Category: NSW News

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).

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) has seized 14 illegal firearms and arrested three men over their alleged involvement in the supply of firearms in Sydney’s south-west.
Earlier this year, members of the NSW JCTT – comprising the Australian Federal Police (AFP), NSW Police Force (NSWPF), the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, and the NSW Crime Commission – received information relating to a group with possible access to illegal firearms and members with suspected extremist ideology.
Operation Bouwel was subsequently commenced to investigate the group’s involvement in the acquirement and supply of firearms and explosives.
During the course of the investigation, the JCTT seized 11 firearms, including four SKS rifles (two of which were semi-automatic), a Taurus 9mm pistol .45 calibre self-loading pistol, a .45 calibre handgun, a semi-automatic .22 calibre rifle with silencer, a semi-automatic M1 carbine, and a pump-action shotgun.
Investigators also seized two banana magazines and more than 500 rounds of ammunition (various calibres).
Following extensive inquiries, Operation Bouwel investigators, with the assistance of the Tactical Operations Unit, the Public Order and Riot Squad and South West Metropolitan Operations Support Group, executed five search warrants and conducted three Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) searches across south west Sydney from 9.30am today (Friday 19 June 2020).
Three men – aged 26, 29, and 30 – were arrested and taken to Bankstown Police Station, where they are in the process of being charged.
During the arrest of the 29-year-old man, police seized a further three firearms – an MK5 rifle, a Berretta 9mm pistol, and a 9mm mini-Glock pistol.
All of the firearms will undergo extensive forensic and ballistic examination.
Charge details and bail/court information will be provided when it comes to hand.
Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.

The NSW Government will invest a record $1.6 billion into its Digital Restart Fund to make the State the digital capital of the southern hemisphere.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the landmark funding would enable the Government to turbocharge digital projects that make life easier for people.
“We are leading the country on digital transformation and this investment will cement our reputation as a world leader in technology and innovation,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are already using technology to make life easier for customers. Whether it’s the Digital Driver Licence, Energy Switch or Park’nPay, our digital products provide added choice and convenience.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding is a game changer and will make NSW the envy of the southern hemisphere.
“This record investment in technology recognises that digital infrastructure is as important as transport infrastructure to the State’s economic growth,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We must be fast followers in the Digital Revolution to accelerate agility, lift productivity and generate the jobs of tomorrow.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the funding includes $240 million to bolster the Government’s cyber security capability and create a world leading cyber industry.
“This is the biggest single cyber security investment in national history, and will strengthen the Government’s capacity to detect and respond to the fast moving cyber threat landscape,” Mr Dominello said.
“We are leading the nation on bricks and mortar infrastructure and this historic investment will positon us to develop a world leading cyber security industry and be a jobs hub for this critical multi-billion-dollar sector.”
The Cyber Security funding will go towards protecting existing systems, deploying new technologies and increasing our cyber workforce.
The funding will include:

• $240 million commitment to enhance the Government’s cyber security capability;
• Providing more government services online and via Service NSW; and
• Improving the digital experience across agencies, including in education and health.

The NSW Government today re-iterated its commitment to creating jobs for the tens of thousands of people unemployed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Latest jobs data released by the ABS shows the unemployment rate in NSW has risen from 6.3 to 6.4 per cent – from a low of 4.5 in January this year.
The Australian unemployment rate is 7.1 per cent as about 228,000 people across the country lost their jobs in May with 43,900 of these in NSW.
The NSW participation rate, that is the number of people employed or actively seeking employment, has fallen by 0.7 percentage points in May, which has cushioned the rise in the state’s actual unemployment rate.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Jobs Stuart Ayers said the Government had committed more than $13.6 billion in health and economic stimulus measures in the past three months to support people, businesses and communities and help create jobs.
“These are again sobering unemployment numbers and show why creating jobs has been the very highest priority for the Government at this time,” Mr Perrottet said.
“There is no more important purpose than ensuring people have a job as we move from response to the recovery phase of the pandemic. This will not only help people and their families but will benefit the wider community through direct spending.”
Mr Ayres said the focus is on returning people safely to work as well as creating new jobs with major infrastructure projects getting underway faster including the $750 million redevelopment of the Sydney Fish Market and Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport line.
“The rolling back of COVID restrictions will help restore jobs in the hard hit services sector and our $3 billion fast tracked infrastructure program will support the return of jobs in the construction sector.”
“Just last week we also announced a major industrial precinct on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney Airport, which will provide a huge jobs boost in that region in coming years.”
The $2.6 billion Mamre Road Precinct was one of 24 projects included in Tranche 2 of the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program that is fast-tracking planning assessments.
“Now more than ever we need to pull together to create jobs for those hit hard by the pandemic,” Mr Perrottet said.