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A new purpose-built generative artificial intelligence (AI) app designed by the NSW Department of Education will begin to be trialled this term in 16 NSW public schools.

The app, called NSWEduChat, is built for use in education and suitable for school-aged children, unlike many commercially available AI apps.

Designed to be safe and ethical for use in schools, NSWEduChat is also directly relevant and appropriate for NSW classrooms, in line with key principles outlined in the Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools, which all Education Ministers agreed to in October.  

Staff and students from 16 NSW public schools – 10 high schools, four primary schools, one School for Specific Purposes and one Environmental Education Centre – will participate in the trial of NSWEduChat over the first two terms of 2024.

Teachers will decide how they use the tool in their classrooms and students will also have access to the app via the department’s student portal.

Trial participants will receive assistance and support from subject matter experts, professional learning and technical resources and a virtual staffroom. 

The trial will be monitored and reviewed with the results to help inform the future direction of AI in NSW public schools. 

Key safety and security features of the app include: 

Data security

• The app is privately secured which ensures data is controlled by, and only visible to, the department. This safeguards against potential breaches of data security and privacy issues associated with the use of publicly available generative AI apps.
• Department control of NSWEduChat app means that the responses generated are aligned with NSW and Australian curriculums and the department’s values and policies.

Embedded safeguards

• The app only responds to students’ questions that relate to school activities and education-related topics and uses content filtering and topic restriction. It has embedded safeguards to monitor and remove inappropriate content.
• It does not reveal full answers to students. NSWEduChat encourages critical thinking by asking guided questions and inviting students to reason on the outcome of their questions, instead of providing direct answers.
• It also provides higher-quality, more accurate support for free that is currently only available through premium-paid AI tools. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Generative AI is rapidly evolving and offers both challenges and opportunities – and, like many sectors, education is already seeing the impact of new AI tools and practices. 

“As one of the world’s largest providers of public education, I’m proud that NSW has developed NSWEduChat, a safe and secure tool with great potential to enhance learning and give students valuable hands-on experience with this game-changing technology.

“This trial is an important first step in safely navigating generative AI for use in schools, while upholding safety, security and best practice for our students and teachers.”

The NSW Government continues to engage with GPs and stakeholders as it finds a solution to payroll tax issues.

The NSW Government has not imposed additional payroll tax obligations on GPs and GP practices.

In August 2023, following uncertainty in the sector and engagement with practices, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP), the NSW Labor Government legislated a 12-month pause to payroll tax audits on GPs.

It also brought in a 12-month pause on tax penalties and interest accrued on outstanding payroll tax debts.

In 2018, the Chief Commissioner of State Revenue issued a payroll tax assessment to a clinic concerning payroll tax. That assessment was the subject of legal challenges through to 2022.

The 12-month pause also gave time to see the impact of the increase in funding to Medicare rebates by the Federal Labor Government.

Recent Medicare data shows an uptick in bulk-billing rates in NSW, bringing optimism about the relief of cost pressures to the sector.

When the 12-month pause was legislated, the RACGP welcomed the time it gave to find an outcome. RACGP NSW/ACT Chair Professor Charlotte Hespe called it “a positive step in the right direction for the future of GP care in NSW.”

The NSW Labor Government continues to actively engage with GPs, practices and industry stakeholders while the 12-month pause is in effect to find an outcome.

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:

“We understand that families, households and businesses across NSW are feeling the pinch of a once-in-a-generation cost-of-living crisis.

“This is yet another legacy issue from the former NSW Liberal-National government. Their inaction on this issue dates back to 2018 and we have been left to clean up their mess.

“In August 2023, the NSW Government instituted a 12-month pause on payroll tax audits for GPs and GP practices, and a 12-month pause on tax penalties and interest accrued on outstanding payroll tax debts.

“Since August, I have met with a number of GPs and their representatives to understand what challenges they’re facing.

“The true cause of the pressure on GPs is the disastrous decision by the former federal Liberal-National government to freeze the indexation of bulk-billing rates.

“The Federal Labor government’s increase to bulk-billing came into effect in November.

“When we announced the pause in August 2023, we said we wanted to see the impact of the federal Government’s changes to the bulk-billing incentive. It’s clear those effects are starting to flow through to practices to ease cost pressures on GP practices and patients.

“I will continue to consult with GPs, practice owners and stakeholders over the coming months.”

Four NSW Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadets at Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) have completed their training and taken up ongoing positions across the District.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park welcomed the four new staff as an important boost to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce in NSW.

“I’m really pleased the NSW Health Aboriginal Nursing Cadetship Program continues to see more and more graduates, ultimately leading to improved health services for Aboriginal communities,” Mr Park said.

“As Regional Health Minister, two of my key focus areas is building up our regional workforce and improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This program delivers on both.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said initiatives like the cadetship program are an important part of closing the gap.

“The cadetship program shows the NSW Government’s commitment to closing the gap in health outcomes,” Mr Harris said.   

“We know for health outcomes to improve, Aboriginal people need Aboriginal nurses working in hospitals, community and senior management positions and this group of graduates will play a vital role in caring for our communities.”

Jackie Corliss, WNSWLHD Graduate Programs and Traineeship Manager, said the NSW Health Aboriginal Nursing Cadetship Program aims to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses across the state, and improve health services for Aboriginal communities.

“We currently have nine Aboriginal cadets across our District and four cadets are graduating from the program,” Ms Corliss said

“The program is designed to financially assist Aboriginal Nursing Cadets during their study, while also providing academic assistance and supporting their transition into the workplace.

“We’re delighted to have offered these cadets ongoing employment within the District as graduates.”

Tony Martin, WNSWLHD Executive Director Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing, said the initiative aligns with the District’s Reconciliation Action Plan, launched last year with a commitment to increase the Aboriginal workforce.

“Providing career opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the field of nursing can make a significant positive impact on the health of our Aboriginal communities,” Mr Martin said.

The benefits of the cadetship program include 12 weeks paid employment in the clinical setting in addition to the clinical experience and knowledge gained as undergraduate nursing students, enhanced job readiness and support from the District’s staff including an Aboriginal mentor.

The four graduates will be taking up positions in Bathurst, Cobar, Mudgee and Dubbo this year, while the remaining five cadets are expected to complete their training over the next couple of years.

WSNWLHD is also in the process of recruiting a further four cadets to start later this year.

Apply for the NSW Health Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship Program – Nursing and midwifery scholarships

Sydney’s three Second Generation Emerald Class vessels will be fitted with new, heavier duty engines ensuring safer, smoother and more frequent journeys along the city’s most popular ferry route.

Balmoral was removed from passenger service on 4 February for about 10 weeks for the new engine to be fitted. Once the Balmoral is back in service the Clontarf will be taken out of service, with the Fairlight planned to undergo an engine change in late August.

Transdev Sydney Ferries is starting the re-fitting program after the busy summer holidays. Each vessel will be dry-docked one at a time, to reduce timetable disruption.

The F1 Manly service will continue operating the extended summer timetable with two Freshwater class vessels and two Emerald Class.

The re-engine program will be carried out at the Balmain Shipyard by Transdev Sydney Ferries, with around 30 people working on the project. The cost of the re-fitting program will be paid for by Transdev Sydney Ferries.

Once the engines are installed, Transdev will conduct extensive sea trials with Health and Safety Representatives and industry regulators.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“These overseas-built ferries had a challenging start to their time on the harbour, but these new engines will mean the ferries will spend less time out of service and more time serving passengers.

“By re-fitting the vessels with hydrogen fuel capable equipment, we are also moving forward on future proofing the Sydney ferry fleet.

“Passengers can still enjoy a trip on the Harbour between Manly and Circular Quay on the iconic Freshwater Class vessels which are now running twice as often, offering more choice and increasing capacity on the popular F1 route.”

The NSW Government is continuing to deliver on its election commitment to ensure every family in NSW has the option of choosing a co-ed public high school, with thousands of families across Sydney set to benefit from next year. 

Committed to during the election, the NSW Government has completed a review of intake areas in Sydney suburbs where students previously only had a single-sex public high school.

As a result, the intake boundaries of 20 co-educational high schools have been adjusted.

This review included extensive consultation with the community, staff and students from more than 120 schools and more than 300 parents and carers of students.

In adjusting intake areas, the Department of Education considered: 

• enrolment trends
• public transport access, holding discussions with Transport for NSW
• capacity of the co-educational high schools
• student numbers across catchment areas

As demand for co-education continues to grow the NSW Government has also commenced work to ensure children in all intake areas outside of Sydney have a guaranteed option to attend a co-educational public high school by 2027.

The final intake areas and a summary of the community feedback can be found on the Department of Education website.

A full list of the single sex school intake areas which will have a guaranteed co-educational high school option by 2025 can be found below.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The NSW Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to provide guaranteed access to co-educational high schools.

“There is growing interest in co-education, and no family should have to face leaving their local area to access a co-educational high school.

“These changes have been made in consultation with local communities to provide guaranteed access to coeducational high school education for the first time.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“For years, kids in Ashfield and Canterbury High School catchments have had no co-educational high school options.

“Life is co-ed, and parents and students should have access to a co-ed school option.

“Under our Government’s new boundaries, families across my electorate of Summer Hill will now have access to two brilliant co-educational high schools, Dulwich High School of Visual Arts and Design and Marrickville High School.

“Inner West families have been campaigning for this change for years, and today our Government is delivering on this important election commitment.”

Single sex school intake areas which will have a co-educational option by 2025:

• Ashfield Boys High School 
• Auburn Girls High School 
• Bankstown Girls High School 
• Belmore Boys High School 
• Beverly Hills Girls High School 
• Burwood Girls High School 
• Birrong Boys High School 
• Birrong Girls High School 
• Canterbury Boys High School 
• Canterbury Girls High School 
• Granville Boys High School 
• Homebush Boys High School
• James Cook Boys High School 
• Moorefield Girls High School 
• Punchbowl Boys High School 
• Strathfield Girls High School 
• Wiley Park Girls High School

NSW’s Emergency Department (ED) Taskforce will meet for the first time today, bringing together clinical experts from across the state to improve wait times in the state’s busy EDs.

NSW EDs are under continuing pressure, with more than 3 million attendances each year, and treating more patients with serious illness than ever before.

The new Taskforce will work to ensure NSW hospitals continue to deliver timely, high-quality care to the people of NSW now and well into the future.

The Taskforce will focus on enhancing models of care and adapting workforce models across the whole hospital to improve timely access to treatment in EDs. It will also consider ways to reduce avoidable ED attendances, improve patient flow, and boost inpatient capacity through early and supported discharge from hospital where clinically appropriate.

The Taskforce will meet monthly and will be co-chaired by Clinical Director, Emergency Care Institute, Agency for Clinical Innovation, Dr Trevor Chan and NSW Health Deputy Secretary, System Sustainability and Performance, Adjunct Professor Matthew Daly.

The NSW Government is also embracing a suite of innovative initiatives to divert unnecessary presentations to hospitals and relieve pressure on GPs.

This includes:

• rolling out 25 urgent care services across the state,
• empowering pharmacists to prescribe certain medications,
• increasing the use of virtual care, and
• making it easier for doctors in regional health districts to work in both GP and hospital settings.

The Taskforce will regularly engage with workers and their unions on this important priority.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“I’ve got to be honest – people are waiting too long in emergency departments.

“I’ve visited emergency departments, met the hardworking staff in our hospitals. They do an incredible job day in and day out. 

“We’ve seen good early signs when it comes to elective surgery. I want to see the same results for emergency department wait times.

“Rebuilding our healthcare system will not happen overnight, but by removing the wages cap and implementing safe staffing in NSW hospitals we can start to turn things around.”

Health Minister Ryan Park said:

“Our hospitals and EDs are under continuing pressure and the NSW Government is committed to doing everything possible to improve the experience of care for patients and better support our dedicated frontline health staff.

“This Taskforce is one part of the NSW Government’s comprehensive strategy to address ED wait times. We are also committed to delivering 25 Urgent Care Services by mid-2025, allowing communities to access urgent healthcare in a timely way and avoid unnecessary trips to the ED.

“We are tackling issues we have right now with this Taskforce, but also looking to the future so we can continue to innovate and adapt to meet the growing health needs of our communities.

“This Taskforce will look at opportunities to streamline and deliver treatment in more strategic ways, so the people of NSW receive the best possible care.”

Clinical Director, Emergency Care Institute, Agency for Clinical Innovation, Dr Trevor Chan, said:

“I look forward to working with my colleagues from across the health system who will bring their skills and experience to the Taskforce to make a real difference in our EDs.

“We will aim to develop strategies that will improve how our EDs function, support frontline healthcare workers, and improve the experiences of care for our patients.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM said:

“By bringing together expert senior clinicians from a range of disciplines with this new taskforce, we can generate new ideas and solutions to support the healthcare workers in our busy EDs and the patients they care for.”

The NSW Opposition has sought missing details from the Minns Labor Government about their signature housing policy – the Transport Oriented Development Program (TOD), amid widespread criticism from numerous Labor Mayors across Sydney.
 
Reports today have revealed that the Department of Planning expects only 10% of houses under this plan to be built in the next five years.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Scott Farlow, has used Parliament to compel the Minns Government to release all documentation outlining the selection of the eight TOD accelerated precincts and the 31 TOD precincts, including analysis of the enabling infrastructure capacity of all 305 stations across the Six Cities Region.
 
“A massive uplift in housing supply in NSW must be a top priority. The Opposition support measures, including increasing density along transport corridors, to meet ambitious housing targets, but they must be done right and in consultation with local communities,” said Mr Farlow.
 
“The Opposition has sought detail from the Minns Government today to understand the capacity of local infrastructure in areas around transit stations selected for the TOD program, and the criteria used to select individual stations.”
 
“New housing must be supported by infrastructure upgrades to build functional, liveable communities. Communities across NSW are concerned about the capacity of local schools and hospitals, congested roads and full public transport during peak hour.”
 
“The Minns Government cannot have a housing plan without a plan for upgraded infrastructure in all TOD areas. All Labor has to offer are lazy one-size-fits-all policies impacting areas from Medowie to Mollybrook and Bondi to the Blue Mountains.”
 
“The only information that the Minns Government has provided the public is a 12 page glossy document for one of the largest reforms to the planning system in years. These reforms are due to come into place on 1 April with no opportunity for proper community consultation.”
 
“Councils from across Sydney have been frustrated by a lack of detail, which has led to fanciful one month turnaround times over Christmas for desperately needed feedback. Mayors are making clear that having all the required rezonings gazetted by 1 April is unrealistic and cannot happen. Labor Mayors have been the first to speak out against the Chris Minns and his Planning Minister.”
 
“Amid complaints about a lack of detail on Government policies and inability to the Department of Planning to answer basic questions, I have written to all Mayors and General Managers in LGAs impacted by the Transport Oriented Development Program, and all Councils concerning the low and mid-rise housing reforms asking about questions and issues faced by Councils to put to the Planning Minister at the upcoming Budget Estimates. Consultation is how NSW will build more homes and alleviate the housing crisis.”
 
The Opposition believes in working with local communities to set housing targets, allowing communities to formulate their local controls and if they refuse to do so that’s the appropriate time to impose local planning controls – not at the beginning.
 
“Every community has different impacts from these policies which is why local communities should be involved in formulating the policy for their areas. A lack of consultation will end in homes simply not being built and the housing crisis getting worse. That cannot be allowed to occur.”