Category: NSW News

The Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes in NSW is calling for the public’s help as it scrutinises dozens of deaths in the state between 1970 and 2010.

Led by the Honourable Justice John Sackar, the Special Commission is inquiring into all the unsolved deaths, that may have been hate crimes, of LGBTIQ people (or people assumed to be LGBTIQ) in that 40-year period. The early 1980s to the mid-1990s, in particular, saw significant numbers of such cases.

NSW Police Force in a report by Strike Force Parrabell in 2018, and by a Standing Committee of the NSW Parliament in two reports issued in 2019 and 2021. As well as looking into those cases, the Special Commission is also assessing many other unsolved deaths and missing persons cases over the same period, in order to cast more light on a dark period for LGBTIQ people in this state.

So far, the team of dedicated barristers, solicitors and investigators has obtained, and is analysing, well over 100,000 documents drawn from 40 years of police files, coroners’ files, and other sources. 

Peter Gray SC is Senior Counsel Assisting the Inquiry. He says it is critical for both family members and friends of the victims, and members of the public generally, to come forward if they have any information which might help.

“Any recollections or pieces of information that you might have, however major or minor, could provide a vital link in understanding what happened.  In some cases, it may ultimately lead to arrests and prosecutions.” 

“Justice in these cases has been long-delayed, and long-awaited. This may be the last chance for the truth about some of these historical deaths to be exposed. We need to hear from you.”

Mr Gray says the Inquiry also represents a vital opportunity for those who were actually involved in, or saw, events that resulted in the death of an LGBTIQ person a long time ago.

“If you have had something weighing on your mind for years about these things, now is your chance to do something to make some amends. Now is the time to break your silence,” he says. 

Launched by the NSW government in April 2022, the Special Commission of Inquiry has extensive powers to undertake its work, including the authority to compel witnesses to give evidence, to compel the production of documents, and to hold both public and private hearings. 

It is expected that the first public hearings will take place in October-November 2022, and that there will be further hearings in 2023. Justice Sackar is required to deliver a final report to the Governor on or before 30 June 2023.

Information can be provided (anonymously or confidentially if you prefer) either:

• on the Special Commission website;

• by emailing contact@specialcommission.nsw.gov.au; 

or:

• by writing to The Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ Hate Crimes, GPO Box 5341, Sydney NSW 2001.

 

Seeking support

The following services provide counselling for LGBTIQ community members who have experienced violence, as well as friends and loved ones:

AIDS Council of NSW (ACON)

Ph: (02) 9206 2000
acon.org.au/mentalhealth

QLife

Ph: 1800 184 527
qlife.org.au 

Lifeline

Ph: 13 14 11
lifeline.org.au

Travel in New South Wales will be quicker, more convenient and safer as part of the Future Transport Strategy unveiled by the NSW Government today.

The Strategy includes a vision to create connected 30-minute cities and convenient 15-minute neighbourhoods, starting with the piloting of Future Transport Hubs in Parramatta, Chatswood, Wollongong and Coffs Harbour that will provide commuters with a one-stop-shop for a range of essential services. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this is a blueprint to continuously evolve our transport system to service the changing needs of commuters, communities and our economy into the future. 

“This strategy sets out a new vision for transport in our growing and changing state,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This is about ensuring our transport network will be fit-for-purpose into the future and gives people more choice, shorter wait times and quicker trips.

“We are laying the foundations for our future transport network now so we can keep building a brighter future for the people of NSW. 

“We all have busy lives and this is a vision to make it easier and more convenient for people to move about entire state whether it be in a city or in the regions.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the Future Transport Strategy shapes our future planning, investment, delivery and operations to give people more choice, greater access and better places. 
 

“Train stations shouldn’t just be for trains, roads shouldn’t just be for cars, they are places for people and our whole transport network should adapt to our citizens various and changing needs,” Mr Stokes said.

“We understand people lead busy lives which is why we’re piloting convenient one-stop-shops for all your services at transport hubs by harnessing developments in data and technology.

“The pandemic has seen demand for walking and cycling infrastructure soar, and outdoor spaces valued more than ever. Our vision for 15 minute neighbourhoods will also improve health and wellbeing outcomes, and ensure local communities thrive.” 

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the Future Transport Strategy will keep focussing on environmentally responsible operations while continuing to deliver world-class transport for the people of NSW. 

“Transport continues to be a significant contributor to our economy as NSW grows to become Australia’s first trillion-dollar State, powered by nation-leading projects including Sydney Metro and Fast Rail,” Mr Elliott said.

“Australia’s clean transport vision is also important, with our train network now running on 100 per cent renewables and the rollout of zero emission buses across the State.” 

To read more: https://future.transport.nsw.gov.au/.

Women are being reminded to book important health check-ups to take care of their physical and mental health during Women’s Health Week (5-11 September).
 
Minister for Women, Minister for Regional Health and Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said women may have delayed or avoided appointments during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they should now take the time to focus on their health and wellbeing.
 
“We know women have been under greater stress during the pandemic, with increased pressures on their work, home and social life potentially taking a toll on their mental and physical health,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“Women need to make their health a priority this Women’s Health Week as delaying routine check-ups may cause what was initially a minor health concern to develop into a more serious issue.”
 
NSW Health provides a range of services and programs targeted to addressing the health needs of women including cervical and breast cancer screening, fertility treatments, menopause support and mental health services.
 
“Women who are overdue for a cervical or breast cancer screening are urged to book an appointment as soon as possible as these tests are the best way to detect the early signs of cancer, which could save your life,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
BreastScreen NSW recommends mammograms for women aged 50-74. You can book an appointment by calling 13 20 50 or visiting the website. Women aged under 40 who have a family history of breast cancer should talk to their GP.
 
Mrs Taylor said women should also prioritise their mental health and wellbeing by accessing mental health support if they suffer from depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts.
 
“Good mental health is essential to your overall health and wellbeing. Staying well is also important for women who may be struggling with infertility, pregnancy, motherhood or menopause,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
Women’s Health Week is an annual national event, run by not-for-profit organisation Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.
 
CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health Janet Michelmore said there are more than 400 events happening around NSW and over 2,300 events throughout Australia as part of the campaign.
 
“This week encourages women to check in on their health and is also a reminder that it’s ok to put themselves first,” Ms Michelmore said.
 
Visit www.womenshealthweek for events near you.
 
If you need to talk to someone immediately, the Mental Health Line is available 24/7 on 1800 011 511. You can also find other mental health support and services for women on the NSW Health website.
 
As part of the 2022-23 Budget, the NSW Government announced a number of new initiatives to support women’s health, including:
 

• $80 million to improve affordability and access to fertility treatments, including a cash rebate of up to $2,000 for around 12,000 women accessing private fertility clinics.
• $40 million to establish 16 menopause services across NSW to support women with the management of severe or prolonged symptoms.

Local football clubs and players will benefit from more than $6 million to help build or upgrade community infrastructure and boost female participation as part of the NSW Government’s Football Legacy Fund.
 
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the legacy of NSW hosting matches for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will live on long after the tournament ends.
 
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will bring the best players from across the globe to NSW as they compete for the prestigious title of world champions and the NSW Government wants to ensure they leave a positive legacy for our next generation of football stars,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“The Football Legacy Fund will ensure the entire NSW football family benefits from the State hosting World Cup matches, from grassroots through to elite-level competition.”
 
The NSW Football Legacy Fund, delivered in partnership with Football NSW and Northern NSW Football, will focus on inclusive projects that encourage the participation of females and people with disability.
 
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the program is securing a brighter future for communities and football clubs across NSW.
 
“This funding will help enhance club facilities and provide a more welcoming and inclusive place for women and girls, whether they’re players, coaches, referees or administrators,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
Football Australia’s Head of Women’s Football, Women’s World Cup Legacy & Inclusion Sarah Walsh said this is a very exciting milestone for the football community.
 
“These much-needed funds will ensure we can meet surging demand and support the growth of football, with a focus on women and girls, across NSW,” Ms Walsh said.
 
Round 1 of the NSW Football Legacy Fund has two streams available; Infrastructure, with up to $2.5 million available for the upgrade or construction of new community facilities; and Participation, with up to $650,000 available for programs that support increased football participation and leadership development.
 
To apply, find out more at www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/nsw-football-legacy-fund.

Illawarra and Wollongong commuters will soon have safe, modern and accessible train stations following an $18 million commitment from the NSW Government.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said Bellambi and Dapto train stations would both undergo major construction works as part of the NSW Government’s $2.2 billion Transport Access Program (TAP).

Mr Elliott said TAP was delivering a better experience for public transport commuters across the State by providing accessible, modern, secure and integrated transport infrastructure. 

“Almost $600 million has been committed to TAP upgrades in regional NSW since 2011, with more than 470 projects either completed or currently underway across NSW,” Mr Elliott said.

“The NSW Government provided $10 million for the upgrade at Bellambi and $8.1 million for the upgrade at Dapto, which are among 37 regional and intercity stations to benefit under the latest round of the program,” Mr Elliott said.

Parliamentary Secretary for Wollongong and the Illawarra, Peter Poulos said the upgrades would be a great benefit to commuters with features to make the stations safer through improved lighting and more accessible for those with limited mobility, carers or parents with prams and commuters with luggage.

“The upgrades at Bellambi will give commuters a new accessible ramp onto the platform, two new accessible parking spaces, a formal kiss-and-ride zone, and a bike shelter. The existing station building will be removed and a new one constructed further along the platform to deliver a wider platform on either side of the building.

“Dapto station will have upgraded ramps, a formal kiss-and-ride zone, platform 1 will be widened, platform 2 will be re-surfaced, a new accessible path to platform 1 and 2 and an upgraded pedestrian zone on the level crossing,” Mr Poulos said.

September is shaping up to deliver record cost of living relief for pensioners as federal pension payments rise and savings are delivered through the NSW Budget.

For the first time pensioners are eligible for cash back on their tolls and are now accumulating toll savings that will be delivered into their bank accounts in January.

In addition, NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the state has more than 70 discounts and rebates available through the Savings Finder program, with a range of them specifically designed to assist pensioners drive their pension dollar further.

“Our pensioners have worked hard, they’ve paid their dues and we want to make sure that they’re getting all the financial help they are entitled to,” Mr Kean said.

“From council rate rebates to free glasses, free rego, free driver’s licences, nearly $300 off energy bills and more than $100 off gas, the NSW Government wants to ensure pensioners get a boost to their budget at the end of the week.

“For the first time, pensioners can also access up to $750 a year in toll relief from January, in addition to the Gold Opal that caps public transport costs at $2.50 a day.”

The Energy Bill Buster program, announced in the Budget, allows pensioners to swap out 10 years of energy rebates for a free solar system or energy efficient appliances valued at up to $4000 that will deliver ongoing energy savings of up to $600 a year.

Minister for Seniors Mark Coure encouraged pensioners not to leave a single dollar on the table and claim everything they can.

“These rebates and concessions available are of course in addition to the discounts that are available at over 6,500 businesses and service providers through the Seniors Card,” Mr Coure said.

“The Savings Finder tool via the Service NSW website also makes it really easy to see what help is available. If pensioners don’t have access to the website, they can make an appointment with a savings specialist at a Service NSW centre or they can do it over the phone by calling 13 77 88.”
 
Here are 10 ways for NSW pensioners to save:

1. Council rate rebates: Pensioners are entitled to up to $250 a year off their council rates. But depending on where you live, you can get an even bigger discount.
2. Electricity rebate: The Low Income Household Rebate will shave up to $285 a year off your electricity bill for households with a retail provider.
3. Gas rebate: This rebate will give you a discount of up to $110 a year.
4. Water rates: Eligible pensioners can access a quarterly rebate, shaving hundreds of dollars a year off a typical household bill.
5. Gold Opal: Unlimited travel for no more than $2.50 a day on public transport across Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra and Southern Highlands.
6. Toll relief: For the first time, pensioners can access toll relief from January thanks to the recent NSW Budget which delivers up to $750 a year cash back. Pensioners need to spend a minimum of $375 a year on tolls to be eligible for cash back.
7. Travel vouchers: Pensioners are entitled to four Pensioner Travel Vouchers each calendar year. They can be used for two return or four single trips, giving access to free or discounted travel in economy class on NSW TrainLink Regional services within regional NSW.
8. Free car rego: Pensioners in NSW don’t pay registration fees or motor vehicle tax on one of their cars. They also receive free driver’s licences, free driving tests and concessions on the cost of Mobility Parking Scheme permits.
9. Free glasses: You can get yourself one pair of single vision glasses or one pair of bifocal glasses in a two-year period under the NSW Spectacles Program.
10. Seniors Card: The NSW Seniors Card is packed with discounts for thousands of retailers and services across the state from groceries to tradespeople and insurance.

The importance of cancer screening for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities is the key focus of this year’s Multicultural Health Week.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard today launched an awareness campaign, ‘Cancer screening saves lives’, aimed at increasing screening rates among CALD communities of breast, cervical and bowel cancer.

“The NSW Government is committed to continuing to improve cancer outcomes, and in April released the fifth NSW Cancer Plan, which has an increased focus on improving equity for CALD and other priority populations,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Screening for cancer and catching it early is the best chance of survival and I encourage everyone who is eligible, particularly those in CALD communities, to get screened. The tests are free, easy to access and save lives.

“In 2022-23 the NSW Government will provide about $175 million through the Cancer Institute NSW to reduce the impact of cancer and improve outcomes for patients.” 

The NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service, in partnership with the Cancer Institute NSW, has produced new in-language resources about cancer screening to encourage more people to screen for cancers.

Professor Tracey O’Brien, Chief Cancer Officer NSW and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW said that it was important to address the barriers that are preventing people from CALD communities from screening for cancers. 

“We know that there are specific barriers for CALD communities participating in screening. These include low awareness, language barriers, differing beliefs around cancer and stigma associated with cancer,” Professor O’Brien said.

“We are really proud to partner with NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service, with the support of SBS and multicultural media, together with community groups, to start to break down these barriers and improve cancer outcomes for CALD communities.”
 
Lisa Woodland, Director of the NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service, said that significant effort has been invested in making cancer information available in multiple languages with the support from Cancer Institute NSW.

“This process included extensive testing with key stakeholders, and health literacy principles were incorporated throughout the development and translation phases,” Ms Woodland said.

This year, to also encourage participation in screening programs, the Multicultural Health Week 2022 Community Grants Program provided small grants of $1,500 to 21 organisations (local health districts, non-government and community organisations) to support community engagement and educational activities in multiple languages in local and regional areas.

A series of multilingual cancer screening resources were launched for Multicultural for Health Week 2022, including:

• A one-minute video to promote Multicultural Health Week 2022 with a focus on the three cancer screening programs in Arabic, Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Vietnamese and English
• A 45-second radio advertisement in 20 languages
• “What is cancer screening?” factsheet, available in 38 languages
• Multicultural Health Week Poster and social media assets in 38 languages.

 
These multilingual resources are available to download for free at multiculturalhealthweek.com

People and programs working to provide children and families with the best possible future are in focus this week, as the NSW Government shines a light on the supports available to young people and communities during Child Protection Week.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the NSW Government remains committed to protecting the state’s most vulnerable children.

“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment where they are loved and supported,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“We all have a role to play in this and we thank our families, communities, service providers, carers and staff for their tireless work to help put children first.
 
“The NSW Government continues to make record investments in this vital area. From rental subsidies and early intervention services for children and young people, to initiatives that help care leavers find their feet and new and soon-to-be parents stay on track.”
 
This year’s theme for Child Protection Week is ‘every child, in every community, needs a fair go’, highlighting the importance of ensuring every young person and family has what it needs to create a safe and supportive environment to secure a brighter future.

The NSW Government funds a range of initiatives, including programs supporting:
 

• children in the first years of life such as Pregnancy Family Conferencing and Aboriginal Child and Family Centres;
• vulnerable families and communities, such as Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI);
• children and families at risk of contact with the child protection system such as Family Preservation and Family Group Conferencing;
• young people leaving care such as scholarships, traineeships, Ladder and Foyer and financial assistance through the Aftercare Allowance and specialist aftercare services; and
• young people at risk of homelessness like Rent Choice Youth.

More than 9,256 families have been supported by Family Preservation programs since July 2020 and 813,649 people (children, young people and adults) received Targeted Early Intervention services in 2021-22, including 11,020 families who were referred to appropriate assistance by the Family Connect and Support program.
 
Minister Maclaren-Jones said government and NGOs continue to work together to provide wrap-around support for families with vulnerable children.
 
“We’re committed to investing in evidence-based programs to help keep young people safe and have the best start in life,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
Child Protection Week runs from 4 to 10 September.

Almost 500 customers will earn their keys to the road each week with Service NSW’s new dedicated driver testing centre opening in Sydney’s west.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government said the facility at 75-105 Mamre Road, St Marys would boost the number of driving tests completed each week after impacts caused by COVID-19 restrictions.

“The centre will offer more than 450 driving tests each week for customers as well as more than 1000 computer-based examinations including driver knowledge tests,” Mr Dominello said.

“Whether customers are trying to get their L Plates or aiming to graduate to their P Plates, the centre will get more customers out on the road sooner.

“The NSW Government is investing $3.47 million into the St Marys Driver Testing Centre, a new Mobile Testing Centre and the creation of jobs to help tackle the testing backlog.

“More than 38 staff including 20 driver testers will work across the St Marys Driver Testing Centre and Mobile Testing Centre to conduct testing and assist customers with their transactions.”

Mr Dominello said the new Mobile Testing Centre, a 12.5-metre-long bus, is due to be operational from late October 2022 and would support customers across Sydney.

“The vehicle which has the capacity to include up to 10 computers for knowledge testing and facilitate driver testing would be deployed to various locations across Sydney where there is a demand for testing,” he said.   

“The Mobile Testing Centre would have the capacity to complete up to 350 computer-based examinations and up to 320 driving tests each week for customers.

“Service NSW appreciates customers’ patience and understanding while the team has worked to get driver testing back on track.

“COVID-19 safety measures remain in place for driving tests to ensure the safety of staff and customers. Both driver tests and customers are required to wear masks for the duration of the examination.”

The St Marys Driver Testing Centre will be open from 8.00am-4.30pm Monday to Friday.

For more information or to make a booking, visit the Service NSW website https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/service-centre/st-marys-testing-centre

Marine ecosystems and coastal communities will benefit from increased investment and restoration projects as a result of the new NSW Blue Carbon Strategy.
 
Minister for Environment James Griffin said the Strategy is perfectly timed given the new era of natural capital and the increasing demand for sustainable investment products.
 
“The simplest way to understand blue carbon is to liken it to underwater forests – just as trees store carbon, marine and coastal plants and ecosystems do too, except even more efficiently,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“Marine plants and coastal ecosystems, such as seagrass, mangroves and saltmarsh, store carbon up to four times more efficiently than ecosystems on land. But, since European settlement in Australia, we’ve lost huge swathes of these ecosystems.
 
“We have more than 2,000 kilometres of NSW coastline and surrounding areas that could support the storage of additional blue carbon, which would significantly contribute to our goal of reducing carbon emissions, while restoring and rewilding our marine environment.
 
“NSW is lucky to have some of the most vibrant marine ecosystems in the world and I want to make sure we are protecting our rich biodiversity for generations to come while also leveraging investment opportunities.”
 
Marine and coastal ecosystems in NSW currently store about 10 million tonnes of carbon, which is equivalent to annual emissions from 500,000 households. Australia’s coastline stores approximately five to 11 per cent of global blue carbon stocks.
 
The Strategy will help unlock investment in blue carbon projects through carbon credits and other mechanisms that will ultimately benefit the state’s economy, environment, and build resilience to climate change.
 
It provides an overview of how marine ecosystems are a powerhouse form of natural capital that can capture and store carbon while also improving foreshore protection, water quality, biodiversity and fisheries.
 
It identifies actions within five priority areas to be delivered over the next five years:

• Conserving blue carbon ecosystems and supporting their adaptation.
• Delivering blue carbon projects on public, private and First Nations peoples owned and managed land.
• Embedding blue carbon in coastal and marine policy planning and management.
• Conducting blue carbon research.
• Promoting pathways for blue carbon investment.

 
The NSW Blue Carbon Strategy builds upon existing management of threatened and protected marine species through the $9.1 million Seabirds to Seascapes initiative, the $184 million Marine Estate Management Strategy.
 
To view the report, visit https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/coasts/blue-carbon-strategy