Category: NSW News

Whether it’s inspiring a sense of wonder about the species in our oceans, hearing from women leading in STEM or exploring science through improvisation, music and art, there’ll be an event for everyone to enjoy this National Science Week.
 
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens kicked off National Science Week in NSW (13-21 August) at the Calyx in the grounds of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, which co-hosts Australia’s largest science event, the Sydney Science Trail, with the Australian Museum.
 
“This week is all about giving the community, families, students and teachers a hands-on science experience with a diverse range of talks, panels and shows presented by science communicators and scientific researchers,” Mr Henskens said. 
 
“This statewide festival of science is set to inspire our bright young minds and encourage an interest in STEM, which offers unrivalled career opportunities to make a difference to our society and the planet.”
 
NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said science and technology play an important, often underappreciated role in our society.
“From developing new medicines and technologies, to understanding biodiversity, the great events and activities featured throughout the week show everyone just how much we use science in our everyday life,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.
National Science Week in NSW is an initiative of Inspiring Australia, aimed at promoting partnerships and collaborations across the science sector and building on the myriad science engagement activities across the country.
 
Inspiring Australia NSW Manager Meredith Hall said there is a strong line-up of activities right across the state.
 
“We all want to bring people together to learn and be inspired by science, and doing that in person after two years of disruption will make our engagement efforts more meaningful,” Ms Hall said.
 
Chief Executive of the Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust and the Australian Institute of Botanical Science Denise Ora said the Sydney Science Trail will help students and families discover not only how science is translated into real-world outcomes, but also how remarkable and life-changing a career in science can be.
 
“The Sydney Science Trail kicks off at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney today, with other exciting events at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan and the Australian Museum, providing the community an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of careers in science and to inspire Australia’s next generation,” Ms Ora said.
 
Director and CEO of the Australian Museum Kim McKay AO said the Sydney Science Trail is the perfect opportunity for visitors to be inspired and celebrate National Science Week at Australia’s first scientific institutions.
 
“We’re thrilled to welcome visitors back to the popular Sydney Science Trail community day at the Australian Museum on Saturday 20 August, allowing visitors to engage firsthand with our scientists and learn what they are working on to make our futures brighter,” Ms McKay said.
 
The NSW Government is investing $832.7 million in scientific research, innovation and technological development in 2022-23.
 
For more information about National Science Week, visit the website.

Young people will be placed at the centre of discussions about their education, thanks to the imminent creation of a national student council.
 
The initiative, which was proposed by the NSW Minister’s Student Council, known as the DOVES, was accepted yesterday at the Education Ministers Meeting.
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said she was proud to see a NSW-led student proposal shine on the national stage.
 
“The DOVES have helped shape some of our key education policies in NSW, including reviews into consent education and the curriculum,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“Now thanks to their advocacy, school students across Australia will have the opportunity to have their say on what matters to them.”
 
Ms Mitchell said a national student council will fill a similar gap she identified in NSW, which led to the creation of the DOVES.
 
“While there are existing national forums that convey the views of teachers, principals, parents and unions, there is currently no forum for students to directly engage with the nation’s education ministers,” she said.
 
“For the first time, the student voice will be heard loud and clear on the national stage.”
 
DOVES council member Yousef Nabizadeh, who is in Year 11 at Arthur Phillip High School, said he was looking forward to students having a national voice.
 
“With a national DOVES council in place student voices will finally be heard and positive changes will be made to help young people today,” he said.
 
The final plans for a national student council will be presented at the national Education Ministers Meeting in December. 
 
The NSW DOVES student council was established in 2019. It includes 27 student representatives from nine educational directorates across the state. The group meets with the NSW Education Minister twice a term, as well as at her request on specific matters.

Casino regulation in NSW has undergone a major overhaul after tough new laws passed the NSW Parliament tonight.

Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said the Casino Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 will ensure the State’s two casinos comply with stringent controls, under the supervision of an independent regulator.

“This marks a new era in the way casinos in NSW are allowed to operate, with new  comprehensive measures targeting key issues such as money laundering and other criminal activity.” Mr Anderson said.

“This essential reset will give the people of NSW confidence that the State’s casino operators will be held to the highest possible standards.”

The centrepiece of the Bill is the creation of the  NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) that will have unprecedented powers to monitor casino activities, and take strong disciplinary action against operators and individuals who engage in misconduct. 

“The NICC will formally commence operations on 5 September and its first major task will be to consider the findings of the review into The Star casino, with Adam Bell SC due to hand down his report by the end of the month,” Mr Anderson said.

“The regulator will also take over the work of the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority in overseeing Crown Sydney’s  conditional opening of its gaming areas.

“The NICC will be led by a Chief Commissioner supported by four Commissioners including one with money laundering experience, to be appointed soon.”

Mr Anderson said the NICC will be funded by the Casino Supervisory Levy paid by both casinos. The levy will support a significant improvement  in  casino regulation.

Legislation with new offences with tough penalties for offenders who assault frontline health and emergency services workers has been introduced to Parliament by the NSW Government.
 
Attorney General Mark Speakman said every person should be able to feel safe in their workplace, including health and emergency services workers who perform an essential public service for our community, in difficult circumstances and often at personal risk.
 
“Acts of violence on emergency services and frontline workers in the course of their duties are unacceptable,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“Those who perpetrate disgraceful acts of violence on these dedicated individuals should face serious criminal punishment. That is why the NSW Government is committed to strengthening criminal law protections for frontline workers as distinct, grave offences through this bill.
 
“The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Assaults on Frontline Emergency and Health Workers) Bill 2022 contains a suite of important reforms for the better protection of health and emergency services workers who commit their working lives to keeping our community safe.
 
“The new offences recognise that acts of violence against these workers merit express and distinct recognition, and higher penalties than currently available under the general assault provisions in the Crimes Act 1900. The new offences align with existing penalties for assaulting NSW police officers and other law enforcement officers.
 
“This bill underscores the NSW Government’s strong commitment to strengthening criminal law protections for frontline health and emergency workers.
 
“This bill is part of the NSW Government’s response to the NSW Sentencing Council’s report Assaults on Emergency Services Workers.”
 
The NSW Government is supporting, in full or in principle, all of the recommendations in that report. 
 
In addition, the NSW Government’s amendments go further by ensuring that firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, pharmacy staff, community health workers, NSW State Emergency Service frontline workers and other specified emergency workers will also be covered by the new offences.

Four hectares of new public open space, affordable housing, thousands of jobs, and the revitalisation of White Bay Power Station, are highlights of rezoning plans aimed at transforming part of Sydney’s inner harbour.
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the Stage 1 rezoning proposal to change planning rules around the White Bay Power Station and  Bays Metro Station are on public exhibition.
 
“We heard during the exhibition of the Stage 1 draft Master Plan, that development needed to match the character of the area, traffic must be considered, and public open space provided,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“This feedback has been reflected in our proposed rezoning plans that include an infrastructure delivery plan, supporting the delivery of around 250 homes; a commitment to affordable housing; a range of building heights, providing a varied skyline; more than four hectares of new public open and green space; and community infrastructure.
 
“Bays West will play an important role in the continued growth and economic success of Greater Sydney and the NSW economy over the next 20 years, so it’s important we get this plan right.”
 
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the proposed rezoning would also support nealy 5,000 jobs and the revitalisation and protection of White Bay Power Station.
 
“Bays West, which covers Rozelle Bay and White Bay, will complete the inner harbour puzzel, and provide a glittering setting for people to live, work and visit,” Mr Stokes said.
 
“We want to reimagine this stunning and historically significant precinct, transforming it into a world-class destination.
 
“I urge everyone to have their say on the plans and help turn this vision into reality.”
 
To provide feedback on the rezoning package, please visit  https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/bayswest. Feedback will run for four weeks until Wednesday 7 September.

Premier Dominic Perrottet today said the NSW Government would offer its full support to the recommendations of the review by Elizabeth Broderick AO into bullying, harassment and sexual assault in NSW Parliament, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to make NSW Parliament a safe workplace for every person who works there.

The review was commissioned by the NSW Parliament and released today by the Presiding Officers.

“This review shines a light on a confronting reality, and I thank all the survivors whose bravery in participating will make our Parliament a safer place,” Mr Perrottet said.

“As Australia’s oldest Parliament, we must lead by example, and it is incumbent on every MP, every parliamentary office holder, and every party to do their part to make sure the incidents detailed in this report do not occur again.”

Mr Perrottet said the Government’s recent actions demonstrated its zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment and sexual assault.

“We have already taken action within Ministerial workplaces to implement the recommendations of a similar review conducted earlier this year, and we will fully support the Parliament in implementing the recommendations of this report too,” Mr Perrottet said.

Minister for Women and Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said this has been an important process for people to tell their stories and shine a light on unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.

“It is imperative that all workplaces, particularly Parliament, are held to the highest standard and ensure all employees feel safe, supported and heard,” Mrs Taylor said.

“My very strong message to those who don’t respect decency in this workplace is – your behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

As with similar reviews, the Broderick review reiterates the importance of rigorous and confidential processes to ensure complainants are confident to speak up, and are not silenced by fear.

Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government is committed to working with our parliamentary colleagues to ensure NSW Parliament is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who works or visits. There is no place for bullying, harassment, or other misconduct – it cannot and will not be tolerated.

“We thank Ms. Broderick for her work in giving survivors a voice, and I look forward to working with Parliament’s presiding officers to put her recommendations into action,” Mr Perrottet said.

The NSW Government today introduced the Workers Compensation (Dust Diseases) Amendment Bill 2022 to support the operation of the Dust Diseases Care Scheme.
 
The Scheme provides financial compensation and health care support to people affected by work related dust diseases. If passed, the Bill will simplify benefit calculations to ease the administrative burden on injured workers and their families.
 
The amendments will remove anomalies in historical legislation that could have given rise to inconsistencies in the calculation of benefits for injured workers. The changes will mean that all current benefit rates are protected and there is no reduction in entitlements.
 
Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said the amendments will support the Dust Disease Authority to deliver the Scheme effectively.
 
“The passing of these amendments will contribute to improving the customer experience for workers in the Scheme by removing any potential ambiguity over their entitlements and simplify the calculation of benefits for historical claims.” Mr Tudehope said.
 
The introduction of this Bill was brought forward in the same week that the NSW Government passed the Workers’ Compensation (Dust Diseases) Amendment (Scheduled Diseases) Regulation 2022 (Regulation).
 
The Regulation ensures the expansion of the Schedule 1 list of diseases as recommended by an independent review conducted by Professor Tim Driscoll.
 
These diseases are based on a current, evidence-based understanding of work-related dust disease and include the following:
 

• Diffuse dust-related pulmonary fibrosis
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• Pneumoconiosis (any form)
• Silica-induced carcinoma of the lung
• Systemic sclerosis 

 
“Developments in the protection of workers within the workers compensation scheme represent another important step to expanding and safeguarding support for injured workers,    
   
“This is an effort to modernise the Scheme with the interests of those who are gravely ill at the heart of these changes.”

New, higher paid roles for outstanding teachers could be introduced in NSW under ground-breaking plans being driven by leading educational expert Professor John Hattie. 

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said creating a stronger career path for classroom teachers which better rewards excellence in teaching is key to modernising our education system.  

“NSW has some of the best teachers in the world, but they often leave the classroom and move into management roles to secure higher pay and career progression,” Ms Mitchell said.  

“The structure of our teaching profession should reflect our teachers, by being innovative, ambitious and modern, keeping more of our best teachers in the classroom.  

“This model is not ‘performance pay,’ this is about expanding the career options for teachers and keeping our best in the classroom.”  

Newly graduated teachers in NSW start on a competitive annual salary of $73,737, which sees them out-earn graduates entering many other professions. A classroom teacher’s pay reaches a maximum of $117,060 if they gain accreditation as Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher, or $126,528 if they take on additional responsibilities as an Assistant Principal.  

A better system for rewarding and retaining excellent teachers could also help attract more people to teaching profession. 

The Department of Education will produce a policy paper on the issue with initial recommendations later this year.  

Professor John Hattie, a world-leading expert on education outcomes and student learning, is providing independent expert advice on the reform.  

“The rewarding of excellence and expertise is the right topic to realise high standards and maximise positive impacts on students,” Professor Hattie said.  

“It is exciting to be part of these NSW discussions and I look forward to hearing the views of the profession.”  

The paper will also draw on input from some of the most experienced educators in our public education system. 

The Government will carry out extensive public consultation, including with teachers, parents and other stakeholders, before implementing any changes.  

Nine schools across NSW are trialling the benefits of extending the school day as part of a research pilot, with initial reports indicating positive experiences for schools, students and their families.
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell was at Kings Langley Public School today, where students are taking part in the flexible school hours trial with Cricket NSW.
 
Students at the school in North West Sydney can now access a range of extracurricular activities including fitness and breakfast programs before school, as well afternoon sessions of coding, dancing and Mandarin language lessons.
 
Ms Mitchell said the NSW Government is committed to providing parents with flexibility and delivering quality activities for kids at school outside the standard 9am to 3pm school day.
 
“The trial is now in its second week and already has seen more than 450 students take part in high quality extracurricular activities,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“Principals, teachers and parents are telling us that children are excited about the new experiences available, while parents are also enjoying more flexibility balancing work and family life while knowing their children are positively engaged in a safe environment.
 
“Over the next two terms, this research pilot and insights from wider parental consultation will help inform how this flexible approach could be introduced across NSW schools.”
 
“More than 27 organisations such as Cricket NSW, NRL League Stars, Code Camp and PCYC have signed up to partner with us in this flexible school hours trial,
“It’s great to see so many providers on board, creating exciting opportunities for students that previously they may not have been able to access.
“The trial has also provided parents with more options and greater flexibility when choosing the most suitable after school activity for their child.”
The other schools involved in the trial are:
 
Cawdor Public School
Hanwood Public School
Hastings Secondary College (Westport Campus and Port Macquarie Campus)
Kentlyn Public School
Matraville Soldier’s Settlement Public School
Orange High School
Ruse Public School
Spring Hill Public School
 
Schools involved in the trial, taking place in Terms 3 and 4 of this school year, worked closely with their local communities to develop unique programs tailored to the needs of their families.

Hundreds of local organisations in West and South West Sydney are now competing for a share of $1.6 billion under the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round.

Treasurer Matt Kean said organisations from Burwood to the Blue Mountains, and Wollondilly to the Hawkesbury stepped up in numbers with ideas for city-shaping infrastructure projects.

“We’ve received an overwhelming response with almost 680 projects worth $7.8 billion submitted for assessment,” Mr Kean said.

“The majority of projects sought funding to make local communities in West and South West Sydney even better places to live with open and green spaces.”

WestInvest funding was available to Aboriginal groups, sporting groups, multicultural groups, volunteer groups and many more based in 15 eligible local council areas.

A breakdown of the applications in the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round shows:

• Almost 680 projects have been submitted for assessment
• 325 applications related to green and open space projects
• 270 applications related to community infrastructure projects
• 180 groups applied for projects worth $1 million and under
• 296 groups applied for projects worth over $1 million and under $10 million
• 201 groups applied for projects worth over $10 million

The 15 eligible local councils also submitted 71 projects under the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Local Government Allocation, which awarded each council a share of $400 million in funding, based on population size.

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said councils are at the heart of every community.

“WestInvest is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will celebrate and improve local communities for generations to come,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“The 15 local councils of Western Sydney have submitted some fantastic ideas for consideration, and I’m really looking forward to seeing some of these projects come to life, to invigorate their local precincts and facilities for their residents.”

All applications will now go through a comprehensive assessment process, with the successful projects expected to be announced in the Local Government Allocation from September and the Competitive Round later this year.

The project proposals include:

• Transforming city centres and precincts to celebrate community, food and culture;
• Creating safer cycling paths, pedestrian links and walking tracks to promote healthier lifestyles and allow more families to walk to school;
• Upgrading and modernising community facilities and libraries; and
• Building new pools, sports fields, playgrounds, youth centers, multicultural centres and leisure and fitness centres.

The $5 billion WestInvest program also includes $3 billion to deliver transformational projects that will benefit local communities, led by NSW Government agencies.

The Budget committed $478.2 million from the $3 billion fund to modernise and upgrade nine public schools. Further projects funded under the WestInvest NSW Government allocation will be announced later this year.

To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest