Category: NSW News

Families will have more access to influenza vaccinations with the NSW Government lowering the age pharmacists can administer flu jabs to children from 16 years to 10 years.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said giving families more options to protect their children against flu is sensible, with the likely convergence of a COVID-19 pandemic with winter flu.
“Last year was the longest flu season on record and in 2017 more than 650 people in NSW died from flu-related conditions, and now we have COVID-19,” Mr Hazzard said.
“While the flu vaccine won’t combat COVID-19, it will help reduce the severity and spread of flu, which can lower a person’s immunity and make them susceptible to other illnesses.
“By allowing pharmacists to administer privately purchased flu vaccines to people aged 10 years and over, families now have more choice when booking-in for a flu jab”.
The NSW Government has invested approximately $130 million in the 2019-20 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said this year’s flu vaccine is expected to be available from mid-April and she urges everyone who can be vaccinated to do so.
“Each year in NSW, we have hundreds of flu-related deaths and many of those who die were infected by the people they know and love who weren’t vaccinated,” Dr Chant said.
“Not only do you risk your own life by not getting vaccinated against flu but you can potentially spread the infection to others more vulnerable, like children and the elderly.
“This year’s flu vaccine will be specifically tailored to the strains we expect will pose the greatest risk but as always, call ahead to ensure your GP or pharmacist has your dose.”
Last year, around 2.5 million doses of Government-funded flu vaccines were distributed across NSW. This year, it is expected more than 2.6 million doses will be made available.
People aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal people and those with high-risk medical conditions can be vaccinated for free by GPs under the National Immunisation Program. The free NSW-funded vaccine is available to all children aged six months to five years.
Amendments to the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008 to lower the age that pharmacists can supply and administer a private market influenza vaccine to include people aged 10 years and over, are expected to come into effect by mid-March.

Water restrictions in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra revert to Level 1 from today, March 1, with Sydney dam levels over 80 per cent.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said easing back to Level 1 water restrictions would provide some relief to residents and businesses.
“People have been very patient and we appreciate that. The rain event that swept across the east coast of New South Wales earlier this month increased dam levels by 40 per cent, with total dam storages currently at 82 per cent,” Mrs Pavey said.
Mrs Pavey said while the rain was welcomed it was too early to ascertain if the weather was returning to some normality.
“The last time Sydney’s Dam levels were over 80 per cent was in April 2018. Since then they have been declining at the fastest rate on record at 0.5 per cent a week,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Until we are confident the weather patterns are normalizing, Level 1 restrictions will remain in place, so Sydney residents have some stability in their water habits.
“This drought is a reminder that water is our most precious resource and that saving water needs to be a way of life for us.”
Level 1 water restrictions include using a hose with a trigger nozzle only before 10am and after 4pm. Residents and businesses cannot leave hoses running unattended, or use standard sprinklers and watering systems at any time.
Mrs Pavey acknowledged people have been patient and applauded their efforts to reduce the amount of water being used annually – from 200L per person per day in 2017, to 180L today.
“Despite a 26 per cent increase in population, the total demand for drinking water remains lower than it did before mandatory restrictions were introduced in late 2003.”
Fines still apply for breaches of water restrictions – $220 for residential breaches and $550 for businesses. Exemptions will be available for non-residential customers. For a full list of requirements for Level 1 water restrictions visit: lovewater.sydney.

Drivers caught on camera illegally using their mobile phone will be issued fines and demerit points from today.
The NSW Government’s world-first mobile phone detection cameras have been operating in warning mode since 1 December 2019, but drivers caught doing the wrong thing will now cop a $344 fine and five demerit points.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said 9 million vehicles had been checked by the cameras during the three-month warning period, with more than 30,000 warning letters issued to offending drivers.
“We’re seeing more than 99 per cent of drivers doing the right thing, so when we compare this with the findings from the pilot last year, it is clear drivers are starting to get the message.
“As fines and demerits start to be issued from today we expect the number of offences could fall even further, making NSW roads safer for everyone.
“It’s important that drivers who continue to put the safety of themselves, passengers and the local community at risk realise that no matter where you are you could be caught and you will be fined,” Mr Constance said.
Minister for Regional Roads Paul Toole said taking your eyes off the road for longer than two seconds doubled the risk of a crash.
“The decision to pick up your phone can have fatal consequences. Whether you’re driving on a major highway or an isolated road in the bush, there’s no excuse for using your phone illegally,” Mr Toole said.
“The cameras are both fixed and transportable, with the trailer-mounted cameras to be frequently moved around the state, targeting illegal mobile phone use anywhere, anytime.”
NSW Police continue to enforce illegal mobile phone use and issue infringements as part of regular operations.

Parents will have information relating to their child’s school at their fingertips, with the NSW Government today launching the first ever ‘School Updates app’.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the app will ensure parents receive immediate alerts if their child’s school is to be closed the following day.
“The past few months have been incredibly challenging both for school communities in bushfire and now flood impacted areas,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We have learnt you can never over-communicate in a crisis. This app provides an extra channel to inform parents if their children’s school is closed.
“During the fires last year and floods this year, schools worked incredibly hard to ensure everyone was informed. The app complements these efforts with an automated and personalised alert informing parents their school is closed and to seek additional advice.”
At the peak of the bushfire crisis, in November, there were up to 20,000 people accessing school safety information on the Department’s website each minute – and a total of 1.35 million visitors in the last four months.
The app will expand over time to provide more centralised information to parents and families.
“It will be particularly helpful for parents with children at separate schools, as multiple schools can be registered on the app to provide local information,” Ms Mitchell said.
The app is an opt-in service, and is available at app stores for iOS and Android users.
Downloaded the School Updates app here:

• Apple app store

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/nsw-school-updates/id1494658146

• Google Play store

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.gov.nsw.education.nswschoolsafetyupdates
Information about non-operational schools is also available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety

Women’s health, economic and social contribution are the focus of events taking place across NSW this week as the State celebrates Women’s Week, ahead of International Women’s Day on Sunday, 8 March.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor acknowledged the important economic and social role NSW women play in the community and workforce, urging them to get involved in events that celebrate and empower them.
“From boardrooms to building sites, fundraising to firefighting, women are the backbone of our community,” Mrs Taylor said.
“NSW Women’s Week recognises and applauds the amazing work women do whether it’s climbing the corporate ladder, volunteering at the local school or collaborating on creative projects.”
More than 20 organisations across NSW have received a share of $100,000 in funding from the NSW Government to stage a range of events for women of all ages, backgrounds and interests.
Events during NSW Women’s Week include a bioengineering student challenge at the University of Sydney, a women’s art and music festival in Lismore, a business networking event in Braidwood and free sports clinics for 2,000 girls.
Now in its second year, NSW Women’s Week coincides with the NSW Women of the Year Awards on Thursday, 5 March and International Women’s Day on Sunday, 8 March.
Established under the NSW Women’s Strategy 2018-2022, the week promotes:

• economic opportunity and advancement;
• health and wellbeing; and
• participation and empowerment.

For more information on NSW Women’s Week 2020, go to: https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/nsw-womens-week
What date is NSW mens week???

Eligible Hunter residents will be able to access interest-free loans for battery and solar-battery systems which could deliver more than $250 in savings a year, thanks to a NSW Government pilot program launched today.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the pilot is an important first step in the delivery of the NSW Government’s Empowering Homes program which will reduce energy bills for up to 300,000 households while helping the State to transition to a clean energy future.
“This is about unlocking the saving and sustainability benefits offered by solar-battery systems” Mr Kean said.
“For households that use more than 6,000kWh of electricity a year, installing a solar and battery system can help reduce their annual electricity bill by putting more than $250 a year back into your pocket.
“This will help create jobs, reduce emissions, increase system security and reliability, and place downward pressure on energy costs for everyone.
“The NSW Government remains committed to achieving net zero emissions in NSW by 2050 and this is one of the many clean energy initiatives we’re introducing to deliver on that target.”
Interest-free loans of up to $14,000 for a solar-battery system, or up to $9,000 for the addition of a battery to an existing solar system will be available to owner-occupiers with an annual household income of up to $180,000.
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation will provide finance for the pilot, which will be administered by delivery partner RateSetter.
Running for up to 12 months, the pilot will be available to eligible residents who have postcodes in the areas of Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Mid-Coast, Muswellbrook, Port Stephens, Singleton and Upper Hunter.
Homeowners in the Hunter region are encouraged to check the Energy Saver website to see if their postcode is eligible and for details on how to apply. Homeowners across NSW can also register their interest in the broader program, which will be rolled out across the state after the pilot is complete: www.energysaver.nsw.gov.au/solar-battery-loan-offer

More than 20,000 social housing tenants are now accessing services and support at the touch of a button thanks to the NSW Government’s MyHousing app.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the app has been an overwhelming success and means both tenants and housing staff are saving significant time when seeking and providing support.
“Since the app went live in August, it has been used more than 112,000 times, with each individual engagement averaging less than three minutes,” Mr Ward said.
“Having access to important services and support at your fingertips means less time spent on the phone to housing staff and more time raising children, working and enjoying life.”
The app allows tenants to manage and view accounts including rent and water, as well as to make payments, lodge maintenance requests and connect to a range of supports, including temporary accommodation and homelessness services.
Tenants have given the app a resounding thumbs-up, with MyHousing receiving a 4.7/5 rating on iOS and 4/5 on Android.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the app is making life easier for thousands of housing tenants across the state.
“This app saves time and provides people with greater choice and convenience by putting more power in their hands. We are committed to using technology to tackle pain points across Government and help some of the most vulnerable in the community,” Mr Dominello said.
DCJ manages 100,000 tenancies and 60,000 applications for social housing assistance. A survey of 14,000 clients in 2018 revealed 98 per cent of them owned a smart phone and could therefore potentially access services online.
The NSW Government is also rolling out self-serve terminals at Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) offices to help streamline services for people who visit our centres to access services.
You can download the free app from the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android).

Australians are being encouraged to experience ‘a different kind of outback’ in Broken Hill and its surrounds through a new marketing campaign launched by the NSW Government today.
It’s Out There has been developed by the Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW in collaboration with Broken Hill City Council and Central Darling Shire.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the campaign is designed to drive visitation to the region and encourage longer stays.
“Many people have heard of Broken Hill but what they don’t realise is how many incredible, quirky and diverse experiences this region has to offer,” Mr Ayres said.
“This marketing campaign will showcase Broken Hill and the Central Darling region as a ‘different kind of outback’ – one that is full of spirit, history, diversity and character to explore and uncover. In addition to its striking landscapes, this region has a strong community of incredible artists, a vibrant drag culture and a unique Aboriginal cultural heritage.
“The NSW Government recognises the importance of supporting communities in rural and regional NSW – particularly those that have been affected by drought or bushfires – and one of the best ways we can do that is by motivating people to book a trip to regional NSW, where they stay and spend locally.”
Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall said that while towns in the region continue to deal with the impacts of drought, it has never been more important to visit these areas, and provide a cash injection to local economies.
“Whether you’re from the bush, or from the city, there has never been a better time to explore what Broken Hill and the wider Central Darling region has to offer,” Mr Marshall said.
It’s Out There targets couples aged 45 to 60 years and is designed to inspire them to visit Broken Hill and the Central Darling region as a holiday destination.
Broken Hill City Council Mayor Darriea Turley AM said, “Broken Hill City Council has been very keen to get out there and pursue strategic marketing and this campaign will show the world that we can provide a unique and genuine outback experience in the Far West.
“I believe we offer a level of authenticity that is unmatched in the tourism market and our product is showcased perfectly in this campaign.
“This project represents months of hard work between Destination NSW and our respective Councils, and we’re all very excited for it to hit the market and drive tourism to our region.
Central Darling Shire Council Administrator Bob Stewart said, “This marketing campaign reveals the landscape and cultural features that our Shire has to offer, with the opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture, early European history and explore the vast area in which we live, work and play.
“I encourage anyone who has never been here before – come and see it for yourself – you will be surprised and enchanted.”
Broken Hill City Council contributed $120,000 to implement the campaign, which Destination NSW matched through the Regional Tourism Fund (RTF). Central Darling Shire contributed $170,000 from the Menindee Support Package, resulting in a total campaign budget of $410,000.

The NSW Government welcomes the Report of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug “Ice” and thanks the Commissioner, Professor Dan Howard SC, and his team for their extensive work.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the report’s 109 recommendations are being considered by the Government in consultation with stakeholders, except five recommendations the Government has already indicated it does not support.
Those five recommendations are:

• 51 – additional medically supervised injecting centres
• 53 & 54 – substance checking
• 80 – ceasing the use of drug detection dogs
• 97 – needle and syringe programs in correctional centres.

The report of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug “Ice” puts forward a broad range of health, social and criminal justice issues, which require a whole-of-Government response across portfolios.
“The Government wishes to acknowledge all those with lived experience, their families and friends, along with the broad range of experts, health practitioners and service providers who contributed to the Special Commission,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The Government will consider the remaining recommendations from the Inquiry in consultation with stakeholders and will prepare a final response before the end of the year.”
The NSW Government’s interim response is now publically available online.
In 2019-20, the NSW Government is investing $231.6 million on preventing and treating harms associated with drug use and ensuring people have access to the care and support they need.
This includes the $11 million investment in 2015 over four years to specifically address the problem of crystalline methamphetamine ‘Ice’, with $7 million to enhance existing programs and establish new Stimulant Treatment Programs; and $4 million to purchase non-government treatment services in rural and regional NSW.
The Government already has a range of measures in place to address alcohol and other drug-related harm in NSW, including “Ice”, and remains committed to considering any further measures to reduce its use and impact on individuals, their families and the community.
The Special Commission’s report identifies that many of the initiatives already in place to deal with the use of alcohol and other drugs are working.
Please find the Special Commission of Inquiry Report and the Interim Government Response here: www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/iceinquiry

A significant barrier preventing child sex offenders from being held to account and leading to ‘unwarranted acquittals’ will be removed under landmark reforms introduced into NSW Parliament.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said NSW is the first Australian jurisdiction to introduce agreed legislation enabling greater admissibility of tendency and coincidence evidence, such as evidence about an accused person’s tendency to have a sexual interest in children.
“These crucial reforms will help deliver justice for survivors of child sexual abuse – one of the most despicable and damaging crimes to confront the justice system,” Mr Speakman said.
“NSW has led the way on this reform, spear-heading a consistent response with the Commonwealth Government and relevant states and territories to key findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.”
The Royal Commission heard about many criminal proceedings in which evidence of an accused person previously offending against children was ruled inadmissible due to courts’ concerns that it may unfairly prejudice the accused person.
The Royal Commission found the exclusion of this kind of evidence led to cases of unwarranted acquittals in child sexual offence proceedings, and recommended law reform to facilitate greater admissibility of this evidence.
“While maintaining an accused person’s right to a fair trial, these reforms will help to ensure that offenders don’t evade justice through the exclusion of relevant evidence,” Mr Speakman said.
“We can’t undo the horrors of the past, but we can make sure that our legal system offers a fairer and more effective response for victims and survivors.”
The Evidence Amendment (Tendency and Coincidence) Bill 2020 introduces a new rebuttable presumption that evidence of a defendant having a tendency to have a sexual interest in a child or children will have ‘significant probative value’ to the relevant proceedings, as well as limiting what courts can consider in rebutting that presumption.
The reforms will also lower an additional threshold for the prosecution to use tendency and coincidence evidence against the defendant.
Uniform Evidence Law jurisdictions, including NSW, agreed to implement a Model Bill at the Council of Attorneys-General meeting in November last year, following a two-year development and consultation process led by a NSW working group.
Child Abuse Royal Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM said consistent, nationwide reform on this issue was one of the most important recommendations of the Royal Commission.
“Over many years, Australia’s criminal justice system has failed to provide adequate justice for survivors of child sexual abuse, in part because of the unnecessary exclusion of tendency and coincidence evidence in criminal proceedings,” Commissioner Fitzgerald said.
“Following the Royal Commission’s comprehensive inquiry, and in the context of alarmingly low conviction rates for child sexual assault offences, we were convinced of the need for change.
“I congratulate the NSW Government for leading this reform process among Uniform Evidence Law jurisdictions, which will support survivors accessing justice across the country.”
Read more about the Bill via: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/bills/Pages/bill-details.aspx?pk=3732.