Category: NSW News

As Term 1 of the 2021 school year begins there are still 24 new schools the Liberals promised before the 2019 election which they have not built.
The new schools promised across NSW that the Liberals have failed to build are:

Shadow Minister for Education Prue Car said the failure to build schools was letting down families and a missed opportunity to create local jobs.
“Building schools is a key way we can create jobs across NSW. It puts kids in classrooms and keeps tradies in their jobs,” Ms Car said.
“But under the Liberals all we have are false promises, overcrowded schools and results at an all-time low. Liberals just can’t be trusted on education.”

Five new and upgraded schools will open in Term 2 benefitting more than 4,400 students across NSW.
Three schools opened their doors today, including Picton High School (new), Mainsbridge School for Specific Purposes (new) and Parramatta West Public School (upgrade). Murrumbidgee High School (upgrade) and St Ives High School (upgrade) will open by the end of Term 2.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell and Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee visited students at Parramatta West Public School today.
The Parramatta West Public School upgrade includes 20 new classrooms, a new hall and a new administrative space.
Ms Berejiklian said the scale of the school building in NSW is unprecedented with more than 30 new and upgraded schools expected to be delivered in 2021.
“The NSW Government has already opened 10 new schools this year and in Term 2 we will open another five,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Even during the challenge of the pandemic, NSW has kept building. Students across the State are enjoying new classrooms, school halls, outdoor learning areas and libraries.”
Ms Mitchell said the new facilities at these schools and others across NSW are incredible.
“Communities are seeing real improvements at their local schools, with everything from new canteens and playgrounds, to new schools and major upgrades like we see here in Parramatta,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We will support jobs across the state as we look to recover from COVID-19, and at the same time secure the future prosperity of NSW by enhancing schools for our students and teachers.”
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the community was excited for another major school upgrade in the area.
“I want children to be passionate about education when they come to school. The work of dedicated teachers and staff is so important for learning outcomes, and we are supporting them with world class facilities right here in Parramatta,” Dr Lee said.
The NSW Government is investing $7 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver more than 200 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
New and upgraded schools opening in Term 2 2021:

• Parramatta West Public School – upgrade
• Mainsbridge School for Specific Purposes – new
• Picton High School – new
• Murrumbidgee High School – upgrade
• St Ives High School – upgrade

The long-awaited prequel to George Miller’s Academy Award Winning Mad Max: Fury Road is set to be filmed in NSW, and expected to become the biggest film ever to be made in Australia.
Furiosa stars Chris Hemsworth, Anya Taylor-Joy and Yahya Abdul Mateen II, and will become the largest production to ever be filmed in NSW when filming begins in June.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said securing the production of Furiosa in NSW was an important win for the State and our film industry.
“This is great news for NSW – Furiosa is expected to support more than 850 local jobs and bring in around $350 million into the NSW economy,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“NSW will be home to this major production providing a boost to the economy across the State with filming to take place in a number of locations including in Western Sydney and regional NSW.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the production confirmed NSW is the Premier film-making destination in Australia.
“There is no better place to make an international blockbuster than here in NSW. We employ 56 per cent of the Australian screen industry and we’re open for business,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s showtime in NSW and that means jobs not just for the Arts, but right across the trades, hospitality and transport sectors as well.”
Federal Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said securing the production was a significant win for Australia’s expanding screen industry.
“We are experiencing a boom in large scale global productions coming to film in Australia,” said Minister Fletcher.
“The Morrison Government has a clear focus on supporting the Australian screen sector to seize this opportunity.”
Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin said attracting Furiosa to NSW was a momentous moment for the local screen industry, which has seen a recent boom in blockbuster productions.
“Everything about Furiosa is as thrilling as it sounds, and I know this major production will further cement NSW’s place as an extremely competitive film production powerhouse, for delivering high-end international productions,” Mr Harwin said.
“I am thrilled Furiosa will call NSW home thanks to the support of the NSW Government’s Made in NSW fund.”
Director Dr George Miller said it was great to see the Mad Max franchise return to Australia.
“We are entirely grateful to the Berejiklian Government and for the advice and help extended to us by Graeme Mason, CEO of Screen Australia and Grainne Brunsdon, Head of Screen NSW. The support of the Federal and New South Wales Governments were pivotal. They made it possible for the film to be greenlit, shot in Australia and for the production to be based in our home state,” Dr Miller said.
The NSW Government’s $175 million Made in NSW fund and PDV Rebate and the Federal Government’s 40 per cent Producer Offset helped to secure the production for NSW.

NSW POWERS AHEAD IN JOB RECOVERY

• NSW is getting back to work with more than 14,500 people gaining full-time or part-time jobs last month, with figures released showing the state’s unemployment rate dropping to 5.4 per cent.
• Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW unemployment rate is 0.3 percentage points lower than last month and is the second lowest among the states after Western Australia.

LAST PIECE OF THE LINK IN SCENIC HARBOUR FORESHORE WALK

• Premier Berejiklian marked the opening of the 300-metre-long final piece of the 11 kilometre Barangaroo foreshore walk from Woolloomooloo to the Anzac Bridge.
• Premier Gladys Berejiklian said opening up the last piece of the 11 kilometre walk is a fundamental part of Barangaroo’s transformation from a once neglected and inaccessible area into a world-class cultural, residential, business and retail hub.
• More than 100 trees were planted in this section of the foreshore walk which contributes to our goal to plant one million trees by 2022.

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK DELIVERS BETTER BYPASSES FOR SINGLETON AND MUSWELLBROOK

• The NSW Government is powering ahead with plans for the Singleton bypass, announcing it will build a full interchange for the bypass with the Putty Road.
• Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the Singleton bypass would be the biggest road infrastructure project in Singleton’s history.
• Construction of the Singleton and Muswellbrook bypasses is expected to create more than 2000 jobs.

EUROPEAN AMBASSADORS ENERGISED BY INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HUNTER REGION

• A NSW Government led trade mission in the Hunter region kicks off, showcasing the region’s investment opportunities in defence, aerospace, energy and manufacturing industries to ambassadors from 14 countries and the European Union.
• Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the trade mission is the fifth in three years and part of a targeted investment strategy that is making regional NSW a preferred choice for global investors.

NSW GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR WINE INDUSTRY

• The NSW Government and the NSW Wine Industry Association have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will deliver support to producers and provide a renewed focus on increasing exports and regional industry development and encourage further innovation.
• Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the agreement, signed at a Hunter Valley gathering of wine industry leaders who were meeting with a visiting Trade Mission from European Union nations, will deliver a range of support measures and commitments with an equivalent value of more than $3 million through to June 2023.

SMALL BUSINESS REBATE SCHEME KICKS OFF

• Small businesses are encouraged to sign up for a new $1500 rebate scheme to help cover the cost of NSW and local government fees and charges.
• Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate was designed to benefit tens of thousands of small businesses across the state as NSW continues its post-pandemic recovery.
• The rebate will be available until 30 June 2022. To apply and for more information, including the program guidelines, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/small-business-fees-and-charges-rebate

COMMUNITY URGED TO STAY ALERT DESPITE STORM SEASON ENDING

• While storm season has finished for another year, and the La Niña weather pattern has passed, NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is reminding communities of the need to stay vigilant and prepared.
• Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott reminded the community that although the storm season is over, the community cannot get complacent.
• For more information on how to prepare for storms and floods and for the latest warnings and alerts, visit ses.nsw.gov.au.

FLAGSHIP STRATEGY TO SUPPORT NSW VETERANS

• The service and sacrifices of veterans and their transition from military to civilian life are in focus with the NSW Government launching the State’s first whole-of-government strategy, developed using insights and expertise from ex-serving personnel and their families.
• Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said the NSW Government Veterans Strategy aims to improve existing support services and identify new initiatives.
• Read the NSW Government Veterans Strategy here: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/assets/veterans-affairs/NSW-Veterans-Strategy-2021-24.pdf

• Read the NSW Veterans Action Plan here: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/assets/veterans-affairs/Veterans-Strategy-Action-Plan-2021-22.pdf

MORE THAN $2.3 MILLION FOR COUNCILS TO MANAGE THEIR COASTLINES

• The NSW Government announced more than $2.3 million in coastal funding has been awarded to councils through the 2020-2021 Coastal and Estuary Grants Program’s planning stream which will provide assistance to councils in managing their coastlines.
• Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock congratulated the councils of Ballina Shire, Bellingen Shire, Byron Shire, City of Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield City, Kiama Municipal, Shoalhaven City and Wollongong City in partnership with Shellharbour City on their successful applications for funding.
• Further information on the program can be found here.

NSW is getting back to work with more than 14,500 people gaining full-time or part-time jobs last month, with figures released today showing the state’s unemployment rate dropping to 5.4 per cent.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW unemployment rate is 0.3 percentage points lower than last month and is the second lowest among the states after Western Australia.
“NSW is the engine room of Australia and we’re powering ahead with economic recovery,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our state’s handling of COVID-19 clusters continues to be effective in balancing health and economic risks, and there’s no doubt we’re really seeing this pay off as more people re-enter the workforce.
“Challenges still lie ahead and we must remain focused, particularly as post JobKeeper numbers come through towards the middle of the year, but today’s numbers for March are a strong indication we have cause to be optimistic.”
Minister for Jobs Stuart Ayres said almost all jobs lost during the peak of the pandemic had now returned in NSW.
“In March we saw 7,226 people gain full-time employment and 7,421 people gain part-time employment, while just 1,435 fewer people are now employed in NSW, compared to pre-COVID,” Mr Ayres said.
“The state’s participation rate has risen above its pre-COVID levels, with a 0.1 percentage point increase this month to 65.7 per cent. We’ve also seen the female participation rate rise 0.5 percentage points to 61.3 per cent, a new record high.
“We remain cautiously optimistic of this improvement; however, we acknowledge with the ending of JobKeeper there may be some adjustment in job figures in the months ahead.”
“The NSW Government will continue to provide targeted support where possible, which includes our recent announcement of a $50 million tourism and arts package, designed to support the industries likely to be impacted the most by the end of JobKeeper.”

More than 45 NSW-based organisations will receive a share in $10 million to boost job opportunities and social and community participation for people with disability.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) grants are about creating a more inclusive and accessible community.
“We want to empower people with disability to live happy and healthy lives where they can exercise choice and control over the supports they receive,” Mr Ward said.
“These grants enable organisations to deliver life-changing initiatives that benefit people with disability, their families and carers.
“This program is about creating connections between people with disability and the communities they live in, so that they can thrive and reach their goals.”
The grants include support for programs focusing on creating job opportunities for young people leaving school, accessible arts initiatives and tailored support for people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Multiple national organisations have also received funding to roll out programs that will benefit NSW residents.
ILC grants support both NDIS participants and people with disability who are not eligible for the Scheme.
People with disabilities in NSW have benefitted from more than $135 million in ILC funding since the introduction of the NDIS in 2015.
This financial year NSW will contribute almost $3.5 billion towards the NDIS.
The list of successful applicants is available online.

The service and sacrifices of veterans and their transition from military to civilian life are in focus with the NSW Government launching the State’s first whole-of-government strategy, developed using insights and expertise from ex-serving personnel and their families.
Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said the NSW Government Veterans Strategy aims to improve existing support services and identify new initiatives.
“We worked with the veteran community to develop programs that reflect their interests, eliminate barriers and support a fulfilling life post-service,” Mr Lee said.
“NSW is home to more than 200,000 former Australian Defence Force personnel; a diverse group of men and women who served our country.
“Their experiences are at the core of this flagship strategy, thanks to the valuable input provided by the veteran community and their families.”
In addition to focus groups, more than 2,000 individual veterans, reservists, family members and supporters gave their input via an online survey.
By harnessing a whole-of-government approach, four key areas were identified to help achieve veteran wellbeing: recognition and commemoration, education and employment, community and volunteering, and support.
Parliamentary Secretary for Veterans James Griffin said the Strategy will help veterans to continue developing their skills and participate fully in society.
“The Strategy will guide education and employment outcomes, create social connections, and target services in health, wellbeing and housing,” Mr Griffin said.
The landmark strategy – endorsed by RSL NSW, Legacy NSW and the Australian War Widows NSW – includes initiatives such as the Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship, the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare and funding for Veteran Sports Australia.
Read the NSW Government Veterans Strategy here.
Read the NSW Veterans Action Plan here.

Small businesses are encouraged to sign up for a new $1500 rebate scheme to help cover the cost of NSW and local government fees and charges.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate was designed to benefit tens of thousands of small businesses across the state as NSW continues its post-pandemic recovery.
“Our November Budget committed nearly $500 million to this rebate, which will leave more money in the pockets of eligible small businesses, sole traders and non-profit organisations,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and supporting them equals supporting jobs. I encourage all eligible operators to register for the $1500 credit with Service NSW.”
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said claiming the rebate would be simple and could be done online.
“Liquor licences, food authority licences, council rates and outdoor seating fees are just a few examples of the fees and charges that can be claimed back through this rebate scheme,” Mr Dominello said.
“Small businesses who have total wages below the new 2020-21 $1.2 million payroll tax threshold, and have a turnover of at least $75,000 per year, will be able to register through their MyServiceNSW account and claim back eligible state and local government fees and changes.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the launch of the rebate scheme coincided with a number of licence waivers coming to an end.
“It’s so important that we continue to support the small businesses of NSW,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Small businesses are the backbone of their communities and we want to make it easier for them to run a business and get ahead.”
The rebate will be available until 30 June 2022. To apply and for more information, including the program guidelines, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/small-business-fees-and-charges-rebate

Small businesses are encouraged to sign up for a new $1500 rebate scheme to help cover the cost of NSW and local government fees and charges.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate was designed to benefit tens of thousands of small businesses across the state as NSW continues its post-pandemic recovery.
“Our November Budget committed nearly $500 million to this rebate, which will leave more money in the pockets of eligible small businesses, sole traders and non-profit organisations,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and supporting them equals supporting jobs. I encourage all eligible operators to register for the $1500 credit with Service NSW.”
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said claiming the rebate would be simple and could be done online.
“Liquor licences, food authority licences, council rates and outdoor seating fees are just a few examples of the fees and charges that can be claimed back through this rebate scheme,” Mr Dominello said.
“Small businesses who have total wages below the new 2020-21 $1.2 million payroll tax threshold, and have a turnover of at least $75,000 per year, will be able to register through their MyServiceNSW account and claim back eligible state and local government fees and changes.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the launch of the rebate scheme coincided with a number of licence waivers coming to an end.
“It’s so important that we continue to support the small businesses of NSW,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Small businesses are the backbone of their communities and we want to make it easier for them to run a business and get ahead.”
The rebate will be available until 30 June 2022. To apply and for more information, including the program guidelines, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/small-business-fees-and-charges-rebate

The world’s smartest computer could be used to tackle Sydney’s complex transport problems, including updating schedules in real time if there is crowding on the network.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said a new partnership between the NSW Government and Australian company Q-CTRL will look at how quantum computing technology can create and manage a more resilient transport network.
“This is a rare opportunity for some of our leading transport innovators and quantum computing experts to come together to tackle complex transport network management and congestion problems,” Mr Constance said.
“Future applications of the technology could include mapping all transport modes and crowd movements simultaneously in real time, and automatically updating the schedule to solve disruption issues.
“We could see all trains, busses, ferries, trams and motorways essentially ‘talking to each other’ to find out where customers are and deploy resources where needed. It could be used for massive public events, like New Year’s Eve or Vivid Festival.”
Q-CTRL Founder and CEO Professor Michael Biercuk said Quantum computers are an emerging technology that replaces the traditional ‘binary’ computing concepts used in most computers today, and instead uses quantum physics to tackle tough computational challenges in a fraction of the time.
“This technology could completely transform the computing tools available to Transport for NSW in the next few years. The possibilities are endless,” Professor Biercuk said.
The quantum computing research project is one of several initiatives being launched as part of the Future Transport Technology Roadmap.