Category: NSW News

Expectant parents who lose an unborn child due to another person’s criminal act will be better supported and offenders will face tougher sentences under a suite of reforms proposed by the NSW Government.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said creating new criminal offences will expressly recognise the loss of an unborn child as a unique injury and loss for the pregnant woman and other family members.
“Currently, there is no stand-alone offence of causing the loss of an unborn child. These proposed changes will better acknowledge the heartbreak suffered by families and punish offenders appropriately,” Mr Speakman said.
The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Loss of Foetus) Bill 2021 proposes to strengthen the law by creating two new offences in the Crimes Act 1900:

• A stand-alone offence of ‘Causing the loss of a foetus’, which will apply to a wide range of criminal acts and carry a maximum penalty of 5 to 28 years imprisonment depending on the type of act (such as dangerous driving or grievous bodily harm with intent to the pregnant woman). The combined maximum sentence for this offence and the existing criminal offence will be 3 years higher than currently available for this conduct under existing law.
• An offence of ‘Causing the loss of a foetus (death of pregnant woman)’ which can be charged with a homicide offence (such as murder, manslaughter, dangerous driving occasioning death) where the foetus is lost and the pregnant woman is killed due to a third party criminal act. This offence will carry a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment and apply in addition to the maximum penalty for the homicide offence.

These can be charged where the foetus was at least 20 weeks or 400 grams weight.
The reforms will also improve support and recognition available to parents who have lost an unborn child of any age as a result of a third party criminal act. The reforms will enable:

• family members to make victim impact statements that may be taken into account by the courts when sentencing offenders;
• the name of an unborn child lost as a result of a criminal offence to be included in the formal wording of charges against an accused (the indictment);
• family members to claim funeral costs for the loss of an unborn child caused by a car accident.

When either of these new offences are charged, families may also be eligible for a one-off $3,000 payment when the accused is charged with one of the new offences. This bereavement payment will assist families to seek counselling and other support services.
Mr Speakman said the proposed amendments do not affect reforms introduced by the Abortion Law Reform Act 2019. The offences will expressly exclude any act or omission by the pregnant woman.
Significantly, these reforms are not intended to displace the centuries old ‘born alive rule’, which provides that a crime of violence such as homicide can only be committed on a legally recognised person – a status attained when someone is born and takes their first breath.
“The reforms recognise the loss that parents and families go through in these cases, without undoing longstanding legal principles,” Mr Speakman said.
“The NSW Government has consulted community and stakeholders, listened carefully to the variety of views, and developed reform that is proportionate and appropriate to better recognise the loss of expectant parents and their families in these tragic circumstances.”

GIANTS Netball and Australian Diamonds midcourter Jamie-Lee Price was named the state’s Suncorp Super Netball Player of the Year when she took home the Marilyn Melhuish OAM Medal at the 2021 Netball NSW State Awards on Wednesday evening.
The Medal is presented to the standout player from Netball NSW’s two professional clubs – the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball – over the course of the Super Netball regular season. Price tallied the highest number of points throughout 2021 to win the Medal for the first time.
Price’s award was one of several presented on the evening as Netball NSW moved its end-of-season celebration online for the first time in the organisation’s history.
Two of NSW’s best up-and-coming players from the Origin Energy Premier League were celebrated with the Sutherland Stingrays’ Toni Anderson winning the Nance Kenny OAM Medal for the Opens Player of the Year, while Isabella Rankin of the UTS Randwick Sparks collected the Wendy Archer AM Medal in the Under 23s competition.
There was further good news for the GIANTS when Ali Tucker-Munro (Randwick Netball Association), who heads up their Academy, was named the Margret Corbett OAM Coach of the Year with Ang Frketic (Liverpool Netball Association) winning the club’s Marj Groves AM Scholarship for 2021 while Lili Gorman-Brown (Sutherland Shire Netball Association) was named the recipient of the same Scholarship on the Swifts side.
Young Liverpool umpire Sarah McNamara was named the Neita Matthews OAM Umpire of the Year while Margot Patterson (Northern Suburbs Netball Association) was named the Lynn Quinn OAM Bench Official of the Year with Anne Tait (Inner Western Suburbs Netball Association) winning the Dot McHugh OAM Administrator Award.
In recognition of their outstanding contribution to the promotion and growth of netball over many decades, the following volunteers were presented with the Anne Clark BEM Service Award: Doreen Snedden (Newcastle), Maureen Munce (Randwick), Helen Steunkel (Tumut), Karon Dawson (Kiama) and Marie Kelly (Randwick).
In the Judy Dunbar Media Awards categories, the following journalists were recognised: Sarah Keoghan/Sydney Morning Herald (Best Overall Media Coverage), Emma Greenwood/The Daily Telegraph (Best Feature), Steven Markham/Speed Media (Best Photo), Nathan Taylor/Western Weekender (Best Local Media Coverage).
Netball NSW CEO Tain Drinkwater paid tribute to the game’s community after a tough 2021, which was impacted by COVID-19 enforced lockdowns of Greater Sydney and much of rural NSW.
“To say it’s been a challenging year would be the understatement, but here we are – still standing,” she said.
“Netball – as ever – stood up, was counted and didn’t shy away from our responsibility to do the right thing by the wider community.
“Given the huge challenges of lockdowns I am truly honoured and proud that we still have had so much to celebrate at both the elite and grassroots level of our game.
“It may not have been a regular netball season, but it was one where we all collectively focused our energies on what we could control and there were some pretty fantastic results.
“I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone in the netball community for what they’ve done to advance the game as the force of good it is over the past 12 months.”
2021 Netball NSW Awards Winners
Marilyn Melhuish OAM Medal – Jamie-Lee Price (GIANTS Netball)
Nance Kenny OAM Medal – Toni Anderson (Sutherland Stingrays)
Wendy Archer AM Medal – Isabella Rankin (UTS Randwick Sparks)
Marj Groves AM Scholarship – Ang Frketic (GIANTS Academy/Liverpool), Lili Gorman-Brown (QBE Swifts Academy/Sutherland Shire)
Margaret Corbett OAM Coach of the Year – Ali Tucker-Munro (Randwick)
Neita Matthews OAM Umpire of the Year – Sarah McNamara (Liverpool)
Lynn Quinn OAM Bench Official of the Year – Margot Patterson (Northern Suburbs)
Dot McHugh OAM Administrator Award – Anne Tait (Inner Western Suburbs)
Judy Dunbar Media Awards:
– Best Overall Media Coverage: Sarah Keoghan/Sydney Morning Herald
– Best Feature: Emma Greenwood/The Daily Telegraph
– Best Photo: Steve Markham/Speed Media
– Best Local Media: Nathan Taylor/Western Weekender

Children who play football will have an opportunity to be front and centre at the upcoming games between the Matildas and world number one team the United States, with $5 tickets going on sale.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said kids aged 12 years and under, who are registered to play in Australia’s largest club-based participation sport, will be able to access the discounted tickets with an accompanying adult or concession ticket purchase, thanks to the Football Australia initiative.
“This is an exciting era in Australian women’s football and it’s great our sports-loving kids can witness world-class action right here in NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The NSW Government will work with Football Australia to ensure this event is COVID-safe and families can enjoy a great atmosphere watching some of the best players in the world.”
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said this is another great coup for NSW and will help to get the state’s visitor economy back on track.
“NSW has kicked another goal bringing out the world champion US team to face-off against our mighty Matildas and is again leading the return of international sport as the nation’s home of football,” Mr Ayres said.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the upcoming blockbuster games were just a taste of what’s to come ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“This is an amazing opportunity for our kids who play football to cheer on their heroes right here on home soil,” Mrs Ward said.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson said providing an occasion for the next generation of footballers to see their heroes live was essential for the game’s future.
“These players are not only some of the best in the world at what they do on the pitch, but are also an inspiration off the pitch as well,” Mr Johnson said.
Commonwealth Bank Matildas midfielder and Newcastle native Emily van Egmond said the team was excited that even more football fans have the chance to see the team live in action.
“My dreams to play for Australia started on the pitches of Newcastle and I know how amazing it would have been to be able to watch world class footballers when I was growing up. To be able to be those footballers that inspire the next generation, to build a legacy for football, is a real privilege and we can’t wait to see the fans again,” Ms van Egmond said.
Sydney’s Stadium Australia will host the USA on Australian soil for the first time in 21 years on Saturday 27 November, with the return matchup scheduled for McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Tuesday 30 November.

The Perrottet Government today announced the start of construction of a new $80 million Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) for Construction at TAFE NSW Kingswood.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new facility would help train the workforce of the future in a purpose-built environment, and ensure the next generation of trades workers have the skills needed to build the smart cities of the future.
“Our $108 billion infrastructure pipeline means thousands of people working on new schools, hospitals, roads and social housing right across NSW,” Mr Perrottet said
“We are determined to not only help build better communities but also create the careers of the future and this new centre at Kingswood will deliver on this.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres and Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee were on-site to turn the first sod of the new signature training hub.
Minister Ayres said the new IAT for Construction will revolutionise education and training in Western Sydney.
“The new IAT will skill up the trades workers needed to support the pipeline of major infrastructure projects, civil construction works, and residential developments that will service Western Sydney’s fast-growing population,” Mr Ayres said.
“These brand-new facilities are what the local community deserves – a signature construction training hub that fosters a network between schools, universities, and industry, will significantly enhance education and training in the region.
“Importantly, the new facilities will ensure TAFE NSW can continue to deliver high quality, industry-relevant and innovative training that leads to jobs.”
Minister Lee said the IAT will deliver specialised training for 700 new trades’ students each year.
“The IAT will transform TAFE NSW Kingswood into a construction-focused campus with state-of-the-art facilities.
“This $80 million construction project is estimated to create between 200 to 250 jobs over the life of the project,” Mr Lee said.
“With its partners, the Institute will develop market-leading training in areas such as trades, smart construction, digital design, smart infrastructure, renewable energy, and supply chain skills.”
Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies, said this announcement is a great win for young people in the local community.
“The NSW Government is investing in our young people today to see them equipped for the construction jobs of the future, and for their own businesses one day,” Mrs Davies said.
Australian-owned company ADCO Constructions was awarded the construction contract with the facility scheduled to open in early 2023.
ADCO’s NSW State Manager John Basilisco said ADCO was thrilled to be selected as the builder of choice for the IAT for Construction.
“With nearly 50 years’ experience, ADCO has a successful track record in delivering large-scale, quality and innovative commercial projects across Australia. We are excited to commence construction on the IAT at Kingswood,” Mr Basilisco said.
For more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au/instituteofappliedtechnology

A new public park spanning the Western Distributor and connecting Sydney’s CBD to Darling Harbour is part of a $891 million retail and office tower proposal on public exhibition from tomorrow.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the Cockle Bay development proposal by a consortium of GPT, Brookfield and AMP Capital, brought together new waterfront offices, shops, restaurants and bars with the creation of new public space.
“The Western Distributor rips through the heart of Sydney, but this proposal seeks to resolve that with significant new public space to create new pedestrian connections between the city centre and one of Sydney’s most popular tourist destinations,” Mr Stokes said.
“Darling Harbour contributes $1.2 billion a year to the NSW economy and before COVID, hosted over 15 million visitors every year.
“This project is a huge vote of confidence in the future of the Sydney CBD. It will create 3,500 construction jobs and once completed will be home to 7,000 jobs.
“There will be new waterfront shops, restaurants and bars that will inject new life into this beautiful part of the city for future generations to come.”
Key features of the proposed development include the construction of:
A landbridge across the Western Distributor between Darling Harbour and Darling Park with two parks – one with more than 5,500 square metres and the other with over 1,000 square metres.
A new 43-level office tower with four publicly accessible podium levels, and 35 levels of commercial office space.
“We encourage everyone to review the proposed plans and have their say on the project.”
The proposal reflects renowned Danish architecture firm Henning Larsen’s winning entry in the proponent’s design excellence competition held in March 2020.
The community is able to have their say on the project from Tuesday 9 November to Monday 6 December 2021. For more information on the proposal visit here

NSW motorists are set to benefit from cheaper CTP Green Slip prices by on average $19 per annum in 2022 as the Government’s reform continues to take effect.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government was committed to helping families and driving down costs with the reform slashing almost $91 million in excess insurance fees for NSW motorists.
“It’s a common complaint that bills only ever go up, but in this case we have managed to drive the cost of premiums lower and that means money stays in your bank account,” Mr Perrottet said.
“As we continue our economic recovery from COVID-19 every dollar people save counts and this reflects our focus on helping families.”
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the landmark 2017 reform to the CTP scheme – which had already delivered the lowest premiums in over a decade – had also been designed to eliminate ‘super profits’ of the past.
“In addition to delivering cheaper premiums through the reforms, we committed to recoup excess insurer profits over 10 per cent and return them to motorists,” Mr Dominello said.
“Today we have delivered on that commitment, with an average $19 being returned to CTP policy holders across NSW, bringing the average premium to below $470, the lowest it’s been in more than a decade.
“From a state-wide average high of $635 in 2016, the Government’s reforms will have delivered a 27 per cent reduction in premiums by early 2022.”
The 2017 reforms have also delivered continued benefits for injured people, who now receive earlier access to income support, treatment and care.
For instance, under the new scheme, 78 per cent of injured people receive benefits within three months of their accident compared to 26 per cent before reforms.
As the price of Green Slips vary by vehicle type and region, the savings will be applied as a 35 per cent reduction in levies that form part of the price, so that the savings can be shared fairly among motorists.
Motorists can expect cheaper Green Slips from 15 January 2022.
The NSW Government offers more than 70 rebates and savings. People can use the online Savings Finder to work out what they are eligible for.

People in need will have better access to free legal support thanks to an investment of more than $83 million for the community legal sector over the next three years.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the joint state and federal funding would help provide long-term stability for these vital legal services.
“Community legal centres play a crucial role in delivering access to justice for people facing disadvantage. This investment will give the sector the financial security it needs to continue helping people suffering hardship to receive critical legal services,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Eligible centres across all parts of NSW can also apply for funding to support more clients. This includes investing in regional areas where we know there is additional need.”
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said the funding model would provide certainty for the sector and target unmet need across the state.
“It will enable more women and children to escape domestic and family violence (DFV), support people facing financial insecurity and help thousands of vulnerable people across our communities get free legal support during their time of need,” Mr Speakman said.
“Centres will be able to apply for targeted funding, which will be prioritised based on where the demand is. Not only will this ensure better access to legal support for communities, it will also help provide new services where we know there are gaps.”
$64.7 million will be allocated to allow community legal centres to continue delivering core services. Eligible centres will also have an opportunity to apply for $18.6 million earmarked for areas of greatest need, including for rural and remote communities and DFV services.
Community Legal Centres NSW Executive Director Tim Leach welcomed the funding.
“COVID-19 has presented significant challenges for the community legal sector. Our centres have adapted in order to continue delivering their life-saving work,” Mr Leach said.
“This investment will provide critical funding security to our members so they can remain focused on helping vulnerable clients facing disadvantage and discrimination.”
Applications for the targeted funding will open in early November. Legal Aid NSW manages the funding which will operate from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025.

The Perrottet Government is urging people who are yet to get their first COVID-19 vaccine to roll up their sleeves and get the jab as we edge closer to the 90 per cent double dose milestone.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Health Minister Brad Hazzard today toured a new vaccination clinic at The Granville Centre in Western Sydney, which will open on its doors on Monday, as NSW Health ramps up its booster shot program.
“NSW has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world and the people of western and south-western Sydney helped lead the charge,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our COVID-19 vaccination clinics have played an important role in helping fast-track our vaccination rates, which is helping us return to normal in a safe and measured way.
“We’re leading the nation out of the pandemic and this new centre will bolster the number of NSW Health vaccination hubs across the State as we roll out our booster program and make the final push to reach the 95 per cent milestone and hopefully even higher.”
After administering more than 360,000 COVID-19 vaccination doses, Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre returns to its sporting and entertainment function tomorrow.
Mr Hazzard again praised the more than 2,700 health and support staff who worked at Qudos, who were administering 26 vaccine doses per minute during its busiest period.
“What NSW Health staff achieved not only at Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre but across the State during the Delta outbreak has been extraordinary,” Mr Hazzard said.
“They helped lift vaccination rates in western and south-western Sydney to the highest levels across the State but even if we surpass our new goals we must remain vigilant.
“COVID has killed more than five million people globally so far but the true figure is likely much higher, so please come forward for your jab and book in for your booster.”
Bookings are strongly encouraged for the Granville Centre vaccination clinic, which will also offer boosters, and can be made here. Walk-in vaccinations will also be available.
People aged 18 years and older can receive the Pfizer booster dose at least six months after receiving their second dose of any of the COVID-19 vaccines registered for use in Australia.

Police and emergency services workers and volunteers in Northern NSW are set to benefit from an $84.5 million investment by the Government to better equip them to protect their communities, particularly against bushfire and drownings this summer.
The announcements by Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott in the Tweed today brings an end 9 days of travel across regional NSW, including:

• 37 public engagements with NSW Police Force, NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW State Emergency Service and Volunteer Rescue Association squads;
• Over 3,700 kilometres travelled;
• 23 villages and townships across 11 regional electorates visited;
• Various meetings with police men and women, Mayors, local MPs, chaplains, councillors, lifesavers, firefighters, farmers, miners, aviators, small business owners and publicans; and
• A total investment of over $84.5 million into regional NSW.

Minister Elliott joined Member for Tweed Geoff Provest, Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW) Commissioner Stacey Tannos, Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) Commissioner Mark Gibson, and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Paul Baxter to hand over two new appliances and unveil the design of a new fire station for the region.
Mr Elliott said boating safety on the Far North Coast would improve with the delivery of a new $819,000 rescue boat to the Marine Rescue Point Danger Unit as well as a $200,000 high-tech fit-out of the MRNSW base.
“This new vessel is one of 38 rescue boats funded as part of a record $37.6 million, four-year State Government investment to support the life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers,” he said.
Commissioner Tannos said the base fit-out will include a new antennae, VHF radios and radio equipment, emergency generator and office fittings; creating a state of the art space to coordinate emergency communication and response on local waterways.
“This support means we can continue to deliver our volunteers the modern, safe and reliable boats and state of the art communications facilities they need to meet the needs of the local boating community,” he said.
Mr Provest welcomed the delivery of a new $229,000 quick response rescue vehicle to the Tweed District VRA squad.
“This vehicle which comes fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment ensures that the Tweed District squad can respond to calls for assistance in a fit-for-purpose vehicle specifically designed for the roles they perform,”
Commissioner Gibson said that with many people returning to the Tweed tourism hub, the risk of accidents requiring extrications also increases.
“It is important to equip our dedicated members with the best technology and equipment so they can provide the best service to the community and they can operate safely while doing so,” he said.
Mr Elliott also unveiled the design of the innovative new $4.7 million Kingscliff Fire Station which is due to be completed in 2022.
“The new two-storey fire station will improve efficiencies in the region’s emergency response and capability. The NSW Government is committed to providing our firefighters with the best possible facilities and equipment, so they can get on with the job they do best – protecting life and property,” he said.
Mr Provest said the new fire station will provide improved response coverage for Kingscliff and surrounding communities.
Commissioner Baxter said the new station is the latest design to improve firefighter safety and is configured to accommodate both permanent and on-call firefighters.
“The layout of the station is a result of studies of best practice around Australia and the world, and consultation with firefighters who live and breathe at the stations.”

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is set to become the first national parks agency in Australia to commit to being carbon positive, with today’s release of the NPWS Carbon Positive Plan.
Environment Minister, Matt Kean said this is another great first for NSW, by 2028 NPWS will remove and store more carbon than it creates, reaching net zero emissions and then becoming carbon positive.
“By 2028 the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by our national parks will exceed the emissions generated by NPWS in managing those parks,” Mr Kean said.
“This is a visionary plan that highlights the importance of the national parks in combatting climate change alongside the critical role they already play in the conservation of biodiversity providing home to 85 per cent of threatened species in the state.
“It’s all designed to position NPWS at the forefront of global environmental efforts.”
NPWS will implement actions to reduce its carbon footprint including switching to 100% renewable energy, electric passenger vehicles, installing onsite solar PV, reducing waste and updating refrigeration and air conditioning assets with high efficiency models.
NPWS will also trial electric vehicle charging stations in key park areas to support the community to continue to visit National Parks using electric vehicles.
National parks also represent one of the largest carbon stores in the State, protecting over 40 per cent of all forest carbon.   NPWS will protect these existing carbon stores through effective fire management, and invest in a suite of biodiversity-friendly carbon sequestration projects.
One of these is at Koonaburra, recently registered with the Clean Energy Regulator, where a regeneration project will boost investment in carbon and conservation works (enhanced feral animal management across the park) to remove around 900,000 tonnes of CO2 in the next 25 years.
The launch of the Plan coincides with the tabling of the Protected and Conserved Areas Joint Statement in Climate Change and Biodiversity at the United Nations climate meeting (COP26) in Glasgow, a declaration by protected area managers from around the world, including the NPWS.
“In signing this Statement the NSW Government acknowledges the critical importance of national parks and the commitment the NPWS has to implementing global nature-based solutions, such as revegetation, to managing our twin environmental crises: the accelerating destruction of nature and climate change,” Mr Kean said.
NPWS will also be one of the first government agencies to report biennially on climate-related financial risk, as part of the Taskforce for Climate-related Financial Disclosure and rigorous carbon accounting in alignment with national and international accounting standards.
NPWS is currently investigating the level of annual carbon sequestration by national parks and additional data once analysed, may demonstrate a carbon positive position achieved before 2028.
The Carbon Positive by 2028 Plan is at :
https://environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-policies/carbon-positive-by-2028