Category: NSW News

Sydney will be home to the biggest technology hub of its kind in Australia with Tech Central to become a world-class innovation and technology precinct.
The NSW Government has committed to facilitating 250,000 square metres of office space in the precinct which stretches several kilometres from Central Station to Camperdown, including South Eveleigh.
Tech Central will be home to start-ups, scale-ups and innovation ecosystem partners – putting NSW at the forefront of tech development.
Local technology giant Atlassian has committed to become an anchor tenant of the precinct, basing its Australian headquarters at the new site.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Tech Central will rival Silicon Valley as the place to be, establishing NSW as a global leader in innovation and technology.
“Technology and innovation are key planks of the government’s strategy to attract investment and create the jobs of the future for the people of NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We have some brilliant tech innovators and entrepreneurs in our state and Tech Central will help us retain local talent and attract some of the brightest minds in the world. This will be more important than ever as we recover from the pandemic.”
Atlassian and the NSW Government have negotiated to develop and build the company’s new Australian headquarters at the Central site, above YHA Central Railways Square.
The building will help Atlassian expand its strong local research presence, housing over 4,000 jobs focused on product development.
Atlassian co-founder and co-CEO Scott Farquhar said technology can turbo-charge Australia’s recovery.
“That’s why we’re building this precinct. We want to create jobs, ideas and innovation. This will be home to thousands of workers and the best new ideas. If you want to work in tech – this is the place you will want to be,” Mr Farquhar said.
“Sydney has the potential to be one of the world’s leading technology cities and the creation of a tech precinct sends a loud signal that we’re in the race to take a slice of the world’s most valuable market. That’s an exciting place to be.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the long-term goal of Tech Central was to create 25,000 innovation jobs and encourage 25,000 new students to focus on Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) and life sciences studies.
The NSW Government today announced $48.2 million in funding to bring Tech Central
to life.
Tech Central will in time provide 50,000 square metres of affordable space for startup and scale-up businesses and is predicted to bring up to 25,000 new jobs to NSW, further strengthening the state’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
“Today’s commitments show that Tech Central is moving from vision to reality. This will establish Sydney as a major player on the global tech scene,” Mr Ayres said.
“This will be the largest hub of its kind in Australia, a home for tech giants, new and innovative startups and leading talent all in one place, right here in NSW.”
Following today’s announcement, the NSW Government will work to secure further agreements with other anchor tenants.
The precinct will expand Sydney CBD’s commercial core to the south and ensure that Central station remains and is enhanced as a key NSW transport hub.

The NSW Government has today committed to delivering state of the art online vocational education and training (VET) in every government high school by 2022 to continue building the workforce of the 21st century.
In addition to existing face-to-face VET courses, TAFE NSW will now develop at least 20 courses for Year 11 and 12 students into online courses to provide equal study options for senior secondary students across the State.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is determined to make vocational education available to as many students as possible to combat the skills shortage.
“From 2022, students will be combining vocational skills with academic knowledge. Their mathematics will be paired with advanced manufacturing, their biology with healthcare or their economics with accounting. Students will pick the course that is right for them and study online without leaving their school. All courses available will contribute to the HSC and ATAR,” he said.
The nationally recognised courses will include future focused and in-demand skillsets from industries such as engineering and advanced manufacturing, IT and cyber security, business, health and trades in construction and other critical industries.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said taking these courses online allows small student numbers in one school to connect with others in another area to form a larger class.
“This initiative will enable a student in a regional area to connect with their peers in schools all over the State to learn something like cyber security as one class across many classrooms, benefitting from industry experts and cutting edge materials”, she said.
“We know many schools are already doing an excellent job, and this policy will level the playing field when it comes to access, choice and industry connections. It won’t matter where you go to school – all NSW students will be given the opportunity to learn the skills that will see them thrive in the 21st century.”
The NSW Government will ensure this initiative is introduced in all secondary schools across the State with Year 11 and 12 students by 2022.

The images of eight Australians who served in the Korean War will be featured on Sydney Light Rail carriages to mark 70 years since the start of the war.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said the photos on the carriages bring to life the enormous contribution Australia made to the Korean War.
“The faces of eight Australians who served in Korea is a powerful tribute to the 17,000 Australians who fought in the conflict between 1950 and 1953,” Mr Lee said.
“Over the course of the war 340 Australians were killed and over 1,200 wounded defending South Korea from the communist forces of North Korea.”
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the eight stories are amazing.
“As the carriages weave their way through Sydney’s streets, travellers and pedestrians will be captivated and intrigued as they reflect on Australia’s proud military history,” Mr Constance said.
One of the eight images featured in the Lest Korea Forget campaign is of veteran Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Ian Crawford AO AM (Mil), who is passionate about ensuring this war is not forgotten.
“It is very moving to have the Korean War acknowledged for its important part and its ongoing relevance in the Australian story,” Mr Crawford said.
“I think of those who are no longer with us to share this recognition.”
Mr Crawford sailed to Korea with the Australian Navy as a teenager and served in missions to evacuate isolated United Nations units and to support operations behind the advancing North Korean line in extremely tough conditions.
The commemoration is an initiative of the Consul General of the Republic of Korea to thank Australia for the very personal cost of the War to our country.
The Korean War was among the most destructive conflicts of the modern era, with approximately three million war fatalities and a larger proportional civilian death toll than the Second World War or the Vietnam War.
The Light Rail commemoration Lest Korea Forget will operate 22 June to 26 July.

The NSW school curriculum will be overhauled to improve standards, with changes starting in 2021 and all years learning the new curriculum by 2024.
Unnecessary content will be cut, there will be a greater focus on literacy and numeracy, and TAFE and vocational training pathways will be modernised.
A curriculum review undertaken by Professor Geoff Masters supports the biggest shake up of the education system in more than 30 years.
The Government’s response to the review is based on:

• Decluttering the curriculum by reducing unnecessary subjects
• A ‘back to basics approach’ that will see a renewed focus on the core subjects of English, Maths and Science
• Year 11 and Year 12 prequalification for University and TAFE courses.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the overhaul would raise standards and equip students for the jobs of the future.
“The NSW Government will be taking a back to basics approach to the curriculum. Literacy and numeracy will remain the focus throughout a student’s school experience,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are investing record amounts into education and the results need to match this. We need to make a change if we want NSW to improve by global standards.”
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said changes to the curriculum will ensure teachers have the time and support to teach the fundamentals, including maths, English and science.
“I want to see all our young people leaving school confident and equipped to succeed in life,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We want a curriculum that leaves no student behind while challenging students who are advancing faster than others.”
“We have listened to the experts when formulating the government response to the Curriculum Review – and I am confident that the changes we will implement will ensure that NSW remains one of the best places to educate our children for decades to come.”
Work to deliver the NSW Government’s new curriculum is already underway.
Facts and figures:

• Approximately 1.2 million students in Kindergarten to Year 12 attend 3100 schools and are taught by more than 100 000 in-school teaching staff.
• Consultation completed during the Curriculum Review found 98 per cent of teachers believed excess syllabus content was leading to diminished educational outcomes for students.
• NAPLAN results for NSW students have stagnated over the last decade.

More families will have access to preschool thanks to a new round of funding announced today, creating additional places in preschools for children on waitlists.
The NSW Government is continuing its commitment to increase access to preschool for communities across the state with another round of Start Strong Capital Works Grants for community preschools.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government understands that preschool is incredibly important to a child’s development and their performance later in their schooling.
“Not only are we helping cater to growing demand for more places in preschools with these grants, we’re also supporting jobs in the construction industry during this time of economic recovery,” Ms Mitchell said.
Eligible not-for-profit organisations can apply for funding to build, renovate or extend their facilities to deliver a community preschool, or purchase a vehicle for a mobile preschool to cater for increasing enrolments.
The NSW Government has committed $10 million in funding as part of the Start Strong Capital Works Grants program for 2020. This is an increase on the $8.3 million allocated in 2019.
Grant applications from not-for-profit community preschools and mobile preschools operating in areas of the state where there is a demonstrated shortage of places will be prioritised.
“This funding will ensure even more children in NSW have access to 600 hours of quality early childhood education in the year before school, giving them the social, cognitive and emotional skills to transition to school as well as benefiting them in the longer term,” Ms Mitchell said.
Grants are available in five categories, including: construction of a new centre based community preschool facility, extending an existing centre based community preschool facility, renovating existing or new premises for a centre based preschool, purchase of replacement vehicles for existing mobile preschools, and responding to crisis situations.
Applications can be submitted online from now until 23 August 2020. For more information, visit the Department of Education website at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/operating-an-early-childhood-education-service/grants-and-funded-programs/capital-works-grants

An Australian first collaboration between the NSW Government, AustCyber and Standards Australia has seen the creation of a task force charged with accelerating the adoption of industry standards for cyber security across Australia.
Made up of a cross-sector group of industry experts, including in defence, energy, health and financial services, at its first meeting today the task force agreed the focus should be:

• Improving the practice of cyber security across Australian businesses
• Harmonising baseline standards and providing clarity for sector-specific additional standards and guidance
• Enhancing competitiveness standards by sector for both supplier and consumers
• Providing greater interoperability
• Supporting Australian cyber security companies to seize opportunities and go global.

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the task force was another critical step in bolstering government’s cyber security defences and creating a strong cyber security ecosystem.
“We know that the current plethora of different security standards make it difficult for government and industry to know what they’re buying when it comes to cyber security,” Mr Dominello said.
“By bringing together industry to identify relevant standards and provide other practical guidance, we aim to make government more secure, whilst providing direction for industry to build their cyber resilience.
“This will realise our ambition for NSW to become the leading cyber security hub in the Southern Hemisphere.”
AustCyber CEO Michelle Price said trust in the digital infrastructure now driving Australia’s economy is at the core of Australia’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and cyber security functions as an insurance policy for a resilient economy.
“The economy’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has proven Australia can take leaps towards embedding digital technologies, but the quality of this digitisation and digitalisation along with its trustworthiness is now under immense pressure – and is obviously being targeted by malicious cyber actors,” she said.
“There is a risk underlying the speed of digital transformation in Australia, and the new standards will be critical in helping deliver a consistent, industry-focused framework for NSW. The newly established task force will help NSW businesses understand what they need to do to tackle the complex challenge of protecting against cyber attacks.
“This work will also provide a pilot for the rest of the country to enable rapid adoption of consistent, internationally harmonised cyber security standards and guidance. Cyber security is one of Australia’s most promising growth sectors and importantly protects our digital infrastructure and data.”
CEO of Standards Australia Adrian O’Connell said the cyber task force is an exciting opportunity to strengthen cyber security across the board.
“Standards Australia looks forward to working alongside the NSW Government, AustCyber and the members of the task force in providing information around technical guidance and promoting industry backed security practices through the use of standards,” Mr O’Connell said.
The task force creation follows the NSW Government’s record $240 million investment in the cyber industry last week

The NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program is on track to reach its target of creating opportunities for 30,000 jobs in half the time originally anticipated.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced a further 19 planning projects that will have their assessments fast-tracked through the program, which, if approved, will see the State reach its jobs target in three months instead of six.
“When we approve projects, we create jobs; it’s as simple as that,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“If approved, this latest tranche of projects will see $4.7 billion invested in our State and deliver almost 15,000 jobs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Projects in the third tranche of the program include an over-station development at Sydney Metro Victoria Cross, a new solar farm, a new school in Camden, affordable housing in Gosford, and a land release in Yass Valley that will allow more than 5,000 new homes to be built.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said getting shovel-ready projects out the door as fast as possible is helping NSW rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So far this program has unlocked $1 billion of economic investment a week – far surpassing any other State’s planning acceleration programs,” Mr Stokes said.
To date, 48 major projects have had their assessments finalised through the program, which has created opportunities for more than 25,000 jobs, $13 billion in economic benefit, more than 8,000 new homes and more than 2 million square metres of open space, parks and land for environmental conservation.
“We’re establishing a new normal for the NSW planning system, with faster decision making and simpler processes. And with local councils now following our lead with their own acceleration programs, NSW will remain the pounding heart of the Australian economy.”
To be considered for a fast-tracked assessment through the Planning System
Acceleration Program, a development application (DA) or rezoning must already be in the State’s system, deliver a public benefit, demonstrate an ability to create jobs during construction and once complete, be able to commence construction within six months (for a State Significant Development application or State Significant Infrastructure application) or allow a DA to be lodged within six months (for a rezoning).
Decisions on projects in Tranche 3 of the Planning System Acceleration Program will be made by 17 July 2020.
For more information visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/fast-tracked-assessment

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott today welcomed 159 new probationary constables to the ranks of the NSW Police Force following a private attestation ceremony at the Goulburn training academy.
Mr Elliott said the brave men and women of Class 341, who will soon be assigned to Police Districts and Area Commands across the State, have completed their training during extraordinary times.
“These recruits join the strong police family of more than 17,000 officers at a significant time as state continues to face a global pandemic,” Mr Elliott said.
“I wish every single recruit my best wishes as they take their oath to proudly serve the community in what will be a rewarding yet challenging career. We owe each of them the greatest amount of respect and gratitude for their commitment to put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe.”
“One student in particular, David Silburn, was originally part of Class 340, but was seriously burned during the horrific bushfires in January as a RFS volunteer. He returned to complete his training and attests today, a testament of his resilience and courage.”
“Due to the current social distancing rules, these recruits have not had the send-off they deserve. I’m working with the Commissioner to ensure that all the recruits who attest during the COVID-19 period will be celebrated and honoured once restrictions ease further.”
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mick Fuller welcomed the 159 new recruits into the policing family.
“Our newest police officers come to a career in policing at a significant time. We are still in recovery from the recent drought and bushfires and still staring down the threat of COVID-19.
“They are a welcome addition to police area commands and police districts across the state and to the community of New South Wales,” Commissioner Fuller said.
Class 341 comprises 42 female and 117 male officers, 41.5 percent are aged between 21 and 25, and six of the recruits are joining the police force aged over 40.
Significantly, 19 recruits were born overseas in countries including Wales, New Zealand, Lebanon and Nepal, reflecting the diverse communities they will serve. Four recruits are Indigenous with one coming through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program.
The NSW Government has invested $583 million to introduce 1,500 extra police over the next four years, the biggest investment in police for more than 30 years.

Opal fares will change from July 6, including a temporary 50 per cent discount for off-peak travel on bus, train, metro and light rail services to help manage social distancing measures and keep staff and customers safe on public transport.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance said customers are encouraged to take advantage of the off-peak incentive to help stagger essential travel on the public transport network as COVID-19 restrictions ease and patronage steadily increases.
“The vast majority of commuters will benefit from these changes with either cheaper travel or no change to their fares. A third of commuters will save an average of $3.60 a week based on current travel patterns,” Mr Constance said.
“We’ve waived the usual CPI increase and have rejected recommendations by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to increase Opal fares by 20 per cent over four year.”
New peak travel times will be introduced from July 6:

• 6:30am–10am on Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro, light rail and bus (currently 7am-9am)
• 6am-10am on Intercity Trains (currently 6am-8am)
• 3pm-7pm on Sydney Trains, Intercity Trains, Sydney Metro, light rail and bus (currently 4pm-6:30pm)

Travel outside these times will be eligible for the 50 per cent fare discount. This is the first time bus and light rail commuters will benefit from off-peak fares.
The 50 per cent off-peak discount will remain for 3 months, then a permanent 30 per cent discount for off-peak travel will be introduced on bus and light rail, which is in line with current off-peak fares for train and metro.
A new $8.05 all day travel cap will be introduced on Saturday and Sunday. This is to help spread weekend public transport loads and encourage people to enjoy capped public transport travel on Saturday as well as Sunday.
Fares for bus and light rail peak journeys between 0-3 kilometres will be increased, to encourage people to walk or cycle for short distances or travel off peak. All other fares will either remain at current levels or reduce by the off-peak discount.
Existing Opal benefits remain the same, including:

• The $2 transfer discount,
• The daily cap of $16.10 ($8 concession),
• $50 weekly travel caps ($25 concession),
• Half price trips after eight journeys in a week,
• $2.50 unlimited travel for Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card holders.

“We want everyone to remember they have a role to play in making the public transport network as safe as possible. Our frontline transport staff have been doing an amazing job during this unprecedented time and we urge customers to keep showing them their respect and understanding,” Mr Constance said.
Journey examples:

Adult one way fares		Peak		Off-peak
Journey	Mode	Current price	New price	Current price	New price
Penrith to Town Hall	Train	$6.89	$6.89	$4.82	$3.44
Kellyville to Chatswood	Metro	$5.15	$5.15	$3.60	$2.57
Redfern to Martin Place	Train	$3.61	$3.61	$2.52	$1.80
Blacktown to Baulkham Hills	Bus	$4.80	$4.80	$4.80	$2.40
Broadway to Central	Bus	$2.24	$3.20	$2.24	$1.60
Central to Star City Casino	Light Rail	$2.24	$3.20	$2.24	$1.60
Rose Bay to Circular Quay	Ferry	$6.12	$6.12	$6.12	$6.12

 

	Fare band	Peak travel		Off-peak travel
		Current Adult fares	Adult fares from 6 July	Current Adult fares	Adult fares from 6 July
Train and Metro
0-10 km		$3.61	$3.61	$2.52	$1.80
10-20 km		$4.48	$4.48	$3.13	$2.24
20-35 km		$5.15	$5.15	$3.60	$2.57
35-65 km		$6.89	$6.89	$4.82	$3.44
65+ km		$8.86	$8.86	$6.20	$4.43
Bus
0-3 km		$2.24	$3.20	$2.24	$1.60
3-8 km		$3.73	$3.73	$3.73	$1.86
8+ km		$4.80	$4.80	$4.80	$2.40
Light rail
0-3 km		$2.24	$3.20	$2.24	$1.60
3-8 km		$3.73	$3.73	$3.73	$1.86
8+ km		$4.80	$4.80	$4.80	$2.40
Ferries
0-9 km		$6.12	$6.12	$6.12	$6.12
9+ km		$7.65	$7.65	$7.65	$7.65

Police have charged two men after they allegedly held a tenant against his will when he was unable to pay his rent due to the COVID crisis.
Officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command have been told the tenant and a friend arrived at a rental property on Clifton Reserve, Surry Hills, about 3.30pm on Wednesday (17 June 2020), and were met by the property owner and another man.
The tenant, a 24-year-old man, told police he owed back-rent after getting into financial difficulties due to the COVID crisis, but believed he’d negotiated a payment plan with the property owner.
The tenant was met at the property by the two men who, police allege, threatened then assaulted him and prevented him from leaving the premises until he’d paid the outstanding rent in full.
After the tenant transferred funds, he and his friend were allowed to leave. They went immediately to Surry Hills Police Station and reported the incident.
Following inquiries, a 56-year-old man – who police allege is the property owner – was arrested about 10.30pm (Wednesday 17 June 2020), at Surry Hills Police Station where he was charged with detain person for advantage.
He was refused bail overnight and appeared in Central Local Court yesterday (Thursday 18 June 2020), where he was conditionally bailed to appear in the Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday 13 August 2020
A 57-year-old man was arrested when he presented himself to Surry Hills Police Station about 5pm yesterday; he has now been charged with take/detain in company with intent to obtain advantage occasioning actual bodily harm.
He has been refused bail to appear in Central Local Court later today (Friday 19 June 2020).