Category: NSW News

Strengthened reporting, registration and data-sharing schemes targeting child abuse and record investments into support services for survivors and at-risk children are all helping to keep our kids safe according to a report released today.
Attorney General Mark Speakman and Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said NSW’s second annual report card provides an update on the Government’s actions in 2019 to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
“Protecting children from abuse and improving access to justice for survivors are the bedrock of the NSW Government’s response to the findings of the Royal Commission,” Mr Speakman said.
“We are rolling out the Government’s $127 million package of reforms responding to the Royal Commission, which will secure a safer future for our children and ensure we are doing everything we can to stop the horrors of the past being repeated.”
Highlights of the report include:

• a NSW-led national initiative enabling child protection workers to identify whether a child or person of interest may be known in another state or territory
• landmark legislative reforms to strengthen the child protection reportable conduct scheme and expand mandatory reporter groups
• better protection and support for children in out-of-home care
• allocation of  funding for community-based support services
• expanded professional education and training about child safety
• increased protections for young people in youth justice centres, and
• significant improvements to specialist sexual assault services.

“While we have made great strides in creating safer environments for our children and young people, there is still much more work to be done,” Mr Ward said.
“We will continue to work with government and non-government organisations to build on our progress and make sure the framework for protecting children is as strong as possible.”
The annual progress report for the NSW Government’s response to the Royal Commission can be accessed at https://bit.ly/2LMCDc9.

STRONG AND STABLE: NSW BUDGET ON TRACK TO DELIVER SOLID SURPLUS

• The NSW Half-Yearly Review (HYR) has confirmed the continued strength of the State’s Budget despite challenges such as the worst drought on record, recent volatility in the housing market and lower household consumption.
• The HYR forecasts a surplus of $702 million in 2019-20, down $314 million since the 2019-20 Budget, with average surpluses increasing to $1.9 billion over the four years to 2022-23 (up from $1.7 billion), bolstered by early signs of an improvement in the housing market.

LEVEL TWO WATER RESTRICTIONS IN GREATER SYDNEY AND THE ILLAWARRA

• Level 2 water restrictions came into effect in Sydney, Blue Mountains and the Illawarra on 10 December.
• Under the new Level 2 water restrictions people are required to use a bucket or watering can to water their gardens between approved times, cars can only be washed with a bucket or taken to a commercial car wash and topping up of pools and spas is limited to 15 minutes a day with a trigger nozzle.
• Fines will still apply for breaches of water restrictions – $220 for residential breaches and $550 for businesses. For up-to-date information on Level 2 restrictions visit lovewater.sydney/restrictions.

DRUG AMNESTY BINS FOR MUSIC FESTIVALS

• Music festivalgoers will have a chance to discard illegal drugs into amnesty bins without fear of prosecution or penalty as part of the NSW Government’s ongoing efforts to reduce drug-related deaths and injuries.
• The measure formed a key part of the NSW Government’s response to the Deputy Coroner’s recommendations following her inquest into the deaths of six patrons at NSW music festivals.
• The NSW Government will also extend targeted education campaigns, improve information sharing between State agencies about the toxicology of drugs found at music festivals and will work with festival organisers to ensure they continue to improve the health services being provided at their events.

GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

• A new model of agricultural education will benefit students across the State for years to come, with the NSW Government announcing a new Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Education in the Hawkesbury, new selective streams of agricultural education at Richmond High School, and upgrades to the existing Hurlstone Agricultural High School at Glenfield.
• This initiative means children from as far as Walgett to Woollahra will have an opportunity to study and consider a career in agriculture.
• The Department of Education will continue to work with Landcom on the future of the Glenfield Precinct Plan.

HISTORY MADE AS METRO COMPLETES HARBOUR TUNNEL

• The first metro railway tunnel to be built deep under Sydney Harbour has been completed in an historic milestone for public transport in Sydney.
• Tunnel boring machine (TBM) Kathleen is digging twin railway tunnels under Sydney Harbour as part of Sydney Metro – Australia’s biggest public transport project.
• Metro trains will start running through the tunnels in 2024 extending the North West Metro into the city and beyond to Bankstown.

LIGHT RAIL REMINDER FOR SAFETY’S SAKE

• Sydneysiders are being encouraged to play it safe around the new CBD and South East Light Rail ahead of passenger services commencing this weekend.
• Light rail safety promotions have ramped up in recent weeks aimed at pedestrians and cyclists, while new ground markings have been installed across intersections to deter motorists from queuing across the tracks and delaying trams.
• TfNSW has partnered with Rural Aid to help raise funds for NSW farmers and regional communities doing it tough. Rural Aid volunteers will collect donations at light rail stops all weekend in lieu of passengers paying a fare for riding the services.

NEW NESA LEADERSHIP TO GUIDE EDUCATION REFORMS

• Chancellor of Western Sydney University and former head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Professor Peter Shergold AC, will take the helm of the authority responsible for curriculum, assessment, school regulation and teacher quality across NSW public and non-government schools (NESA).
• Professor Shergold will deliver a review of the NSW curriculum in 2020 which will provide NSW with a once in a generation opportunity to revitalise the school curriculum for students, the community and the economy continue to thrive well into the 21st century.

Strengthened reporting, registration and data-sharing schemes targeting child abuse and record investments into support services for survivors and at-risk children are all helping to keep our kids safe according to a report released today.
Attorney General Mark Speakman and Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said NSW’s second annual report card provides an update on the Government’s actions in 2019 to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
“Protecting children from abuse and improving access to justice for survivors are the bedrock of the NSW Government’s response to the findings of the Royal Commission,” Mr Speakman said.
“We are rolling out the Government’s $127 million package of reforms responding to the Royal Commission, which will secure a safer future for our children and ensure we are doing everything we can to stop the horrors of the past being repeated.”
Highlights of the report include:

• a NSW-led national initiative enabling child protection workers to identify whether a child or person of interest may be known in another state or territory
• landmark legislative reforms to strengthen the child protection reportable conduct scheme and expand mandatory reporter groups
• better protection and support for children in out-of-home care
• allocation of  funding for community-based support services
• expanded professional education and training about child safety
• increased protections for young people in youth justice centres, and
• significant improvements to specialist sexual assault services.

“While we have made great strides in creating safer environments for our children and young people, there is still much more work to be done,” Mr Ward said.
“We will continue to work with government and non-government organisations to build on our progress and make sure the framework for protecting children is as strong as possible.”
The annual progress report for the NSW Government’s response to the Royal Commission can be accessed at https://bit.ly/2LMCDc9.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet has today released the NSW Half-Yearly Review (HYR), confirming the continued strength of the State’s Budget despite challenges such as the worst drought on record, recent volatility in the housing market and lower household consumption.
The HYR forecasts a surplus of $702 million in 2019-20, down $314 million since the 2019-20 Budget, with average surpluses increasing to $1.9 billion over the four years to 2022-23 (up from $1.7 billion), bolstered by early signs of an improvement in the housing market.
“The importance of maintaining Budget surpluses lies in the simple fact that it enables us to provide critical support to those in need, such as farmers and regional communities affected by this devastating drought,” Mr Perrottet said. “We have been able to respond quickly to these and other challenges while continuing to fund productive infrastructure, thanks to our strong financial position.”
Since the June Budget, additional measures to support drought affected communities and ease financial pressures have been provided, taking the Government’s total for drought support to around $2 billion.
The NSW Government allocated $25 million last month to help people impacted by bushfires to rebuild their communities. It has also provided a further $48.2 million in partnership with the Federal Government. Given the bushfire season still has a long way to go, Mr Perrottet said the Government remained ready to provide more funding.
While the ongoing drought is impacting the economy, growth is expected to be at 1¾ per cent in 2019-20 but will accelerate to 2½ per cent in 2021-22. This is supported by a record four-year infrastructure spend of $97.3 billion.
“NSW is the engine room of Australia and we’ve reinforced the economy with our record investments in public infrastructure, creating a jobs boom right across the State and ensuring we remain the strongest in the nation,” Mr Perrottet said.
Key Highlights of the HYR:

• A Budget surplus of $702 million projected in 2019-20
• Transfer duty revenue is forecast at $7.5 billion in 2019-20 (up from $6.9 billion) as the housing sector improves
• The record $93 billion infrastructure program announced in the June Budget has increased with new commitments to a new record of $97.3 billion
• Public investment in infrastructure is supporting tens of thousands of jobs and adding 1/2  a percentage point to economic growth on average over two years
• The NSW Generations Fund (NGF) has outperformed expectations, growing to $10.9 billion as at end June 2019 and is on track to nearly triple by 2030
• Both Moody’s and S&P Global have affirmed the State’s triple-A credit rating since the Budget, underscoring the State’s strong fiscal management.

Mr Perrottet said ongoing weakness in the national economy was playing out in NSW, with another drop in GST receipts forecast as consumption softens.
Mr Perrottet said while the Budget was robust enough to manage the adjustment, the reduction demonstrated the need for reform.
Since June, the NSW Government has launched a number of reform initiatives including the NSW Review of Federal Financial Relations, the NSW 2040 Economic Blueprint and Global NSW, the State’s revitalised trade and investment strategy.
“When times are tough, it’s good to know we’ve got the capacity to act quickly and make a difference and yet still keep our economy growing,” said Mr Perrottet. “We will continue to deliver fiscal stability to look after the best interests of the people of NSW.”

A new 480-bed maximum-security prison wing was opened today at Junee Correctional Centre, as part of the NSW Government’s $3.8 billion investment in safer communities.
Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections Anthony Roberts, Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke and Corrective Services NSW Assistant Commissioner Carlo Scasserra attended the ceremonial prison-keys handover with General Manager Scott Brideoake.
“Junee prison is one of the biggest employers in the Riverina and its expansion has led to an additional 130 ongoing jobs in the area and a continuing investment in the region,” Mr Roberts said.
“The new modern prison wing will enhance the prison’s strong reputation in reducing reoffending through improved inmate access to education, programs and training.”
Ms Cooke said the construction project had already made a positive contribution to the Wagga Wagga and Junee economies.
“At the peak of construction there were between 250-300 tradies working hard on site to ensure the new prison wing was on time and on budget. During that time, they were shopping, eating and staying locally,” Ms Cooke said.
Mr Scasserra said the new wing would strengthen the prison’s focus on inmate rehabilitation.
“A dedicated new industries building with bakery, laundry and other operations will ensure inmates are readily employed and learning skills to prepare them for life on the outside,” Mr Scasserra said.
Mr Brideoake of the GEO Group Australia, which operates the centre, said the expansion project included many benefits for the prison’s staff and inmates.
“We welcome the refurbishment and expansion of our gatehouse, health centre, inmate reception and administration building to make a better workplace,” Mr Brideoake said.
Work will continue into next year, with the refurbishing of support areas within the existing centre and construction of a new 10-bed female unit.
While in Junee, Minister Roberts will draw the raffle winner of a 1987 Holden VL Commodore restored by inmates to raise money for charity Country Hope.

Music festivalgoers will have a chance to discard illegal drugs into amnesty bins without fear of prosecution or penalty as part of the NSW Government’s ongoing efforts to reduce drug-related deaths and injuries.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the measure formed a key part of the NSW Government’s response to the Deputy Coroner’s recommendations following her inquest into the deaths of six patrons at NSW music festivals.
“The recent deaths at music festivals are tragic reminders of the dangers of illegal drugs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We will continue to send the strong message that drugs can and do kill.
“Amnesty bins will provide a quick and easy way for music festivalgoers to discard their drugs – no questions asked.”
Under today’s announcement, the NSW Government will extend targeted education campaigns, improve information sharing between State agencies about the toxicology of drugs found at music festivals and will work with festival organisers to ensure they continue to improve the health services being provided at their events.
Minister for Police David Elliott said the Government has been working closely with NSW Police to improve safety at music festivals.
“We want people to use these amnesty bins for illegal drugs and enjoy their time at music festivals,” Mr Elliott said.
“The bins give an opportunity to discard dangerous substances without fear of prosecution.”
NSW Health has also released updated Guidelines for Music Festival Event Organisers which support the delivery of safer music festivals. These were developed in consultation with key stakeholders and health experts.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said combining illicit drugs with hot weather and cramped festival conditions can be a deadly mix.
“Our health professionals do an outstanding job at music festivals to keep people safe and provide valuable information to festivalgoers about the dangers of drugs,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Amnesty bins are another tool in our arsenal as we fight the scourge of illicit drugs.”
The NSW Government will work with NSW Police, health experts, music festival organisers and other key stakeholders regarding the design and operation of the amnesty bins.
Today’s announcement builds on the NSW Government’s existing measures to keep people safe at music festivals, which includes:

• The introduction of an offence that holds drug dealers responsible for deaths they cause;
• A more stringent licensing regime that requires high-risk music festivals to prepare safety management plans;
• A trial of on-the-spot fines for drug possession at music festivals; and
• The ongoing Special Commission of Inquiry into the drug ice.

The NSW Government’s full response to the Deputy Coroner’s recommendations can be found here:https://www.justice.nsw.gov.au/lsb/Pages/coronial-recommendations.aspx

The revitalisation of the old Telopea housing estate is a step closer, with Frasers Property and Hume Community Housing announced as the successful proponents to transform the ageing 13 hectare site into a new, integrated community and vibrant town centre.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, said Telopea would be transformed into a master-planned neighbourhood with new community amenities, more transport links, a mixture of high quality housing types and improved access to health, education, and jobs.
“The renewal of the Telopea site will set the standard for our new integrated communities under the Communities Plus program, delivering more social, private and affordable housing, in partnership with the private sector,” Mrs Pavey said.
“The proposal will see the current site redeveloped to create about 4500 homes, with a target of 1000 new, fit-for-purpose affordable and social housing dwellings.”
Mrs Pavey said Hume Community Housing will work with public housing tenants to break the cycle of disadvantage by providing access to education, training opportunities and wrap-around support.
“We are increasing the supply of social and affordable housing but at the same time we’re focused on providing opportunities to our tenants to create an aspiration to leave social housing.”
Member for Parramatta, Geoff Lee, said the partnership with the NSW government, Frasers Property and Hume Community Housing provided great opportunities for the community.
“This project will rejuvenate Telopea and has a focus on connecting people, ranging from enhanced mobility, community service access, creating places of congregation, and enhancing economic opportunities that arise when a community has the confidence to pursue its aspirations,” Dr Lee said.
Fraser Property AHL CEO, Rod Fehring, said forging long-term partnerships between Government, the private sector and specialist community housing providers was essential to extract the benefits of combining agile capital with place-making capabilities to build a balanced and resilient sense of belonging for residents.
Hume Community Housing CEO, Nicola Lemon, said: “The partnership brings together a shared passion for delivering and supporting a vibrant and welcoming Telopea of- the- future.”
The NSW Government’s $22 billion Communities Plus program has a target of 23,000 new and replacement social housing dwellings, 500 affordable housing units and up to 40,000 private homes across the greater Sydney, Illawarra, Newcastle and North coastal areas.

Drivers using the M4 Motorway off ramp at Church Street will be safer and face less congestion when new and extended lanes open ahead of tomorrow morning’s peak.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said the project was a key safety priority following a number of incidents near the eastbound exit to Church Street.
“We fast-tracked delivery of this upgrade before Christmas, which will keep traffic flowing and drivers safe as they exit this busy part of the M4,” Mr Constance said.
“The eastbound left turn lane is nearly 100 metres longer to help reduce traffic queues and improve the efficiency and safety of the off ramp, especially in peak periods.
“The upgrades will allow even more vehicles to pass through the traffic lights each time they turn green, reducing queuing on the Motorway.”
A new right turn only lane for motorists heading towards Woodville and Parramatta Roads has also been installed, further increasing the capacity of the off ramp where thousands of vehicles exit the M4 daily.
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the upgrade work follows a safety review of the M4 Motorway and its surrounds.
“The Government looked closely at data like crash statistics and road user behaviour, which showed completing this work near Parramatta was a key priority,” Mr Lee said.
“Transport for NSW will continue monitoring traffic flow now improvements are in place. We urge all motorists to please drive to the conditions, indicate and slow down on approach to ensure you merge safely and legally onto the extended off ramp.”
A maintenance bay is also being installed on the southern side of the off ramp, to help repair crews respond to any issues on the Motorway. Work will also be carried out to make the road surface smoother, and improve signage and lighting.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell today announced Professor Peter Shergold will be the new Chair of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Board.
Chancellor of Western Sydney University and former head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Professor Peter Shergold AC, will take the helm of the authority responsible for curriculum, assessment, school regulation and teacher quality across NSW public and non-government schools.
Ms Mitchell said Professor Shergold’s experience is exactly what NESA needs as the organisation prepares to reshape the NSW Curriculum and support education reforms in 2020 and beyond.
“As NSW undertakes a review of the curriculum for the first time in three decades, and moves into the digital space for examinations and learning, the experience Professor Shergold brings from both the private and public sector will be vital,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Professor Shergold is well respected by education stakeholders and brings leadership credentials of the highest calibre to the role.”
“In addition to Professor Shergold’s announcement, we have also secured Paul Martin as NESA’s CEO and appointed six new board members,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“I’m excited that the leadership of NESA includes more members with hands-on teaching experience including four school principals and CEO Paul Martin a former English and History teacher.”
 
Professor Shergold said NESA has a crucial role to play at an exciting time of significant reform in education.
 
“The delivery of the curriculum review in 2020 will provide NSW with a once in a generation opportunity to revitalise the school curriculum so our students, community and economy continue to thrive well into the 21^st century,” Professor Shergold said.
“We know world-class syllabuses, assessment, teaching and school environments are the components needed for our students to achieve their very best.”
Professor Shergold will replace current Chairperson, Tom Alegounarias who is retiring after 30 years in education.
Ms Mitchell said Mr Alegounarias has had an extraordinary impact on education in NSW and will be remembered for many years to come as a passionate educator, policy maker, Chair of NESA and President of NESA’s predecessor, the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards.
“I wish Mr Alegounarias all the best for his retirement and I warmly thank the other outgoing Board members for guiding the establishment of NESA over the past three years,” Ms Mitchell said.
NESA Board members 
* = new appointment
* Chairperson, Professor Peter Shergold AC, Chancellor of Western Sydney University
Mr Mark Scott AO, Secretary, NSW Department of Education
Mr Dallas McInerney, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Schools NSW
Dr Geoff Newcombe, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Independent Schools NSW
Mr Denis Fitzgerald, Executive, NSW Teachers Federation
Mr Mark Northam, Branch Secretary NSW/ACT, Independent Education Union
* Mr Nathan Towney, Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Newcastle
* Ms Christine Legg, Chief Executive Officer, KU Children’s Services
Ms Katherine Grace, General Counsel and Company Secretary, Stockland Group
* Ms Jude Hayman, Principal, Griffith Public School
* Dr Anne Wenham, Head of College, St Stanislaus’ College
* Mr Gary Johnson, Principal, Cherrybrook Technology High School
* Ms Jenny Allum, Head of School, SCEGGS Darlinghurst
* Mr Paul Martin, Chief Executive Officer, NESA