Category: NSW News

Close contacts of COVID cases at schools and outside school hours care services will no longer need to isolate as a result of changes in school COVID settings announced today by the NSW Government.
The changes were made following recent Doherty Institute and NSW Health advice, and will take effect from Monday 29 November.
From 29 November, students who are close contacts of a positive case will be required to get a PCR test as soon as possible after being notified of exposure. If the PCR test is negative, the student may return to school immediately, so long as they provide negative Rapid Antigen Home Test (RAHT) results for the next seven consecutive days.
In line with community settings, schools will no longer need to close while contact tracing occurs due to successful cohorting of year groups on school sites. The only exception may be if there are multiple cases at a school or complex settings in place.
NSW Health has also advised that schools do not need to close for deep environmental cleans as the enhanced cleaning in place at schools is sufficient.
Mask settings remain the same, meaning they are required for all staff and high school students, and are recommended for primary school students.
Further restrictions on music have also been lifted, with instruments that rely on breath and singing and chanting allowed to go ahead outdoors, within cohorts, and in line with other COVID-safe school settings from Monday.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the changes give parents the confidence that schools will no longer be closing and their children will not be required to isolate at home.
“The people of NSW have worked hard to get to this point, and the government made a commitment that whenever possible we would reduce the disruption to schools,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Schools have managed the pandemic extremely well, I want to thank all staff for the way they have conducted themselves and the efforts they have made to reduce the impacts of COVID on their students.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said parents and students were keen to see less disruption in schools.
“I’m delighted we can reduce the disruption for students and families, while still maintaining the safety measures for students and staff on school sites,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Students already in isolation can return to school from Monday under this new approach.”

Deputy Commissioner Karen Webb APM will be appointed the NSW Police Commissioner, Premier Dominic Perrottet and Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott announced today.
Deputy Commissioner Webb brings more than 34 years of service to the community as a member of the NSW Police Force, including four years as Assistant Commissioner of the Police Transport & Public Safety Command and more recently, Deputy Commissioner of Corporate Services, managing a $4.6 billion police budget. Ms Webb also served as the Deputy State Emergency Operations Controller during the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20.
“This appointment follows a robust recruitment process involving talent from the top tiers of the NSW Police Force and a number of external candidates,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Community safety is the highest priority to the NSW Government, and I’m certain Deputy Commissioner Webb will lead the state’s more than 17,000 police officers with distinction in detecting, disrupting and combatting crime.”
Minister Elliott congratulated Deputy Commissioner Webb on her appointment and said the NSW Police Force is in safe hands with a strong, capable and committed leader at the helm.
“Deputy Commissioner Webb will build on the successes of the last decade, bringing continued unity and a fresh perspective to the oldest and largest force in the nation,” Mr Elliott said.
“During her time as a senior executive, Deputy Commissioner Webb has led important law enforcement reform, informed by intelligence and social issues. As the Corporate Sponsor for Victims of Crime, she is acutely aware of the wide-ranging impacts that crime can have on victims, their families and the community at large.”
The Premier and Minister paid tribute to outgoing Commissioner Fuller, who has led the Police Force with great integrity and tenacity.
“During his time as our Commissioner, Mick Fuller has faced the challenges of unprecedented natural disasters, a continued high level of threat by terrorist organisations, an experiential growth in cybercrime and a once-in-a-century pandemic,” Mr Perrottet said.
“I know I speak on behalf of the community in acknowledging a debt of gratitude to Commissioner Fuller and his family for the exemplary service he has given to our state,” Mr Elliott said.

Construction work on the new Sydney Fish Market is underway, with foundation piling work starting on the revitalized cultural icon on Sydney’s waterfront.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the work was a major milestone for the $750 million Sydney Fish Market, improving the iconic destination and unlocking previously inaccessible harbour-front land for the community to enjoy.
“The Sydney Fish Market is a part of who we are as a city, part of our holidays and barbecues and it draws thousands of tourists. We’re finally giving it the building it deserves,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Not only will this create more than 700 jobs during construction, but also direct hundreds of millions of dollars of work to be awarded to local suppliers.
“We’re laying the foundations for the new fish markets as part of our vision for Sydney, breathing new life into our much-loved markets, boosting tourism and jobs in beautiful Blackwattle Bay.
“The NSW Government is building the Sydney of the future, returning the foreshore to the public, creating 6,000 square metres of new public domain, and improving pedestrian and cycling links.”
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Stuart Ayres said the new Sydney Fish Market will be within walking distance of Sydney CBD and includes easy access to current and future transport connections to improve the overall experience for local, interstate and overseas visitors.
“Once complete, the new Sydney Fish Market will play a vital role in attracting local and international visitors to bolster tourism in Sydney and stimulate the economy,” Mr Ayres said.
Greg Dyer, CEO Sydney Fish Market said the new Sydney Fish Market will strengthen its position as one of Australia’s most famous cultural icons.
“The refreshed and modernised Sydney Fish Market will retain an authentic seafood market experience to ensure it remains one of Australia’s leading tourist destinations. The iconic building will also strengthen pride in the Australian seafood industry, as we educate visitors and inspire them to further support the country’s fishing communities.” Mr. Dyer said.
Daniel Murphy, Multiplex Regional Manager said Multiplex is excited to be partnering with the NSW Government on this pivotal project.
“The new Sydney Fish Market is a highly complex project being built under and over Blackwattle Bay. With an award-winning design by 3XN, and together with our local supply partners and consultants, we are confident it will deliver an amazing outcome for the community and the Australian seafood industry,” Mr. Murphy said.
The New Sydney Fish Market is on track to be completed in 2024. For more information, visit insw.com/newsydneyfishmarket

Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections Anthony Roberts has today officially opened the refurbishment of Australia’s most secure prison, Goulburn’s High Risk Management Correctional Centre.
Mr Roberts said the upgrade is part of a wider $47 million NSW Government investment in countering terrorism and violent extremism.
“Increasing the operational capacity of Supermax from 45 to 75 beds allows Corrective Services NSW to separate convicted terrorists from other inmates, thereby reducing the risk of radicalisation within the prison system,” Mr Roberts said.
“The NSW Government’s investment also included the establishment of a dedicated Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit responsible for the identification, assessment, and monitoring of extremist and national-security-interest offenders in prison.”
The site features a state-of-the-art, fully integrated security management system that now expands across the entire prison precinct and perimeter with new equipment and a new control room. Thisinvestment includes upgrades to electronic security, including CCTV, telephone and audio monitoring, an X-ray machine and walk-through metal detector. There is also a new secure-visits and legal visits area and a separate audio-visual link area.
Corrective Services NSW Acting Commissioner Kevin Corcoran said the refurbishment of Supermax followed the opening in Goulburn in 2019 of High Risk Management Correctional Centre 2.
“The two units provide greater options to manage terrorists safely, securely and efficiently, with Area 2 to eventually operate as a step-down facility for inmates demonstrating a commitment to disengage from radical behaviour,” Mr Corcoran said.
“Area 2 will also provide more therapeutic intervention and access to programs, to aid their rehabilitation.”
Fifty-one Extreme High Risk inmates were securely housed at Area 2 while the upgrade took place.

Dangerous criminals living the high life from bankrolling corruption, illicit drug trafficking and money laundering are being targeted under a new supercharged operation between the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force (NSWPF) and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
Operation Phobetor is the latest capability strike against outlaw motorcycle gangs, triads, cartels, Italian organised criminals and other syndicate members who pose the greatest threat to NSW.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews and NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott today revealed the new taskforce, which commenced their operations on 11 October 2021.
Comprising agency elites and based at the AFP’s Eastern Command Headquarters in Sydney, Operation Phobetor will focus on known criminal entities and identify likely criminal groups previously unknown to law enforcement.
Intelligence ‘packages’ collated from world-leading technical capability and coercive hearings, and through the use of unique Commonwealth and state legislation, will also be referred to relevant agencies for overt action.
Using the unparalleled resources of three agencies, the team of 20 is developing intelligence and building criminal cases against offenders who launder money and traffic illicit guns and drugs into NSW.
Criminals who are attempting to pay-off or blackmail individuals in the public and private sector to facilitate crime are also a priority under the taskforce.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said the taskforce would target outlaw motorcycle gangs, triads, cartels, organised criminals and other syndicate members who pose the highest threat to NSW.
“The Morrison Government is serious about proving the adage ‘crime doesn’t pay’; under Operation Phobetor, police will have a particular focus on seizing the ill-gotten gains of serious, organised criminals, including cars, houses, cash, and jewellery,” Minister Andrews said.
“Operation Phobetor will also break open trusted insider networks, crack encrypted communications, and track the movement of the proceeds of crime, using new powers for the AFP and ACIC that passed the Parliament in August.”
NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the partnership will ensure NSW Police Force and their counterparts remain at the forefront of combatting major crime.
“The NSW Government has always recognised the challenges faced by law enforcement when fighting transnational crime, and we will continue to work with our federal partners to ensure we remain ahead of any emerging threat that organised criminal activity has on our communities,” he said
“Operation Phobetor will build on the success of Operation Ironside, to disrupt, investigate and prosecute criminal networks and their partners,”
“This joint-agency agreement provides our state with police that are primed to investigate and prosecute those who seek to profit from the violence and misery inflicted upon others by criminal networks.” Minister Elliott said.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said Operation Phobetor would target criminals who for too long thought they were invisible or untouchable.
“Operation Phebetor, which will access the AFP’s unmatched global reach and extraordinary technical capability, underscores just how hard and dangerous it is for syndicates to target Australia,’’ Commissioner Kershaw said.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the memorandum of understanding builds on an already strong and long-running relationship between Australia’s law enforcement agencies.
“Our relationship with our federal partners has never been stronger. This partnership – utilising state of the art intelligence capabilities from the ACIC – means we are well resourced to deal with the threat of organised criminal activity across NSW and beyond,” he said
“Under this agreement we will also have streamlined asset confiscation and extradition processes, which will allow us to continue our relentless targeting of criminals not just in NSW, but around the world.” Commissioner Fuller said.
ACIC CEO Michael Phelan said working in conjunction with AFP and NSW Police Force on this task force means we are able to extend our reach to target criminal networks in New South Wales which affect Australia’s interest both domestically and internationally.
“Through Operation Phobetor, our unique intelligence capabilities will continue to assist our law enforcement partners in preventing organised crime causing further harm to the Australian community,” he said.

Investment from the NSW Government will see infection prevention specialist Nanosonics establish a new global headquarters in Macquarie Park, support 400 jobs and widen the company’s international reach to meet growing global medtech demand.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said support from the NSW Government’s $250 million Jobs Plus Program would help more than double Nanosonics’ manufacturing capacity and enable the company to bolster R&D investment in new innovations to support its bid to become a global leader in the industry.
“This support continues our investment and leadership in the critical medical technology and health innovation industries that will help both safeguard citizens and fuel our economic recovery,” Mr Perrottet said.
“By supporting Nanosonics’ expansion, we are creating new jobs and opportunities within the state and helping drive the company’s international expansion.
“Our investment will create over 100 new direct jobs and support over 300 new indirect jobs by June 2024.”
Nanosonics’ new headquarters will enable increased capacity of all functions of the business, in particular R&D and manufacturing, with new state-of-the-art laboratories being established to support further innovation in infection prevention.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said supporting innovative companies in the sector will help to turn great ideas into products that will benefit patients in Australia and around the world.
“Nanosonics has seen rapid growth over the last six years and it is fantastic to see another great Australian company, based in NSW, bring new innovation to the world to deliver new standards of care in the healthcare sector,” Mr Ayres said.
Nanosonics currently manufactures and distributes the trophon® technology which is becoming standard of care globally for the decontamination of ultrasound probes. There are an estimated 150 different medical procedures that use ultrasound probes and Nanosonics’ innovative disinfection devices greatly reduce the risk of infection.
Recent innovation from the company includes new automated technology being designed to address one of the most significant challenges in medical instrument reprocessing today, the decontamination of reusable flexible endoscopes.
Nanosonics CEO Michael Kavanagh said the support would enable the company to increase exports across its largest markets including North America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific.
“Nanosonics has reached an exciting phase in its global growth trajectory and this support will help take our manufacturing capacity, as well as important R&D, to a new level of operation,” Mr Kavanagh said.
“The business continues to expand its Nanosonics’ trophon® disinfection franchise internationally and has recently launched a new digital compliance and traceability platform in infection prevention.”
The NSW Government’s Jobs Plus Program provides eligible companies with support to establish and expand their footprint in NSW, including payroll tax relief, streamlined planning approval, and subsidised training programs, along with the provision of free or subsidised government spaces and accommodation.
Australian businesses that currently employ 20 or more staff, and international companies with at least 80 current employees, looking to establish a minimum of 30 new jobs before June 2024, are eligible to apply for the Jobs Plus Program. For more details about the program visit https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/jobs-plus-program.

A SPECIAL SHOUTOUT TO FARMERS THIS NATIONAL AG DAY

• Today, on National Ag Day, farmers in NSW have been recognised and thanked for continuing to produce quality food and fibre in the face of drought, bushfires, mice and COVID-19, as well as the current floods.
• It comes after new data released by the NSW Government revealed the state’s primary industries increased its total output to become a record-breaking $20.9 billion industry.

$9.37 MILLION TO SUPPORT NSW ARTS AND CULTURE PROGRAMS

• The NSW Government is investing $9.37 million in the State’s arts and cultural sector through Round 1 of Create NSW’s 2021/22 Arts and Cultural Funding Program.
• Minister for the Arts Don Harwin announced 198 recipients will share in $9,371,594 million in funding that will deliver record arts and cultural activity across NSW, contributing to the State’s broader economic recovery.

2022 LOCAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

• The NSW Local Woman of the Year Awards is an annual program that provides MPs with the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of a local woman to her electorate.
• You must submit a formal nomination by 11:59.pm on Sunday 23 January 2022 online at https://facs.smartygrants.com.au/LWOTY22 if you would like your Local Woman to:
  • receive a framed certificate by early March 2022
  • be included on the 2022 Honour Roll
  • be invited to attend the 2022 NSW Women of the Year Awards Ceremony.

GET READY TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON DIGITAL IDENTITY

• Consultation is now open and will be ongoing until 30 June 2022. For more, visit:  https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/digital-identity  New services will be rolled out in 2022 to save customers time and money, including a Digital Seniors Card, Working with Children Check renewals and occupational or vocational licenses.
• Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the whole-of-government approach to digital identity would give customers the option to use digital credentials for various licences, certifications, qualifications and other eligibility documents.

NSW GOVERNMENT SERVES UP SYDNEY’S LONGEST LUNCH
·       The New South Wales Government is bringing Sydney alive with its longest lunch, a smorgasbord of unique dining experiences for thousands across the city.
·       Sydneysiders and visitors will be able to take a seat on Friday, December 3 for the Sydney’s Open for Lunch event to enjoy our top culinary delights and entertainment.
·       The Sydney’s Open For Lunch event is part of the NSW Government’s CBDs Revitalisation Program.
·       For more information visit www.sydney.com/sydneys-open-for-lunch.
NEW PRACTICAL SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE IMPACTED BY SUICIDE

• The NSW Government is investing $4.5 million to deliver a comprehensive service supporting people and communities bereaved and impacted by suicide, with specific focus on:
  • bereaved families, friends and colleagues
  • first responders who have attended a suicide
  • members of the public who witness or discover a death by suicide
• The service has been co-designed with people with lived experience of suicide and experts in the suicide bereavement field.

PLASTIC REDUCTION & CIRCULAR ECONOMY

• The NSW Government passed the Plastics and Circular Economy Act 2021.
• Key measures include:
  • A phase out of problematic single-use plastic items (such as lightweight shopping bags, plastic plates, and plastic straws);
  • Supporting a transition away from single-use plastic items through education;
  • Product design standards (in particular prohibiting the use of microbeads in cosmetic and personal-care products); and
  • Product Stewardship requirements for plastic packaging.

TWO UP – TRIPLE-A CREDIT RATINGS FOR NSW

• Global ratings agency Moody’s has reaffirmed New South Wales’ triple-A credit rating, just days after Fitch also awarded the State the same top tier rating.
• NSW is the only state in Australia with a Moody’s triple-A credit rating which we have retained despite allocating about $45 billion to support people and businesses and to bolster the health system to combat COVID-19.
• NSW has two triple-A credit ratings (Moody’s and Fitch) and one double-A plus credit rating (S&P Global).

HOME DESIGN TO DRIVE ENERGY BILLS DOWN

• New sustainability standards for homes will save residents up to $980 a year on energy bills and reduce the State’s carbon footprint as we move to net-zero emissions by 2050.
• The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) is a key assessment tool that ensures new homes are comfortable to live in regardless of the temperature, are more energy efficient and save water.
• Energy bills are expected to reduce significantly as a result of the new BASIX standards:
  • Savings of up to $190 each year for people living in high-rise apartments;
  • Savings of up to $850 each year for people living in new Western Sydney houses; and
  • Savings of up to $980 a year for people living in new houses in the regions.

SYDNEY TO HOST MEN’S T20 WORLD CUP SEMI

• Following Australia’s outstanding success at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Dubai, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has been announced as the host of a semi-final for next year’s tournament.
• Sydney will be one of seven cities in Australia hosting a total of 45 matches for the competition, to be held in October and November next year.

NEW WESTERN SYDNEY OUTDOOR MUSIC FESTIVAL IS ON ITS WAY

• Some of South-West Sydney’s most talented performers will join emerging artists to take to the stage in February 2022 for a new outdoor music festival.
• ValleyWays, which will be held at Onslow Park in Camden has been developed by renowned local talent and ARIA award-winning artists, The Rubens, in partnership with TEG’s Live Subsidiary, MJR Presents.

ROUSE HILL REGIONAL PARK EXPANSION

• One of Sydney’s best regional parks will grow by more than a third with the acquisition of private land to be dedicated as a permanent public space

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has received a significant funding boost to upgrade facilities, supporting jobs and improving access to the state’s national parks.
As part of the NSW Government’s Economic Recovery Strategy an additional $91.5 million will be invested into shovel-ready projects in our national parks in a significant boost to our nature-based tourism industry.
Treasurer and Environment Minister Matt Kean said this investment will support jobs by creating better facilities – such as walking trails and family-friendly amenities –across the State’s vast network of national parks.
“From Western Sydney to the Far West of NSW, families are flocking to national parks and we want to make sure facilities are up to scratch and able to meet this increased need,” Mr Kean said.
“Before COVID we had more than 60 million visits every year, national parks were already a key driver of the visitor economy, generating $18 billion in economic activity and supporting over 74,000 jobs.
“Since COVID visitation levels have skyrocketed, highlighting the role parks play in supporting the physical and mental health of the community. Put simply – national parks are good for the soul.”
This funding is part of the largest ever investment in national park visitor infrastructure, enhancing our natural environment and supporting regional economies with over $14 million will be invested in critical conservation projects .
Visitor infrastructure projects include:

• $3.45 million upgrade to the elevated rainforest boardwalk in Budderoo National Park;
• $3 million in visitor precincts including in Georges River National Park;
• $3 million for better visitor infrastructure at Ebor Falls in Guy Fawkes River National Park;
• $1.5 million to improve public roads access to the Royal coastline in Royal N.P;
• $795,000 for short stay accommodation at Kinchega and Paroo Darling national parks in the Far West;
• $600,000 for enhancements to the mountain bike track network at Glenrock State Conservation Area.

The NSW economy grew 1.4 per cent in 2020-21, reflecting the State’s improved economic conditions following the bushfires, drought and the pre-Delta lockdown.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the State Accounts, issued by the ABS yesterday, showed the NSW economy was more than $18 billion larger in 2020-21 than pre-COVID, highlighting the State’s strong economic recovery to the end of June 2021.
“Even though COVID-19 has caused one of the worst economic contractions in the State’s history, the ABS data shows the fundamentals of our economy are strong and the Government’s economic stimulus measures are working,” Mr Kean.
“NSW business confidence hit a record high of +29 in October, as we achieved our 70 per cent and 80 per cent vaccination milestones quicker than expected and restrictions eased.
“By keeping people safe and rolling out around $45 billion in health response and economic support programs since March 2020, we invested in the fundamentals of our economy – our people, our businesses and our workers.
“Now we are seeing the returns of that investment, demonstrating the power of making sure the State’s finances are working for our economy and our people, not the other way around.
“The NSW Government is continuing to invest in the State’s future with our $2.8 billion Economic Recovery Strategy helping to accelerate the recovery.”
In the most recent payrolls summary, NSW reported the largest gain in weekly payrolls of all states, with a 3.5 per cent increase for the fortnight to 16 October.
While the nation lost 46,000 jobs in October, NSW employment rose by 22,000 people as NSW businesses increased staffing in the lead up to restrictions easing.
In November, consumer sentiment rose by 4.4 per cent to 107.9 index points to record the highest consumer sentiment in the country.

Perpetrators of sexual violence and other criminals who’ve evaded the criminal justice system for years, or even decades, will now face the prospect of tougher sentencing from NSW courts, which will no longer be bound by outdated sentencing practices.
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said the Government was drafting a bill that would require courts to apply current sentencing practices to all crimes, regardless of when they were committed.
“Right now, except for child sexual abuse, courts must apply sentencing patterns and practices related to the offence that were in place at the time the offence was committed, instead of at the time of sentencing,” Mr Speakman said.
“But sometimes those guideposts don’t reflect our community’s current stance on crimes – this is especially so for heinous acts like sexual assault or domestic violence.
“Asking courts to put themselves in the shoes of a judge years or decades earlier can be impractical, inefficient and produce inconsistent outcomes. Our bill will change this so people who committed offences years ago will be sentenced according to current practices.
“It’s unacceptable for an offender to get more lenient treatment, just because they’d dodged police detection, or their offence had not yet been reported by an often traumatised victim.
“While courts will still be guided by the maximum penalty and any standard non-parole period that existed at the time of the offence, historical offenders will now face the prospect of tougher penalties, particularly for crimes like sexual assault that are often reported later.”
The proposed reform comes after a NSW Government review of historical sentencing practices, which engaged legal experts, victims’ rights groups and law enforcement.
The move also follows 2018 legislation that ensures child sex offenders are sentenced according to contemporary practices. The 2018 Act came after the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommended legislation to ensure sentences for child sexual abuse are imposed according to practices that exist at the time of sentencing.
“This applies consistency to all offending so we won’t perpetuate any past errors by using old practices, which don’t align with contemporary attitudes or our current understanding of serious crimes like sexual assault and domestic violence,” Mr Speakman said.
Key stakeholders will be consulted on a draft exposure bill this year. Feedback will then be considered and a final bill will be introduced to NSW Parliament in 2022.