Category: NSW News

Time and cost savings, greater productivity, and increased flexibility are some of the benefits which could be realised by NSW workers and businesses after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW Innovation and Productivity Council had this week released its NSW Remote Working Insights report, which unpacks the lessons of widespread remote working.
“This has been an incredibly tough time with huge upheaval and change for the NSW workforce. Thousands of jobs were lost through this crisis and those who kept working were put under immense pressure and had to adapt quickly. Many NSW workers and businesses were prompted to try remote working for the first time,” Mr Ayres said.
“The IPC’s report looks into what we learned from the experience, and how it could affect the future of work. While the NSW Government is now encouraging public servants to spend more time back in the office, we can expect long term changes to how our working week takes shape.”
IPC Member Steve Sammartino, an economist and futurist, said the report showed the pandemic has sparked a cultural shift on remote working, with many employees and businesses experiencing benefits and with more appetite to work remotely.
“The biggest benefit is the time we save from commuting, which on average is more than an hour a day. Reducing traffic congestion makes life better for everyone, even people who don’t work remotely,” Mr Sammartino said.
“We are also more productive when we work from home, with NSW remote workers
13 per cent more productive than when they work on-site.
“But COVID-19 pushed remote working to an unhealthy extreme, with a lot of work unable to be done remotely, it can get lonely, and collaboration is difficult.”
“In the future, NSW workers want the best of both worlds – a hybrid of remote and onsite work. Cities and offices will be buzzing again, and central business districts will be crucial for collaboration, innovation and consumption.”
The report surveyed 1,500 remote workers to find out about their experience of remote work during COVID-19, and what they want to do in the future.
The IPC also harnessed technology from Sydney-based artificial intelligence company Faethm to analyse the ‘remoteability’ of the NSW workforce, revealing what types of workers can work remotely, and to what extent.
Findings include:

• Half of the workforce can work remotely for at least two days a week, where only a small fraction did so previously.
• By working remotely, NSW workers save an average of 1 hour and 17 minutes per day from not commuting. Two days per week of remote work equates to over three extra weeks of annual leave, and about $860 in saved travel costs per year.
• Most who could work remotely reported higher productivity, but much work is not ‘remoteable’ (56 per cent), and collaboration and social isolation are key challenges for remote workers.
• NSW remote workers want a balance with two to three days of remote work per week.
• A ‘hybrid model’ could combine the best aspects of remote work with the benefits of offices for collaboration, team-building, and non-remoteable tasks.

For the full report, please visit https://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/nsw-economy/nsw-innovation-and-productivity-council.

Hundreds more people experiencing homelessness will be helped off the street and into secure housing with a $29 million expansion of the NSW Government’s Together Home project, as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the additional funding brings the NSW Government’s total investment in the Together Home project to $65 million.
“We are helping break the cycle of homelessness and the upcoming Budget will continue our investment in crucial programs to help get people back on their feet and transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our society,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The Together Home project is delivering great social outcomes by providing people a place to call home while also supporting jobs in the community services sector at a pivotal time in our economic recovery from COVID.”
The program involves securing homes from the private rental market and delivers intensive tailored supports to meet the complex needs of the people in the program. An additional 400 dwellings, with wraparound supports, will be secured as part of this investment.
Together Home provides support to maintain a tenancy and services like case management, drug and alcohol services and mental health support.
More than 645 people previously sleeping rough across the state have secured housing since April. This includes 274 who are already receiving housing and wrap around support through the Together Home initiative.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the support delivered would help put people on a pathway to housing independence.
“The needs of rough sleepers are often highly complex. This initiative is delivering life-changing outcomes by providing them with a roof over the head, combined with the wraparound support services to break the cycle of homelessness,” Mr Ward said.
“This initiative will address homelessness not only in the city, but right across our state, as we help people improve their health and wellbeing, and rebuild their lives.”
Together Home will be delivered in collaboration with community housing providers, specialist homelessness services and healthcare workers.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell today announced that the NSW Government is committing more than $150 million to install LED lights in public schools over the next two years.
”Retrofitting schools with energy efficient lights in classrooms, libraries, halls and administration areas delivers great outcomes for our schools. This program will benefit the environment while saving on energy costs every year,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We will target schools in communities across NSW that are yet to benefit from an infrastructure project.
“Importantly, this program will help stimulate local economies, supporting hundreds of jobs and building on the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.”
Today’s announcement also includes the launch of the NSW Government’s Schools Renewable Energy Infrastructure Pilot Project, demonstrating a commitment to making our schools even more sustainable. The pilot project will assess the benefits and costs of large scale implementation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, batteries and demand response initiatives in NSW public schools.
“We are undertaking the single largest school building program with over $6.7 billion invested in 190 new and upgraded school projects. This announcement demonstrates our commitment to continuing to invest in our schools and make them even more sustainable,” Mr Perrottet said.
Minister Mitchell said the LED light replacement program and the solar PV pilot project will provide opportunities for local trades, job creation and support our schools to become more sustainable.
“We have already seen the success of these initiatives with a pilot at eight schools across regional and metropolitan areas delivering a reduction in energy bills,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Combined, these two significant initiatives further our commitment to exploring sustainable energy solutions for the future.
“Both of these programs will improve the sustainability of schools and take steps towards the NSW Government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.”
Mr Perrottet and Ms Mitchell made the announcements at Croydon Public School, which is undergoing a $35 million upgrade with new classrooms and other facilities as part of the NSW Government’s record $6.7 billion investment.
Schools will be selected for the Schools Renewable Energy Infrastructure Pilot Project, as well as installation of LED lighting in schools, next year.

Thousands of jobs will be created as part of the toll-free Sydney Gateway motorway, with the NSW Government today announcing major milestones in the delivery of this vital connection to Sydney Airport, Port Botany and beyond.
Transport for NSW has awarded the design and construction contract to John Holland Seymour Whyte Joint Venture, while the project has also received planning approval from all levels of government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Sydney Gateway connects the WestConnex St Peters Interchange, where the M4 and M8 will meet, to the Airport and Port Botany Precinct with the capacity to carry 100,000 vehicles a day and will be a game changer.
“The NSW Government is investing up to $2.6 billion into this project, which is one of the missing pieces in Sydney’s motorway network,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“As well as providing safer and more reliable journeys, Sydney Gateway will also deliver a significant employment and economic boost, supporting 1,000 direct jobs and 3,000 indirect jobs.
“These have been very challenging times for the aviation industry but Sydney Gateway continues to be a priority infrastructure project.
“This project is an essential part of the plan to support the long-term economic growth of Sydney’s airport and port, reducing travel times and improving access to employment areas.”
NSW Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said early work is expected to start within months.
“The project, with the wider network, will allow motorists to bypass 26 sets of traffic lights between Parramatta and Sydney Airport’s Domestic terminal,” Mr Constance said.
“The direct, efficient and safe route means we are also expecting Sydney Gateway to be used by half of all trucks travelling to Port Botany by 2026, handing Mascot streets back to the local community.”
Sydney Gateway will deliver travel time savings and transform the airport precinct for future growth.
Supported by WestConnex, drivers using Sydney Gateway will save up to:

• 30 minutes from the Inner West to the International Airport
• 22 minutes from Bankstown to the Domestic Airport
• 30 minutes from Silverwater to Port Botany
• 40 minutes on a trip from Parramatta to the Domestic Airport

Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer Geoff Culbert said in what has been the worst year ever for aviation, the progress on Sydney Gateway is a real positive.
“This visionary project will be a game-changer for access to the airport, will generate much-needed jobs and, importantly, will benefit our community by giving local roads back to local residents.”
Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Greater Sydney Elizabeth Mildwater said one major change to the project after community engagement is a new shared cycling and pedestrian path linking Alexandra Canal and the domestic terminals.
“Around half of all feedback we’ve received from the community has been about better links for cyclists in particular, so it’s great to see a new walking and cycling path will be built to improve access to the domestic terminals,” Ms Mildwater said.

A 3,000-strong legion of Service NSW staff will be trained to respond to customers in distress as the impact of drought, bushfires and COVID-19 continue to take a heavy toll on communities.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the training program, which has been fast-tracked for Service NSW staff following the drought, bushfires and COVID-19, is part of a two-year investment of more than $1 million in suicide prevention training for staff working in systems outside of mental health.
“Service NSW has been at the forefront of the NSW Government’s response to COVID-19 and this training will help frontline staff to support people in distress in a compassionate and confident manner,” Mrs Taylor said.
“This is about building another layer of support outside of the health system by empowering frontline staff with the confidence and skills to reach out to people who are showing signs of distress as they go about their day-to-day lives.
“Like all frontline staff, the people at Service NSW have been doing an incredible job under pressure and this training will also help them recognise the importance of looking after their own mental health and learn ways to improve their mental fitness.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said this specialised suicide prevention will provide Service NSW team members with useful techniques in de-escalating an immediate situation and referral options for customers who may require more specialised support services.
“This year, Service NSW was enlisted to provide frontline support to citizens affected by the summer bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Dominello said.
“Service NSW staff have demonstrated time and again their ability to show empathy to customers in their time of need. This training will empower the Service NSW team to know what to do and where to go for help when dealing with customers who show signs of anguish and distress.
“During these conversations, Service NSW staff may sense when someone might be under extraordinary emotional pressure or mental stress and, in that moment, are well-placed to gently suggest ways to seek support.”
Service NSW employee Courtney Wilks said this training has already made a difference to how she engages with customers.
“I feel more confident in managing customers who are angry, distressed or anxious because I know how to help them in that moment and to reassure them that they are not alone.”
The training initiative is part of Towards Zero Suicides, a Premier’s Priority that is delivering an $87 million investment over three years in new suicide prevention initiatives.
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of these services:

• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
• NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

The Netball NSW Board announces today the departure of longstanding Chief Executive Officer, Carolyn Campbell.
A trailblazer in the once male-dominated sports industry, Campbell joined Netball NSW as Game Development Manager in 2003 before being promoted to CEO in 2006.
In her time as CEO netball has seen exponential growth across the state and last year announced record registrations in excess of 115,000 members.
Perhaps her greatest achievement came in 2020 when she worked to navigate Netball NSW through the challenges which arose as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Campbell was front and centre of a campaign which looked to provide clear guidelines for a return-to- play path for not just netball, but all of community sport.
In recent years Campbell oversaw the planning, construction and subsequent relocation of the organisation’s headquarters to the purpose-built Netball Central in Sydney Olympic Park. As well as hosting many of Netball NSW’s top competitions, the venue has also been used to host high-profile international events including the 2015 Netball World Cup.
At elite level Campbell is the only CEO to have overseen championship success in all three eras of Australia’s National Netball League with the Swifts winning five Premierships in that time, most recently in 2019. She also played a key role in the formation of GIANTS Netball – a strategic partnership with AFL side GWS GIANTS – who reached a Grand Final in their inaugural season.
In addition, Campbell was instrumental in the securing of $50m in funding for a new roof on Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney Olympic Park’s Tennis Centre, which will double as a 10,000-seat home venue for both the Swifts and the GIANTS.
Netball NSW President Louise Sullivan expressed her thanks to Campbell on behalf of the Board:
“Carolyn has made an outstanding contribution as CEO over nearly 15 years and leaves netball in a very strong position from grassroots right through to the elite, “ she said.
“During 2020 in particular she provided strong leadership through a very intense and challenging period for all sport as we navigated the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Netball NSW acknowledges Carolyn on her many significant achievements for netball during a time of immense change and growth of women’s sport.”
“The Netball NSW Board accepts Carolyn’s decision to step away at this time to have a well-earned break before taking on her next opportunity. We wish her all the very best for the future.”
Netball NSW will shortly commence an external recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer while Campbell will continue to work with the organisation until the end of November.

The NSW Government has today launched a whole-of-government initiative to better support families that are navigating the first 2000 days of their child’s life.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Brighter Beginnings initiative focuses on this crucial period from conception to age 5, across the breadth of government services.
Brighter Beginnings aims to ensure children in NSW have the best start in life. Crucial to achieving this goal is simplifying and improving the way families access information and services, through a number of parenting life navigator tools and a whole of government web page.
This provides a one stop shop of resources for families when expecting a baby and will support them throughout their child’s early life. This includes keeping track of health and development milestones, accessing financial support, finding early childhood education and care, starting primary school, returning to work and emotional and legal support for parents.
“We know 90% of a child’s brain development occurs before the age of five, and there is a wealth of research on how early experiences in the first 2000 days of life can have flow-on impacts in every decade of life,” said Minister Mitchell.
“We also know this is a challenging and often overwhelming time for new parents.
“Families have told us it can be difficult to access and navigate the support available, from pregnancy to school age and beyond, so we want to make this journey as simple as possible to ensure children are getting the best start in life.
“To achieve this, we are working across government agencies to improve information for families, connect universal services and provide targeted support for those facing complex disadvantage.”
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said Brighter Beginnings would help improve the life outcomes of vulnerable children and young people.
“Our Government is focused on keeping families together by intervening early, with  evidence-based services, when issues arise,” Mr Ward said.
“This initiative will help parents be better parents, by giving them access to the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the first 2,000 days of their child’s life.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the initiative is another example of the NSW Government using technology to make life easier for families.
“The first years of a child’s life are among the most special and memorable for parents but also the most stressful, which is why a digital diary is needed to help manage the important issues,” Mr Dominello said.
“We’re putting families front and centre of this initiative by saving them time and hassle, so they can spend more time on their newborns.”
Brighter Beginnings: the first 2000 days of life initiative launches 30 October 2020 with a virtual conference that will bring together government leaders, policy makers, leading experts and researchers. The event will explore the importance of the first 2000 days of life from health, wellbeing and education perspectives, and opportunities for governments and service providers to work together for improved citizen experiences and life outcomes.

Taxi drivers and passengers can now enjoy a safer journey, thanks to the Service NSW app’s QR code check-in going live across the taxi industry.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the rollout of the technology among Premier, Legion, GM Cabs and some regional operators is a big win for the community and follows a successful trial.
“I commend the taxi industry for its leadership and putting the safety of drivers and passengers first. It’s so important drivers download the Service NSW QR code and encourage passengers to check-in with the app,” Mr Dominello said.
“Just like checking into a café or restaurant, passengers simply scan the taxi’s unique QR code using the camera on their phone and follow the prompts. It’s free, easy to use, paperless and secure.
“During a pandemic we can’t drop the ball. Taxis work at the coal face and have a critical role to play in protecting community safety.
“This is a great example of being Covid smart as well as Covid safe. The check-in through the Service NSW app is powerful technology and any industry that is serious about safety should be using it.”
The check-in service automatically captures the date, time and location of the check-in, and securely stores them for 28 days for the sole purpose of contract tracing in the event of an outbreak.
Service NSW’s check-in service has been an overwhelming success, with about 13,500 businesses already downloading the QR code, and more than one million check-ins so far, with 94 per cent giving it the thumbs up.
Taxis, hire cars and ride share services in NSW can currently register as COVID Safe on nsw.gov.au to provide reassurance to customers they’re minimising the risk of transmission.

NSW has today welcomed 264 new firefighters across the state with the latest recruits graduating from the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Emergency Services Academy at Orchard Hills.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter welcomed the new recruits, who include a former professional rally car co-driver, a martial arts instructor, a former dairy farm manager, youth worker and a number of teachers.
Mr Elliott congratulated the recruits for embarking on a rewarding career that will ultimately put them on the frontline when it comes to protecting their communities.
“The men and women who graduate as part of this class have already shown that they have what it takes to protect the irreplaceable,” Mr Elliott said.
“These Fire and Rescue personnel begin their careers at a time when our frontline workers have never been more necessary, and they know they will have the full support of the NSW Government throughout their new careers.”
This month, the NSW Government announced a $192 million investment in response to the independent NSW Bushfire Inquiry, including $36 million for a new first responder mental health programs that will support all emergency services, as well as new FRNSW tankers and personal protective clothing.
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the graduates have trained with passion and dedication to become part of the FRNSW family.
“These recruits have shown they have the diverse skills, capabilities and talents required to undertake the varied work that our firefighters do – from educating the community about fire safety and providing emergency medical care to responding to fires, natural disasters and hazmat incident,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“They’ve been trained to be prepared for anything and I know they will uphold the high standards of integrity, courage and professionalism expected of a FRNSW firefighter.”
You can find a full list of graduates here.

The $1 billion Nepean Hospital redevelopment has marked a major milestone, as the NSW Government announced Stage 2 of the project will be brought forward by two years.
The fast-tracking of the project was announced at a topping out ceremony of Nepean Hospital’s 14-storey tower, which reached its highest point of construction today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government’s $1 billion investment in Nepean Hospital will future-proof health services in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains for decades to come.
“The redeveloped Nepean Hospital will be a gamechanger for the region, providing new world-class health facilities including an expanded emergency department, birthing suites and neonatal intensive care unit,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Bringing the project forward by two years will fast-track economic recovery in Western Sydney and create thousands of local jobs – both essential drivers of the COVID-19 Recovery Plan.”
The concept design for Stage 2 was unveiled today, providing a preview of the new Intensive Care Unit, in-centre renal dialysis unit, medical imaging and nuclear medicine services, more beds, staff education and training facilities, community health services and a new Front of House for the hospital.
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said Stage 2 is right on the heels of Stage 1, which is being completed on time and within budget despite the enormous challenges faced this year during the pandemic.
“We’re on track to complete Stage 1 of Nepean Hospital at the end of 2021 – a tremendous outcome for Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains –  and now the community can expect the full world-class package two years ahead of schedule,” Mr Hazzard said.
“This $1 billion project will place vastly enhanced health services on the community’s doorstep and support our fantastic staff as they continue to deliver their very best care to increasing numbers of patients.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the contemporary health facility would not only help drive economic recovery but would be another drawcard to the rapidly growing region.
“This major project will generate thousands of jobs and deliver the very best healthcare available to the community, making the region an even more appealing place to live and work,” Mr Ayres said.
Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies said the acceleration of the Nepean Hospital Redevelopment by two years is further proof Western Sydney is a key priority for the NSW Government.
“The fast-tracking of this project is a welcome boost to the communities of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains who have been doing it extremely tough during the pandemic,” Mrs Davies said.
Fast-tracked funding will allow Stage 2 enabling and fit-out works to start earlier while construction for Stage 1 is still underway. This will also allow for a much smoother transition into the main works construction for Stage 2.
To register your interest in providing input into the design of Stage 2 of the Nepean Redevelopment visit www.nepeanredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au.