Category: NSW News

Premier Dominic Perrottet will lead a trade mission to Japan, India and Korea, with a packed agenda that firms up new agreements, reboots our visitor economy and international education sectors, and drives investment in priority growth sectors like clean energy production, where NSW aspires to be a global leader.

The trade mission takes advantage of NSW’s economic resilience through the COVID-19 pandemic to give the state a head-start in attracting new investment as international markets reopen.

“The pandemic has slowed global trade relations, but NSW is open for business and we have pressing trade and investment opportunities with key regional partners,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This trade mission will reaffirm critical international relationships and progress important agreements, to give our state a critical advantage in attracting investment in future growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing and green hydrogen production.

“These are the economic opportunities that will create high quality jobs for current and future generations, but only if we seize the moment and secure international investment right now as global trade starts to fire up again.”

The mission will take place from July 21-29, taking in Japan (Tokyo and Hiroshima), South Korea (Seoul) and India (Mumbai and Bengaluru). This will be the first overseas visit for Mr Perrottet in his capacity as the state’s leader, and the first overseas visit for a NSW Premier since the pandemic forced international border closures.

Mr Perrottet will be joined by Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport, and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres for the Indian leg of the visit.

Mr Ayres will lead a new annual trade delegation of government officials and industry representatives to bring NSW businesses to India to promote NSW exports and grow business partnerships.

“NSW has a strong economic and cultural relationship with India. We are home to the largest Indian population in Australia, India is our third-largest source of international students and is our fastest growing tourism market with Indian visitors spending an estimated $444 million in 2019,” Mr Ayres said.

“With the signing of an historic new trade agreement earlier this year, a new direct airline service between Sydney and Southern India, the return of international students and increased investment, NSW is poised to make the most of the immense opportunities between our two nations.”

NSW students and families will have better access to before and after school care than ever before with 44 new hubs to be rolled out in schools across the state over the next 12 months.
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the purpose-built sites known as “hubs” were part of the NSW Government’s $40 million commitment to create more out of school hours care (OSHC) places.
 
“We’ve delivered 47 hubs already and will roll out more than 90 in total around the state, providing facilities for up to 4,800 students,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“Every hub includes a play space, offices, toilets and kitchens, allowing students to enjoy a safe and fun environment, whilst providing parents with the flexibility they need.
 
“The NSW Government is focused on supporting working families and helping to cut waiting times in areas of high demand with 19,420 additional before and after school care places created since 2019.”
 
Ten of the latest hubs have been temporarily redistributed to the North Coast to assist with flood recovery and provide accommodation for dislocated OSHC and preschool services.
 
The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure.
 
Schools with completed OSHC Hubs:
 

1. Anna Bay Public School
2. Austral Public School
3. Bathurst Public School
4. Baulkham Hills North Public School
5. Beaumont Hills Public School
6. Bletchington Public School
7. Brighton Le Sands Public School
8. Burwood Public School
9. Calare Public School
10. Camden Public School
11. Carlingford Public School
12. Crestwood Public School
13. Cronulla Public School
14. Eglinton Public School
15. Epping Public School
16. Ettalong Public School
17. Faulconbridge Public School
18. Glendore Public School
19. Gulgong Public School
20. Gymea North Public School
21. Haberfield Public School
22. Heathcote Public School
23. Hinchinbrook Public School
24. Jasper Road Public School
25. Jerrabomberra Public School
26. Kariong Public School
27. Kellyville Ridge Public School
28. Kelso Public School
29. Macarthur Girls High School
30. Madang Avenue Public School
31. Mawarra Public School
32. Molong Central School
33. Murray Farm Public School
34. Newbridge Heights Public School
35. Newington Public School
36. Northbridge Public School
37. Northmead Public School
38. Quakers Hill East Public School
39. Ringrose Public School
40. Rosemeadow Public School
41. St Andrews Public School
42. Tamworth South Public School
43. The Oaks Public School
44. Thornton Public School
45. Valentine Public School
46. Wellington Public School
47. Winston Heights Public School

Small businesses and not-for-profit (NFP) organisations affected by the June-July severe flooding and storms can now apply for up to $50,000 in support through Service NSW.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the grant would provide a much-needed lifeline to small businesses who have been hard hit by the floods across the 37 natural disaster-declared local government areas.
 
“These floods have had a devastating impact on communities across Greater Sydney, the Illawarra, Central Coast and Hunter, and we are doing everything we can to ensure businesses and not-for-profits get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local communities and this package is designed to provide immediate support to help business owners recover and keep their business going.
 
“Customer care specialists are available to assist if customers are having difficulty providing the necessary documentation or are not sure if they are eligible, and successful applicants should expect to see funds in their accounts within five business days of approval.”
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the grant is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments and can go towards the clean-up, repairs, re-stocking and reopening.
 
“Payments of up to $50,000 can go towards the cost of safety inspections, building repairs, cleaning equipment, materials needed to resume trade, disposing of debris and spoiled stock, or leasing temporary space,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“Some small businesses have been impacted by flooding four times in 18 months, which is why we’re making sure the application process is as straightforward as possible so that support can flow quickly.”
 
Fraudulent applications will not be tolerated. As evidenced during the flood financial support made available by the NSW Government earlier this year, fraud wastes valuable assessment time and delays the time it takes to pay applicants who genuinely need assistance.
 
To see if you are eligible for the June and July Storm and Flood Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant, visit the Service NSW website. 
 
Businesses that would like to be connected with support can register for a call back from Service NSW’s Business Concierge here, or call 13 77 88 for assistance.

The NSW unemployment rate has reached a record low for the third time this year, falling 0.7 percentage points to 3.3 per cent in June.
 
It is the State’s lowest monthly unemployment rate since current records began in 1978. About 26,000 extra people were employed in jobs in June in NSW and hours worked in NSW also rose by 1 per cent.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said these outstanding figures are the result of the NSW Government’s strong economic management and show the underlying strength of the State’s economy after more than $53 billion was committed for COVID-19 support and stimulus since March 2020.
 
“NSW has done it again. Three record low unemployment rates this year despite the challenges of floods and ongoing COVID outbreaks,” Mr Kean said.
 
“The NSW Government’s tailored support measures throughout bushfires, floods and COVID outbreaks are helping NSW achieve a jobs boom.
 
“The NSW labour market is in a very strong position and our record low unemployment rate of 3.3 per cent is well below the national rate.”
 
Mr Kean said the unemployment rate underscores the importance of enabling every person who wants to work to be able to do so.
 
“That’s why our Budget included $5 billion over 10 years to fund affordable, accessible childcare to unlock the potential for more women to participate in the workforce,” Mr Kean said.
 
The reforms would enable up to 95,000 more women to enter the workforce or take on more hours by 2032-33.
 
Employment in NSW is now 158,600 above its pre-COVID level and 117,300 above its pre-Delta level.

The New South Wales and Victorian governments are working together to build a new emergency department and short stay unit at Albury Wodonga Health’s Albury campus to meet the future health needs of the community.
 
Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas joined NSW Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor and Member for Albury Justin Clancy today to turn the first sod on the $36 million project, marking the start of construction on the new emergency department.
 
Mrs Taylor said the strong relationship between the NSW and Victorian governments delivering the project will help ensure the Albury-Wodonga community receives the world-class healthcare it deserves close to home.
 
“We’re here today to mark the beginning of construction on this important project which, once complete, will double the capacity of Albury Wodonga Health’s emergency department,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“The new emergency department includes 42 treatment spaces, a specialised resuscitation hub, paediatric treatment area, acute treatment area, and multiple triage rooms with their own accompanying waiting rooms.”
 
Additional ambulance bays, X-Ray and CT scanning spaces, behavioural assessment rooms and private family consult rooms are also included in the project.
 
The NSW Government has provided $30 million towards the new state-of-the-art Emergency Department, with the Victorian Government providing $6 million.
 
Ms Thomas said the project is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with local builder Joss Group and Albury Wodonga Health. It will create and sustain more than 100 local jobs during peak construction.
 
“The Victorian Government is providing $6 million towards the project through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund to build a 16-bed short stay unit which will help reduce wait times in the emergency department, so local patients can get the very best care, sooner.”
 
“The emergency department expansion is being delivered in two stages. The first stage will deliver the new emergency department and is on track to be completed in late -2023. The second stage of the project will deliver the short stay unit in mid-2024.”
 
“Each project stage is receiving input from staff and the emergency department team, who are developing a new model of care. This includes increased staff numbers, a specialist and multi-disciplinary team approach and the early, appropriate clinical streaming of patients for the best care,” Ms Thomas added.
 
Mr Clancy said Albury Hospital is not an old hospital but the growing regional population and increasingly complex health needs have meant a much larger, more modern emergency department is needed to serve the border community.
 
“I am pleased the NSW and Victorian governments are working together to deliver this project which will provide substantial improvements on the current facility not just in terms of capacity but through more sympathetic streaming of patients to improve our experience at the ED,” Mr Clancy said.
 
“I thank NSW Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor and Victoria’s Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas for coming to Albury today to announce that construction is beginning.”
 
The expansion will support almost 80,000 patients projected to go through the emergency department by 2031.

The NSW Government will provide free Rapid Antigen Tests to vulnerable communities and expand its existing program to include those accessing tests through the Federal Government’s Concessional Access Program, which is due to finish at the end of the month.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government is committed to making sure no one is left behind and ensuring vulnerable communities have the support they need through winter.
 
“We are making sure those people who need it most get the help they need to help keep themselves and the community safe through winter by stepping in and providing free Rapid Antigen Tests,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said the expanded program would allow eligible Commonwealth Concession Card holders in NSW to access 10 Rapid Antigen Tests over three months up until 31 October 2022.
 
“The NSW Government has already been distributing free Rapid Antigen Tests to vulnerable communities, and we have the capacity to extend this to those still needing them through the Federal Government’s program,” Mr Coure said.
 
“There is no need to rush or panic about whether or not you will be able to access tests—we have enough tests to support you.”
 
The NSW Government has already made millions of Rapid Antigen Tests available to vulnerable communities, including multicultural communities, people with disability and their carers, homelessness services, social housing tenants, and children and young people in out-of-home care.
 
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the decision to expand the program to include those currently eligible under the soon to end Federal scheme, is about keeping people safe.
 
“We want to keep the pressure off the state’s most vulnerable as much as possible, and the expansion of this program is a key way for us to do that,” Mrs. Maclaren-Jones said.
 
If you are at a higher risk of severe illness, plan ahead. Speak to your doctor now about antiviral or other early treatment for COVID-19, so you understand your options if you test positive. If you are not at higher risk of severe illness, do a rapid antigen test unless you have arrived from overseas and have COVID-19 symptoms or your doctor tells you to have a PCR test.
 
Tests will be available through 210 neighbourhood and community centres located across the state. For more information and to find neighbourhood and community centres providing Rapid Antigen Tests, visit www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/rapid-tests 

More than 400 aspiring early childhood teachers across NSW are set to receive a cash boost to complete their studies thanks to a NSW Government investment.
 
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, Treasurer Matt Kean and Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell announced today that a record 439 scholarships are being awarded across the state, to attract and retain staff to support supply in the early childhood education and care sector.
 
Premier Perrottet said almost $11 million has been invested from the NSW 2022/23 Budget to deliver scholarships to support educators in entering the workforce or to boost their skills as degree qualified early childhood teachers.
 
“Early learning professionals are invaluable and we need more of them, which is why we are making a record investment in the early childhood education workforce,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This investment of almost $11 million in delivering 439 scholarships will support our commitment to address workforce supply issues and build a sustainable pipeline of early childhood teachers for tomorrow.”
 
Treasurer Kean said these scholarships will help create a sustainable supply of early learning professionals, with every successful applicant to be awarded up to $25,000 under the 2022-23 Early Childhood Education Scholarships Program and Aboriginal Early Childhood Education Scholarships program.
 
“This record investment in scholarships will support our vision of a highly qualified and sustainable workforce, meeting the needs of NSW families and children,” Mr Kean said.
 
“We want to build a stronger and brighter future for NSW families and we know that building on the early childhood workforce is a no-brainer in delivering this commitment to families.”
 
Minister Mitchell said one third of all successful scholars live and work in regional and remote areas across the state, which will help create lasting benefits now and into the future for all NSW children, families and the economy.
 
“With submissions from hundreds of talented applicants, many already working in community preschools and long day care services, it’s great to support these applicants to retrain or start their early childhood career,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“These scholarships will support recipients to deepen their understanding of early childhood environments, and gain additional skills and capabilities which will be passed on to the children they teach.
 
“I congratulate the scholars on their commitment to education and I wish them every success in their studies and future careers as qualified early childhood teachers.”
 
More than 18,000 prospective early childhood teachers and carers will be supported to enter the sector or boost their skills thanks to a $281.6 million workforce package in the NSW Government’s 2022/23 Budget. 
 
The NSW Government has committed $15.9 billion to deliver a brighter future for every child in NSW through a revolutionary transformation of early childhood education, child development and women’s economic participation over the next decade. Through the introduction of a universal pre-Kindergarten year, the Brighter Beginnings initiative, workforce package and affordable preschools  the Liberals and Nationals Government are ensuring NSW is the best state to live, work and raise a family.
 
More information can be found on the Department’s website: https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/working-in-early-childhood-education/professional-development-and-scholarships

The Ryde community will benefit from a transformation of health care with designs  for the $479 million Ryde Hospital redevelopment showcasing a state-of-the-art facility.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard today unveiled the latest concept designs and said the NSW Government’s significant investment in Ryde Hospital will ensure enhanced and expanded health services for the future closer to home.
 
“This first-class redevelopment will transform health facilities for the local community for many years to come, providing a range of new and expanded services, including a state-of-the-art emergency department, new theatres and medical imaging,” Mr Hazzard said. 
 
“The redevelopment will also provide a dedicated purpose-built ambulatory care centre and paediatric short stay unit at the hospital for the first time.”
 
Member for Ryde Victor Dominello said it also makes best use of the current services, including the Graythwaite Rehabilitation Centre and preserving the historic Denistone House as well as delivering contemporary education, training and research to strengthen tertiary partnerships.
 
“I’m delighted to share the new concept designs of the Ryde Hospital redevelopment with the community. They demonstrate the connections with existing heritage buildings and the nearby Blue Gum High Forest and there is plenty of green space to create a welcoming environment for patients, their carers, staff, and visitors,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“The redevelopment team has been working closely with clinicians, staff and key healthcare stakeholders as well as representatives from the local community who have been providing their feedback to help inform the design of the project.”
 
The Ryde Hospital will be assessed under a two-stage planning approval process.
The Stage 1 State Significant Development Applications (SSDA), to be lodged with the Department of Planning and Environment in the coming weeks, will seek approval for the proposed scale of the redevelopment as well as site preparation and enabling construction works.
 
A second and more detailed SSDA application will be submitted early next year, seeking approval for the detailed design and main construction works for the redevelopment.
 
The project is part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure to 2025-26.
 
The $479 million Ryde Hospital redevelopment will include:
 

• a new and expanded emergency department
• a new and expanded medical imaging department
• a new and expanded intensive care unit
• new operating theatres
• adult overnight inpatient beds
• a new purpose-built ambulatory care centre
• a new paediatric short stay unit
• improved landscaping, urban spaces and car parking

 
To view the plans and find out more about the proposed new hospital, please visit www.rydehospitalredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au 

More than 3,500 people in regional and rural NSW will have greater access to housing supports and services following the launch of a new mobile outreach program to assist people sleeping rough.
 
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the program would ensure regional communities, from Broken Hill to Leeton, are supported into stable accommodation.
 
“This funding will ensure there are dedicated staff on the ground ready to help people living in regional communities to apply for housing,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“Housing stability plays a significant role in keeping families together and these regional outreach teams will provide people with the tools to make decisions for a chance at a better future.
 
“By intervening early and providing people with the support they need, we can engage them with the right services to significantly reduce their risk of homelessness.”
 
The outreach program will be launched in the Murrumbidgee, Far West and Western NSW regions and is expected to reach 35-50 people in each town.
 
It will serve as a mobile office travelling through regional areas and bringing with it information on services such as Rent Choice and Bond Loans, as well as access to housing supports.
 
The mobile outreach will also connect with existing service providers in those areas, such as specialist homelessness services, to build stronger relationships. 
 
Member for Albury Justin Clancy welcomed the commitment to reducing housing waitlists and overcrowding.
 
“As Deputy Chair of the Legislative Assembly Committee on Community Services I have seen first-hand the positive impact of outreach services in a metropolitan setting,” Mr Clancy said.
 
“There is a demonstrated benefit in metro areas and this announcement is a signal the NSW Government is working to ensure the same level of services is also provided to regional communities.”

Travellers holidaying in Bali are being urged to do their bit to prevent the highly contagious Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) from reaching Australian shores and devastating our $28.7 billion livestock industry.
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the impact of an FMD outbreak in Australia would be disastrous for the livestock sector, the economy and regional communities.
 
“We have kept Australia FMD free for more than 130 years, but it is now on our doorstep and we all have a role to play to keep our industry safe,” Mr Toole said.
 
“The message to travellers is simple: if you’re heading to Bali or somewhere that may have been affected by FMD for a holiday – or know someone who is – please do the right thing when you return to Australia. That means declaring where you’ve been, making sure any clothes and shoes you bring in are clean and free from soil and manure, avoiding encounters with livestock on your travels and staying away from farms or anywhere there might be livestock for seven days when you get home.
 
“Now is not the time for complacency – one dirty pair of shoes could devastate an entire industry.”
 
Mr Toole said the NSW Government welcomed moves by the Commonwealth to increase biosecurity measures on incoming flights from Indonesia but was keen to see biosecurity ramped up further.
 
“We’ve put a number of ideas on the table, including increased luggage screening, the decontamination of equipment and shoes for all returning travellers from high-risk parts of Indonesia, more detector dogs at Sydney International Airport, and a targeted advertising campaign that urges travellers to avoid contact with NSW livestock and facilities for five to seven days upon their return.
 
“We all need to work together – governments, industry and the community – to keep Australia FMD-free.”
 
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the NSW Government has been working hard to bolster biosecurity to keep the agricultural sector safe, with record investment to drive active surveillance, rapid diagnostics and effective traceability systems to monitor, track and respond to threats. 
 
“Biosecurity has been my top priority since becoming Agriculture Minister,” Mr Saunders said.
 
“An incursion of Foot and Mouth Disease would have severe consequences for Australia’s animal health and trade. Significant economic losses would be felt, with restrictions being placed on both domestic and international markets for live animals, meat and animal products.
 
“An uncontrolled outbreak could lead to the immediate closure of our meat export markets, and control costs have been estimated at more than $80 billion.”
 
Mr Saunders said while Australia has an internationally recognised capability to deal quickly and effectively with emergency animal disease outbreaks – including the large outbreak of equine influenza in 2007 and the outbreaks of avian influenza in 2012 and 2013 – primary producers must know what to be on the lookout for when it comes to protecting their livestock.
 
“We’re encouraging primary producers to engage in detailed contingency planning, to be overly cautious with people who come into contact with their livestock and monitor closely for signs of FMD which include blisters in and around the mouth area, drooling and limping,” he said.
 
“I have requested the Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services ramp up their work with farmers to recognise the signs of Foot and Mouth Disease in their stock.
 
“If livestock exhibit any unusual signs consistent with FMD, they must be reported immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.”
 
FMD affects all cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, sheep, goats, deer and pigs. It can be carried by live animals as well as in residual soil left on shoes, clothing and equipment.
 
For more information on Foot and Mouth Disease, visit: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/beef-cattle/health-and-disease/viral-diseases/fmd