Category: NSW News

NSW residents will have access to the highest quality care and pain management services at the end of their life, with palliative care and specialist health services to receive a record $743 million funding boost over the next five years.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the 2022-23 funding boost is on top of the $300 million the NSW Government invests each year in palliative care.
 
“We’re committed to ensuring NSW has the best palliative care services and support in Australia, if not the world,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This is about providing the greatest possible comfort and dignity to people who are at the end of their life, whether that’s in hospital, at home or in the wider community, right across the state.”
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the funding will deliver an additional 600 health staff across NSW to support those in their final stage of life once the program is fully rolled out.
 
“The funding boost will allow us to employ an extra 600 nurses, allied health professionals, doctors and support staff to care for people at their most vulnerable time, who will be of great comfort to patients and families alike,” Mr Kean said.
 
“This funding will allow more people to live at home and close to loved ones when they need them most. It will improve access to new treatments, world-leading pain management services and medications, and community-based services to reduce unnecessary stays in hospitals.”
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the investment will also increase the number of short-term, high-care beds in rural, regional and metropolitan hospitals.
 
“We will be providing more palliative care beds for people requiring short-term hospital stays right across the state,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“We will also build new dedicated palliative care units in two of our major hospitals, Westmead and Nepean, which will dramatically improve services for these local communities in Western Sydney.”
 
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Government is placing a strong focus on caring for people in regional communities.
 
“As a former palliative care nurse, I know how significant this package will be for patients and their loved ones,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“Everyone has the right to die with dignity, and this package will provide better access to palliative care no matter where you live.”
 
The package includes $650 million over five years to:

• employ an extra 600 nurses, allied health professionals, doctors, and support staff
• boost hospital capacity and implement best-practice models for supportive and palliative care
• improve access to pain management services for patients with life-limiting illness, to help patients and their family and carers
• improve services for people with late stage chronic and degenerative conditions, and cancer
• further strengthen outpatient and community health services
• support consumer choice and excellence in end-of-life and palliative care
• strengthen virtual care, transport and equipment programs
• improve partnership with non-Government organisations, primary care and aged care services. 

A further $93 million will be used for capital investment, to redevelop and refurbish NSW Health facilities, including new dedicated palliative care units at Westmead Hospital and Nepean Hospital.

Women looking for work will be able to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to fund a new work wardrobe, technology and training to help them return to the workforce, thanks to a $32 million investment in the 2022-23 NSW Budget.

Premier Dominic Perrottet encouraged eligible women to apply for the Return to Work Program grant and tailored support from a Return to Work Coordinator.

“The program is already helping thousands of women to meet their employment and education goals – I want this program to support as many women as possible to find secure employment,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This is an opportunity to build the confidence and financial independence for women who need it most.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said women who are experiencing barriers re-entering the workforce can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to help cover the cost of common financial obstacles such as work clothes or an internet connection.

“Female-dominated industries and workers were hit hard by the pandemic and it highlighted the importance of women to the long-term health of our economy,” Mr Kean said.

“Now, more than ever, we need to support women to get into, and return to, the workforce. This program helps equip women with the information, technology and financial support they need to get back to work.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the positive results of the program demonstrated the value of this investment.

“The feedback from over 1,500 women who have completed the program was that it works because of its flexibility and tailored approach. 65 per cent of women secured employment, 73 per cent applied for or started education and training while an incredible 98.5 per cent found the program helpful,”  Mrs Taylor said.

“I am proud to be part of a NSW Government that looks at unique solutions for the big issues affecting women’s workforce participation through the Women’s Economic Opportunities Review.”

The new Return to Work Toolkit is available on the NSW Government website to provide additional employment resources and information for women. For more information, or to apply, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/toolkits-and-resources/return-to-work-toolkit

The Return to Work program was initially announced as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget in response to the number of women who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Return to Work Program will continue next financial year. Consideration will be provided to priority groups.

The NSW Government will accelerate the translation of local RNA research into new products, services and jobs through an historic $119 million investment over 10 years in the 2022-23 NSW Budget.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the funding would support R&D initiatives to be undertaken, including at the recently announced $96 million RNA Pilot Manufacturing Facility, ensuring the establishment of a globally significant RNA R&D ecosystem in NSW.
 
“This funding provides strategic support to strengthen NSW’s sovereign capability in designing and manufacturing RNA therapeutics to combat everything from pandemics to cancer and genetic diseases,” Mr Kean said.
 
“It will continue to build NSW’s globally-competitive innovation ecosystem by attracting global investment and international businesses, and creating a stronger and more skilled workforce.”
 
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said that the NSW Government was working in partnership with the NSW RNA Bioscience Alliance, an unprecedented collaboration between all 14 NSW and ACT universities.
 
“We want to create a brighter future for the people of NSW and turbocharging R&D opportunities is an essential mechanism to achieve that goal,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“The value of RNA technology has been proven throughout the pandemic through the use of mRNA vaccines, but we know that vaccines are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to RNA.
 
“By bringing together our world-leading universities and industry leaders, we can deliver innovative solutions to some of the most the important and complex challenges facing the world.”
 
Head of the NSW RNA Bioscience Alliance Professor Pall Thordarson from UNSW Sydney welcomed the announcement.
 
“This investment is crucial to our shared vision to advance NSW as a global leader in the RNA ecosystem,” Professor Thordarson said.
 
“With the State government’s investment, the NSW research community will be able to address a range of current health challenges and attract a number of national and international industry collaborators and jobs to the state.”

A community open day followed by a festival of football, with three blockbuster events in five days, will headline the opening of Sydney’s new world-class sport and entertainment venue, Allianz Stadium.
 
The opening schedule of events will kick off with a free community open day on August 28, then it is game on for the NRL’s famous rivalry between the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday September 2. The Wallabies will then take on the reigning Rugby World Cup winners South Africa on Saturday, September 3 and to cap off an unforgettable opening series of events, the Commonwealth Bank Matildas will host Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medal winners Canada on Tuesday, September 6 in an international friendly.
 
Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said it’s officially game on at Allianz Stadium.
 
“We’re opening Allianz Stadium earlier than scheduled with a free community day before the biggest names in world sport from three major football codes kick off an unforgettable opening series of events at Sydney’s new world-class venue,” Mr Ayres said. 
 
“It’s been a long time coming for sports fans but we’re so incredibly excited to open Allianz Stadium and welcome the community back to what will be the best sports and entertainment venue in Australia.”
 
“Over 150,000 fans are expected to visit the new precinct over the course of the four events, providing a significant boost to the NSW visitor economy.
 
“Having a world-class stadium in the heart of a thriving sport, entertainment and hospitality precinct on the cusp of the CBD positions Sydney as the events capital of Australia,” Mr Ayres said.
 
The new 42,500 seat Allianz Stadium has been designed and built for the fans, with a 360-degree open concourse inside and outside the venue, steep seating angles providing unrivalled views of the field, the very best Merivale food and beverage offering, world-class player facilities and new community spaces to explore, just some of its many features.
 
Sydney Roosters CEO Joe Kelly said: “The honour of hosting the inaugural event to be held at our home, the new Allianz Stadium, is one of which we are most proud. We have a deep connection to the precinct dating back to our foundation in 1908. Our Members and fans will have the very first opportunity to experience the new world-class facility and we would like to extend our thanks to the NSW Government for this addition to our Club’s rich history.
 
“The Roosters hosted the final event at the ground before it was demolished in 2018 and it is quite fitting that our return fixture will be against the same team, the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The 42,500 spectators there for the game will be able to reflect on being a part of history on what is sure to be an unforgettable event.”
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly said: “It’s fantastic to see big sporting events with huge crowds returning to Sydney such as last night’s sell-out crowd at the State of Origin match at Accor Stadium and we’re certain that our 31,000-plus Members and countless supporters will paint Allianz Stadium red and green at this match.
 
“We’re fully supportive of the NSW Government’s investment in sporting infrastructure, creating state-of-the-art stadiums that provide the best facilities for not only the players, but also the Members and fans, and we’re all looking forward to christening the new Stadium in September.”
 
Rugby Australia CEO, Andy Marinos said: “We’re extremely excited to be able to host the first ever International event at the new Allianz Stadium.”
 
“To have the Wallabies taking on the World Champion Springboks in front of 42,500 supporters is going to be an amazing experience and one I’m sure those who are there will never forget.
 
“I’d like to thank the NSW Government for their support in hosting the Test and congratulate them on what is a truly world-class stadium build here in Sydney.”
 
Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson said: “It’s only fitting that the Commonwealth Bank Matildas are the first football team to play at the new Allianz Stadium, as this state-of-the-art facility will be a host venue for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ through the ongoing support of the NSW Government.
 
“Football enthusiasts, Matildas fans and event goers alike are in for a real treat on September 6, as our ever-popular Commonwealth Bank Matildas host defending Olympic champions and world number six, Canada in what will be ideal preparation ahead of next year’s tournament.
 
Exact details of the community open day, including how to secure entry to the free ticketed event, will be announced over the coming weeks, while ticket details to the Roosters v Rabbitohs, Wallabies v South Africa and Commonwealth Bank Matildas v Canada can be found via the respective club/code websites.
 
The opening series of events aren’t the only fixtures to look forward to, with Allianz Stadium to host Sydney FC’s first A-League game of the 2022-23 season, the Sydney Super Cup featuring Scottish champions, Celtic, and international superstar Justin Bieber performing live.

The NSW Government has today announced a new public sector wages policy to provide increased pay for public sector employees including nurses, teachers and paramedics.
 
The new two-year policy provides among the highest public sector wages growth in the country with employees offered a 3.0 per cent remuneration increase per annum in 2022-23 and 2023-24, with a possible further 0.5 per cent on offer in 2023-24 for employees that make a substantial contribution to productivity enhancing reforms. This provides for remuneration increases of up to 6.5 per cent over two years under the new policy.
 
The policy will apply to new industrial agreements that are struck from 1 July 2022.
 
In addition, a one-off payment of $3,000 will be provided to employees in the NSW Health Service in recognition of their work on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The payment covers paramedics, midwives, cleaners and all other permanent staff employed by the NSW Health Service.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet announced the new wages policy which continues the NSW Government’s record of strengthening frontline services.
 
“A strong public service is essential to delivering what matters to make daily life better,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“Our sound economic management allows us to invest in our people through higher wages and more frontline workers and continue to deliver the best services in the country and a brighter economic future for the people of NSW.”
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the increase in wages was fair and sustainable in the current economic climate.
 
“NSW is currently enjoying the lowest unemployment on record and it is important to maintain competitive wages to attract and retain the best talent. In the context of a strong and growing economy this two-year increase to wages is an affordable and sensible policy.”
 
Minister for Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said a $3,000 one-off payment to Health workers was recognition of a workforce that has stepped up above and beyond.
 
“The health workforce went to extraordinary lengths during the pandemic and has earned the admiration and gratitude of the entire state,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
The new wages policy has been developed to support productivity enhancing reforms and modernisation of the public service.
 
“To deliver the best public services we need to adapt to new technology and ways of working. In this wages policy we are putting additional pay increases on the table for workplace reforms that deliver better outcomes for the public – a win for workers and the community.” Mr Tudehope said.
 
The Government’s position is to limit executive remuneration increases to 2.0 per cent in the next year.

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/