Category: NSW News

The NSW Government is giving the State’s visitor economy a $200 million boost to turbocharge recovery by securing global events for Sydney and regional NSW.
The new $200 million State Significant Event Fund – delivered over four years – will put NSW in pole position to secure major events that attract visitors to the State.
Meanwhile, this summer the Cahill Expressway will be temporarily transformed into a world-class stage.
Road traffic will make way for foot traffic on the Cahill Expressway from 31 December 2021 (for New Year’s Eve) to 6 January 2022 with markets, performances and big screens during the day, then headline acts and pop-up food and bar experiences into the night.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said both initiatives were part of the NSW Government’s plan to support the recovery and growth of the visitor and 24-hour economies, activate public spaces and showcase the State and Harbour City to the world.
“As we push through the pandemic, we are working to make sure Sydney and NSW continue to shine, businesses stay in business, and people return to our amazing Harbour City to support the rebounding economy,” Mr Perrottet said.
“An innovative activation on the Cahill Expressway is one of the recommendations from businesses that we heard during the CBD Summits, and it will attract people into the city, during the key summer trading period.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the creation of the State Significant Event Fund would extend the opportunities for NSW in terms of visitation and global profile.
“Getting more visitors to Sydney and regional NSW, giving them high quality experiences and offering a smorgasbord of events to include in their itinerary will propel us toward our goal of being the premier visitor economy and events capital of the Asia Pacific by 2030,” Mr Ayres said.
“This is about letting the world know that we are open, our State is thriving, and there is nowhere better to visit right now.
“We know visitors are looking for unforgettable experiences so we want to secure blockbuster international concerts for Sydney and regional NSW venues, exhibitions direct form the world’s top galleries, high profile international sporting code events and events celebrating fashion and design, popular culture, and creativity and innovation.”
The Cahill Expressway will be closed to traffic from Friday 31 December 2021 to Thursday 6 January 2022, with public transport and alternate routes available for visitors and residents.
For more information about what’s on in Sydney and NSW, go to www.sydney.com and www.visitnsw.com.

The NSW Police Force has welcomed 192 police recruits after they were sworn in as probationary constables at a ceremony in Goulburn today.
The new probationary constables have been assigned to police area commands and police districts across the state.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott congratulated the new recruits who bring a fresh boost to the Force.
“Congratulations to the men and women of class 347, who graduate today and will join the NSW Police Force at its strongest and most efficient,” Mr Elliott said.
“After eight months of world-class training, the attesting officers will join their stations next Monday and invigorate the policing capabilities of this state.”
The NSW Government has committed to invest $583 million to introduce 1500 extra police over four years to enhance community safety across NSW and is investing $60 million over four years to upgrade the Goulburn Police Academy.
Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM welcomed the latest intake of probationary constables.
“Today is a significant day for each of the attesting recruits. Policing is a job like no other and as the probationary constables of Class 347 start their duties next week, I congratulate them on the hard work and diligence which allows them to attest today.” Commissioner Fuller said.
“They have sworn their oath of office and will now embark on a rewarding career in policing.”
Class 347 includes 137 men and 55 women. Twenty-one recruits were born overseas in countries including Jamaica, the Philippines and China. Many are from non-English speaking backgrounds, with seven recruits fluent in a second language including Arabic, Chinese and German.
Seven recruits are Indigenous with 1 recruit coming through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program.

The weather is getting cooler but NSW Seniors Card deals are warming up with savings available on energy costs this winter.
Minister for Seniors Natalie Ward said an exclusive EnergyAustralia deal will help ensure seniors have more money left over for doing the things they love.
“NSW Seniors Card and NSW Senior Savers Card members who sign up for EnergyAustralia’s ‘Total Plan’, receive 27 per cent off electricity, 25 per cent off gas and up to a $100 energy credit,” Mrs Ward said.
“Saving on basic living costs leaves more in the wallet for things that stave off social isolation, such as catching the train to see friends, groceries for a family dinner or buying a four-legged companion.”
Member for Oatley Mark Coure said this deal is a way to thank our seniors for their invaluable contributions to society.
“People aged over 60 are respected members of our communities and deals like this are a thank you for their lifelong contribution,” Mr Coure said.
Mark Brownfield, EnergyAustralia Residential Executive, said seniors can also call for a free ‘Energy Health Check’.
“We’ll review your current energy bills to ensure you’re getting a fair price and see if you’ll be better off with our exclusive offer,” Mr Brownfield said.
“We understand getting value for money matters, so we’re pleased to give seniors this great discount and up-front credit on their gas and electricity.”
EnergyAustralia is among more than 7,500 NSW businesses offering deals for seniors. Other offers include half-price RSPCA senior pet adoptions and 50 per cent off metro to regional NSW TrainLink fares and five per cent off IGA gift cards.
For NSW Senior’s Card discounts plus terms and conditions, visit: www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au/discounts/discount-directory

A Sydney man who allegedly supports the Islamic State terrorist organisation has been arrested after a NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) investigation.
Police executed search warrants in Chester Hill and Sefton, NSW, yesterday (Friday, 18 June 2021) and arrested a 24-year-old Chester Hill man.
The man has been charged with membership of a terrorist organisation, namely Islamic State, and is expected to face Parramatta Local Court today (19 June 2021).
Yesterday’s arrest follows a seven-month investigation by the NSW JCTT into the man, whom police will allege had pledged allegiance to Islamic State.
Police will further allege the man’s rhetoric online was escalating, that he had collected a large amount of extremist material and he was in possession of several improvised explosive recipes.
Australian Federal Police Commander Counter Terrorism Investigations Stephen Dametto said the priority of the NSW JCTT investigators was to prevent any harm to the community.
“The actions of this man do not represent the Islamic faith. His actions are criminal and they represent hatred and terror,” Commander Dametto said.
“We will allege in court that this man was a member of ISIS and it shows there are still those in the community that seek to do us harm. The items found show that this individual posed a significant risk to the Australian community and we will act early to ensure safety of the Australian people”.
“This investigation shows that the influence of IS remains an enduring threat and it maintains the ability to inspire and radicalise individuals in Australia”
“The actions taken yesterday highlight the great partnership and commitment of the NSW Police, the AFP, NSW Crime Commission and ASIO in working together to keep the NSW and Australian community safe.”
NSWPF Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Michael McLean, commended the dedication of NSW JCTT investigators to the safety of the people of NSW.
“Yesterday’s arrest is a great example of the strength of the partnerships and collaboration in Australia’s counter terrorism framework,” Acting Assistant Commissioner McLean said.
“The NSW JCTT works cooperatively and diligently to act in response to those who choose to follow an extremist ideology that is not compatible with the diverse, inclusive values of the community.
“Our greatest asset in combating terrorism is our community. You are our eyes and ears and we need you to continue to work with us to help us to keep everyone safe.”
The man has been charged with membership of a terrorist organisation, 102.3(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth), punishable by imprisonment for 10 years.
The NSW JCTT is comprised of members from the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission.
Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.
There is no ongoing threat to the community relating to this investigation.

Businesses in the Sydney CBD heavily impacted by the pandemic will benefit from a new $50 million stimulus program that will offer 500,000 NSW residents four $25 vouchers for use towards dining and entertainment experiences.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the vouchers, which can only be used on Fridays, will boost the city economy, support jobs and bring fizz back to Friday in the city.
“We have listened to businesses and know that it’s time to make Fridays fun again and ensure the Sydney CBD doesn’t just survive but thrives,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This will be a targeted program designed to get more people back into the heart of the greatest city on earth and on the way through spend a little extra on retail and services businesses.
“It’s about making Friday’s fantastic and fun and at the same time helping the Sydney CBD which has been hit hardest by COVID with a reduction in CBD workers and the absence of overseas visitors for more than a year.”
Short term arrivals to NSW in April sat at just under 11,000 – a 96 per cent decrease on pre-pandemic averages of around 234,000 per month.
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the program, which is expected to go live before Summer, will again be delivered via the Service NSW app.
“The ‘TGIF’ voucher scheme will be a boon for businesses across the Sydney CBD. It will also be seamless for customers to access and use the vouchers, as there will be no need for them to re-prove their identity if they have already downloaded their Dine & Discover vouchers. Furthermore, there will no restriction on customers using multiple $25 vouchers for one meal or discover activity,” Mr Dominello said.
“The Service NSW app is fast becoming the backbone of our state’s digital service delivery. Mass adoption of the app enables us to switch on new digital programs, like the ‘TGIF’ vouchers, in a way that few Governments around the world are capable of doing.
“The program will be inclusive, with a non-digital option available to customers without a smartphone.”
Eligible businesses must be physically located within postcode 2000.
Similar to Dine & Discover, the program will be open to businesses in the dining and entertainment industries.

• Customers will need to be aged 18 and over and will require a MyServiceNSW account;
• Only one set of vouchers will be issued per person. Each individual voucher can only be used once, and vouchers can only be redeemed on Fridays;
• The vouchers can be added together for a single purchase up to $100;
• The vouchers cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco or gambling;
• The same eligibility criteria will apply for these vouchers as for Dine & Discover;
• Registration will be available through all Service NSW channels;
• Further details, including how customers can register their interest for the program, will be released soon.

The NSW Government will direct $28 million into research and development and promoting new and emerging industries and technology to better prepare the state for future bushfires.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Bushfire Response R&D Mission will receive $7 million per year for the next four years as part of this year’s 2021-22 NSW Budget to be handed down next week.
“The 2019-20 bushfires claimed lives, destroyed thousands of homes and cost NSW billions, this investment will go towards reducing the impact of bushfires and responding in the most effective way possible,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This focus on new technology to enhance planning, preparation and response will save jobs when a disaster strikes and boost jobs in new industries.
“NSW is unfortunately one of the world’s bushfire hotspots, so it makes sense that we should package our hard won know-how and take it to the world.”
Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Gabrielle Upton said the establishment of R&D Missions will address long-term strategic challenges facing NSW, and was a priority action of the “Turning Ideas into Jobs – Accelerating Research & Development in NSW Action Plan” launched in January 2021 by Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
“R&D Missions tackle complex challenges that require the integration and translation of research and technology across government agencies,” Ms Upton said.
“This funding will help establish a Bushfire Technology Network, engage NSW small business to develop and commercialise bushfire technologies and ensure that new technologies are tested by frontline NSW bushfire services.”
The funding will also help address a number of recommendations from the NSW Bushfire inquiry such as establishing NSW as a major world centre for bush fire research, and technology development and commercialisation.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the NSW Government has committed to acting on the lessons learnt from the 2019-20 bush fires.
“Bush fire research is a key recommendation of the independent NSW Bushfire Inquiry and is crucial to ensuring that our emergency services can continue to have the best training and technology that will keep our state safe,” Mr Elliott said.
“The continued investment into research goes hand-in-hand with the NSW Government’s record budget for Emergency Services and continued investment into initiatives that address recommendations from the Bushfire Inquiry.”
Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, said the Bushfire Response Mission will have a strong focus on technology.
“The Mission will develop the use of real-time data from space, air and ground-based assets, ensure fire ground decisions made are based on information and computer-aided tools, and enable the use of equipment including robots to aid responders,” Mr Durrant-Whyte said.
“Technologies from NSW companies which prove themselves will attract interest from global markets.”
Chair of the Advisory Council David Gonski AC welcomed the Bushfire Response Mission launch.
“The impact of COVID-19 on economic growth makes the task to commercialise more R&D an urgent one,” Mr Gonski said.
“Focusing the commercialisation of technologies on solving one of our state’s greatest challenges is an excellent step in bringing together and promoting the relevant research and development efforts of the business, research sectors and communities across NSW.”
The NSW Government has committed a further $8 million in funding over two years to establish an Emerging Industry Infrastructure Fund.
This fund will target new industries where NSW potentially has a comparative advantage and where co-investment in joint infrastructure will both build on existing industry and attract global companies and investment into NSW.
Potential investments include the development of sovereign semiconductor production capabilities and the consolidation of NSW’s leading position in synthetic biology.

Track laying has finished in one of the Sydney Metro railway tunnels under Sydney Harbour, marking a major milestone in the Metro from Chatswood to the city to Bankstown.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance today inspected the completed tracks on the Blues Point side of the northbound tunnel, which is about 40 metres below the harbour’s surface.
The tracks in these tunnels connect the future Barangaroo and Victoria Cross (North Sydney) Metro Stations.
“Around 50,000 people will have worked on this incredible city-shaping project by the time services start in 2024, with about 800 involved in the tunnel fit out and 5,000 currently working on the project,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It will take just three minutes to travel between the new Victoria Cross Station at North Sydney to Barangaroo Station using the tunnels, transforming the way we travel around our great city.”
Track laying in the southbound Metro harbour tunnel has reached 30% and will be complete by the end of July.
“The 800 metre-section of track in the northbound Metro harbour tunnel is complete, after 1,200 railway sleepers and 2,100 tonnes of concrete were installed,” Mr Constance said.
“More than 4,000 tonnes of Australian steel has been used for the 31 kilometres of tracks from Chatswood to Sydenham, including 200 tonnes under the Harbour.”
Sydney Metro line-wide contractors Systems Connect, a joint venture between CPB Contractors and UGL Limited, took over the harbour tunnels in December last year to lay the tracks and fit out the tunnels.
Metro trains will start running through the harbour tunnels in 2024, extending the North West Metro, into the city and beyond to Bankstown.
New stations are being delivered at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Pitt Street and Waterloo, along with new underground platforms at Central Station.

The NSW Government is increasing its historic investment in new and upgraded schools, delivering funding for 44 new and upgraded school projects announced as part of the 2021/22 Budget.
This includes funding for 30 projects that were prioritised for planning and 14 new works in areas of high need.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the school building pipeline has already invested billions of dollars into new and upgraded schools, with 50 delivered last year alone.
“This budget continues our historic school infrastructure investment with an additional $2.1 billion spend to deliver new and upgraded schools across NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Since 2019, this government has delivered more than 100 new and upgraded schools – it’s an important achievement, but we are not done.”
The 2021/22 Budget will include funding to deliver:

• A new primary school in Gregory Hills
• A new primary school at Westmead
• The new selective high school in Southwest Sydney
• The relocation of Wee Waa High School
• A new high school in Marsden Park
• Jordan Springs Public School – Stage 2

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the government is providing for families across the state and in growth areas.
“Communities have never seen investment in education like this before, including in high growth areas. Western Sydney alone is seeing an additional $2 billion investment in new works,” Mr Perrottet said.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said that the investment in schools is an investment in the future of NSW.
“This budget shows yet again that we are a government that delivers on its commitments. We plan for schools – and then, once planning is complete, we fund them for construction,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This historic program began in 2017 and since then, we have spent more than $7 billion on new and upgraded schools. The additional funds in this Budget grow the pipeline to $7.9 billion worth of investment in new and upgraded schools over the next four years, making this a $15 billion school building program.
“Across NSW, thousands and thousands of students are benefitting from new and upgraded schools, and this will continue under this government.”
These initiatives will be announced as part of the 2021/22 Budget with the NSW Government continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools representing an injection of $7.9 billion into the NSW economy over the next four years.

NSW will soon be home to new iconic multi-day walks in the State’s spectacular national parks, thanks to $80 million in funding as part of the 2021-22 NSW Budget.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet joined Environment Minister Matt Kean in the Illawarra today to unveil the first walk – The Great Southern Walk – which will stretch 59-kilometres and showcase the natural and cultural beauty of the Illawarra Escarpment, Royal and Kamay Botany Bay National Parks.
Mr Perrottet said we want NSW’s national parks to become ‘must-see’ destinations of global significance.
“From Border Ranges in the north, to Kosciuszko in the south, to Hat Head in the east and Mungo in the west, visitation across our extraordinary National Parks estate has surged in the past 12 months,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This $80 million budget injection will enable us to add new iconic experiences to our tourism arsenal, drawing keen hikers from around Australia and when borders reopen  the world, to our spectacular regions giving local small businesses and tourism operators a much needed boost.
“The first of the walks – The Great Southern Walk – will provide a spectacular 5-day experience with a range of new accommodation options such as cabins and ‘glamping’ sites dotted along the track to welcome walkers at the end of each day’s trek.”
Environment Minister Matt Kean said a new mountain biking network will also be created across the Escarpment and become a major drawcard for visitors to the area.
“This new mountain bike track will offer riders over 44 kilometres of uninterrupted, sustainably managed track between Mount Keira and Mount Kembla,” Mr Kean said.
“Both this signature walk and biking network are major initiatives that will not only make our national parks more accessible to a broader audience but also bring new visitors to this spectacular region.”
The walk, expected to be complete in 2024, will boost the local tourism economy and create local jobs both during construction and as the walk welcomes national and international visitors. Details on a second iconic multi-day walk will be released in coming months.
NSW national parks already attract more than 60 million visits a year, generating $18 billion in economic activity for NSW and supporting more than 74,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Since 2019 the NSW Government has invested more than $257 million across the national park estate to improve visitor facilities – the biggest visitor infrastructure investment in the history of NSW national parks.

More women and children experiencing domestic and sexual violence will be supported by a $60 million funding boost to frontline services over two years from the NSW Government.
The Government will also commit an extra $32.5 million over four years to expand the Staying Home Leaving Violence (SHLV) program across the State to assist victim survivors.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said these commitments in the NSW Budget would help to tackle the scourge of domestic violence – one of the most difficult problems our communities face.
“NSW is one of the best places to live, but that doesn’t mean we’re immune from complex social issues like domestic and sexual violence, that impact thousands each year,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our Government’s responsible fiscal management, even in the depths of COVID-19, has enabled us to make important investments like this, that will help stop the cycle of abuse and protect some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said the Government will engage with the sector in delivering these significant investments to NSW communities.
“Our priorities will include helping children impacted by domestic violence, Aboriginal survivors, those from culturally and linguistically diverse communites, and victims from regional communities,” Mr Speakman said.
The funding announced today will:

• boost frontline specialist domestic, family and sexual violence services;
• help victim-survivors escape violent homes;
• support victim-survivors stay safe at home;
• hold perpetrators to account; and
• raise awareness about domestic and family violence services.

The NSW Government funding will also go towards trialling initiatives during the transition to the next National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children.
Mr Speakman said the state-wide rollout of SHLV was aimed at preventing victim-survivors from becoming homeless or having to move away from their support system of family and friends, instead supporting them to stay safely where they are.
“Women are often forced to flee violent homes, and in doing so they’re cut off from housing, community supports, employment, and education for their children,” Mr Speakman said.
“Perpetrators choose to inflict horrendous abuse on those they claim to love. It is they alone who should bear the brunt of re-locating if they refuse to change their behaviour.”
SHLV works in partnership with NSW Police and provides a range of wrap-around services including safety planning, home security, support for children, assistance in managing finances and navigating the legal process.
Delia Donovan, CEO of Domestic Violence NSW, the state’s leading organisation for specialist domestic violence services, welcomed the funding boost that will benefit services across the state.
“Frontline services have been advocating for greater support, particularly during COVID-19, to deliver crucial services to victim-survivors in communities across NSW, so we’re really pleased to see this critical funding commitment in the Budget,” Ms Donovan said.
“The expansion of Staying Home Leaving Violence is also fantastic news, as it will ensure that more women and their children can access this service no matter where they live, and therefore they can safely remain in their homes, if they choose to do so.”
The funding announced today is in addition to a record $538 million investment over four years announced in the last Budget to reduce domestic violence re-offending and support victim safety through early intervention initiatives, victim support and perpetrator interventions.