Category: NSW News

Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other public sector workers across the State will be encouraged to share childcaring responsibilities between partners under an overhaul of the NSW Government’s paid parental leave scheme.

From October, there will no longer be a distinction between a ‘primary’ or ‘secondary’ carer, meaning every mother and father in the public sector will be entitled to at least 14 weeks’ paid parental leave.

The NSW Government will also offer parents an additional 2 weeks’ ‘bonus leave’ if paid parental leave entitlements are more equally shared between partners.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new initiatives in the 2022-23 NSW Budget were part of the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting the needs of modern families across NSW.

“While most parents across Australia are entitled to paid primary parental leave, only 12 per cent of those who take it are men,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Supporting all parents to spend more precious days with their newborn children helps them form bonds that last a lifetime.”

The NSW Government will also expand the window in which public servants can take paid parental leave from one year to two years after birth, and extend paid parental leave to long-term or permanent foster carers.

Treasurer Matt Kean said as the largest employer in Australia, the NSW Government hopes that private companies and other governments will follow its lead.

“Children don’t see their parents as ‘primary carers’ or ‘secondary carers’ – just as mums or dads,” Mr Kean said.                             

“Encouraging more dads to take up parental leave is crucial to supporting all parents to be able to choose to have a career, have a family or have both.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said strong parental leave entitlements play a major role in supporting women’s economic opportunity.

“These changes to our parental leave offerings will encourage more equal sharing of caring responsibilities right from the start of a child’s life,” Mrs Taylor said.

Minister for Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said he hopes as many parents as possible take up the opportunity to spend time with their young children.

“The NSW Government understands the needs of young families and the benefits to productivity and performance that can be unleashed by supporting employees to balance parenthood with paid work,” Mr Tudehope said.

The ‘bonus leave’ scheme is one of the first of its kind in Australia and will apply where each parent (including parents employed outside the public sector) takes at least 12 weeks’ parental leave and exhausts any paid parental leave offered by their employers. Single parents will be entitled to the full 16 weeks of paid parental leave.

The paid parental leave reform comes following the NSW Government’s recent announcement that it will start offering workers in the public sector five days’ fertility leave, recognising the time demands of IVF and other reproductive treatments.

The 2022-23 NSW Budget is delivering a major boost to fire management in national parks through a $598 million investment, delivering 250 permanent jobs and critical infrastructure upgrades.
 
The NSW Government has also committed an additional $93.7 million to deliver the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy to prepare for the impacts of climate change and capture new investment opportunities.
 
Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the funding will maintain record levels of national park firefighters, and help communities develop stronger climate resilience.
 
“Climate change is happening now. Adaptation helps protect the things we value most from floods, drought and bushfires: it can save lives, livelihoods, homes and ecosystems,” Mr Kean said.
 
“This funding will help us translate cutting-edge science into real-world solutions to protect communities from the impacts of climate change.”
 
Minister for Environment James Griffin said the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), in collaboration with the Rural Fire Service (RFS), conducts about 75 per cent of all hazard reduction burning in NSW.
 
“This significant investment of $598 million over 10 years for NPWS will secure 250 permanent jobs for firefighting and conservation roles, and deliver important infrastructure and fleet upgrades,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“This is a major part of our response to the Bushfire Inquiry, which resulted in a 20 per cent increase in NPWS hazard reduction targets in high-risk areas.
 
“This will ensure NPWS can increase hazard reduction activity, strengthen remote area firefighting capability, and is supported to continue its critical work protecting communities and the environment from the threat of bushfires.”
 
The funding boost will deliver:

• 250 permanent jobs from July 2023, including 200 firefighters and 50 roles to meet new statutory requirements for protecting Assets of Intergenerational Significance (AIS) across the national parks estate
• $27.7 million over four years to upgrade the radio network
• $4.5 million over four years for safety upgrades to the NPWS fleet

 
The need for special measures to protect AIS habitats, such as the Wollemi Pine, was another outcome of the Bushfire Inquiry.
 
“With more than 200 Assets of Intergenerational Significance already declared, this dedicated funding will deliver fire management, feral animal control and other measures needed to protect the most important natural and cultural assets in our national parks estate,” Mr Griffin said.
 
The Climate Change Adaptation Strategy will invest in best-practice climate change risk and opportunity assessments and planning, as well as embed climate change adaptation across Government decision making.
 
For more information on the Strategy, visit https://www.climatechange.environment.nsw.gov.au/nsw-climate-change-adaptation-strategy

The NSW Government is making its single biggest investment ever in the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), with $132.7 million going towards its infrastructure, resources and staffing.
 
The new funding includes more than $50 million to upgrade 18 critical priority Unit facilities across NSW.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Budget boost would also see the creation of two new zones through the division of both the Western and Northern Zones, the construction of new Incident Control Centres and upgrades to Unit facilities across the State.
 
“The recent flooding has caused widespread devastation across the State, which is why it’s so important we ensure the SES has the resources it needs to respond to natural disasters of this significant scale,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“As part of this $132.7 million investment, the NSW Government is ramping up the SES’s presence in the Northern Rivers, with a new Incident Control Centre to be built and staffed in Lismore.
 
“The NSW Government is committed to investing in communities to strengthen frontline services right across the State.”
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the funding would ensure a more targeted and rapid response for future emergency events attended by the SES across NSW.
 
“The new facilities and additional staff will help boost the SES’s capability to handle severe weather events particularly in flood prone areas like the Northern Rivers, and to ensure these communities are better prepared,” Mr Toole said.
 
“But this funding will also fortify the presence of the SES across NSW building on our previous track record of investment into this vital service run predominantly by the community, for the community.”
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said investing in emergency services is a priority for the NSW Government in this year’s Budget.
 
“Our SES volunteers are there for our families and communities at their times of need. This record investment is about investing in them and building community resilience to natural disasters,” Mr Kean said.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the funding would support the more than 10,000 SES volunteers who selflessly serve their communities.
 
“Today is a great demonstration of the NSW Government’s commitment to all of our wonderful volunteers, our very own Orange Army,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“We rely on the dedication and commitment of SES volunteers in times of great need, and they always deliver, and part of this funding will go towards upgrading 18 Units across the State.”
 
SES Commissioner Carlene York welcomed the news and said it would assist the agency strengthen its responsiveness into the future.
 
“This investment in the SES enhances our support of our greatest asset, our volunteers, and enables us to provide the vital assistance NSW communities need to protect life and property around the State,” Commissioner York said.
 
The $132.7 million Budget boost includes:

• $58.7 million to upgrade 18 critical priority Unit facilities across the State;
• $43 million to split the existing Northern Zone into two new zones, and split the existing Western Zone into two new zones;
• $11.7 million to establish Zone Headquarters in the two new zones with Level 3 Incident Control Centre capabilities;
• $18 million to upgrade existing Zone Headquarters to Level 3 Incident Control Centres; and
• $1.3 million to develop a Facility Strategy and complete further detailed business cases to address the remainder of the recommendations from the 2021 independent review.

Ten NSW Police Force officers have been awarded Australian Police Medals (APM) in recognition of their dedication and service as part of the Queen’s Birthday 2022 Honours.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb congratulated the APM recipients, many of whose professional experiences have focused on improving outcomes for our most vulnerable communities.

“Not only is the award a special honour, but it also recognises the valuable contribution these officers make to their community each and every day,” Commissioner Webb said.

“Policing is a unique career, which exposes us to the best and worst of humanity and the APM is recognition of selfless duty to serving and protecting the community.

“On behalf of the organisation, I want to join the families and friends of today’s recipients, to thank them for their dedicated service.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole praised the APM recipients for their ongoing commitment to the policing profession and serving their communities. 

“With 313 years of combined service, it’s clear that these officers have dedicated their careers to protecting the people of NSW,” Mr Toole said.

“This important recognition serves as a thank you, not just from their colleagues and the communities they serve so diligently, but also the entire state.”

The APM recipients are:

Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree – Western Region Commander

Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden – Traffic and Highway Patrol Command

Superintendent Karen Cook – Kings Cross Police Area Command

Superintendent Donna McCarthy – Office of the Commissioner, NSW Police Legacy

Detective Superintendent Michael McLean – Anti-Terrorism and Intelligence Group

Superintendent David Roptell – Tweed/Byron Police District

Chief Inspector Stephen Fowler – The Hills Police Area Command

Detective Chief Inspector Brett Smith – Western Region

Detective Inspector Kirsty Hales – Tactical Operations Group

Detective Sergeant Mark Meredith – Orana Police District

The medal recipients are announced twice a year, in January (Australia Day) and June (Queen’s Birthday).

APM RECIPIENT BIOS:

Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree – Western Region Command

Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree joined the NSW Police Force in 1995, with his first posting at Manly Police Station and later the City of Sydney Patrol. In 1997, he transferred to Moree, where he built an outstanding reputation in rural and regional community policing and criminal investigation.

Designated as a detective in October 2002, he performed criminal investigation and child protection duties at Moree and Inverell, before his promotion to the rank of sergeant and transfer to Tingha Police Station in 2003, then Tweed Heads in 2004.

In 2007, he was promoted to the rank of inspector at Bourke, and in 2012 to superintendent, as the Staff Officer to the Deputy Commissioner, Specialist Operations. He has since served as the Commander at Lake Macquarie, Newcastle City and Brisbane Water Police Districts.

Assistant Commissioner Greentree received a commendation in 2010 for dedication and commitment to Aboriginal issues, and for his work as the NSW Police Corporate Sponsor for Customer Service 2013-17. As the Corporate Sponsor, he made substantial changes across the organisation including the introduction of the Community Awareness of Policing Program and implementing victim follow-up recording mechanisms.

In 2020, he led policing responses to two of the largest protests outside Sydney. His calm and confident liaison with the organisers resulted in significant cooperation with police, while balancing the right to democratic freedom within the relevant COVID restrictions.

In July 2021, he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner, taking command of Western Region. He remains committed to the advancement of Aboriginal community issues.

His work with the Bourke community to introduce alcohol restrictions led to significant decreases in assaults and improved health outcomes. He also led a project to raise the Aboriginal flag at regional police stations.

Assistant Commissioner Greentree models the highest standards of professional policing leadership and is widely recognised for his dedicated policing service to the community.

Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden – Traffic and Highway Patrol Command 

Assistant Commissioner McFadden was first stationed at Castle Hill Patrol in 1988 before transferring to the Cumberland Special Operations Group in 1991. He then returned to Castle Hill in 1995, working in criminal investigations and was designated as a detective in 1998. In April 1999, he transferred to the Internal Affairs Investigation Unit and was promoted to the rank of detective inspector in 2002.

In January 2005, he transferred to Hawkesbury Local Area Command as the Crime Manager and relieved periodically as the Commander at Hawkesbury, St Marys, Holroyd and Kuring-Gai Local Area Commands.

He was promoted to the rank of superintendent in late 2010 as Holroyd Local Area Commander and in 2013, transferred to Penrith Local Area Command, where he led the formation of Nepean Police Area Command in 2017.

Assistant Commissioner McFadden has extensive experience in the management of high risk, complex and significant operational situations where he provides highly effective processes and quality operational leadership. At the Penrith and Nepean Commands, he led an Integrated Complex Case Panel, linking a range of government and support agencies to tackle instances of complex social disadvantage across three police area commands. Most recently, he worked in partnership with cultural and community leaders to provide critical leadership of the Fairfield community through the Covid-19 pandemic.

He had been the Fairfield City Police Area Commander since 2020 before being promoted to his current rank of assistant commissioner and Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander.

Assistant Commissioner McFadden is actively engaged in the development of police officers and next generation police leaders. He has been involved in the Superintendents’ Development Program; Inspectors’ Transition Program; Incident Commanders Course; Critical Incident Course and Women’s Leadership Program. In 2017, he was awarded the Commissioner’s Perpetual Award for the Advancement of Women in Policing as a mentor.

Assistant Commissioner McFadden is a consummate dedicated police officer, recognised for his tireless devotion to policing over 34 years.

Superintendent Karen Cook – Kings Cross Police Area Command

Superintendent Karen Cook commenced her service in general duties and was first stationed at Granville until 1999, when she transferred to Tocumwal Police Station, then to Barooga in southern regional NSW in 2001.

In 2004, she returned to Sydney, undertaking duties with the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit and was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2005 working at Bankstown and The Hills Local Area Commands. She was promoted to the rank of senior sergeant in 2012 and returned to the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit as Coordinator.

In 2014, Superintendent Cook was promoted to the rank of inspector as a Duty Officer at Rosehill, then worked as the HR Manager, Capability and Youth Command before moving to Fairfield City Police Area Command as a Duty Officer.

She was promoted to the rank of superintendent in 2021 as the Kings Cross Police Area Commander.

Superintendent Cook is recognised as an outstanding police leader who has distinguished herself in frontline policing duties and strong leadership through difficult and challenging times, always maintaining the confidence and trust of her police and the community. She continually demonstrates an enthusiasm and love of the policing profession that sets her above most. She is recognised as a role model for the Force as a skilled practitioner, particularly commended for her leadership and investment in her people and Command.

During 2020-2021, Superintendent Cook quietly and professionally undertook a range of operational and command deployments that ensured frontline leadership was instigated and maintained during the peak impact of the COVID pandemic. She ensured proper governance and supervision of the hotel quarantine strategy and readily stepped into several Commander roles to assist others undertaking COVID-related secondments.

Superintendent Cook is highly commended for her exceptional commitment and devotion to the community and exemplary policing service for over 27 years.

Superintendent Donna McCarthy – Office of the Commissioner, NSW Police Legacy 

Superintendent Donna McCarthy was first stationed at Enfield, Burwood and Five Dock Police Stations performing general duties until March 1988, when she transferred to the F District Anti-Theft Squad.

She commenced her criminal investigation career at Ashfield Police Station in March 1990 and was deployed to Task Force OAK in 1992, being designated as a detective two years later. In 1995, she transferred to South Region Crime Squad, followed by deployments to the Drug Squad, Organised Crime, and Homicide and Serial Violent Crime Agency, where she was promoted to the rank of sergeant.

Throughout her career, she has undertaken various positions in the South East Asian Crime, Homicide and the Robbery and Serious Crime Squads, before being promoted to rank of inspector in 2012, transferring as a Duty Officer to Mt Druitt Local Area Command.

In 2019, she was promoted to the rank of superintendent at Police Transport Command before transferring as the Riverstone Police Area Commander in 2020.

Superintendent McCarthy is recognised as an outstanding police leader with a distinguished career in criminal investigation and more recently in frontline police commands. Since 2019, she has worked as the Deputy Sponsor for Aboriginal Engagement, working closely with Aboriginal communities to achieve collaborative partnerships and crime prevention initiatives, to help reduce over-representation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system.

Throughout her career, Superintendent McCarthy has performed her duties with integrity, diligence and a strong sense of respect for the victims of crime and the Aboriginal community. She has forged a reputation as a professional criminal investigator and has worked to engage and build community relationships in achieving common goals of community protection and safety.

Superintendent McCarthy is an outstanding role model for women in policing and a new generation of police officers. She is acknowledged as an exceptional police officer and criminal investigator, driven with a passion and commitment to the policing profession for over 36 years.

Detective Superintendent Michael McLean – Anti-Terrorism and Intelligence Group 

Detective Superintendent Michael McLean commenced general duties at Campbelltown Police Station in 1994, before transferring to the Macarthur District Anti-Theft Squad in 1997. In 1998, he returned to Campbelltown undertaking criminal investigation duties, becoming designated as a detective in 2000.

He worked at the Homicide Squad before being promoted to the rank of sergeant at Lake Illawarra Local Area Command in 2002. He was promoted to the rank of inspector in 2005, transferring to St George Local Area Command then Lake Illawarra Local Area Command performing the roles of Duty Officer, Target Action Group Commander and Crime Manager.

In 2012, he was promoted to the rank of superintendent and became the Campsie Local Area Commander. During this time, he successfully created strong links within the diverse multicultural community, gaining the trust of cultural and religious leaders, promoting and working with these leaders to maintain community cohesion in what had been a challenging and often difficult operating environment.

In 2017, Detective Superintendent McLean transferred to the Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command as the Operational Assessments Centre Commander, before becoming the Anti-Terrorism and Intelligence Group Commander in 2019.

He has displayed leadership over risk and threat processes, along with investigative responses and other operational activities to mitigate threat in the community. More recently, he has been instrumental in the implementation of the NSW Police Force response to the management of enduring terrorism risk. As the national jurisdictional project lead, his foresight and structured methodology has provided intelligence and investigative led opportunities for police to address new and emerging trends and areas of concern.

Detective Superintendent McLean is recognised as having forged an outstanding reputation in the Force and wider law enforcement community, as a highly skilled thinker and leader across multiple policing portfolios.

Superintendent David Roptell – Tweed/Byron Police District 

Superintendent David Roptell was first posted to Campsie performing general duties and later licensing operations across the Endeavour Region and Bankstown Local Area Command.

In 2001, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant at Bankstown and to inspector as a Duty Officer at the Rose Bay and Redfern Local Area Commands, building an extensive career of operational policing in difficult and vulnerable communities within the city and Sydney’s south-west.

While at Redfern, Superintendent Roptell enthusiastically embraced and supported strategies designed to connect with and build partnerships with Aboriginal youth and community to prevent crime and improve relationships between police and the wider aboriginal community; gaining knowledge and experience that would later influence his leadership and community involvement.

In 2014, he was promoted to the rank of superintendent as Staff Officer to the Deputy Commissioner, Specialist Operations, and later took command of the South West Sector within Police Transport Command.

In 2017, he developed and implemented the Police Transport Youth Strategy, establishing ‘Youth Express’, a program aimed at identifying youth at risk, diverting them from the criminal justice system and connecting individuals to PCYC programs.

As the Youth and Crime Prevention Commander, and in partnership with the PCYC, Superintendent Roptell led the implementation and reinvigoration of Youth Diversionary Programs in support of the Police Commissioner’s ‘Rise Up’ Strategy in 2018.

He has excelled in youth work and, as a member of the NSWPF Youth Advisory Group, focused on youth coming into adverse contact with the criminal justice system, improving service delivery and mitigating youth related crime in communities.

In 2019, he transferred as the Tweed/Byron Police District Commander and has provided exemplary leadership and, since March 2020, managed the impact of Queensland and NSW border closures on northern NSW communities, including numerous public order operations.

With 32 years of service, Superintendent Roptell is recognised as an outstanding police leader committed to the policing profession, with particular care for youth and community safety across NSW.

Chief Inspector Stephen Fowler – The Hills Police Area Command

Chief Inspector Stephen Fowler commenced his service in general duties at Regent Street and Redfern Police Stations, before transferring to Stuart Town in 1988, Coonamble in 1991, Kempsey in 1993 and then commenced Accident Investigation Duties in 1994.

In 1996, he returned to Sydney as a General Duties Supervisor at Chatswood, leading to further promotion to the rank of inspector in 2005.

Chief Inspector Fowler is recognised for his long and distinguished career, having served the community in both rural and metropolitan areas, his diversity of policing experience and significant acts of courage.

He is a respected professional role model in policing, acknowledged for his diligence and high ethical standards. He has been recognised externally on several occasions for his professionalism and ethics by the NSW Ombudsman and his approach to complaint management is well known throughout the Force.

In July 2019, Chief Inspector Fowler suffered a personal tragedy and his family faced significant public attention but throughout, he continued to advocate for proper due process and justice, such is his professionalism, decorum and reputation as a highly respected police officer serving the community of NSW for more than 40 years.

Detective Chief Inspector Brett Smith – Western Region 

Detective Chief Inspector Brett Smith was initially posted to the Seven Hills Police Station before transferring to Greenethorpe in 1994, commencing a long and distinguished career in the Western Region of NSW.

In 1998, he transferred to Cowra, undertaking criminal investigation duties and subsequently completing the Detective Education Program. In 2003, he was promoted to the rank of senior sergeant, as the Western Region Operations Coordinator before being promoted to inspector in 2005.

Detective Chief Inspector Smith has committed his entire career to regional and rural policing and the support of communities in Western NSW. His policing service is steeped in frontline operations and criminal investigations that have led to significant arrests and prosecutions of serious criminal offences and the protection of vulnerable remote communities.

He has instigated numerous policing strategies in the region, including, but not limited to unsolved homicides, rural crime and stock theft, illicit drug supply and the planning, response and recovery of emergency management operations.

During the recent COVID pandemic, Detective Chief Inspector Smith’s exceptional knowledge within the region was vital in establishing and facilitating the extensive resourcing and logistical support to remote Aboriginal communities, towns and villages.

Detective Chief Inspector Smith is recognised as a cornerstone of policing in the Western Region. He is acknowledged for his outstanding knowledge and expertise, proving invaluable in times of emergency and in day-to-day operations. He has made a significant impact on policing operations in the Western Region and been instrumental in the expansion of police resources, surveillance capabilities and vehicles and equipment to greatly increase investigative abilities.

Detective Chief Inspector Smith is widely recognised as a mentor to the many Commanders across the region. His reputation and outstanding professionalism, loyalty and devotion to community focused policing and dedication to the people of NSW defines his 30 years police career.

Detective Inspector Kirsty Hales – Tactical Operations Group 

Detective Inspector Kirsty Hales was first posted to Chatswood Police Station and later to Surry Hills Local Area Command performing general duties.

In April 2000, she commenced her criminal investigation career with the Joint Investigation Response Team at Chatswood and in 2002, was designated as detective. She also performed criminal investigation duties with the Coronial Investigation Team and the Crime Management Faculty, prior to her promotion to the rank of sergeant in September 2006. As a detective sergeant, she continued her work in child protection with the Child Abuse Response Team and State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad.

Further, Detective Inspector Hales has been a police negotiator since 2001 and since being promoted to the rank of inspector in 2017, continues to refine her skills and expertise to assist vulnerable communities.

The nature of Detective Inspector Hales’ duties as a negotiator often limits public awareness and acknowledgement of the vital and intense negotiations in which she has contributed and saved the lives of those in the depths of despair and of imminent harm. She has demonstrated outstanding professionalism and specialised policing expertise, working in many dangerous, difficult and challenging circumstances to resolve hostage situations, self-harm attempts, high-risk arrest operations and many other complex matters requiring expert assistance and negotiation.

Throughout her career, Detective Inspector Hales has performed her duties with a strong sense of respect for the victims of crime and to children from neglect, abuse and horrific sexual assaults. She has forged a reputation as a professional criminal investigator, who has extended her expert knowledge with several academic qualifications.

Detective Inspector Hales is an exceptional police officer and criminal investigator, who has dedicated over 26 years to the policing profession and the protection of the most vulnerable.

Detective Sergeant Mark Meredith OAM – Orana Police District

Detective Sergeant Mark Meredith joined the NSW Police Force as a probationary constable in 1988 and was posted at Dubbo Police Station, where he has dedicated his policing career to rural NSW and criminal investigation and is recognised for his selfless commitment to regional communities.

Detective Sergeant Meredith has been at the forefront of many major investigations in drug distribution and homicides, many of which have had significant national focus, and has led crime reduction strategies that have achieved outstanding results in prosecutions and regional crime prevention.

After suffering a personal tragedy, he became even more engaged with the community to educate young males on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. He is recognised across his community as a trusted and valued police officer.

Detective Sergeant Meredith’s ties with the community in significant investigations has enabled a streamlined flow of information between investigators, victims and families. He has shown outstanding victim care at times of crisis and is known to continue that support in the months and years that follow.

Detective Sergeant Meredith is highly commended for his exceptional commitment and devotion to his community and exemplary policing service for more than 34 years.

The NSW community, environment and economy will be better protected against growing biosecurity threats with a record $163.9 million in the 2022-23 NSW Budget.
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said focusing on biosecurity measures is critical when it comes to the protection and ongoing strength of regional communities.
 
“The regions continue to make a remarkable recovery after a really difficult few years, however a biosecurity incursion that could put our agricultural industries in jeopardy could reverse all of the hard work that has been done to get our communities back on their feet,” Mr Toole said.
 
“Our farmers dedicate their lives to making sure we are clothed and fed; this is about making sure we have their back and are safeguarding their businesses from biosecurity threats.
 
“Being on the front foot when it comes to biosecurity is absolutely essential to ensure we can keep our reputation of being world class producers of quality food and fibre.”
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said a global increase in the volume, complexity and severity of biosecurity outbreaks requires early intervention and investment in new techniques and technologies.
 
“We are bolstering biosecurity to support NSW families that rely on the $21 billion primary industries sector for their livelihoods,” Mr Kean said.
 
“Tackling the rising global threat of pests, weeds and diseases will underpin the health of our planet and people, and underwrite our economic prosperity.
 
“That’s why we’re scaling up our early detection and emergency response capacity to mitigate outbreaks before they take hold.”
 
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the NSW Government is on high alert against destructive biosecurity threats that have reached our national borders.
 
“My top priority as Minister for Agriculture is to protect our $21 billion primary industries sector and strengthen it into the future,” Mr Saunders said.
 
“The outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease in Indonesia means we can no longer rely on our geographic buffer to keep our primary industries sector safe, and we cannot afford to wait for an incursion before acting,” Mr Saunders said.
 
“Today’s record biosecurity funding will invest in active surveillance, rapid diagnostics and effective traceability systems to monitor, track and respond to any threats. It builds on the NSW Government’s previous record investment in the biosecurity space of $125 million in 2021-22.
“Investments in biosecurity measures will help future-proof one of the state’s biggest industries, which is absolutely crucial for the prosperity of NSW.”
 
The funding will strengthen the work undertaken by the NSW Government. It includes:

• mRNA vaccines for emergency animal diseases
• Automatic predator baiting
• Mass mortality carcass management
• Diagnostic tools for rapid herbicide resistance testing
• Aquatic disease response capacity
• Invasive ant surveillance and response
• Modernising our connection to the National Livestock Identification System

 
For more information, visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity 

The state’s rich multicultural society and its communities are set to benefit from a record level budget spend.

A $28 million package, secured through the upcoming NSW Budget, will support whole-of-Government Language Services, boost community cultural events and festivals, and increase engagement with multicultural and multi-faith communities.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the multi-year funding will benefit the state’s diverse cultures by providing important information in many languages, and bringing different communities together to celebrate their shared values.

“One of the key takeaways from the pandemic is the critical role of multicultural and faith communities in ensuring we are all connected, engaged and supported,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We are now acting on those learnings and investing in areas that will enable a stronger and brighter future for multicultural communities across the state.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said today’s announcement represents the single biggest budget allocation any government has provided to support Multicultural NSW, and was only possible because of the government’s strong economic management.

“This is investing in the state’s greatest asset, its people. We want to respect cultural diversity while at the same time celebrating the values we all share,” Mr Kean said.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the financial boost to the Government’s Language Services alone is a massive win for the state’s multicultural society.

“This will greatly improve our Government’s translation capabilities, which in turn will make sure vital information is accessible to everyone no matter the language they speak.

“Importantly, we will also be investing in a scholarship program, which will secure our state’s translation and interpreting capabilities into the future.”

As part of the initiative, the NSW Government will establish a Religious Communities Advisory Council. Its first order of business will be addressing concerns regarding the safety and security of places of worship, which is a priority for the faith communities.

It will be faster and more convenient to travel in New South Wales with a $567.9 million investment in upgrades to the Opal system funded through the 2022-23 NSW Budget.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said travellers will be able to put the Opal card on their digital wallets as part of the Opal Next Gen upgrade which ensures we will have a modern, reliable, world-leading ticketing system.
 
“Since 2012 more than four billion trips have been taken using Opal, which has transformed the way we travel and it is now time to invest in keeping this system in line with our evolving needs and expectations,” Mr Kean said.
 
“This gives us a window into the future, setting up the Opal network to keep pace with our changing needs whether that be a train, bus, e-bike, e-scooter, rideshare or even electric vehicle charging.”
 
Investment into Opal Next Gen will also enable the trial of a new world leading Mobility as a Service app, known as Opal Plus.
 
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said 10,000 people would also be selected to take part in the 12-month trial, which allows subscribers to bundle together public transport, rideshare, ebike rental, taxi and parking.
 
“This app will revolutionise the way we travel in NSW because it factors in first and last mile journeys, making it simpler and easier to leave the car at home and get from door to door,” Mr Stokes said.
 
“Opal Plus will free up people to choose their own adventure when it comes to transport, laying the ground work for an even more intelligent transport system that puts the citizen at its heart.”
 
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the NSW Government’s investment into Opal Next Gen will see services tailored to better meet the needs of commuters.
 
“This state-of-the-art new Opal system will enable commuters to travel from A to B a whole lot easier, it will allow families to seamlessly plan, book and pay for a range of different transport services in one place,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“The current Opal system has delivered an exceptional service for nearly a decade, but it is time to take it to the next level.”
 
Transport for NSW will be running competitive tender processes starting in the next two months.

More than 260 regional, rural and remote schools will have access to a dedicated local pool of relief teachers they can call on to help cover when teachers are away.
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the expansion of the Casual Supplementation Program was a win for schools in the bush.
                                                                                                    
“As a former teacher, I know that regional schools can often struggle to source relief teachers at the last minute to cover absentees. This has been exacerbated during COVID-19,” Mr Toole said.
 
“The NSW Government is addressing this need through an innovative program that offers teachers a three year, full-time role as a relief teacher with the benefits of job security, professional learning and leave entitlements.”
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the program was already proving a big success.
 
“Staffing our schools, particularly our regional ones, is complex and I am very pleased to say that we are seeing great results where the program is already up and running, including in very remote areas across the state that are traditionally hard to staff,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
The program groups schools in geographic clusters with a commute time of around an hour from a central ‘hub’ school where the relief teacher is based.
 
The program is being implemented in schools with the highest need for casual teachers in regional and rural areas from the North Coast to the Central West and the Riverina, as well as in hard to staff areas on the outskirts of Sydney.
 
The Casual Supplementation Program is part of the NSW Government’s $125 million Teacher Supply Strategy to create new pathways into teaching, place high-quality teachers where they are needed most, and ensure a steady pipeline of teachers entering the workforce, now and in the future. The strategy is on track to deliver its commitment to recruit an additional 4,600 teachers over the next four years.
 
Subject to eligibility, teachers in rural and remote locations are able to access a suite of financial and non-financial incentives, including up to $40,000 on top of their base salary annually and an additional $20,000 if the position is eligible for a recruitment bonus.

Three state-of-the-art High Clearance Vehicles are now in permanent operation for the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), expanding flood rescue capability by helping volunteers get to hard-to-reach places. 
 
The vehicles, known as Unimogs, have been handed over to the SES by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) after being used on deployment in military operations.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the delivery of the Unimogs means the SES now boasts the most advanced fleet of flood operations vehicles in Australia.
 
“These high clearance vehicles will allow our SES volunteers to go where they haven’t been able to go before when helping people in floodwaters,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“The Unimogs have been refurbished, in partnership with the ADF, and have already been put to good use in the recent floods and storms across NSW. They’re able to operate in more than a metre of water and can also function as a mobile communication hub, which makes them well-suited to flood response.
 
“An additional three vehicles are also on the way, and securing these specialty vehicles helps improve the SES’s ability to respond to future flooding emergencies and better protect our communities.”
 
SES Commissioner Carlene York thanked the ADF for their support in helping boost rescue capability.
 
“These vehicles have already proven to be life-saving when they were used by our volunteers to assist with the rescue of people during the catastrophic Northern Rivers floods earlier this year,” Commissioner York said.
 
“One example was when a Unimog was used to rescue 12 people trapped in their house by rising floodwaters. The two families, including a young baby and their pets, were all rescued by SES volunteers who could only access the property using the specialty vehicle.”

Campbelltown and Camden will be awash with activity this Queen’s Birthday weekend as the 2022 HART Senior State Titles take centre stage in what is set to be a brilliant illustration of the power of grassroots netball.

Thousands of players, officials, umpires, volunteers and fans will converge on South Western Sydney with Campbelltown District Netball Association welcoming teams from Divisions 1 Opens and 1 & 2 of the 17U and 15U and Male team categories, while Camden & District Netball Association will host Opens Division 2, and Divisions 3 & 4 of the 17U & 15U age groups.

The Senior State Titles are second only to the Junior State Titles in terms of size and scope, and among the largest community sporting events NSW has to offer.

For the first time in State Titles history Male divisions have been added, a move which would have happened sooner had it not been for the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Senior State Titles take place from Saturday to Monday, 11-13 June, with the winners of Division 1 in each of the Opens, 17U, 15U and Men’s categories crowned State Champions at the end of play.

With the wider community slowly starting to emerge from the cloud cast by COVID-19, Netball NSW President Louise Sullivan said it was wonderful to see the event back bigger than ever in 2022.

“Having come through two hugely disrupted seasons as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been truly refreshing for our community to finally have the chance to properly prepare for an event of this scale, which remains one of the largest and most important on the Netball NSW calendar,” she said.

“While COVID-19 remains part of our everyday lives, we have thankfully reached the point where we’ve learned to live with the virus. It was uncharted territory for all of us when the pandemic started in 2020 but I remain proud of how our game did its part to aid the wider community.

“Nothing can make up for the disappointments of missed opportunities over the past two years, but 24 months of hardship can make us appreciate this year’s competition all the more.”   

Sullivan also reflected on the importance of introducing Male divisions to events of this kind.

“This is a ground-breaking development and comes as netball in NSW looks to continue expanding the game’s reach beyond its traditional playing base,” she added.

“A frontrunner in terms of playing numbers when it comes to grassroots sport, netball has long been recognised as the leading team sport for women and young girls, as well as the standout leader in high-performance space for the same demographic.

“However, as part of Netball Australia’s State of the Game Review, a compelling case was made for netball to be more inclusive in many areas including gender.

“The inclusion of male divisions in the Junior and Senior State Titles – the sport’s showpiece events at grassroots level – is a vital part of securing our game’s future by ensuring it is a safe space for all.

“We are exceptionally proud to have our inaugural male State Titles teams competing this weekend, and I encourage everyone to take the time to see what brilliant skills and athleticism they bring to the game.”

Netball NSW would like to thank both the Campbelltown District and Camden & District Netball Associations for their efforts to bring the event to life, as well as HART Sport – the Naming Rights Partner of the 2022 Senior State Titles