Category: NSW News

Balancing work and life for families will become easier thanks to a $37.9 million investment in before and after school care services announced in the 2022-23 NSW Budget.
 
The NSW Government is investing $16.2 million in transport grants to connect students to a service if one is not available nearby. The government will also ensure there are viable before and after school care options for families in areas with no current services through a $20.2 million package.
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said accessing before and after school care services in regional NSW was crucial for parents juggling work and family commitments.
 
“Gone are the days of the 9 to 5, so this funding will be crucial to ensure parents in regional communities have access to more flexible childcare services,” Mr Toole said.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said this funding will support both parents balance work and family.
 
“We know that working families are impacted by a lack of before and after school care services, and that this often has a flow-on impact to parents participating in the workplace,” Mr Kean said.
 
“That’s why investments like these are so important to give parents more flexibility in their day.”
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said this investment will support the NSW Government’s commitment to ensure that all parents with public primary school students have access to before and after school care if they need it.
 
“Great before and after school care services deliver an essential service to communities and young children, providing a safe place to play and socialize,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“This funding is in addition to the existing $235 million commitment to help support and grow the before and after school care sector to improve access and affordability for NSW families.”
 
The BASC package includes:

• More than $20 million to expand BASC provision in regional schools
• More than $16 million for grants to improve transport services to BASC services

A former NSW pharmacist has been sentenced to more than six years’ imprisonment for his role in conspiring to defraud taxpayers more than $19 million through falsely claiming benefits under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The former pharmacist was sentenced before the Sydney Downing Centre District Court (17 June 2022) to six years and four months imprisonment, with a non-parole period of four years. In April 2021 a jury found the man guilty of conspiring to defraud the Commonwealth. He had been remanded in custody since that time.

The sentencing outcome shows the serious consequences of attempts by trusted health providers to defraud taxpayers.

This is the culmination of the strong collaboration between the Department of Health, the Australian Federal Police and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, using information received via the Department’s tip-off hotline.

The Department of Health takes allegations of fraud and non-compliance by health providers very seriously.

We recognise that the overwhelming majority of health providers are aware of and comply with their obligations to claim benefits honestly and correctly.

The Department has a strong health provider compliance program that protects the integrity of Australia’s health payments system through the prevention, identification and treatment of incorrect claiming and fraud.

Anyone with information about suspected non-compliance or fraud of Government health payments by health providers can make a report via the “Reporting Fraud” page on the Department of Health’s website at www.health.gov.au/fraud-tip-offs or by calling the Provider Benefits Integrity Hotline on 1800 314 808.

Today we embark on the greatest transformation of early education in a generation.
 
A long-term policy commitment that will change lives.
 
It will mean that, in the next 10 years, every child in Victoria and NSW will experience the benefits of a full year of play-based learning before their first year of school.
 
A year dedicated to growing and learning, new friends and new experiences. A year devoted to helping our kids be the very best they can be. Giving them the skills they need for school, but just as importantly, the skills they need for life.
 
At the same time, it will benefit hundreds of thousands of working families.
 
Helping more mums and dads return to work on terms that work for them.
 
Building a system that works for women, not against them.
 
It means a brighter future for our kids – and their families too.
 
And two great states working together to deliver it.
 
This won’t be a short-term fix, or a temporary solution.
 
Instead, it will take years of collaborative, hard work to get it right.
 
Really, it’s an investment in children, some of whom are yet to be born.
 
We begin today by planting the seeds, knowing the benefits won’t be known for years to come. But knowing they’ll be shared by everyone.
 
An investment in our children’s tomorrow. An investment in ours too.
 
And a commitment co-authored, because simply: our kids deserve nothing less.

The NSW Government will implement a major regional health workforce incentive scheme in the largest shakeup of its kind ever undertaken in the state.
 
The scheme will be delivered alongside new training and recruitment pathways to build a pipeline of regionally based workers and futureproof healthcare in the bush.
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said $883 million will be spent over the next four years to attract and retain staff in rural and regional NSW by transforming the way health clinicians are incentivised in the bush.
 
“This package delivers on the NSW Government’s commitment to strengthen the regional health workforce, ensuring that more than three million people who live, work and play in rural and regional NSW continue to have access to high quality healthcare well into the future,” Mr Toole said.
 
“These incentive packages will be tailored to not only attract more clinicians to these services but help retain those hard working staff and encourage them to put down roots.”
 
The package will target critical and hard to fill roles to ensure the operation of regional health facilities, including nurses and midwives, paramedics, pathologists and scientific staff, pharmacists and allied health professionals, as well as support and ancillary staff.
 
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the package will be used to deliver innovative, bespoke incentives for staff so they move to or stay in regional NSW.  

“Hard-to-fill, critical roles in rural and remote locations can be incentivised by offering health workers recruitment and retention incentive packages worth up to $10,000 per year plus assistance with accommodation and relocation and some other non-financial incentives,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
Incentives can include a range of benefits, such as salary boost, sign on bonuses, retention payments, additional leave, assistance with childcare expenses, assistance with transport and housing support, and access to training and education.
In addition to the incentives package, a range of targeted measures are being funded which will support the NSW Government in building a pipeline of future nurses, doctors and other clinical staff who are based in the bush and have the skills, confidence and expertise needed to work in regional health care facilities.
 
Mrs Taylor said one of these measures is the expansion of training positions for nurse practitioner roles in rural locations that struggle to attract doctors.
 
“These are highly skilled nursing professionals that can operate autonomously in complex clinical settings. The expansion of these training positions will see people in rural NSW receiving the highest level of quality care and a brighter future in terms of health outcomes,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
The $883 million investment will include funding for:

• Tailored incentive programs for healthcare staff to take up and retain positions in regional, rural and remote NSW – which can include a tailored incentive package of up to $10,000 plus additional leave, relocation reimbursement, professional development and study assistance;
• Increased training positions for nursing graduates, nurse practitioners and medical interns;
• Expanding rural generalist and procedural training positions;
• Career development and secondment opportunities for healthcare workers based in regional, rural and remote NSW, including for those based in metropolitan areas to ‘try out’ working in regional NSW;
• Increased numbers of Aboriginal nurse cadetships, and
• HECS incentive package for allied health professionals.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the rural and regional workforce boost forms part of the NSW Government’s overall record $4.5 billion investment in more than 10,000 health staff.

“We believe that access to the best quality healthcare shouldn’t be a postcode lottery. That’s why we’re recruiting 10,148 full-time equivalent staff right across NSW over the four years in what is the nation’s largest-ever health workforce boost, and 3,800 of these positions will be in regional areas,” Mr Kean said.

NSW will launch one of the biggest education reforms in a generation, starting with the introduction of a universal pre-Kindergarten year of education. 

The 2022/23 NSW Budget will set aside more than $5.8 billion over 10 years to introduce universal pre-Kindergarten for all children in NSW by 2030.  

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the huge investment in families was on a scale never seen before in Australia.  

“This is incredible reform that will change lives and deliver enormous educational benefits for children across the state, securing a brighter future for NSW families,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“We’re ensuring our youngest learners thrive by introducing a full year of preschool education before Kindergarten, as we know how important it is to have a strong educational foundation.” 

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said that children who receive quality early childhood education are more likely to get better results at school and earn more across their lifetime.  

“This Budget is all about investing in a better future, and setting our kids up for success is priceless,” Mr Kean said. 

“This reform will deliver intergenerational results for our kids and our economy.”  

The NSW Government will consult with families, peak bodies and service providers to create the best model for the new, universal pre-Kindergarten year for all children in NSW.  

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the evidence is clear that providing the best education starts in the early years.

“Universal pre-Kindergarten will give every child in NSW access to a specialised year of play-based learning, smoothing their transition to school and solidifying their path to a brighter future,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“Universal pre-Kindergarten is something I have been working hard to bring to NSW for a number of years, having seen the benefits of it for children and families in countries like Canada. It is so exciting to know that in NSW we will soon be unleashing the power of universal pre-Kindergarten.” 

This transformational new year of preschool education will not just build on the other commitments of this budget but will also change and improve, with the help of parents, educators, services and stakeholders, how children enter and prepare for school. 

Employment in NSW grew by 61,900 full-time jobs in May and the participation rate increased to a record high of 66.2 per cent according to the latest data from the ABS.
 
Employment across the State is now 133,000 above the pre-COVID level and more than 90,000 above the pre-Delta peak.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said today’s results were very positive for the State with the participation rate jumping by 1 percentage point, now sitting 0.9 percentage points above pre-COVID levels (Feb 2020).
 
“Employment growth is booming in NSW and we’re seeing record participation rates, well above pre-pandemic levels, and this is no fluke. Our nation-leading response to the pandemic helped families and businesses across the State with more than $47 billion in support since March 2020,” Mr Kean said.
 
“Our record participation in the NSW workforce is being driven by the continuing rise in female participation which is now at record levels.”
 
The female participation rate hit a record 61.9 per cent, well above the pre-COVID level of 60.2 per cent. The male participation rate rose by a strong 1.2 percentage points to 70.7 per cent, also above the pre-COVID levels.
 
The number of hours worked rose by 2.2 per cent in May, despite continued Omicron-related illness and an uptick in flu cases. Hours worked is now 2.7 per cent above December 2021 levels.
 
The large jump in participation meant that the unemployment rate rose 0.5 percentage points to 4.0 per cent in May, up from last month’s record low.
 
“The unemployment rate in NSW remains low and the number of hours people are working has seen a strong increase as we continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic,” Mr Kean said.
 
“Month-on-month we’re reaping the benefits of the NSW Government’s strong economic management throughout the challenges of the pandemic and our recovery.”

An ambition to triple the number of women working in the construction industry will be backed by a $20.2 million commitment in the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the Government will lead the way with a goal of 15 per cent women in construction by 2030, with a view towards reaching a more gender-balanced industry into the future.
 
“The latest estimates show that skills shortages in the Australian construction industry could top 105,000 workers by 2023,” Mr Kean said.
 
“Increasing the number of women in the construction industry is essential to lower the gender pay gap and ensure we have the skilled workforce required to deliver the Government’s record $110.4 billion infrastructure pipeline.”
 
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said that women currently make up about 5% of the construction workforce and Infrastructure NSW would work closely with industry to reach the 2030 goal.
 
“Historic skills shortages coupled with the biggest infrastructure program our State has ever seen means there is no better time to support more women to pursue a career in the construction industry,” Mr Stokes said.
 
“This funding will go towards breaking down the cultural barriers that stop women from considering a career in construction and help them smash through the gyprock ceiling.”
 
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the Government will work towards its 15 per cent goal by shifting the culture in construction and leading by example on its own worksites.
 
“We have to ensure women on construction sites have access to adequate, clean amenities, necessary personal protective equipment, that worksites are free of offensive materials and there are opportunities for more flexibility in working hours,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“Women employed in male-dominated environments are at greater risk of sexual and gender harassment compared with the national average, but this plan can help improve the experience of women in construction.”
 
Infrastructure NSW will continue to engage with stakeholders, building on the work already done by industry associations and trade unions. Funding will be used to sponsor innovative industry-led initiatives, and increase existing participation targets, skills and training initiatives.
 
The initiative is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to growing the economy and building opportunity for all. 

A life-changing package for NSW children and families has been announced today with a $376.5 million investment over four years in child development and family support as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget.
 
Premier of NSW Dominic Perrottet said the Brighter Beginnings package will provide all children with a full suite of developmental checks before they start school and make the baby blue book digital.  
 
“The first 2,000 days of a child’s life are critical to their development and success and we want to ensure they get the best start possible,” Mr Perrottet said.   
 
“NSW is now leading the nation in providing the best developmental support giving families right across the state the brightest of futures.”
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said that 90 per cent of a child’s brain development happens before the age of five, which is why these reforms are so important for NSW’s future prosperity.  
 
“This is a long-term investment which will reap benefits for children, families and the economy today, and for many generations to come,” Mr Kean said 
 
As the Minister leading the initiative, Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said it’s clear that getting it right early in a child’s life has lifelong benefits for their future.  
 
“Almost half of all 4-year-old children do not get their recommended health and development checks, so making these available in every NSW early childhood service will open the door to brighter futures for thousands of children,” Ms Mitchell said.  
 
“The Brighter Beginnings initiative will also make a huge difference to outcomes at school, from behaviour to academic results.” 
 
“Knowing where children are developmentally and physically before they start school is so important, allowing any necessary support to be identified.” 
  
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said expanding the home-based antenatal service would make it easier for parents to access important health care information.
 
“We are bringing the Sustaining NSW Families program to more Local Health District across the state, so many more vulnerable families can be supported by free home visits by a specially trained clinical nurse,” Mr Hazzard said.   
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said making the Blue Book digital will make it easier for families to access and keep track of their child’s health and development information.
 
“This initiative is modernising how we support families at a critical time in their child’s life,” Mr Dominello said.
 
Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said that more Aboriginal Child and Family Centres will help connect families with a mix of culturally safe services and supports for their child’s development.  
 
“Expansion of the Pregnancy Family Conferencing program will mean more vulnerable families will be able to access early engagement and interagency care planning, so they can remain together,” Ms Maclaren-Jones said.   
 
The Brighter Beginnings initiative is a partnership, led by Minister Mitchell, between the Department of Education, NSW Health, the Department of Communities and Justice, the Department of Customer Service, the Department of Regional NSW, Multicultural NSW, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Department of Premier and Cabinet to drive transformational change in early childhood development.
 
Alongside the NSW Government’s Affordable Preschool Program, the Brighter Beginnings package includes:  

• $111.2 million to bring health and development checks to all children in NSW preschool settings in partnership with health professionals; 
• $98.7 million to continue and expand the number of Aboriginal Child and Family Centres across the state;
• $70.9 million to expand the transformational Sustaining NSW Families clinical nurse home visiting program; 
• $57.2 million to develop the clinical interface of the Digital Baby Book; and
• $38.6 million to make Pregnancy Family Conferencing available to more parents across NSW.

Families across NSW are set to save thousands of dollars on their preschool costs thanks to more than $1.4 billion over four years in the 2022-23 NSW Budget.  
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the program will ease cost of living pressures for families and ensure more children receive high quality early education, which is critical for a smooth transition to school and better educational outcomes for their future. 
 
“Preschool is where the building blocks for lifelong success are established so it is vital that quality early childhood education is more accessible for families in NSW, no matter what their circumstances or where they live,” Mr Perrottet said. 
 
“We’re committed to ensuring families across the state have a brighter future and less pressure on the hip pocket.”
 
From 1 January 2023, all NSW families will be eligible for:

• up to $4,000 per year in fee relief for 3, 4 and 5-year-olds attending a community or mobile preschool
• up to $2,000 per year in fee relief for 4 and 5-year-olds attending preschool in a long day care setting and
• the equivalent of 5 days a fortnight of affordable preschool fee relief for all children in Department of Education preschools.
•  
  The NSW Government will also invest $64.1 million for a two-year pilot to support more 3-year-olds attending preschool in long day care services.
   
  NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the evidence shows clearly the positive impact quality preschool can have on a child’s life outcomes and on the economy. 
   
  “Every $1 invested in early childhood education delivers a $2 boost to the NSW economy – it is a great investment for any Treasurer,” Mr Kean said. 
   
  Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said that one of the biggest impacts we can have on educational outcomes at school is to improve early childhood education. 
   
  “A significant body of research shows that children who participate in quality preschool programs have improved lifelong educational, social and economic outcomes,” Ms Mitchell said. 
   
  “That’s why I’m so delighted to be continuing our support for community and mobile preschools. Families using these services are not eligible for the Child Care Subsidy, so NSW’s commitment to long-term funding relief is significant and genuinely needed.
   
  “We are also extending support to NSW families whose children attend preschool in a long day care setting, because at the end of the day what’s important is our littlest learners having access to great quality preschool programs.”
   
  The current Start Strong Free Pre-school Program is already providing $150 million in fee relief for children enrolled in community and mobile preschools across NSW in 2022. 

Ferry commuters in North Sydney will enjoy the benefits of a new modern wharf following a $7.5 million upgrade as part of the NSW Government’s $2.2 billion commitment to deliver accessible, safe and comfortable public transport infrastructure. 
 
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott today officially opened the upgraded wharf with the Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson, and highlighted the benefits that the Transport Access Program (TAP) will provide commuters.
“It is vital for a modern transport system to deliver infrastructure that is accessible for all commuters and is future-proof to meet the demands of a growing population, and that’s what the upgrade to the North Sydney ferry wharf does,” Mr Elliott said.
“These transport infrastructure projects provide a boost to the economy and associated industries. On this particular project more than 200 workers were inducted on-site, 210 tonnes of steel was used and more than 76 cubic metres of concrete poured.”
The Government’s upgrade to the North Sydney ferry wharf includes:

• a new accessible path leading to a gangway and covered floating pontoon;  
• customer seating;  
• weather protection;  
• a new accessible parking space;  
• kiss and ride zone; and  
• bicycle hoops.  
•  
  Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said she was thrilled with the package of works which provided a safer and more accessible wharf and importantly provided quicker and more efficient boarding and disembarking.
   
  “This upgrade is a positive outcome not only for local commuters but also for visitors to the area,” Ms Wilson said.
   
  “Seating for customers, protection from the elements and a kiss and ride zone are great upgrades which makes catching public transport much more attractive and easier for commuters,” she said.
   
  Commuters in the area can also look forward to more upgrades at Greenwich Point Wharf, South Mosman Wharf and Taronga Zoo Wharf.
   
  For more information about the North Sydney Wharf Upgrade visit nswroads.work/northsydney-wharf.