Category: NSW News

A record 10,148 full-time equivalent staff will be recruited to hospitals and health services across the State over four years, in the nation’s largest-ever health workforce boost, as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said 7,674 more workers would be recruited in the first year, which will help ease pressure on COVID-fatigued health staff and fast-track more elective surgery for patients.
 
“Everyone in NSW is indebted to our health workers for their selfless efforts throughout the pandemic, remembering for a long time there was no vaccine and they risked their lives each day to care for patients,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This record investment will help us care for health staff across the State, providing the respite and back-up they need. It will also boost staff numbers in hospitals to deliver quality health care closer to home, ensuring better health outcomes and a brighter future for NSW families.”
 
The additional staff will include nurses and midwives, doctors, paramedics, pathologists and scientific staff, pharmacists and allied health professionals, as well as support and ancillary staff who ensure the continued operations of NSW hospitals and the wider public health system. 
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government’s $4.5 billion investment over four years is intended to relieve pressure on existing staff and will ensure there are appropriate levels of health staffing for its pipeline of health infrastructure projects.
 
“Backing in our existing staff with additional staff to support them is critical.  As the NSW Government has delivered 170 hospitals and health facilities since 2011, with a further 110 underway, this funding will also ensure those new hospitals will have the workforce of today and the future,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the staffing boost will also be extended to rural and regional NSW, where communities are waiting with open arms to welcome additional skilled health professionals.
 
“This Government has funded more positions for health staff in the regions than any other. We are leading the nation in our efforts to bring the best and brightest health professionals to the bush,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said a strong feature of this health workforce budget was a boost to NSW Ambulance which has been under unprecedented pressure, with historically high call rates.  
 
“We will provide immediate relief and support for NSW Ambulance, with $1.76 billion to recruit 2,128 new staff and open 30 more stations,” Mr Kean said.
 
“Four years ago, we delivered more ambulance staff than any previous NSW Government. Now thanks to our outstanding economic management, we can deliver even further support for our dedicated paramedics.”

Outlaw criminal groups are a dangerous and too often deadly threat to community safety, but any new laws to deal with them must be based on clear evidence and the subject of targeted and careful consideration.

While the Law Society of NSW considers there is already ample police power to confiscate criminal assets and proceeds of crime, the experts on our committees are ready and willing to engage in genuine consultation on any proposed measure relating to ‘unexplained wealth’.

Our committees are made up of some of the most experienced practitioners in our state and are able to offer invaluable input to help ensure any measure is just, fair, targeted appropriately and designed to avoid any unintended consequences. 

The Law Society notes coverage of this issue includes reference to Police to act against those they ‘have proved’ have “wealth more than the lawfully acquired value of their wealth.” To whom are police to present this proof and will the person the subject of the application be afforded the procedural fairness of being able to refute the police assertion? 

The Law Society would be most concerned if a proposed power to confiscate ‘unexplained wealth’ would reverse the onus of proof. This could require a person who may have absolutely no connection with the drug trade, or any other criminality, to prove their wealth was not the result of criminal activity. This approach upends centuries of criminal law requiring the Crown to prove its case.

I invite the Deputy Premier and Police Minister along with his Commissioner and the Attorney General to discuss with me in confidence any measures the government is considering and to commence the consultation process.

NSW Ambulance will recruit 2,128 new staff and open 30 more stations in a $1.76 billion boost to frontline emergency care, as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget.
 
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the record investment means NSW Ambulance will have the largest paramedic workforce in Australia, now and well into the future.
 
“Ambulance services across Australia are experiencing unprecedented demand but this funding will ensure NSW is well placed for the challenges ahead,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“The investment will help increase capacity both in terms of available paramedics to respond to patients, and available staff to help answer the record volume of calls.
 
“Our strong economic management means we can deliver a brighter future for NSW families by giving them confidence emergency support will be there in their time of need.’’
 
The $1.76 billion over four years will provide NSW with 1,858 extra paramedics, 210 ambulance support staff, 52 nurses and eight doctors.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the Government will continue its record spending on ambulance infrastructure, so the larger workforce has access to the best facilities.
 
“NSW Ambulance, the Health Services Union and the NSW Government have worked collaboratively ensuring we get the right number of paramedics, in the right places when and where needed. This massive boost to paramedics we believe will make a positive difference,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
In this Budget, the NSW Government will deliver 30 new stations including at Warilla, Kincumber, Lisarow, Gateshead, Swansea, Cherrybrook, Raby and Narellan in the coming year, with 22 more stations to come over the following three years.
 
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the investment in ambulance infrastructure and workforce is great news for those living in regional and rural areas.
 
“This funding will bring more jobs to the regions, provide a nicer working environment for local paramedics and most importantly, help us to save lives,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the pandemic has made it clear continued investment in frontline healthcare workers is crucial.
 
“We are always thankful for the outstanding commitment, compassion and tireless efforts of our ambulance staff but especially throughout the pandemic,” Mr Kean said.
 
“This announcement shows we are continuing to provide record levels of investment in these frontline healthcare workers and the critical services they provide.”      

More than 1,500 fee-free training places are up for grabs as part of the NSW Government’s Winter Skills program, which aims to get people skilled for a bumper winter tourism and hospitality season.
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said in-demand short courses would be on offer across parts of regional NSW to help people gain on-the-job experience while supporting local industries.
 
“The NSW Government has consulted with local businesses and industry groups to identify the key skills needed this winter season,” Mr Toole said.
 
“So whether it’s learning how to be a tour guide, pouring a beer at a pub, making a coffee at a local cafe, or lending a hand across the wine regions, regional NSW is keen to have you.”
 
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the program will train people to work in the ski industry and related hospitality roles, bar tenders, wait staff and more, to help businesses meet demand for workers. 
 
“NSW’s winter getaway destinations will be packed with people this season, so now is the perfect time for people looking to get skilled and work in some of the most beautiful places in our state,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Following the success of the Winter Skills campaign last year, the program has been expanded to include the Snowy Mountains, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, Hunter Valley and the Central West.”
 
Some of the courses available include Food Safety Supervision, Statement of Attainment in Hospitality, Statement of Attainment in Outdoor Recreation and Statement of Attainment in Public Safety.
 
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said the State’s pubs, clubs, restaurants, bars and other hospitality businesses have been impacted over the past few years.
 
“From Perisher to Thredbo to villages packed with fireplace warmed restaurant and cellar doors, we want to make sure our hospitality venues continue to be the lifeblood for local communities,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“This initiative will ensure our local hospitality businesses have access to a pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers, helping address industry needs and skills shortages as a result of the pandemic and the gradual re-emergence of international travel.”
 
For more information and to enrol in courses, visit https://skills.education.nsw.gov.au/initiatives/winter-skills.

The second stage of a world-class multi-day walk, featuring the country’s highest suspension bridge between Guthega and Charlotte Pass in Kosciuszko National Park is now complete.
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the spectacular new nine-kilometre track along the upper Snowy River is helping to establish the region as a key eco-adventure tourism destination.
 
“Once all four stages are complete, the 55-kilometre Snowies Alpine Walk will be a world-class experience for visitors to enjoy even more of Kosciuszko National Park, and puts the Snowy Mountains region firmly on the domestic and international tourism map,” Mr Toole said.
 
“The Snowies Alpine Walk includes Australia’s highest suspension bridge at 1,627 metres above sea level and will create more than 30 jobs, attracting an expected 50,000 visitors per year.”
 
Minister for Environment James Griffin said the project is part of the largest ever investment in national park visitor infrastructure and could compete with the likes of Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain Overland Track.
 
“The opening of this section of the walk marks the completion of the second of four stages, and I’m thrilled to see increased access in this beautiful part of the world,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“The Snowies Alpine Walk is putting NSW on the map for multi-day hikes, and it’ll be a must-do walk for anyone who loves Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain Overland Track. In fact, I reckon it’ll be a strong competitor with the Overland.
 
“I want to see everyone who comes to our magnificent NSW national parks arrive as visitors, and leave as conservationists, and this walk will help us achieve that.”
 
Member for Monaro Nichole Overall said the construction of the walkway would open doors for nature-based tourism experiences.
 
“I’m incredibly excited for this walk to showcase the majestic alpine and sub-alpine landscapes unique to the Snowy Mountains region,” Ms Overall said.
 
The Snowies Alpine Walk project was awarded more than $17 million by the NSW Government Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund program.
 
Additional funding of $10 million from the Australian Government’s Regional Recovery Partnerships program has enabled construction to commence on stage four.
 
Always check the NPWS website for track updates before you go: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/

International students across NSW and around the globe will have access to free employability programs and English language mentors thanks to a new interactive platform from the NSW Government.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said the Study NSW Virtual Student Hub will bring together onshore and offshore students and provide them with a range of programs to help them thrive.
 
“By setting up the Hub we are creating an inclusive and accessible platform to build a sense of community and belonging to support all international students,” Mr Ayres said.
 
“As our state’s largest services export, international education is critical to the NSW economy.  
 
“The Hub is one of the many ways we are supporting our international students to ensure they make the most of their time studying with NSW education providers.”
 
The Hub provides international students with guidance and support through three key program streams:

• monthly Study NSW welcome and wellbeing events
• an English conversation club connecting students with mentors
• a 25-part accelerate event series focused on personal and career development

 
Second-year University of Sydney student from New Delhi, Ava Khan said the Hub will help students feel supported and better able to adapt to new ways of learning.
 
“The Hub will make it so much easier to connect with other students, build a network and make sure we don’t feel alone no matter where we live,” Ms Khan said. 
 
The Study NSW Virtual Student Hub is being delivered in partnership with Vygo and Campus Consultancy. The Hub is now live and open for program registrations at www.study.sydney/programs/virtual-student-hub.

Hundreds of new industrial and logistics jobs are coming to Western Sydney, following approval of the first stage a major development in Kemps Creek.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the $341 million Aspect Industrial Estate would create hundreds of jobs on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney Airport, with links to major road networks.
 
“This is a major win for Western Sydney, which marks the start of a wave of new jobs in logistics, manufacturing and construction ahead of the new airport opening in 2026,” Mr Ayres said.
 
“Today’s approval enables construction to begin on the first stage of the industrial estate, involving two buildings for warehousing and industrial uses, car parking and cafe.
 
“Around 130 construction jobs will be created and a further 387 operational jobs once the buildings are up and running next year.”
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said today’s decision also included approval of the overall concept plan for the entire site.
 
“A further nine buildings are being proposed but they will be required to be rigorously assessed separately, before each stage can progress,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“If all stages of the project are approved, more than 1,700 jobs will be created in total, which are closer to home for Western Sydney residents.”
 
Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies welcomed the approval.
 
“As more projects like this one take off, we’ll see more investment in warehousing and logistics, aerospace and defence, manufacturing, healthcare, agribusiness, education and research industries,” Mrs Davies said.

An advanced sonar program has started surveying NSW rivers for hazardous submerged debris across the State following this year’s destructive floods with shoreline clean-up crews coming in behind to remove those debris once located.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA)-led program removes dangerous obstacles to navigation and water safety – including giant tree trunks and water tanks – out of our rivers.

EPA Director Arminda Ryan said the Sonar (submerged debris) Clean-up Program was uncovering submerged and dangerous debris washed into the Hawkesbury and other rivers during the recent floods.

“By using the latest technology available our aim is to make this recovery as thorough and efficient as possible,” Ms Ryan said.

The strength of the Sonar Program is its ability to reveal otherwise invisible hazards. Sonar Technology mounted on boats sends out sound waves and measures returning echoes to detect large items on the riverbed.

Based on what has been found on shoreside clean-ups hazards are expected to include items as diverse as chemical drums, farming equipment, large tree branches and even caravans.

Ms Ryan said the Sonar Program was just one part of a combined NSW Government agency effort with the EPA working closely with Transport for NSW to secure and mark hazardous debris prior to removal. 

“Transport for NSW has provided the EPA with 11 priority locations for surveying in the Hawkesbury River. OceanWatch Australia have provided a further two priority locations. Transport for NSW will also provide priority locations for surveying on the North Coast,” Ms Ryan said

“The program covers a broad area and will see a wide variety of man-made and natural hazardous debris removed from waterways extending from the Hawkesbury River to the Queensland border.”

Ms Ryan said the shoreline clean-up had already removed more than 6800 cubic meters of eligible flood debris across NSW since the beginning of March, which is more than 340, 8-tonne tip trucks.

“The communities in flood impacted areas have been through very tough times in the past couple of years and the extension of these programs will support communities with their recovery from the floods,” Ms Ryan said.

“These clean-ups will take time and we ask people to remain patient but also to be safe around the water if they are assisting with clean-up or using local beaches and waterways.”

The EPA was able to move quickly on this work to help communities recover from the devastating floods and extreme weather of this year by extending flood recovery programs that were already underway following the 2021 floods – like the Sonar Program.

Members of the community can assist the clean-up of their local area by reporting flood debris to the Environment Line on 131 555 or info@epa.nsw.gov.au

An additional 70,000 people will receive fee-free training as part of a plan by the NSW Government to turbocharge the State’s skills-led recovery and help more people get the skills they need for the jobs they want.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the 2022-23 NSW Budget would invest $82.7 million over four years to continue accelerating the skills boom and helping to deliver the lowest statewide unemployment rate on record at 3.5 per cent.
 
“This investment will deliver tens of thousands of new apprentices, trainees and full qualifications to help people get skilled for in demand jobs such as builders, hairdressers, carpenters, chefs, electricians and in the critical early childhood, aged care and disability care sectors,” Mr Kean said.
 
“The NSW Government’s strong economic management means we can deliver fee-free training which is helping people boost their budget and ensure a brighter future for them and their family.”
 
This new investment in fee-free training is on top of 100,000 fee-free apprenticeships and 70,000 fee-free traineeships already being delivered by the NSW Government.
 
This NSW Government’s strong focus on skills led to a 77 per cent increase in the number of people commencing apprenticeships and traineeships in the 12 months to September 2021, according the most recent NCVER report. There was a 91 per cent increase in the number of women commencing apprenticeships and traineeships during the same period.
 
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is leading the nation in supporting people to get skilled for jobs to help grow the economy.
 
“This Budget cements the golden era for skills and training in NSW – there has never been a better time to get the skills you need to unlock a first job, a new job or a better job,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“As part of our skills-led recovery, we have seen an enormous surge in the number of people commencing apprenticeships and traineeships in NSW and this Budget will turbocharge the take-up of training right across the state.”
 
Apprentice Employment Network NSW & ACT Executive Officer Jason Sultana said the investment will deliver a pipeline of skilled workers for industry.
 
“This announcement shows the government is focused on addressing skills shortages for the long-term by removing the financial barriers for young people to move into trade apprenticeships,” Mr Sultana said.
 
For more details on training available, visit https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw.

Evidence of an important koala population in Kosciuszko National Park has been revealed by new surveys undertaken as part of a collaboration between NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Australian National University (ANU).
 
Minister for Environment James Griffin said it comes after surveys were conducted in November 2021 and February 2022 that recorded male koalas at 14 sites within the park’s Byadbo Wilderness Area.
 
“This is good news because until these recent surveys, there had only been 16 recorded sightings of koalas in Kosciuszko in more than 80 years,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“This exciting news provides hope that Kosciuszko National Park may be a refuge for this iconic species.
 
“It’s a promising sign and an indication that biodiversity is benefitting from the NSW Government’s commitment to protect and conserve threatened species.
 
“From here, we need to better understand the population and the impact this discovery could have on the survival of the species.”
 
In addition to koalas, the surveys unveiled a host of other declining species, including recordings of the southern greater glider and the yellow-bellied glider.
 
Member for Monaro Nichole Overall said this new discovery is an opportunity to learn about the significance of higher altitude habitats like those in Kosciuszko for the long-term survival of species like koalas.
 
“Monaro benefits in so many ways with this incredible national park on our doorstep, and it’s pleasing to see the evidence of the thriving biodiversity in the region,” Ms Overall said.
 
“This discovery is significant and from this point we can learn more about the species and how we can best support the population to thrive in the wild.”
 
ANU koala expert David Lindenmayer said researchers who collected and analysed the data believe Kosciuszko National Park may host a significant koala population, although at low densities.
 
“These findings are important because of the area’s elevation, which we hope will make the populations more resilient to climate change,” Mr Lindenmayer said.
 
“The project involved using 100 passive acoustic recorders and spotlight surveys.”
 
Additional surveys will be conducted under the NSW Koala Strategy to map the distribution of koalas across Kosciuszko National Park.
 
The population will be tracked as part of NPWS’ world-leading ecological monitoring program.