More paramedics and call takers to join NSW Ambulance

NSW Ambulance has welcomed 113 new paramedic interns and trainee emergency call takers after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony today.

There were 15 extended care paramedics (ECPs) who were also recognised, after completing their specialist qualifications.

Minister for Health Ryan Park congratulated the 96 paramedic interns and 17 trainee emergency medical call takers, who will start in their new roles from tomorrow.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“This is the third class of NSW Ambulance interns this year and I’m proud to see them ready to serve their communities.

“Our paramedics are on the frontline of healthcare in NSW, caring for people when they are unwell and at their most vulnerable.

“I congratulate these new paramedic interns and trainee call takers for reaching this significant milestone in their careers and also extend my appreciation to the 15 extended care paramedics, who have completed a specialist course proving their dedication to serving our community.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan welcomed the new starters and ECPs, who were honoured at a ceremony at Sydney Olympic Park, attended by family and friends.

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said:

“I know all who are graduating today have worked incredibly hard throughout their training and I thank them for their commitment and warmly welcome them into NSW Ambulance. 

“The extended care paramedics recognised today completed the 25th ECP course conducted by NSW Ambulance, and also the first course conducted at the State Operations Centre. I’d like to extend my congratulations to these specialist paramedics who are progressing their careers and playing a vital role in keeping the people of NSW safe and healthy.”

ECPs have advanced skill sets to treat eligible patients with a range of non-emergency conditions out of hospital, helping patients avoid a trip to the emergency department, where clinically appropriate.

The paramedic interns will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas. The trainee emergency medical call takers will all be posted to Triple Zero (000) control centres in Sydney.

Parliament to explore productive uses of land after mines close

With a number of significant mining sites slated for closure in the coming decade, the NSW Parliament will launch an inquiry to investigate new and innovative approaches to post-mining land use.

The inquiry will help ensure these sites can continue to bring economic investment and opportunities to regional communities even after the mines close.

There are more than 50 large active mine sites across NSW, 37 of which are coal mines. There are other sites which were previously used for mining which continue to offer opportunities for new, productive uses of land.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos has written to Emily Suvaal, chair of NSW Legislative Council’s Standing Committee on State Development, asking her to undertake the inquiry.

A number of new post-mining land uses are already being progressed in NSW.

Earlier this year, the NSW Resources Regulator signed off on the rehabilitation of part of the old Rhondda Colliery in Lake Macquarie. The Black Rock Motor Park and Tourism Resort will take over part of the site, bringing 450 jobs during construction and 229 permanent roles.

BHP’s Mt Arthur, Idemitsu’s Muswellbrook coal mine, and Yancoal’s Stratford coal mine are investigating opportunities for pumped hydro and other clean energy uses.

The inquiry will consider how to accelerate and facilitate these uses, including through:

  • the development of sites for use for advanced manufacturing, commercial and tourism use,
  • reforms to the rehabilitation and planning regulatory frameworks which support mines,
  • opportunities to promote the development of solar farms, pumped hydro and other clean energy industries which may be particularly suited to the form and nature of former mine sites,
  • what investments in skills and training are needed to support the mining workforce,
  • the potential of unlocking surrounding land for residential dwellings, amenities, environmental and educational facilities, and
  • the compatibility of post mining land sites with commercial projects.

The inquiry is part of the government’s efforts to support mining communities, in particular where coal mining plays an important economic role in the region.

The NSW Labor Government has already committed $5.2 million to establish Future Jobs and Investment Authorities in four coal-producing regions across the state. The authorities will work with the Commonwealth Government’s Net Zero Authority to support workers, industries and NSW coal mining communities.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“Mining is a temporary use of land. We need to make sure NSW has the right policy mix to keep employment and economic opportunities even after mines close.

“I was privileged to turn the sod on the Black Rock Motor Resort earlier this year and witness the opportunities that can be created from these old mine sites.

“We will work with industry, local government and unions to bring forward these exciting opportunities.

“This is an important inquiry that will help us deliver positive community benefits in regional areas across NSW.

“We need to make sure these large mine sites can continue to be put to economically productive and efficient use long into the future.”

Chair, Standing Committee on State Development Emily Suvaal said:

“As a Hunter-based MP, I am committed to ensuring our mining communities across the state have a vibrant economic future, with secure, well-paid, local jobs.

“Exploring how we can improve the use of post-mining land is crucial for the continued success of our rural and regional communities, who have contributed so much to our state’s success.

“As chair of the State Development Committee, I am committed to conducting a robust and thorough inquiry into post-mining land use that will provide a blueprint for the economic future of our mining communities.”

New Opal app feature goes live for Apple users

A new Opal Travel widget is now available on Apple devices, showing passengers service information from their favourite stops with greater convenience and fewer clicks.

Nearly 50% of searches across trip planning apps and websites are people doing quick checks of public transport timetables. The widget helps to make these checks simpler and faster for passengers on the go.

The feature is believed to be a first of its kind to be offered by transport officials in Australia. It is now available on iOS devices and is expected to be available on Androids in the coming months.

By saving your favourite trip in the Opal Travel App, the widget automatically refreshes and shows the next three trip options with times and the platform, bus stand, or wharf number.

The new widget is one of several simple solutions introduced for Apple users in recent years, others include Apple Express Transit tap-on which allows passengers to tap on without unlocking their mobile, and disruption notifications that push updates about any network changes.

To add the widget, iOS users should update to the latest version of the Opal Travel in the App Store. Then choose a public transport route from your ‘Saved Trips’ or set up and save a new trip using the ‘Next Service’ option.

To place the widget on their home screen users should touch and hold the screen to enter edit mode, then click the ‘+’ button to locate the Opal Travel widget and follow the prompts.

Find out more about the Opal travel app. 

Transport Minister Jo Haylen:

“The Opal app has around 850,000 users each month, and this new widget acts as a shortcut, meaning they can access timetable information that bit easier.

“It’s a simple addition to our app that’s putting more travel information in the palm of people’s hands, like a personalised departure board.

“It may seem minor – but sometimes it’s the little things that can have a big impact on making our lives a little bit more convenient when we’re in a rush to get to work, school, or that first kick in the footy.”

Transport for NSW Acting Chief Technology Kurt Brissett:

“This is one of several ways we’re making it simpler, clearer and quicker for passengers to check their travel times.

“You can unlock travel information through your smart phone – but the most important is ‘where do I need to be and when?’, and you can now check that on your phone’s home screen.

“There’s no limit to the number of widgets you can add, so you can have different boards for the different legs of your train, bus, metro, light rail or ferry route.”

Appeal to locate man wanted on outstanding warrants – Newcastle

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a wanted man last seen in the Cardiff area.

Hughie Buckley, aged 21, is wanted on an outstanding warrant over pursuit-related offences.

Hughie is also wanted by Victoria Police in relation to an aggravated home invasion.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District have been conducting inquiries into his whereabouts.

Hughie is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall with a slim build, brown hair, and a distinctive Irish accent.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged not to approach him but to call Triple Zero (000) immediately

Targeted sanctions in response to North Korea’s supply of arms to Russia

Australia is imposing targeted financial sanctions, in coordination with international partners, on a further six entities associated with North Korea’s supply of arms and related materiel to Russia.

Australia condemns, in the strongest possible terms, North Korea’s illegal export and Russia’s procurement and use of North Korean ballistic missiles, in support of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.

The continued transfer of weapons from North Korea to Russia is a flagrant violation of multiple United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

The use of North Korean ballistic missiles by Russia increases the suffering of the Ukrainian people, supports Russia’s illegal and immoral war of aggression and undermines the global non-proliferation regime.

Deepening North Korea-Russia cooperation is providing technical and military insights to North Korea, with grave security implications for Europe, the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific region.

Australia will continue to work with our allies and partners to hold Russia and North Korea to account, and address the security threat posed by North Korea.

North Korea must comply fully with UNSC resolutions to abandon its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.

All countries should abide by their UNSC obligations in response to North Korea’s violations.

Together with our partners, we call on North Korea to engage in constructive dialogue and move toward permanent peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Australia remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine to defend itself. Today’s announcement underscores that those who provide material support to Russia’s illegal and immoral war will face consequences.

Women’s Asian Cup heads to Australia

In another major boost for women’s sport, Australia will host the next Women’s Asian Cup.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced Australia as host nation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

It follows Australia’s successful hosting of the FIFA Women’s Football World Cup last year and will again bring the world’s best female football talent to our shores.

Hosting major sporting events, like the Women’s Asian Cup, boosts local tourism, trade, employment and infrastructure.

It also helps grow participation and inclusion in sport at the local, regional and national levels.

The Matildas are still riding the wave of success from last year’s Women’s World Cup where they captured the hearts of the nation.

A record 14 straight sold-out Matildas matches in Australia demonstrates the endurance of the ‘Matildas effect’ and our love of women’s football.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup is the oldest women’s international football competition in the world, and will help continue to grow women’s football in Australia and our region.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong:

“Hosting the Women’s Asian Cup brings the region to Australia, and creates an opportunity to present modern Australia to millions of sports fans in Asia.

“Following the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 will see sport bring us together again.

Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher:

“Australia is thrilled to be hosting the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Asian Cup 2026.

“This is a golden opportunity for us to showcase the continued growth and popularity of women’s sport in this country, and supports the Government’s commitment to gender equality.”

Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:

“I’m proud to be part of a government that is increasing the visibility of women’s sport and creating greater opportunities for women and girls in sport.

“The Women’s World Cup ended all debates about the place of female athletes in sport and now we can continue to celebrate the Matildas in the Women’s Asian Cup.

“Women’s sport is not a phase, is not a nice to have, it is thrilling, it is brilliant and it is here to stay.”

GREENS KILL LABOR’S GAS FAST-TRACK BILL

The Greens have secured an agreement with the government to shelve Labor’s offshore gas fast track plan that silenced First Nations voices. After having previously publicly offered to pass government legislation if the gas fast-track legislation was shelved, the Greens will now support the electric vehicles and legislation to lift the PRRT gas tax rate.

The Resource Minister’s Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Legislation Amendment (Safety and Other Measures) Bill 2024 will be amended by the government to remove Schedule 2, Part 2, which bypassed environment laws and First Nations voices. The Greens will pass the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Bill 2024 and the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax accountability and Fairness) Bill 2023.

The remainder of the offshore gas bill, which deals with worker’s safety issues, will pass the Parliament today alongside the NVES and PRRT reforms.

Following this major win, the Greens will continue the fight against the government’s Future Gas Strategy and their push for more coal and gas.

The government has advised that any matters relating to this approval process will now be considered as part of the broader tranche 3 of the environment law reform, which has been delayed indefinitely and will come after tranche 2. Tranche 2 legislation has not yet been introduced and the Greens are likely to be in balance of power on that legislation. Effectively, this means any changes cannot occur before the election.

Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens:

“The Greens have killed Labor’s gas fast-track bill,” Mr Bandt said.

“This is a big blow to the coal and gas corporations, a big win for the climate and First Nations voices, and it happened because the Greens have power in Parliament.”

“We will continue to fight Labor’s push for more coal and gas all the way to the election and beyond. The Greens have stopped Labor’s dodgy attempt to fast-track new gas mines, but their bid to bypass environmental protections shows Labor will stop at nothing to have more coal and gas past 2050.

“Climate scientists have said there can be no new coal and gas mines, but Labor wants more. You can’t put the fire out by pouring petrol on it. You don’t fix a problem by making the problem worse. With Labor and Liberal now backing more coal and gas past 2050, only the Greens will fight for real climate action.”

Senator Dorinda Cox, Greens First Nations and Resources spokesperson:

“Gas lobbyists have unlimited access to the Albanese Labor government and think they run politics in this country at the cost of cultural heritage, free prior and informed consent and the silencing of First Nations voices. This Bill would have sold our sea country as a commodity to the highest bidder. This is not acceptable.” Senator Cox said.

“The government must now stop opening new climate and environment wrecking gas projects and look to renewable energy.”

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens environment spokesperson:

“Labor’s shameless attempt to bypass our already weak environment laws is dead. It’s incredible that after two years of this government, their much promised ‘fix’ to environmental laws is nowhere to be seen, while harming nature is top priority,” Senator Hanson-Young said.

Senator Nick McKim, Greens Treasury spokesperson:

“The Greens have used our balance of power to stand up to the gas corporations and deliver for the environment and for First Nations people.

“We will see an increase in tax revenue from gas corporations and the rejection of Labor’s attempt to weaken environmental protections on gas mines.

“Standing our ground on Labor’s PRRT Bill has given us the leverage to reject the agenda of the gas cartel.

“When the Government works with the Greens instead of the gas cartel, we can ensure better environmental outcomes and more revenue from a publicly owned resource.”

City of Newcastle progresses dual-lane road upgrades in Wallsend

City of Newcastle is moving forward with plans to ease congestion in the growing western corridor, seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from contractors to deliver two dual-lane road upgrades.

Detailed designs are progressing to widen and upgrade Minmi Road (between Maryland Drive and the Summerhill Road roundabout) and Longworth Avenue.

The projects will create two lanes of traffic in each direction to reduce traffic congestion and bottlenecks, as well as remove difficult right turns and add in separate, dedicated turning lanes where possible. 

Following the EOI process, a shortlisted group of contractors will be invited to submit a tender for a combined construction package later this year, with works planned to commence in early 2025.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes reiterated the importance of these upgrades to the community.

“This project will play a critical role in easing congestion and improving the flow of traffic and therefore safety in this growing part of our city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Feedback received from the community on the concept designs indicated strong support for the prioritisation of these works, and a desire to see travel times reduced and safety improved.

“Calling for expressions of interest now, followed by a selective tender process, will ensure that we have a contractor in place to commence work early next year.”

Executive Manager Project Management Office Robert Dudgeon acknowledged the need to plan ahead for construction.

“We recognise that construction of this scale can have an impact on the day-to-day journey for commuters in the area, and that our upgrade will be delivered in parallel with a number of other major road upgrades including the nearby Inner City Bypass,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“We have looked ahead to determine strategies for alleviating congestion and minimising delays to commuters during the construction phase.”

To improve traffic flow both ahead of and during construction of these upgrades, a series of smaller traffic changes are being considered and will be shared with the community for feedback in the coming weeks.

“Making adjustments to the flow of traffic in neighbouring areas will help reduce bottlenecks that result from the changes required to deliver these much-needed upgrades,” Mr Dudgeon said. 

The community can provide feedback on the proposed traffic changes from 31 May until 1 July by visiting City of Newcastle’s Have Your Say website. 

A Lord Mayoral Minute in 2022 allocated $26 million to the Minmi Road and Longworth Avenue projects.

City of Newcastle also secured $7.61 million from the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund to contribute towards the projects.

New appointments to the TAFE Commission Advisory Board

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan welcomed 5 new faces to the TAFE Commission Advisory Board at last night’s inaugural Parliamentary Friends of TAFE event, held at NSW Parliament House.

After more than a decade of neglect by the former government, the NSW Government is committed to restoring TAFE to the heart of vocational education in NSW. This includes prioritising new board appointments, which were left vacant by the previous government.

The government has been working hard to select the right people to the board and in August 2023, for the first time in at least 8 years, a TAFE NSW teacher, Mr Stuart McKinder was appointed to the board. This appointment reflects a commitment to engage with educators and recognises their invaluable role in shaping the future of TAFE NSW.

The 5 new appointees join 9 existing board members led by Chair Mr Danny O’Connor. 

Members include: 

  • Mr Stuart McKinder
  • Ms Alison Miriams
  • Ms Katrina Troughton
  • Mr Isaiah Dawe
  • Mr Adam Liaw
  • Dr Geoff Newcombe
  • Mr Murat Dizdar, Secretary NSW Department of Education 
  • Mr Stephen Brady, Managing Director TAFE NSW.

The appointees bring a wealth of industry, education, and community service experience that will help deliver a strong, sustainable TAFE NSW.

Megan Callinanis the Pro Chancellor (Western Region NSW) at Charles Sturt University and the CEO of Marathon Health. She brings extensive experience in community capacity building with a focus on education and training.

Kurt Fearnley AO is a professional wheelchair racer, school teacher, and ambassador with a background in improving equity outcomes for people with disabilities.

Eva Hanlyis President of Asia Pacific Fortescue and brings expertise in policy reform, innovation and technology, and new energy ventures.

Mary Ann O’Loughlin OAM is a Senior Policy Strategist at the University of Technology Sydney and has extensive experience in major strategic policy reforms, including in the education and skills sector.

Joseph La Postais the CEO of Multicultural NSW and brings experience in improving access and services for multicultural communities. Mr La Posta has been appointed to the board on an interim basis.

The board is an advisory body that makes recommendations to the Minister on TAFE NSW services, priorities and operations.

The skills shortage in NSW underscores the critical need to revitalise a robust and enduring TAFE NSW. This begins by actively engaging with the right people, including educators to gain valuable insights.

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said:

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring the TAFE Commission Advisory board has the right mix of skills and experience to fulfill its important advisory functions.

“A board with such diverse experience is essential for positioning TAFE NSW at the forefront of the state’s vocational education and training system.

“I look forward to hearing the board’s perspective on ways in which TAFE NSW can foster effective industry and community partnerships aligned with the state’s skills priorities.”

Safe staffing to deliver more nurses for NSW hospitals

The NSW Government is delivering on its promise to rollout a major staffing reform set to boost the number of frontline healthcare workers through the implementation of safe staffing levels in NSW public hospitals.

Phase one of recruitment is now underway to deliver more nurses and midwives in NSW public hospitals between now and July 2027 under the safe staffing levels reform.

Liverpool and Royal North Shore Hospitals are the first two sites in NSW to roll out the new safe staffing levels. Both hospitals have commenced recruitment for approximately 70 funded FTE nurses across these two sites, with some nurses already recruited for each hospital.

The staffing boost at Liverpool and Royal North Shore Hospitals will enable a one-to-one nursing care ratio for generally occupied Emergency Department (ED) resuscitation beds on all shifts, and one nurse to three generally occupied ED treatment spaces and ED short-stay unit beds on all shifts.

This follows discussions with the Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce established to oversee the rollout of the government’s commitment of 2480 FTE over four years towards staffing levels. It includes key leaders from the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA), NSW Health, and local health districts.

Implementation of the safe staffing level areas was scheduled to occur in phases over the next three years.

Phase one of safe staffing levels is initially commencing in Level 5 and Level 6 EDs, which treat the most critically ill patients, and will then be progressively implemented across other hospitals and departments.

These reforms will improve conditions and staff experience and, in turn, boost retention, capacity and capability.

Implementing safe staffing levels is just one of a range of measures that the NSW Government is embracing to build a supported and capable health workforce, including:

  • saving 1,112 nurse and midwife positions by making the roles permanent;
  • abolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in over a decade for nurses and other health workers;
  • beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities; and
  • introducing the health worker study subsidies scheme.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“The NSW Government is delivering on its promise to rollout a major staffing reform.

“The safe staffing levels initiative involves the introduction of minimum staffing levels on every shift, which will result in more nurses and midwives employed in hospitals right across the state.

“Importantly, this reform will deliver improved staffing numbers to provide care for patients while supporting our frontline healthcare staff.

“The Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce will review this initial rollout at Liverpool and Royal North Shore EDs and use these experiences to help inform the roll out at future sites.”