Category: NSW News

Commuters will benefit from a faster travel time and more space on Sydney Light Rail, with more than 810 extra services added to the L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford Lines.
There are now an additional 518 services a week, on top of the 294 services added on 18 May. Service frequency has also increased with services around every 4 minutes between Circular Quay and Moore Park and around every 8 minutes in the South East, between 7am – 7pm weekdays.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the new timetable will deliver end-to-end journey time benefits.
“Since the L3 Kingsford Line opened to customers on 3 April, we have used the quieter than normal period to make improvements to traffic signal phasing and the infrastructure and systems in place,” Mr Constance said.
“Since April, we’ve seen end-to-end journey times of around 38-40 minutes for both the L2 and L3 Lines.
“As the new timetable is bedded in, we will see further improvements to the end-to-end journey time with services running around 38 minutes on the L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford Lines.”
The new timetable will provide another 26,900 spaces each week, supporting people returning to jobs and school while allowing for safe physical distance.
“There is also free temporary event-style parking at Moore Park, where people can drive then jump on a light rail into the city,” Mr Constance said.
On the L1 Dulwich Hill Line, a further 55 services have been temporarily added between 10am and 3pm to provide a consistent 10min service on weekdays.
For COVID-19 travel advice and to plan your journey, visit transportnsw.info

Businesses will be able to check, test and promote their COVID Safe credentials with the launch of the NSW Government’s online COVID Safe Check.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the online tool would help businesses get back to work safely.
“With the recent easing of restrictions thousands of businesses are reopening their doors and welcoming back customers,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We have put industry specific information under the one roof, including downloadable badges for businesses with COVID Safe plans to display in their premises, so customers know they have the tick of approval.
“Customers can also use the tool to provide feedback in real-time. Feedback is sent to the business and, if necessary, to the regulator for action.”
Mr Dominello said the tool is simple to use, with more than 8,000 businesses having already downloaded a COVID Safety Plan template, which is stage one of the process and already available.
“Businesses need to complete three easy steps – visit nsw.gov.au, go through industry specific guidance, and register and download materials,” Mr Dominello said.
“Businesses will be told what they need to do to be COVID Safe. This may include physical distancing, cleaning and record keeping requirements. Once businesses have completed the above steps and finalised their COVID Safe plan they will be able to complete an online self-declaration.
“Businesses will also be provided with advice on how to integrate their COVID Safe status with Google Maps, giving customers a bird’s-eye view of COVID Safe businesses when searching online. This gives them peace of mind and an incentive for businesses to register.”
The COVID Safe Check will go live today and will be available at www.nsw.gov.au

Hundreds of people experiencing homelessness will be supported through the new $36 million Together Home project, which will deliver the largest housing response dedicated to rough sleepers in NSW history.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the project would change the lives of people who have experienced rough sleeping, including people with highly complex needs, by rapidly securing them homes from the private rental market and wrapping essential support services around them.
“Throughout the COVID-19 response we’ve worked hard to keep rough sleepers safe. Now we’re working to get them into homes with the support they need to rebuild their lives,” Mr Ward said.
“This is the largest single investment made to tackle rough sleeping in NSW. The response will be intensive and pack many months’ of work into just weeks, as we strive to transition people from temporary accommodation into secure housing.”
Together Home will be a partnership between the NSW Government, Community Housing Providers, Specialist Homelessness Services and health services.
The package of support is designed to help get people off the streets for good. It will provide access to the services people need to maintain their tenancy, improve their health and wellbeing and move towards training and employment.
Homelessness NSW CEO Katherine McKernan said a housing-first model is critical to providing stability for rough sleepers, and things like case management, drug and alcohol services and mental health support are so important.
“The sector has worked hard in recent months to get to this point and this additional funding will provide the critical next step to help secure housing and the supports people need to sustain tenancies,” Ms McKernan said.
The project builds on the NSW Government’s response to COVID-19, which included increasing the supply and flexibility of temporary accommodation and the expansion of assertive outreach across the state.

Netball NSW welcomes today’s announcement from Sport’s Minister Geoff Lee that all community sport will return from July 1.
With over 115,000 participants across the state this development is not only vital to their health and well-being, but also to that of the local communities which are served by our Clubs and Associations.
Netball NSW would like to take this opportunity to thank the thousands of hardworking volunteer coaches, team managers and administrators across the state who have kept the game alive in the greatest challenge it has known.
We would also like to thank our Board, staff, corporate partners, media and all stakeholders who are highlighting the challenges community sport faces at this time as a result of the Covid19 pandemic.
While today’s news is a very welcome development it is important to note that road to recovery will be long and arduous.
It is vital that the NSW Government follows the lead of other States and Territories across Australia and provides a community sport assistance package to ensure no-one gets left behind.
The role that community sport will play in Australia’s emergence from the Covid19 Pandemic cannot be understated. Community sport provides a safe outlet which promotes health, well-being, teamwork and responsibility. These are all elements which bring communities together and create a better State in which to live.
With the Premier recently announcing the reallocation of the $800 million ANZ Stadium redevelopment fund to reboot the State’s economy, it is imperative that community sport is made a priority.
It is the grassroots, not billion-dollar TV-funded elite codes, which will ensure sport’s survival. They cannot be forgotten.

The outstanding contributions to our community by NSW Liberal Party members were recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
The Hon Tony Abbott has been recognised with the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his eminent service to the people and Parliament of Australia, particularly as Prime Minister, and his significant contributions to trade, border control, and to the Indigenous community.
Tony represented the people of Warringah for a quarter of a century, and has contributed to Australian public debate and discourse for even longer. Whether as the Member of Parliament, a Cabinet Minister in the Howard Government, Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party and the 28th Prime Minister of Australia, Tony’s deep commitment to public service and his determination to protect and advance the Australian way of life were unwavering.
The Hon Mike Baird has been made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to the people and Parliament of New South Wales, particularly as Premier, and to the community. Following his election as Member for Manly in 2007, Mike was appointed to the Shadow Ministry, serving in a number of portfolios including Finance and Treasury. After the 2011 landslide election victory, he served as the Treasurer before being elected Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party and sworn in as the 44th Premier of New South Wales in 2014. Mike led the Liberal Party to victory at the 2015 state election, and served as Premier until his retirement from parliament in 2017. He was made a Life Member of the Liberal Party of Australia the same year.
The Hon Bronwyn Bishop has been made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the Parliament of Australia, to the people of New South Wales, and to women in politics. Bronwyn is one of only a few people to have represented the people of this state in the Senate and the House of Representatives, as the Member for Mackellar. In her parliamentary career spanning almost three decades, Bronwyn served as a Shadow Minister, a Minister in the Howard Government and as Speaker of the House Representatives. A Member of the Liberal Party for some 60 years, Bronwyn has served in a range of elected positions, including as Metropolitan Vice-President from 1982 to 1985 and State President of our Division from 1985 to 1987.
The Hon Philip Ruddock has also been made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to the people and Parliament of Australia, and to local government. During a parliamentary career of more than four decades, Philip served as a Shadow Minister, a Cabinet Minister in the Howard Government and later, as Chief Government Whip in the Abbott Government. At the time of his retirement from federal politics, Philip was the ‘Father of the Parliament’ and remains the second longest serving Member of the Australian Parliament since Federation.
Philip has continued to serve his local community, as the popularly elected Mayor of Hornsby Shire Council. Also a Member of the Liberal Party for some 60 years, Philip was President of the NSW Young Liberal Movement, Federal Chair of the Young Liberal Movement of Australia, and has been the State President of the NSW Division since 2018.
The work of NSW Liberal Party’s Country Vice President Aileen MacDonald was also recognised with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to the community of Guyra. Her award recognises years of dedicated service to her local community, organisations like the Rotary Club and the local Chamber of Commerce, and for the Liberal Party.
NSW Liberal Party State Director, Chris Stone, congratulated the recipients on behalf of all Party members.
“We owe a great debt of gratitude to Tony, Mike, Bronwyn, Philip and Aileen for their service. Their membership of our great Party, and immeasurable contribution to its continued success, is a particular point of pride for all of us,” said Mr Stone.
“We would like to offer our sincere congratulations to them and all other Australians whose outstanding service to our state and our nation have earned them recognition in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.”

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the state’s focus on job creation in its economic response to COVID-19 was the right approach to recovering from Australia’s first recession in almost thirty years.
National account figures out yesterday indicated consumer and business confidence had fallen to their lowest levels on record, reflecting the combined impacts of the drought and bushfires, as well as the beginning of COVID-19 social distancing and travel restrictions. In NSW, ABS data showed NSW state final demand (SFD) fell by -1.5 per cent in the March quarter, the weakest result in 20 years.
Mr Perrottet said the figures were worrying but not unexpected given the impact the pandemic has had on spending, with household consumption down 1.6 per cent, partly offset by a 1.8 per cent increase in government financial support.
“Right from the start of this pandemic, we’ve said we’ve got to keep our infrastructure projects moving and keep people in jobs and businesses in business,” Mr Perrottet said. “That’s why our pipeline has increased to over $100 billion and this will be an infrastructure led recovery.”
“We’ve allocated almost $11 billion in self-funded stimulus support measures – more than any other state – and we’re committed to supporting projects that create jobs across NSW.”
Mr Perrottet said figures for the next quarter are unlikely to be much better and the end of the Federal Government’s JobKeeper program in September is likely to see a further increase in unemployment.
“When hundreds of thousands of people are losing their jobs, we need to divert every dollar to create many more jobs through stimulus programs.”
“That’s why we need to hit the pause button on public sector pay rises so that we can get thousands of people off the Centrelink queues and back to work.”
“Household saving increases during times of crisis and a pay-rise would only boost that. What we really need right now is more jobs, jobs, jobs.”
“The only people who are unaware we are in a pandemic-induced recession is the NSW Labor party and they need to get with the program or get out of the way.”
The GDP result is expected to be just the start of bleak economic figures for the country, with the next set of national accounts figures due out in September.

Travellers are being urged to plan ahead, allow extra journey time and stay safe this Queen’s Birthday long weekend with NSW reopened for regional travel.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the long weekend is an opportunity for people to get away with family and friends, but the safety of the community must come first.
“This is the first time many people have been able to travel across the State since COVID-19 restrictions were introduced in March,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Anyone who is thinking of travelling this long weekend must plan ahead and follow health advice about physical distancing and personal hygiene.
“Our state has so much to offer and there is nowhere better to take a break right now but we are urging everyone to do so safely.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said with the increased number of people moving around, there is an increased risk on our roads.
“We have seen an increase of around 6.3 per cent across Sydney’s road network and 5.9 per cent across our regions since last week, and this is expected to increase further with restrictions easing,” Mr Constance said.
“I urge drivers to allow for extra travel time and plan ahead at livetraffic.com or by using the Live Traffic apps.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said it was important everyone obey the road rules.
“Most people have not travelled long distances in a while, so please remember to stick to the speed limit, take breaks to avoid fatigue, and if you’ve been drinking do no not get behind the wheel,” Mr Toole said.
“We want everyone to arrive at their destination safely – whether you’re the driver, passenger, rider or pedestrian, every decision you make on the road matters.”
Minister for Police David Elliott reminded drivers that dangerous behaviour on our roads will not be tolerated.
“Double demerits will apply from 12.01am on Friday 5 June until 11.59pm on Monday June 8 for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences across the long weekend,” Mr Elliott said.
“Additionally, Friday the 5^th of June is also a gazetted school day so be mindful of children around those areas and also be aware that double demerit points will apply to relevant school zone offences too.”
Extra precautions would remain on the public transport network over the long weekend, with more services added to some busy routes in metropolitan areas.
An increase in regional public transport use is also expected for the holiday weekend.

The NSW Government has delivered on its promise to restore public confidence in the building industry by successfully passing the Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019.
Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson said the much-needed reforms, passed by Parliament today, mark the start of a new era in the design and construction of buildings in NSW.
“The NSW Government has a no nonsense approach to achieving and maintaining best practice regulation across all of the industries that it regulates, and the building sector is no exception,” Mr Anderson said.
“This Bill is all about putting consumers first by giving those entering the property market peace of mind that their home will be expertly designed and built in compliance with the Australian Building Codes.”
The Minister said the Bill, developed through extensive consultation with industry stakeholders and the public, will ensure NSW has a leading system of design and building regulation that delivers well-constructed buildings into the future.
“The passing of the Bill is a huge step forward in the rebuilding the construction sector into a transparent, accountable, customer-centric industry that consumers deserve,” Mr Anderson said.
“Owners of apartment buildings with defects will benefit immediately from the statutory duty of care that applies to all new buildings and those less than ten years old.”
Also introduced to NSW Parliament this week is the Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Bill 2020, boosting the Building Commissioner’s power to stop dodgy builders and developers in their tracks.
The NSW Building Commissioner, David Chandler OAM, will be leading the regulator’s implementation of both Bills, through an expert team of up to 60 new staff who will undertake increased investigation, audit and compliance activities.
“Combined, these two Bills put the interests of consumers first and show that the Government is serious about lifting the standard of work across the building and construction sector,” Mr Chandler said.
“The laws will give my team a broad range of powers, including the ability to issue stop work orders, prevent strata plan registration and occupation certificates, and to issue hefty fines for those doing the wrong thing.”
The two pieces of legislation forms one part of the NSW Government’s comprehensive six part reform agenda to lift standards and accountability in the building sector.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott today welcomed the latest quarterly report by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) which shows the majority of crime categories have remained stable.
Mr Elliott said the BOCSAR report shows that 13 out of the 17 major crime categories remained stable over the 24 months to March 2020.
“NSW Police officers dedicate their lives to the safety and protection of the community and I thank them for their tireless efforts to keep crime rates low,” Mr Elliott said.
“We are delivering 1500 new police – the biggest single increase for the NSW Police Force in more than 30 years – as part of a record investment to bolster police numbers and increase crime fighting capability.
“The community can rest assured that we have a record number of police on the beat conducting increased Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) checks as part of our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.
“In this first quarter of 2020, police conducted an additional 3,684 checks compared to the previous year.”
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the spike in reported domestic violence assault and sexual assault was concerning, but could also reflect increased proactive policing and the willingness of victims to report abuse.
“Police are on the front foot targeting high risk domestic violence offenders more than ever to ensure offenders are held accountable and victims are kept safe,” Mr Speakman said.
“At the same time, the NSW and Federal Governments have together invested more than $21 million in frontline domestic violence services and other supports so that when a victim is ready to report abuse, they can be confident that help is available.”
Three categories showed an increase: the number of recorded domestic assaults (up 4.1 per cent), the number of sexual assaults (7.9 per cent), and the number of incidents of robbery with a weapon not a firearm (up 10.5 per cent). Steal from person trended down, showing a 10.4 per cent decrease.
The 13 major crime categories that remained stable are:

• Murder;
• Non-domestic violence related assault;
• Indecent assault, act of indecency and other sexual offences;
• Robbery with a firearm;
• Robbery without a weapon;
• Break and enter dwelling;
• Break and enter non-dwelling;
• Motor vehicle theft;
• Steal from motor-vehicle;
• Steal from retain store;
• ·Steal from dwelling;
• Fraud; and
• Malicious damage to property.

For more information go to www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au.

Gymnasiums, yoga, indoor pools and dance studios can reopen within a fortnight and kids’ sport can resume across NSW from 1 July, as more COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro has thanked the community for its patience while the Government works through its COVID-19 recovery plan that is built around health advice.
“I’m proud of this State for following the health advice and flattening the curve to such a point, where we can now re-introduce kids’ sports and open gyms,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Sport and exercise boosts morale and this is exactly what NSW needs right now.”
From 13 June, the following will be allowed:

• Fitness, gymnasiums, pilates, yoga and dance studios can reopen with up to 10 people per class and 100 people in an indoor venue;
• Community centres, including their recreational facilities can reopen;
• Some indoor recreational facilities including pools and saunas can also reopen with restricted numbers;
• Tattoo and massage parlours can reopen with up to 10 clients

The four square metre rule must be applied at all times.
Community sport competitions can restart for those aged 18 years and under from 1 July.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said COVID-19 safety plans for each activity or sport are critical to enable this re-start.
“Sport and businesses will need to do things a little differently than in pre-COVID-19 times and following their safety plan is key to keeping people safe,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Re-opening kids’ sporting competitions on 1 July gives groups and local government which manages many of these facilities, time to work through all the new changes.”
Acting Minister for Sport, Geoff Lee said indoor and outdoor community sports for those aged 18 years and under are ready to return from 1 July.
“Children and young people will be thrilled they can get together with friends and teammates again and I am sure parents will welcome the news too,” Mr Lee said.
“NSW loves sport, and I am so pleased clubs and organisations will now be able to plan their fixtures list for their seasons to resume.”
A decision on a potential return date for adult community sport will be made at a later stage.