangible and practical outcomes for the region.”

Connecting Western Sydney to the world

Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) has landed its first international airline, with Singapore Airlines confirming its intention to operate from the airport and connect Western Sydney passengers to the world.

This new commercial arrangement allows Singapore Airlines to begin developing its future operations at WSI, helping Australians wing their way to one of the largest transportation hubs in Asia.

With more than 80 per cent of the airport’s construction now complete, WSI is getting closer to take off, welcoming airlines and passengers from late 2026.

WSI will welcome up to 10 million annual passengers a year. It will offer an integrated domestic and international terminal, in addition to Business Precinct and Aviation Support Facilities, including cargo.

Australia has completed successful bilateral air services negotiations with a number of countries recently including Samoa and Tonga, and in the last 12 months with Türkiye, Vietnam, Sri Lanka.

These agreements have increased capacity immediately available to international airlines operating to and from Australia by more than 50 services a week – and by 100 services per week over the next two years.

Bilateral air services negotiations continue with a number of other countries, with a particular focus on seeking to increase available capacity in the Asia Pacific region.

Construction of WSI is delivering more than 9,000 jobs and half a billion dollars’ in contracts to Western Sydney businesses.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“From Singapore’s Marina Bay to Sydney’s Badgerys Creek, this shows the bright future ahead for Western Sydney International.

“Connecting Western Sydney with the world, while boosting jobs, skills and opportunities right across this region.”

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King

“This strategic partnership recognises WSI’s status as a world-class international airport and new gateway to Asia.

“Tourism is a major contributor for Sydney and Australia, with WSI a major contributor to opportunities for jobs and local businesses.”

Ten-year pathway towards warmer, cheaper to run and more climate friendly buildings

Today the ACT Government has announced a plan to make Canberra homes more resilient to our environment, saving Canberrans money on energy bills, reducing waste and water usage, improving air quality, reducing use of toxic materials and lowering home maintenance costs.

Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction Rebecca Vassarotti said the Pathway will help Canberra’s building and construction sector transition towards best practice that leads to more sustainable and climate ready buildings for the territory.

“As a born Canberran, I’ve often heard of the plight of Canberra homes. Too cold in winter, they say, and far too hot in summer,” said Minister Vassarotti.

“That’s why earlier this year, I was proud to implement seven-star energy efficient buildings for all of Canberra, but there’s more to we can do to deliver cost-effectiveness and better comfort.

“This plan will set in motion a building system made for Canberrans by Canberrans so that homes built here are ready to adapt to our climate.

“Today’s announcement of a ten-year roadmap to achieving net-zero emissions in buildings offers a vision that will significantly improve the lives of many Canberrans for the better, for many, reducing energy usage by up to 70%, saving massive costs on electricity bills.

“Emissions from materials used in construction, such as steel and cement, are expected to become the largest source of carbon emissions in the building sector in the coming decades. The actions set out in this pathway will also help achieve the ACT’s goal of net zero emissions by 2045.”

The key actions over the life of the Pathway are:

  • Working towards net-zero new residential buildings, through increases to the minimum energy performance standards.
  • Addressing embodied carbon through a national approach to measuring and disclosing embodied carbon and moving to set minimum standards for new ACT commercial buildings.
  • Requiring the development of building manuals for new and existing buildings to document maintenance and plan for electrification.
  • The development of Ministerial guidelines for the use of sustainable materials for buildings under the Building Act 2004.

“Transitioning our building sector to be more sustainable is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity for the industry to showcase their innovation.

“I encourage the local industry and the community to look at the strategies outlined in the Pathway so we can work together to make smarter and more sustainable building and renovation choices.

“The ACT Government will continue to advocate for national buildings policies that lead to greater sustainability, innovation, and improve quality of life outcomes for a cleaner and climate-friendly future,” Minister Vassarotti said.

For more information about the Sustainable Buildings Pathway, visit the ACT Planning website.

Labor betrays LGBTIQA+ people again over Census decision

After years of promises and working groups, the Albanese Labor Government has quietly killed off the inclusion of questions on sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex characteristics in the upcoming 2026 Census. 

The failure of the Census to appropriately consider LGBTIQA+ people in its design was so acute that the Australian Bureau of Statistics issued a rare Statement of Regret a year ago, apologising to the LGBTIQA+ community, Equality Australia and April Long for the exclusion of non-binary people from being counted as parents. 

In response, the ABS set up an LGBTIQA+ expert advisory committee to ensure future Censuses used appropriate language and ensure LGBTIQA+ people are counted. A committee they have clearly ignored.

Including questions about sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex characteristics in the Census — alongside appropriate and inclusive language in the rest of the Census and safeguards against domestic and family violence an accidental outing might trigger — have long been demands of the LGBTIQA+ community. 

The lack of clear data on the prevalence, experiences and economic circumstances of LGBTIQA+ people has stymied our community’s demands for reform. It is impossible without appropriate Census questions for governments and support services to understand the health and wellbeing needs of LGBTIQA+ people — and the breadth of need and scale of funding necessary to address the compounding disadvantages LGBTIQA+ people face, particularly in rural and regional areas. 

Last year, Stephen Bates MP tabled a petition 5,000 signatures-strong from Evalyn Venture in Federal Parliament calling on the ABS to include these questions in the Census. Equality Australia has also run its CountUsIn campaign with thousands of people Australia-wide signing up. 

Stephen Bates MP, Australian Greens LGBTIQA+ spokesperson

“Today, Anthony Albanese and Labor have — once again — betrayed the LGBTIQA+ community.  

“Clearly LGBTIQA+ rights don’t matter to Labor anymore. Labor has backpedalled and stalled on every reform that would improve the lives of queer people.

“Labor has failed to deliver protections for LGBTIQA+ teachers and students, Labor has failed to deliver the LGBTIQA+ health and wellbeing action plan, and now Labor’s even failed at the bare minimum to count LGBTIQA+ appropriately in the Census. 

“It is abundantly clear that Labor in Opposition and Labor in Government are two entirely different parties. They say one thing and do another.

“You can’t trust the major parties to ever defend LGBTIQA+ people.

A million reasons to celebrate on Metro opening weekend

More than one million passengers have jumped on board their new metro service running deep below the heart of Sydney since the new railway opened and history was made on Monday morning.

The landmark new line connecting Sydney’s northwest under the harbour for the first time, and below the CBD to Sydenham has received an overwhelmingly positive response from passengers.

On Friday night alone, from 5pm to close, 64,000 people opted to take the metro to and from their destination – the highest patronage figure for that time slot across the week.

To celebrate and welcome Sydneysiders to their new public transport service, a community day is being held with events for the whole family to enjoy between 10am and 3pm today.

Passengers will be able to ‘station hop’ on trains arriving every five minutes over the weekend, operating to a special event timetable.

From 9pm on Saturday and Sunday, the normal weekend timetable will come into effect with trains running every 10 minutes until closing.

At Barangaroo Station, there will be a bipartisan event to thank the workers who helped build this new M1 line and in recognition of all NSW Governments who have made Sydney Metro a reality.

A total of 2,125 new turn-up-and-go City Metro services have seen passengers get home early, and to work in around half the time, since the inaugural passenger train departed Sydenham Station at 4:54 on Monday morning.

In its first five days of service, Metro has maintained a 99 per cent reliability rate, while 600 passenger feedback surveys, received via QR code at stations and on trains, recorded 86 per cent of passengers rating their experience as “easy”.

Over the coming days and weeks, while passengers become familiar with their new city services, additional staff will be present at each station and on trains during operating hours.

Audio and video help points located at each station also connect directly to friendly staff at Metro’s Operations Control Centre who will be available to answer enquiries.

While all city stations are now open, passengers will notice hoarding and minor ongoing work in the precinct areas at most new stations. This work largely involves improvements to roads, footpaths and traffic intersections and will not impact passenger journeys.

The new buildings above Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Gadigal and Waterloo stations remain under construction and will progressively open as they are completed.

For more information on today’s events visit:  sydneymetro.info/article/sydney-metro-open-day.

Passengers can plan their metro journey by visiting transportnsw.info.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“I want to again thank the 50,000 workers who built our new railway, and give credit to former premiers, some of whom are joining us today to thank the workers behind this project.

“What an incredible first week of metro. With fast and reliable services running with ease below Sydney’s busiest streets, it’s hard now to imagine our city without it.

“We are now forging ahead with the next phase of this transport mega-project through Western Sydney allowing us to turbocharge the delivery of more housing close to world-class public transport.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“Sydney has never been more connected than it is right now thanks to the magic of metro, and 1,042,000 passengers have proven that in the past five days.

“This week, history was made in our city – and with more than one million passengers and counting, it’s clear public transport is the heartbeat of Sydney’s future.

“I’m so excited to celebrate this new service in style and welcome the community to their new M1 line this weekend, including many who haven’t yet had the chance to hop on board.

“This is not just a network for weekday commuters, metro is the family mode – fully accessible to all, from the elderly to mums with prams. We want to see more people heading into the CBD on weekends.”

Helping more families care for vulnerable kids with nation-leading parental leave entitlements

The NSW Government has enacted major improvements to the parental leave arrangements for NSW Public Sector employees. These changes extend paid parental leave to include all foster, kinship, and relative carers, ensuring those carers can access leave entitlements that give them the time to help vulnerable children settle into a new home and family.

The NSW Government is Australia’s largest employer, with around 450,000 employees, and is leading by example when it comes to encouraging more people to become carers.

The policy allows carers to access up to 16 weeks of paid leave, giving them the necessary time to help a vulnerable child adjust to their new environment. This could include arranging schooling, enrolments, medical appointments, and other critical aspects of settling into a new home.

This leave was previously only provided where certain court orders were in place but is now available for all court orders where a child is placed in the ongoing care of an employee.

The amendments also allow eligible employees to access their paid parental leave entitlements earlier. This will enable carers to take leave closer to the time of placement while legal orders are being finalised.

Paid parental leave is often associated with the birth of a child, but for foster, kinship, and relative carers, this leave time is just as crucial. The extension of this leave to carers will help them manage the significant responsibilities that come with welcoming a child into their care, ensuring the child has the best possible start in their new family.

The NSW Government remains committed to supporting all families and ensuring that every child in the state has the opportunity to thrive in a stable and nurturing environment.

These landmark amendments are part of a broader strategy to address the significant need for foster, kinship, and relative carers across the state. By offering these improved entitlements, the Government hopes to encourage more NSW public servants to consider becoming carers themselves, providing much-needed stability and support for children in need.

Relative or kinship care is a type of care that places a child or young person with a relative or someone they already know. This helps children avoid the trauma of being placed in unfamiliar environments. Unfortunately, not all children or young people have family or kin who can care for them, so foster carers from the wider community are vitally important.

For more information on the new parental leave arrangements, visit the Administrative Requirements Portal.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“These changes reflect our commitment to working closely with the community and stakeholders to deliver policies that truly meet the needs of our workforce.

“Foster, kinship, and relative carers are essential to our society, and it is only right that they have access to the same parental leave entitlements as others.

“We recognise the challenges that carers face and in delivering these reforms we are helping to ease the burden, allowing carers to focus on what matters most – the wellbeing of a child.

“We’re urging more public servants to think about becoming carers – your support could change a child’s life.”

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said:

“This nation-leading reform will truly make a difference to foster carers and vulnerable children.

“We are backing up the critical work of foster carers by extending paid parental leave entitlements for public servants.

“Foster and kinship carers play a critical role in our community. They open their hearts and their homes to vulnerable children and provide them with the love and the care they need and deserve.

“We desperately need more foster carers across the state so more children have a safe place to call home. We’re hoping these entitlements will see more public servants putting up their hands to become foster carers.”

Cutting-edge technology links police and the community

The NSW Government is launching a groundbreaking platform statewide, called BluLink, that gives police instant access to unfolding emergencies.

BluLink allows Triple Zero callers to share video, GPS coordinates and other information to help police assess and respond to emergency situations faster and more effectively than ever before.

When a member of the public calls Triple Zero, depending on the situation, the police dispatcher may send a BluLink request to the caller’s phone, or the phone of the person in need of assistance

By clicking that link, they can share vital information with police dispatchers.

Capabilities include instant GPS coordinates to pinpoint the exact location of a caller, livestream footage of an unfolding emergency and capabilities to upload digital media to help police to triage an incident and collect evidence.

A text message tool can be used in situations where voice calls are challenging and translates into 150 languages.

Police can also gather witness statements and send messages and digital victim cards via the platform.

A 12-month trial has been conducted across select Metropolitan and Regional areas which saw:

  • More than 8,300 locations obtained;
  • More than 100 High Risk Missing Person locations obtained;
  • The locations of more than 62 missing bushwalkers obtained;
  • More than 700 videos live streamed;
  • More than 8,000 digital media files uploaded;
  • More than 78,000 Digital Victims Cards sent;
  • More than 1,500 chat messages initiated.

BluLink is the first step in the NSW Police Force’s Digital Policing Roadmap that will deliver new, cutting-edge technology capabilities to help officers to fight crime and keep the community safe.

It is powered by GoodSAM technology which is already used by emergency services in Australia and the UK.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“BluLink further strengthens the capability of our police and emergency dispatchers by giving them instant, real-time access to unfolding emergencies.

“Police rely on members of the community to accurately describe an incident so they know what they’re dealing with and what they need to respond; BluLink gives them unrivalled access to a scene before they’re even arrived.

“On average, police receive more than 1,500 emergency calls for assistance every day; this technology will help triage and respond to incidents more effectively than ever before.”

Commander of Technology and Communication Services Command, Assistant Commissioner Stacey Maloney, said:

“We know that members of the community are our eyes and ears and BluLink is an innovative way in which further information can be provided to us during a Triple Zero call which assists us in enhancing our policing response.

“BluLink is expected to better assist the public and save time and resources across every police command for both front line and specialist areas.

“You never know when you might be in an emergency, or need to call Triple Zero (000), and BluLink could help if something were to happen.”