Category: NSW News

The State Government’s Service NSW app has been downloaded more than four million times, approximately 75 per cent of NSW’s adult population.
The app has been used by patrons across the State for more than 117 million COVID Safe check-ins.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the technology has been a game changer for businesses and customers during the pandemic, while keeping the community safe.
“I want to thank the people of NSW for downloading the Service NSW app more than four million times, accounting for around half the State’s population, which continues to keep our community safe from COVID-19,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are using technology to enhance the user experience and prioritise public safety, and these figures show that citizens have embraced our digital solutions.
“The app has not only provided an easy solution for businesses and customers for checking in, it importantly assists NSW Health and the contact tracing team in the event of an outbreak.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said more than 80,000 businesses are actively using the check-in feature, with 94 per cent giving it the thumbs up.
“We want the customer to be at the centre of everything we do, which is why we are constantly bolstering the app in response to feedback,” Mr Dominello said.
“We have recently updated the app to enable customers to save the details of their dependents and soon the check-out will be easier for customers, with a new reminder notification around the corner.
“You can also use the app to download a Digital Driver Licence, renew registrations and find out the latest COVID advice.”
Further information on Service NSW is available at www.service.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Liberal Party Executive has unanimously adopted a new Code of Conduct that will govern the behaviour of members, and will help create a positive environment for Members and volunteers.
For some time, the NSW Liberal Party has been developing a new Code of Conduct that reflects our commitment to high standards of behaviour.
The NSW Liberal Party President, the Hon Philip Ruddock AO, said that a lot of work had gone into the development of the new Code.
“This Code compliments the work done at a national level by former State and Federal President, Chris McDiven AO, and former Federal Director, Brian Loughnane AO, by implementing a robust framework governing behaviour and a complaints resolution process to ensure that behaviour that falls short of the standards set out in the Code is dealt with appropriately.”
“There is no doubt that harassment and assault are completely unacceptable in any circumstances. Everyone is entitled to feel safe and no-one should have to be subjected to inappropriate behaviour of any kind,” said Mr Ruddock.
“The new Code reflects a common sense approach in the way members should interact. It is a direct result of detailed input and contribution of many – the State Director, Chris Stone, and his team, the Party’s Audit & Governance Committee, the State Executive, and the Code of Conduct sub-committee,” said Female Vice-President and Chair of the Code of Conduct sub-committee, Mary-Lou Jarvis.
As part of the reforms, the Party will be establishing an autonomous Conduct Review Committee to ensure that complaints can be dealt with promptly and confidentially, while providing procedural fairness for all involved.

Construction of the new Metro railway line, which will service Greater Western Sydney and the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, is one step closer.
The NSW Government has shortlisted three consortia to deliver the mega project’s tunnelling works. They are:

• Bouygues Construction Australia Pty Ltd
• John Holland Gamuda Joint Venture
• Acciona Construction Australia Pty Ltd

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the successful tunnel builder will deliver 10 kilometres of twin Metro railway tunnels and the associated excavations of station boxes.
“The station box and tunnelling contract is expected to be awarded by the end of this year, with the first of four mega tunnel boring machines expected to be in the ground by the middle of 2023,” Mr Constance said.
“The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project will support 14,000 jobs, including 250 apprentices, and will inject billions into the NSW and national economies.”
The Australian and NSW governments are jointly delivering the 23km Metro railway and six stations between St Marys and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, including two stations at the airport.

A major milestone has been reached in the construction of Sydney Metro under Australia’s busiest railway station.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance today visited Central Station where excavation has reached the bottom of the new Sydney Metro station box which is 27 metres below ground level.
“This has been an extraordinary engineering and construction achievement, delivering new Metro in the heart of our busiest railway station, while train services continued right around us,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW Government has supported jobs through the COVID-19 crisis, with work fast tracked at Central over the past year due to reduced customer numbers within the station precinct.
“Right now, around 5,000 people are working on Sydney Metro and about 50,000 will have worked on the City & Southwest project by the time services start in 2024.”
Mr Constance said the two underground Metro platforms at Central are being built differently to other Sydney Metro stations.
“We’re building this brand new Metro station at Central from the top down rather than bottom up, to deliver the platforms as quickly as possible while minimising the impact to commuters,” Mr Constance said.
“The two tunnel boring machines did not stop at Central but kept tunnelling through, which meant the final stage of excavating the station box was to smash through the twin tunnel sections from above using 14 excavators.
“More than 280,000 tonnes of crushed rock has been removed from the station box, enough to fill about 46 Olympic swimming pools.”
The 460-tonne steel structure of the new landmark Northern Concourse roof is also complete, with more than 500 louvres currently being installed on the eastern, northern and western ends of the roof, which was made in Kurri Kurri.
Excavation of the 19 metre-wide Central Walk underground link has reached about 75 per cent, and is on track to open in stages from next year. Central Walk will connect light rail customers with suburban trains, Metro trains, buses and regional services.
The work at Central Station is being delivered as part of the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project, which will see Metro rail services extend from Chatswood, through the city and beyond to Bankstown in 2024.

Five major vaccination hubs and 99 regional satellite sites will open progressively across NSW starting from Monday, 15 March, as the COVID-19 vaccination rollout stretches across the State.
These vaccination hubs and satellite sites will initially focus on frontline healthcare and border workers, and will eventually be followed by a wider rollout of the vaccine to the general public through the GP network.
The five major hubs and their linked satellite sites will open progressively from 15 March through to April and will be located at:

• Newcastle Hospital
• Wollongong Hospital
• Wagga Wagga Base Hospital
• Coffs Harbour Hospital
• Dubbo Hospital

The vaccine will be dispatched from the hubs to the satellite sites.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it has been great to see the enormous enthusiasm from those receiving and giving the jabs.
“NSW is on track to achieve its goal of more than 35,000 vaccinations in the first three weeks with thousands of frontline workers already receiving their first doses thanks to excellent work of our NSW Health staff in the three initial hubs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said it’s fantastic the rollout of the vaccine will be expanded into regional NSW, now including major hubs in Coffs Harbour, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga.
“Regional NSW has endured a myriad of impacts from COVID-19 and with the vaccine now on its way, we will have the confidence and assurance we need to live fully and remain open for business,” Mr Barilaro said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said rolling out vaccinations to frontline staff in the regions is the next step to ensuring they are protected against COVID-19.
“Wollongong and Newcastle are particularly significant because we have frontline staff meeting overseas freighters arriving at ports and those staff obviously are at higher risk than others,” Mr Hazzard said.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the expansion is a major boost for the state’s frontline healthcare workers, especially those in regional NSW.
“An important aspect of the continued rollout is ensuring everyone at risk of COVID-19 has access to vaccination as close to their homes as possible,” Dr Chant said.

The NSW Government has allocated a further $20 million for showground upgrades across the State to improve community infrastructure, support jobs and stimulate local economies in response to the pandemic.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said this further funding injection brings the total to $55 million worth of investment in showgrounds as part of the COVID-19 stimulus program.
“This investment will improve the safety and quality of showground infrastructure while stimulating local economies by providing work for a host of local tradies and materials suppliers,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Showgrounds are incredibly valuable community infrastructure, whether it’s for events and shows or use as emergency centres during crisis events. This investment in Crown land ensures showgrounds can continue to serve communities throughout the State for many years to come, building a stronger and safer regional NSW.”
To date, improvement work has included the rebuilding of grandstands and pavilions, upgrades of kitchen and amenities blocks, lighting and electrical systems, water and sewerage networks and roads and fencing.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the further funding will boost jobs and contribute to local communities adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The NSW Government previously provided $35 million across the State to support 623 upgrade projects at 187 showgrounds, which has so far supported over 1,490 jobs, providing work for tradespeople, suppliers and fabricators”, Mr Stokes said.
“Now with the allocation of this further $20 million we will see another 172 upgrade projects at 73 showgrounds to support more improvements and jobs.
“Showgrounds are multi-use facilities at the heart of our communities and this continued funding comes at a critical time when COVID-19 has been disrupting annual shows and other activities that showgrounds rely on for their income.”

The NSW Police Force has welcomed 194 new police officers in the first graduation ceremony of 2021.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM at an attestation ceremony at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn today.
Mr Elliott congratulated the incoming officers and welcomed the return to a full ceremony after last year’s events were disrupted by COVID-19 restrictions.
“Over the course of last year, we have seen first-hand the crucial role our police officers play in protecting the community and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their efforts,” Mr Elliott said.
“I am pleased to personally welcome the latest recruits in Goulburn and offer my assurance that they have the full support of the NSW Government as they commence their law enforcement careers today. Their commitment and dedication to serve and protect the community will not go unnoticed.”
“These officers will join a NSW Police Force that has been strengthened by investment from the NSW Government, including the delivery of 1500 additional officers over four years and the commitment to a $60 million upgrade to Goulburn Police Academy.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM said the latest intake of probationary constables will hit the ground running.
“I welcome Class 345, and their families and friends who have been able to join us here today,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“I know from experience that this is a very significant moment in every officer’s career. As our newest police officers start at their new commands on Monday, they can be assured that this is the start of a memorable and rewarding career in law enforcement.”
Class 345 includes 139 men and 55 women. Some recruits entered the NSW Police Academy straight from school or university, while others left established professional careers and trades such as teachers, ambulance officers and a jockey.

A select committee on mental health and suicide prevention has been established to consider a range of strategic reviews of the current mental health system, and whether the recommendations are fit for purpose to address the fallout from bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chair of the House of Representatives Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Dr Fiona Martin MP said, “While the bushfires were catastrophic, it was the emergence of COVID-19 that has changed everything.”
“Over the last year, COVID-19 has had a significant effect on the mental health of many Australians through increased isolation, job loss and financial stress. In addition, there has been a reduction in access to face-to-face mental health services, with many changing to telephone support models, while crisis organisations and suicide prevention services experience higher demand. However, it has also seen innovation prioritised and communities rally to support one another.”
The Committee will begin the inquiry by reviewing the findings of the Productivity Commission Inquiry Report into Mental Health, the Report of the National Suicide Prevention Officer, the Victorian Royal Commission and the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy. It will then turn its attention to the experiences and successes of mental health and suicide prevention stakeholders, from grassroots services through to international initiatives.
The Committee is accepting written submissions addressing one or more of the terms of reference and invites individuals and organisations to share their views with the Committee. The closing date for submissions is 24 March 2021. A guide to making a submission can be found on the website.
The Committee will also hold hearings as part of this inquiry so that it can hear from people who have relevant experience or expertise. The dates and locations for the Committee’s hearings will be published on the inquiry website.
The Committee is unable to intervene or provide advice in relation to individual circumstances. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the services below:
Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467
Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
BeyondBlue 1300 224 636
eheadspace 1800 650 890

Netball NSW is delighted to announce that Tain Drinkwater has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer.
A highly experienced and respected sports administrator, Drinkwater will join Netball NSW from the Brisbane Broncos where she has been a senior member of the club’s Executive Team for the past five years as General Manager of HR, Risk & Compliance as well as head of the club’s National Rugby League Women’s Program.
A Newcastle native, Drinkwater played a key leadership role in the design and delivery of the inaugural NRLW competition and helped secure three consecutive Women’s Premiership titles for the Broncos, expanding the financial and commercial portfolio of the club in the process.
Prior to the Broncos the 43-year-old held senior and executive management roles in the Australian mining industry for 16 years, leading major operational and business transformation projects in remote and regional communities.
Hailing from a passionate netball family, Drinkwater is no stranger to the game. She played representative netball for both Westlakes and Charlestown while her father is also a successful NSW State Titles coach.
Drinkwater said she was excited to be returning to the sport and outlined some of her vision: “I am energised by the opportunity to build on the all-important foundation of community netball and perpetuate the on-court success of both the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball into financial self-sustainability.
“By enhancing the commercial footprint of our professional clubs, we can bring our elite players and coaches the recognition and reward they deserve which will place Netball NSW in a strong position to offer our grassroots and volunteers even more support to continue to thrive.
“I can’t wait to be a part of Netball NSW, a prestigious organisation with such a rich history across the state. I thank the Board for their confidence in me and feel privileged by the opportunity.”
Speaking on behalf of the Netball NSW Board, President Louise Sullivan congratulated Drinkwater on her appointment.
“We are delighted to have Tain join us as we look to bounce back stronger than ever from a COVID-interrupted 2020,” she said.
“Tain has a lifelong connection to netball and is deeply passionate about the sport with a sound understanding of the challenges associated with participation and facilities.
“Pre-COVID-19 we had two consecutive record-breaking grassroots participation years above 115,000 and we are determined to get back to those levels and build on them.
“Tain has done wonderful things for the development of women’s rugby league and we are very happy to have secured her expertise as we look to not only consolidate netball’s place as the clear leader for women in sport, but also widen our horizons to ensure it is a game for all.
“She is a people-focused leader and strategic thinker who we are confident will bring together the many hard-working and valued stakeholders of netball in this state to reach our shared goals.”
Drinkwater’s appointment follows an extensive and thorough independent Executive search process. She will commence in her role in early April 2021.
ABOUT NETBALL NSW
Netball NSW is the peak state sporting organisation responsible for the governance, development, promotion and administration of netball throughout New South Wales and is affiliated to Netball Australia.
The proud home of the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball who compete in Suncorp Super Netball, Netball NSW also provides the framework for the state’s grassroots Clubs and Associations to enjoy the sport at all levels.
Netball is proudly the No.1 team sport for women and girls in both NSW and Australia, and Netball NSW aims to be innovative to retain this position state-wide and nationally, while also seeking to expand its reach.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet today released the 2020-21 Half-Yearly Review with the State’s recovery on track following the unprecedented economic shocks of 2020.
The steady reopening of the NSW economy, recent easing of domestic border restrictions, and the first COVID-19 vaccinations delivered this week, have all boosted confidence since the NSW Budget was handed down in November.
“We are starting to see both consumers and businesses returning to more normal patterns of behavior and this is helping drive economic activity,” Mr Perrottet said.
“More than 80 per cent of jobs lost in the peak of the pandemic have returned, and each new step we take in reopening the economy improves people’s lives and helps business which feeds through to the bottom line.”
The forecast deficit for 2020-21 had been revised down by $2.7 billion from $16 billion to $13.3 billion.
Mr Perrottet said while the forecasts were encouraging the economic impacts of COVID-19 would continue to be felt well into the future.
“The roll out of the vaccine this week has provided more good news, but there are still thousands of people who are out of work and businesses struggling,” Mr Perrottet said,
“Conditions remain challenging, and any improvements in the Budget will allow us to continue to invest in our record $107 billion infrastructure program and support more jobs.”
Mr Perrottet said reform remained on the agenda with consultation on possible changes to stamp duty ongoing, with community feedback open until mid-March.
“Stamp duty is one of the biggest barriers to home ownership and allowing people to buy and sell without a big upfront cost is a key reform proposal,” Mr Perrottet said.
Read the Half-Yearly Review here.
Find out about the proposed stamp duty reforms and have your say here.