Category: NSW News

The NSW Government will host an Aboriginal roundtable to discuss recommendations to achieve positive change for Aboriginal leaders, employees and services within non-government sectors across the State.
 
Aboriginal NGO leaders and stakeholders will meet with Government decision-makers and a panel of social services organisations on Tuesday 16 August at the Redfern Community Centre to exchange feedback and ideas on Closing the Gap priority reforms and targets.
 
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said the roundtable will provide the opportunity to work closely with key organisations to contribute to targets and outcomes towards Closing the Gap.
 
“This important roundtable will bring social sector organisations together to discuss opportunities and challenges to further support Aboriginal community run organisations, improve service delivery for Aboriginal people in NSW and expand Aboriginal employment opportunities within the sector,” Mr Franklin said.
 
“I look forward to exploring these important topics which will lead to the design of new measures to support the NSW social services sector and improve outcomes for Aboriginal people across NSW.”
 
NSW Council of Social Service CEO Joanna Quilty said the social services sector is part of the fast-growing health care and social assistance industry.
 
“With thousands of government funded organisations working across NSW and with Aboriginal communities, this roundtable is a great opportunity to investigate how the sector can better support the growth of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations as well as Aboriginal employment and leadership in non-indigenous organisations,” Ms Quility said.
 
Hosting regular roundtables with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners, organisations and those providing services to communities is one of the NSW Government’s 2021-22 Closing the Gap commitments.

An Australian-first artificial intelligence-enabled drone trial is set to revolutionise the way essential inspection work is carried out on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
 
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said using the best technology available will ensure bridges across the NSW road network are maintained to the highest standard now and into the future.
 
“We are thrilled to be embracing modern technology to ensure infrastructure like our iconic 90-year-old Sydney Harbour Bridge is preserved for this generation and the next,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“This new trial of cutting edge AI backed technology is another step towards making sure our bridges and road network are maintained to the highest standards.
 
“The sky’s the limit when it comes to this technology. It is a game-changer for our preventative maintenance inspections, which would normally take months to complete, but can now be undertaken in less than half the time.”
 
Transport’s specialist digital engineers recently completed a three-week trial, putting the new technology into action under the southern part of the Harbour Bridge from Dawes Point Park. Trials were also carried out at Gladesville Bridge over Parramatta River, and
at other bridges in regional NSW.
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the new fleet of drones can access hard-to-reach areas with ease, capturing the structure up close in 4K high-resolution images, and rendering three-dimensional maps of their surroundings.
 
“Transport for NSW is responsible for maintaining thousands of kilometres of roadway and more than 6000 bridges across the state and is always looking at ways to make the maintenance process safer, less disruptive, more efficient and more cost effective,” Mr Farraway said.
 
“This technology has the potential to play an important role in rapidly assessing the structure of our regional bridges and road networks following natural disasters.”
 
More than twenty drone pilots have been trained so far, with the goal of seeing it rolled out permanently.
 
Transport for NSW has also added water-resistant drones to the fleet, tested in Parramatta, allowing maintenance crews to inspect the network in the rain and structures underwater.
 
Over the past six years, Transport for NSW has collaborated with major players in the field of autonomous and artificial intelligent drones, including the CSIRO, Emesent and Skydio.
 
Drones are an integral part of the Future Transport Technology Roadmap 2021-2024, providing a blueprint for how Transport for NSW is using technology and innovation to improve the state’s transport network.

A police officer has been issued a court attendance notice over the alleged possession of child abuse material.

Strike Force Concave was established by officers attached to the Professional Standards Command in May 2022 to investigate allegations of sexual assault.

A 55-year-old detective senior constable was arrested and charged on 20 May 2022; he remains before the courts on those charges.

Following subsequent inquiries, the officer – attached to a specialist command – was arrested at The Hills Police Station about 10am on Friday (12 August 2022).

He was issued a court attendance notice for possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service and is due to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on 14 September 2022.

Investigations by Strike Force Concave continue.

The man remains suspended without pay.

The NSW Government has today announced an extra $196 million will be delivered to improve road safety in NSW as part of the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program.
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the program is a key initiative of the new 2026 Road Safety Action Plan to build a safer road network.
 
“The NSW Government is securing a brighter future for NSW families. We are achieving this through our investment in road safety to ensure people reach their destination when driving on our roads,” Mr Farraway said.
 
“One death on our country roads is one too many and it takes a suite of measures to save as many lives as possible, like improving our road infrastructure.
 
“We have already invested $640 million into the Saving Lives on Country Roads program, targeting locations in regional areas chances of an accident are greater.
 
“We’re also installing 2700 kilometres of rumble strips – the equivalent of driving from Sydney to Adelaide and back again – along regional highways to combat driver fatigue.
 
“The extra $196 million means more rumble strips, more audio tactile line marking and more safety barriers. It means more lives saved on country roads.”
 
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the extra funding will build on the already completed 630 projects.
 
“This is a program that works, with the 2021 Safer Roads Program estimated to have prevented 1500 serious injuries and deaths on NSW roads over 15 years,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“Funding will go towards intersection upgrades and the installation of safety measures such as pedestrian islands and traffic light upgrades.
 
“This is a government that is investing in local communities delivering projects to make sure we are safe on our roads and we get home to our loved ones.”

It has just become easier for motorists looking for accessible parking in Bondi, Bondi Junction, Bronte, Tamarama and Waverley to find a bay with real-time sensor data now available on the NSW Government’s Park’nPay app.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the technology – the first roll-out of what will ultimately be over 3600 sensors across the State – means people with a disability can now better plan their journeys.

“It is essential a smart State like NSW delivers digital solutions which are inclusive,” Mr Dominello said.

“Data from these new sensors will be uploaded to the Park’nPay app where users will be able to locate accessible bays and see availability in real time.

“This tech means motorists with a disability can plan their journey with more confidence that their accessibility needs will be met.

“I congratulated Waverley Council for being the first council to come on board.”

Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton MP welcomed the new Park’nPay initiative which will provide real-time availability of accessible bays across the Waverley Council area. 

“Park’nPay, which is already operating throughout Waverley and Woollahra Council areas, provides information on the availability of parking spots so people can plan their journey with confidence and easily find and pay for parking,” Ms Upton said. 

“This means that local motorists and visitors with mobility parking permits can now find accessible parking at the tap of a button through the Park’nPay app.

“Everyone wants the opportunity to visit our iconic Eastern Suburbs Beaches and this is one way we can make that experience better.”

Waverley Council is the first of 30 council areas across Sydney where the NSW Government will integrate sensors into 3600 accessible parking spots as part of a $1.8 million investment to uplift Park’nPay’s digital capabilities. 

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said the Council was committed to increasing opportunities for ways to support residents and visitors to participate positively in community life. 

“This new sensor technology makes it easier for people who require accessible parking to plan and enjoy a great day out at the beach and our beautiful open spaces,” Mayor Masselos said. 

“It aligns with the aims of our Waverley Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 which is to help our community feel that they can be active, healthy, valued and connected.” 

The real-time data will come online in the app as each council area is completed throughout 2022.  For more information on Park’nPay visit: https://parknpay.nsw.gov.au/

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.