Category: NSW News

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.

More than 3,300 extra services will be added to the public transport network across Sydney to temporarily increase capacity for physical distancing and provide more options for customers.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said extra weekly services will be added to the network from today to help customers continue to make smart travel choices and practice physical distancing on all modes.
“Transport for NSW is being more proactive and adaptable to provide customers with more information and options throughout the day to help flatten the peak travel curve,” Mr Constance said.
“Looking at the data, it is clear the majority of people have listened and made smart travel choices so far and we thank them for this. However, there has been a slight increase in peak hour travel in the past two weeks and we don’t want to see that continuing.
“Transport for NSW is adding more than 3,300 extra weekly services to buses and trains to temporarily provide more capacity on the network.
“We have already added almost 800 extra weekly services across STA buses and light rail in the last month.
“This next step in the COVIDSafe Transport Plan will see 100,000 extra spaces across the network each week to support people returning to jobs and kids getting back to school.”
Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said the majority of extra services have been designed to increase capacity outside the traditional peak where they are needed most.
“Based on current physical distancing requirements, these extra services will help provide more than 59,000 extra spaces on trains and more than 37,000 extra spaces on buses across each week,” Mr Collins said.
“Tradies, health care workers, shift workers and school kids need to travel at specific times of the day which is why we have targeted some of these extra services for them.
“Our strong advice remains that if you are not already using public transport during the peak times, please do not start now.”
Mr Constance said the new extra services will give people even more options to travel outside the peak.
“Please also look to drive, walk or cycle whenever you can and continue to working flexibly if possible.”
“Our Marshalling Response and Support Teams are helping customers move safely across the network. Increased cleaning is also continuing across all modes, with buses and trains now being cleaned up four times a day.”
“Our customers have done a great job so far but we need them to keep working with us in the coming weeks and months as we get through this together.”
Breakdown of the extra temporary services:

• Buses: more than 3100 weekly services
• Sydney Trains: more than 250 weekly services

Netball NSW is disappointed by the announcement from NSW Sports Minister Geoff Lee today regarding the return of community sport as Covid19 restrictions continue to be eased across the state.
Since the Covid19 Pandemic began our netball community at all levels has played a huge role in the collective national effort to put those most in need first, but today’s announcement goes no-where near far enough to ensure community sport itself does not fall victim to the national emergency.
Community sport includes the whole community. Not just those under 18 years of age. Senior players are the backbone of clubs, associations and competitions everywhere. They are the coaches, managers, umpires and administrators. If they can’t participate, all sport – not just netball – is in jeopardy.
Netball NSW has been proactive in working with stakeholders, including our valued clubs and associations, to ensure safe and innovative approaches are taken to competitions in 2020. The organisation has also offered to make itself available to meet with the Health Minister and Chief Medical Officer but is yet to receive a response.
It is unfathomable that as shopping centres start to look like it’s Christmas Eve, and pubs can allow up to 50 people, adults can’t participate in sport.
Netball is not alone in this battle. There are many sporting organisations on the brink of insolvency who may now have to refund every dollar to senior players. It is a financial disaster for community sport.
All sports need financial recovery assistance urgently. The State Government requested, and received, detailed financial information eight weeks ago, but no progress has been made.
It is very important to note that Netball NSW is not in the business of profit to pay huge wages of a tiny minority of elite athletes at the pointy end. Our elite and community games share a deep bond, as last week’s letter to the Premier highlighted.
As a non-profit organisation for over nine decades, every cent is counted and spent to ensure a better outcome for netball as a whole. Thanks to that the game has provided a safe outlet to promote well being and team work.
Without senior players and officials, the whole netball ecosystem cannot function. What we need most of all is a return date for these key partners in our game.
We urge Minister Lee to address this matter immediately. Failure to do so will be detrimental to everyday sport participants across the state.

The NSW Government has announced a new $3 billion acceleration fund to go towards job-creating projects, increasing the Government’s infrastructure pipeline to a guaranteed $100 billion.
The new $3 billion Infrastructure and Job Acceleration Fund will be used for smaller, shovel-ready projects touching every corner of the state, injecting up to an extra 20 thousand jobs back into the NSW workforce.
The Government will no longer proceed with the refurbishment of Stadium Australia, redirecting around $800 million towards the new fund for job-creating infrastructure projects.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said infrastructure would provide a path to employment, and economic recovery, firing up the economy.
“This guaranteed pipeline of $100 billion will be our best chance supporting the hundreds of thousands of people who have already lost their jobs in NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are now not only guaranteeing our infrastructure pipeline, we will be looking for opportunities to fast-track projects to provide jobs as early as we can.
The Government said the Stadium Australia rebuild was a sensible project backed by the people of NSW at last year’s election, but in the current health and economic climate it no longer makes sense.
The promised Parramatta Powerhouse museum will still be delivered through the infrastructure pipeline.
This project alone will create more than 1,100 construction jobs in Western Sydney, 2,400 indirect jobs, and keep hundreds employed once it opens. The Government is also looking at options to support the Arts community at Ultimo.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the fast-tracking of projects would support jobs across the entire State and the Government was in the process of identifying them.
“The communities of NSW have been through an incredibly tough period with continued drought, horrific bushfires and now COVID-19 and the best path to recovery  is creating jobs,” Mr Barilaro said.
“An unprecedented crisis calls for an unprecedented recovery and redirecting funding from Stadium Australia to job-creating infrastructure builds is the right thing to do for the people of NSW.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the clear advice from the Reserve Bank of Australia was that governments should do everything they can to create jobs and stimulate the  economy as we emerge from the shadow of COVID-19.
“With around 500,000 people out of work in NSW we are focused on creating as many jobs as possible to shorten the lines outside of Centrelink,” Mr Perrottet said.
“NSW was an infrastructure led economy heading in to the pandemic, and now we will help drive the State forward by creating more jobs for the people who have been hit hardest with an infrastructure led recovery coming out.”