Category: NSW News

The NSW Government will make its biggest ever investment in the physical and mental wellbeing of police officers as part of a more than $100 million package of reforms designed to help recruit, retain and better take care of the 22,000 members of the NSW Police Force throughout their career.
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said $79 million will be invested over the next five years in Pulse – a new program designed to better look after sworn and unsworn members’ physical and psychological wellbeing.
 
“Police run towards danger when the natural instinct is to run the other way – and that carries with it a toll that can be both physical and mental,” Mr Toole said.
 
“Our Force make a commitment to spend their days on the frontline keeping our community safe. This is our commitment to make sure we do the same for them and take care of them at every stage of their career.”
 
Mr Toole said the reforms would also include the investment of an additional $27 million over the next five years in a new recruitment and retention fund to ensure the NSW Police Force’s ongoing strength.
 
“Our Government has delivered the biggest increase to Police numbers in 30 years with the addition of 1500 roles,” Mr Toole said.
 
“This fund will ensure we continue to draw in the talent we need for a world-class Police Force of more than 18,000 sworn officers – and to retain them in regional and remote areas.”
 
Commissioner Karen Webb said the new Pulse program is the single most significant investment into the health, safety, and wellbeing of our entire workforce.
 
“Our people are our biggest asset – and this investment recognises that, and ensures we put the right support around them from their first day on the job to their last,” Commissioner Webb said.
 
“For the first time we will see Mental Health clinicians embedded in stations and Specialist Commands across the state focusing on consultancy and counselling.
 
Officers medically retiring will gain access to a dedicated Career Transition team, designed to help them transition to civilian life.
 
Through periodic health checks, officers will also have access to nurses, dieticians and trainers to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
 
Police Association of NSW Acting President Ian Allwood said providing police with improved support and services is crucial to continue to attract and retain our police.
 
“Policing is an incredibly difficult job that takes its toll both mentally and physically. Providing our cops with the support they need isn’t just good for police themselves, but also for the broader community who rely on our police to keep them safe,” Mr Allwood said.
 
“NSW has a world class police force and ensuring the mental and physical well-being of officers is paramount. This investment will aid in the retention of officers across the state.”

The NSW Government has held its first annual Veterans Employment Roundtable at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park with a focus on transitioning veterans from the Defence Force into the construction industry.
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott today met with the Civil Contractors Federation, Master Builders Association and Housing Industry Association along with veterans support and employment organisations to discuss veterans career opportunities after their service.
 
“Today I met with leaders within the construction industry to discuss how veterans can ply their trade, using the skills they have learnt while serving in the Australian Defence Force.” Mr Elliott said.
 
“Approximately 1,200 personnel transition from the Australian Defence Force into NSW annually and each veteran has a transferable skillset that enables them to work across a great range of varying roles.”
 
“The construction industry is booming with many projects around our State. Veterans are employable and have the skills and attributes to contribute to roles in all sectors.”
 
As part of the development of the NSW Veterans Strategy, a NSW Veterans Employment Roundtable was to be convened annually. Previous Roundtables have been held in 2020 and 2021 and focused on work that government can do in partnership with private employers towards increasing collaboration and ultimately veteran’s finding meaningful employment.
 
This year’s Roundtable had a special focus on veterans working in the construction industry, and was attended by various organisations willing to work together and support veteran employment opportunities.
 
“We understand it can be challenging for some former Australian Defence Force personnel to find work after their service. We want to ensure our veterans enjoy a smooth transition from military service to civilian life. Today’s discussions centered on collaborative opportunities and a way forward for veterans looking for post service employment.” Mr Elliott said.
 
CEO of the Civil Contractors Federation David Castledine is a veteran himself and served with the Royal Australian Navy.
 
“Veterans are highly skilled, extremely adaptive, and come with an outstanding work ethic. The civil industry, being very process and compliance focused, greatly values such attributes. With a workforce shortage and a civil contractor working in every town in the State, there is great opportunity in our industry for these amazing people.” Mr Castledine said.
 
“Civil Contractors Federation NSW looks forward to assisting and enabling veterans to transition into the civil construction industry through our Veterans in Civil Program, which encourages more veterans to join the industry and to inform and support employers in the veteran recruiting process.”
 
More information on the NSW Government Veterans Employment Program available here.

4,572 new patients have taken advantage of the increased financial assistance available to people in regional communities who need to travel long distances to receive specialist care.
 
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said more than 1,000 additional patients per month have lodged claims under the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) since August 1, when the NSW Government’s $149.5 million funding boost came into effect.
 
“We know there were people in our regional and rural communities who were not seeking the care they needed because of the high cost of travel and accommodation,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“With the increased subsidies now available, many of these people are now receiving life-changing treatment.
 
“This crucial program is helping to ensure that no matter where you live in NSW, you can access the healthcare you need.”
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the subsidy for people requiring accommodation has almost doubled, while the NSW Government has also almost doubled the private vehicle subsidy rate from 22 cents to 40 cents per kilometre for patients who have to travel more than 100 kilometres for care.
 
“As well as receiving more money back, additional patients are now eligible to apply,” Mr Kean said.
 
“It’s great to see so many more people receiving help to ease the financial burden of travel and accommodation, and we want even more patients to come forward and use IPTAAS.”
 
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said patients attending non-commercial clinical trials, high-risk foot clinics, highly specialised publicly funded dental health clinics and ocularists can now access funding thanks to the expansion.
 
“It is fantastic that as a Government we are able to help reduce the financial burden of regional NSW patients and their families when travelling for treatment,” Mr Singh said.
 
“If you are paying travel and accommodation and you haven’t heard about this program I encourage you to check your eligibility as it could save you thousands of dollars.”
 
Armidale couple Pat and Robert Hanson thought they’d have to budget for large travel and accommodation costs when Robert learned he needed cancer treatment in Coffs Harbour.
 
“When Robert was diagnosed with cancer, it was a very stressful and overwhelming time as Robert’s treatment was going to be in Coffs Harbour, 180km away, and he needed six weeks of radiation treatment,” Mrs Hanson said.
 
“IPTAAS allowed us to travel and stay in Coffs Harbour for that time without needing Robert to drive back and forth, which was a huge relief. It covered our petrol and our accommodation at the hospital, saving us around $3,000.”
 
Community-based charity Can Assist provides financial support to cancer patients living in rural and regional areas to help access treatment and care.
 
“I can’t put into words the weight I see lifted when patients and our volunteers realise what the increase in IPTAAS rebates means for them,” Can Assist Executive Director Emma Phillips said.
 
The NSW Government is launching a comprehensive awareness campaign to promote the benefits of the expanded scheme, which will include flyers, fact sheets, an updated website and social media posts targeting existing, new and potential patients and their families and carers.
 
In addition, NSW Health is continuing to review and streamline the IPTAAS application processes to make it easier for patients to lodge claims.

The NSW Government has today announced two new initiatives to increase the number of women working in leading roles as the State continues to increase its uplift in Cyber Security.

Speaking at the 2022 NSW Government Cyber Security Showcase, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello announced 11 new $15,000 sponsorships for women across the NSW Government to increase their cyber security skills and that Cyber Security NSW would sponsor the Australian Women in Security Network, a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting and growing the number of women in the security community.

“These initiatives are designed to boost the number of women in cyber security and to help expand the recipients’ skills, whether in the technical, policy, governance or intelligence areas of the industry,” Mr Dominello said.

“With this investment we can upskill our workforce and offer new and exciting opportunities our candidates might have not considered in the past.

“While Cyber Security NSW is one of the leading agencies at the forefront of female participation in the industry, just like cyber security itself, this work is not set and forget.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Government is shifting the dial and increasing the participation of women in traditionally male dominated industries.

“The NSW Government is committed to understanding the challenges women face when looking to succeed in emerging high-value industries like Cyber-Security,” Mrs Taylor said.

“We know that when women and girls feel comfortable and welcome in an industry, they stick with it, so initiatives that support and encourage women to pursue their dreams are so important.

“My message to all women considering a future in cyber security is that we need you, we value you and your contribution to this space is crucial.”

NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer Tony Chapman said the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) is ideal the organisation for Cyber Security NSW sponsorship.

“The AWSN aims to increase the number of women entering, working in, and leading Australia’s security industry, in turn inspiring women to pursue a career in security and helping build the Australian pipeline of talented security professionals,” Mr Chapman said.

“The NSW Cyber Security Strategy has forecast that almost 17,000 new cyber security jobs will be needed by 2026.”
For more information about Cyber Security NSW visit: https://www.digital.nsw.gov.au/policy/cyber-security

Further efforts to relieve demand on emergency departments with expanded urgent care services are a step closer today, with expressions of interest now open.
 
The urgent care services, a joint commitment  of the  NSW and Victorian governments, can help ease pressure on emergency departments by giving people faster care for urgent but non-critical conditions and free up critical resources for patients with more serious needs.
 
As a result of the expression of interest process, it is expected that urgent care services will be enhanced in Western Sydney. Existing urgent care services are located in Wentworthville, Rouse Hill, Marsden Park and Castle Hill.
 
A total of 25 urgent care services will operate across New South Wales, with the expression of interest process to fill the remaining  sites. 
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government was stepping up to provide a service which supports the primary care sector and reduces pressure on emergency departments.
 
“We know the Federal Government is looking at providing more support for GPs and primary care but we need to act now to continue to make the NSW health system the best in Australia,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“Demand on emergency departments nationwide is at unprecedented levels, with many thousands of people presenting for treatment as they haven’t been able to see a GP, and often they don’t require emergency care.
 
“This initiative will help give people with non-critical conditions convenient and streamlined care.”
 
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said by expanding our urgent care services, the NSW Government is bridging the gap between GP Practices and hospitals.
 
“More people than ever are presenting to our hospitals, and with COVID still in our community, our health services are understandably under pressure,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“We need to be bold and try different things to improve health outcomes in our communities and that is exactly what this initiative will achieve.
 
“By expanding the footprint of urgent care services across NSW, we will ensure that people can get the high quality care they need for less serious conditions and also free up space in our emergency departments.”
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the latest quarterly BHI figures reveal almost 375,000 people attending our EDs – almost half of all those coming in for treatment – were for non-critical conditions.
 
“Our health staff will always triage the most urgent and life-threatening cases first, which means less urgent cases who could get their treatment at a GP, end up waiting,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“The expanded urgent care services, which include partnerships with General Practitioners, aim to free up those critical resources in our emergency departments for patients with more serious needs.”
 
Under the joint commitment with Victoria, 25 urgent care services will operate in each state for extended hours to offer more care outside the hospital system.
 
These services will be well equipped to handle conditions such as sprains, broken bones, wounds, insect bites and minor ear and eye problems. Patients will not be charged, and patients without a Medicare card will also have access free of charge.
 
Urgent care services can be delivered through a variety of models. Expressions of interest are being sought from local health districts, specialty health networks, and from general practices through primary health networks.
 
Further information on NSW Urgent Care Services is available at www.health.nsw.gov.au/urgentcare

A safe and permanent home for our most vulnerable children is critical to ensure our state’s young people are supported for the best start in life.
 
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said that the NSW Government is working closely with the out-of-home care sector to  improve and increase understanding of the guardianship and open adoption experience.
 
“A stable and loving home can have life-changing benefits for children and is the foundation for a happy and healthy life,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“Every child in NSW deserves to grow up in a nurturing, supportive home. This National Adoption and Permanency Awareness Month we are asking for those who can to open their homes and make open adoption a reality for a child in need.”
 
Open adoption and guardianship are just two permanency options for a loving home for children and young people.
 
The My Forever Family NSW program, delivered by Adopt Change, provides support for prospective adoptive parents, guardians, foster and kinship carers.
 
Renée Carter, Adopt Change CEO said becoming a carer means opening your homes and lives to provide the everyday experiences of childhood in a safe and stable environment.
 
“Every child needs a home where they are safe and supported. There are more homes needed across Australia and indeed here in NSW. This month while we recognise permanent families through adoption and other care options, we will also be seeking out more families to open their homes for children in need,” Ms Carter said.
 
“Adopt Change are heartened by the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting safe, nurturing and permanent family homes for children, and the provision of supports for children to thrive and heal from trauma through the My Forever Family NSW program.”
 
For more information about open adoption visit, facs.nsw.gov.au/families/adoption. To start your carer journey today, enquire online dcjnsw.info/becomingacarer.

The NSW Government is celebrating major milestones with Sydney Metro – 50 million commuter trips since opening three years ago and the start of passenger services on the first of 23 new trains for the next stage of Australia’s biggest public transport project.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said 50 million passenger journeys made it very clear that commuters across Sydney’s north-west had embraced travelling on the Metro. 

“Last night we hit another major milestone as new driverless trains for the Sydney Metro City and Southwest project join the existing North West Metro Line trains, following a rigorous testing regime,” Mr Elliott said.

“Most of the new trains for the Sydney Metro City and Southwest project have been delivered and undergone rigorous operational testing with four, which have completed all testing and commissioning, joining the North West Metro fleet this week.

“Once the testing program is completed, all 23 new trains are expected to be in service on the North West Metro Line in the first half of next year, doubling the number of trains on the network and providing customers with additional flexibility. 

“Sydney Metro is a city-shaping project that will transform how this city moves, with metro trains able to take more people across the Harbour in the busiest hour of the peak than the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel combined. This new fleet will ensure commuters have access to metro services every four minutes from Rouse Hill to the heart of Sydney.” 

The testing and commissioning confirms each train meets stringent design and operational requirements and adheres to Sydney Metro’s strict safety standards, including completing a minimum of 500 kilometres of travel prior to integration into passenger services.

Once the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line is connected with the operational line at Chatswood, trains will begin testing in the 15.5km twin tunnels under Sydney Harbour and through the seven new city stations. 

NSW continues to build its reputation as the top place in Australia to own and drive an electric vehicle (EV) with transit lane concessions to continue for another 12 months.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said EVs will be permitted to drive in transit lanes until 31 October 2023.

“Allowing EVs to drive in transit lanes builds on other initiatives from the Perrottet Government to incentivise uptake including rebates, phasing out stamp duty and building a world-class charging network to support these vehicles,” Mr Kean said.

“Through these initiatives, we have seen an 84 per cent increase in EVs in NSW since last year, the fastest growth in Australia, and we are confident this trend will continue.

“This is part of the NSW Government’s EV Strategy which is backed by a $633 million investment to accelerate the uptake of EVs and de-carbonise the state-owned vehicle fleet.”

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said allowing EVs to drive in transit lanes, regardless of the number of occupants, was yet another incentive for drivers to opt for vehicles of the future.

“Drivers of EVs are able to use the transit lanes to cut travel times which is another great reason to take up these vehicles in addition to the more than half a billion dollars in tax cuts and incentives being invested by the NSW Government over the next four years,” Mrs Ward said.

“EVs are an investment in our future, not only in the massive reduction in emissions, but also in savings on fuel and ongoing costs for drivers.”

For more information about the strategy and the NSW Government EV strategy, visit www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/nsw-governments-electric-vehicle-strategy

Global ratings agency Fitch has reaffirmed NSW’s triple-A credit rating with a stable outlook, the latest vote of confidence in the State’s financial management.
 
NSW is the only state in Australia with two triple-A credit ratings, with Moody’s also assigning a triple-A rating in September. Last month, S&P Global maintained the State’s double-A plus rating with a stable outlook. 
 
Treasurer Matt Kean, who will this week meet with Moody’s in London to discuss the economic outlook and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk factors, said the result was proof of the State’s strong fiscal management. 
 
“New South Wales remains the only state in Australia with a Moody’s and Fitch triple-A credit rating,” Mr Kean said.
 
“The State’s strong financial management has supported our credit rating and enabled the Government to continue to deliver on its record $112.7 billion infrastructure program.  NSW remains on track to return to surplus in 2024-25.”  
 
The State’s net debt is projected to stabilise at about 14 per cent of Gross State Product by June 2026, compared with a projected 26.5 per cent for Victoria at 30 June 2026.
Mr Kean, in his meeting with Moody’s, will discuss the direction of fiscal policy post-COVID and the most pressing credit risks for NSW.

The NSW Government will be responsible for assessing three planning proposals that could unlock around 19,000 new homes, and secure the protection and implementation of important koala corridors, in Appin, Gilead and North Appin.

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the Government was fast-tracking the assessment of three large, complex and interrelated proposals, as part of the Government’s $2.8 billion package to improve housing supply in NSW.

“In addition to potentially providing much-needed housing, these proposals will improve outcomes for the area’s koala population, one of only a few disease-free populations in NSW,” Mr Roberts said.

“Setting up koala corridors is a key part of our conservation efforts to make sure koalas can safely move around, and these proposals could help secure and implement koala plans identified in the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan.”

Mr Roberts said while planning proposals are normally lodged with councils in the first instance, the State will assess these proposals given their combined significance, complexity, and strong housing and environmental benefits if approved.

“The Department of Planning and Environment will undertake the assessment of these proposals, which are all located in the Greater Macarthur Growth Area, so councils don’t need to. However, it will be required to work closely with councils and other agencies to resolve any potential issues,” he said.

“Nothing about the assessment process changes including the important need for community consultation.”

The three proposals which are expected to be lodged shortly are:

• A 1,284-hectare site to support around 12,900 new homes, including affordable housing, and help secure new important koala corridors (Walker Corporation);
• A 300-hectare site for up to 3,000 new homes and help secure and implement a koala corridor along Ousedale Creek (Ingham’s Property Group); and
• An 876-hectare site for up to 3,300 new homes, a school, public open space and environmental conservation land, and land dedicated for several koala corridors, that all implement the advice of the NSW Chief Scientist (Lendlease).