Category: NSW News

After eight years of strong financial management, the NSW economy has staged a remarkable turnaround, emerging from a disastrous slump under the previous Labor government and surging to a winning position.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Liberals & Nationals have put the runs on the board and the scorecard makes for happy reading.
“Our State’s economic performance when Labor lost office was a national embarrassment, and the sense of hopelessness in NSW was palpable,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Labor’s mismanagement was a kick in the guts for every family, every worker and every business trying to get ahead.”
“Fast forward to today and our economy has been totally transformed. From the budget to the economy to infrastructure to employment, the contrast between then and now is remarkable.”
Mr Perrottet said secure finances and a sensible policy of swapping old assets for new ones had given NSW a renewed ability to power ahead with record investments in schools, hospitals, rail lines, roads and other infrastructure right across the State.
“In 2010-11 the NSW budget posted a meagre surplus of $153 million, and was headed for deficit. As of 2017-18, our surplus now stands at almost $4.2 billion – a sound platform for a strong, secure future.”
“In the same period, the State’s net debt has plummeted from a staggering $8 billion in 2010-11 to a record low of negative $11.1 billion in 2017-18.”
“Despite Labor’s stubborn opposition to asset recycling, that policy has helped lift the value of public assets in NSW to more than a quarter of a trillion dollars – a massive increase from the State’s $165.9 billion net worth when Labor left office.”
“Record infrastructure investment has boosted economic growth, and given the private sector the confidence it needs to invest too.”

“State final demand growth is up from 2.8 per cent in 2010-11 to 3.4 per cent in 2017-18 – which is now higher than the long run average. That resurgence is reflected in critical industries like the retail sector, where sales growth has risen from 2.5 per cent in the five years to March 2011, to 3.7 per cent since we came to office.”
“Export growth has almost tripled, rising from 1.8 per cent in the five years to 2010-11, to 4.6 per cent between 2010-11 and 2017-18, as dynamic NSW businesses export their goods the world.”
“Housing construction has also boomed, after our Government was lumped with Labor’s legacy of chronic housing shortages that sent house prices skyrocketing.”
“Since March 2011 we have steadily clawed back ground, more than doubling annual housing completions from 31,400 in the twelve months to March 2011, to 65,100 in the 12 months to June 2018.”
Mr Perrottet said the real importance of the economic scorecard is that every number represents the opportunities that are now on offer in NSW for people to get ahead.
“Strong finances and a strong economy mean jobs, jobs, jobs. For families across the State paying off mortgages and covering bills, nothing is more important, and right now there is no better place to find a great job than NSW.”
“Unemployment in 2010-11 was above the national average, but today it is at decade lows and has the lowest in the nation for more than three and a half years.”
“Employment growth is up from just 2.3 per cent in March 2011 to 3.6 per cent today, and more people are in work – including record numbers of women – with the participation rate rising from 63.8 per cent to 65.2 per cent.”
Mr Perrottet said a NSW Liberals & Nationals government had the discipline and determination to maintain NSW’s steady winning streak, but Labor simply isn’t up to the task.
“Our record speaks for itself. Not only is the economy booming, our fiscal discipline has meant we can steadily ease the pressure with tax cuts and cost-of-living initiatives like car rego rebates and Active and Creative Kids vouchers,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The biggest threat to our State and its people is NSW Labor. Michael Daley was an integral part of the dysfunctional Labor government that brought our state to its knees, and by handing him the reins, Labor have shown they haven’t learned a thing.”
“For our Government, the economic runs are on the board, and that is important for one reason only – so we can keep delivering what the families of NSW need: great jobs, better opportunities, a better standard of living, and security for the future.”

The Supreme Court of New South Wales today sentenced Mr Milad Atai to 38 years’ imprisonment with a non-parole period of 28 years and six months, for his part in helping source the firearm that was used in an act of terrorism.
Mr Atai, 22, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting 15-year-old Mr Farhad Mohammed commit an act of terrorism when he shot and killed Mr Curtis Cheng outside Parramatta Police Headquarters on 2 October 2015.
Mr Atai also pleaded guilty to two other charges of intentionally making funds available to the terrorist organisation Islamic State. A further charge of intentionally being a member of the terrorist organisation Islamic State was also taken into account on sentence.
Mr Atai played a critical role in the lead up to this terrorist act. He attended a number of meetings with his co-offenders in an effort to source and fund the purchase of the firearm used to kill Mr Cheng. He also attempted to have an extremist flag made with the intention it would be used in this terrorist act.
The day before the terrorist act in which Mr Cheng was killed, Shadi Mohammad (Farhad’s sister), left Australia for Syria. Her travel was organised and paid for with funds raised by Mr Atai. Mr Atai was also involved in raising a further sum of $5,000 for Islamic State.
Mr Atai was also part of an online WhatsApp closed chat group where members shared radical Islamist views and discussed their support of Islamic State. The chat group was called the ‘Bricks Forum’ and the group’s profile picture was an Islamic State flag.
During his sentence hearing in September, Mr Atai gave evidence and said that he was “sorry” to Mr Cheng’s family. However, prior to sentence, Mr Atai wrote letters to the Australian Federal Police and Crown counsel in which he said he was “not sorry”, “nor regretful”, for his actions. He indicated he did not want a discount on his sentence for remorse.
In sentencing, Justice Johnson of the Supreme Court of New South Wales said the comments in these letters were cruel, devoid of basic humanity and were evidence of a “warped and criminal belief system”.
Justice Johnson said Mr Atai had shown no contrition or remorse and his prospects of rehabilitation were not favourable.
He said the Victim Impact Statement from the Cheng family illustrated how Mr Curtis Cheng was a fine man and a beloved father. The Court was told that the day her husband was murdered was the longest and most painful day of Mrs Selina Cheng’s life. Justice Johnson said it was clear that Mrs Cheng had suffered enormously.
He said the “fortitude, strength, courage, humanity, decency and dignity of the Cheng family” had “manifested themselves constantly” as the Cheng family had attended “what are undoubtedly difficult and challenging court proceedings for them”.
Summary of charges:

• One offence of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the commission of an offence by Farhad Jabar Khalil Mohammad against s 101.1(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth), namely that Farhad Jabar Khalil Mohammad did commit a terrorist act, contrary to sections 11.2(1) and 101.1(1) of the Criminal Code. [Sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment starting 22.3.24 and finishing 21.3.54.]

• Two offences of intentionally making funds available to a terrorist organisation, namely Islamic State, knowing that the organisation was a terrorist organisation, contrary to section 102.6(1) of the Criminal Code. [Sentenced to 10 years and six months’ imprisonment starting 23.3.19.]

• One offence of intentionally being a member of a terrorist organisation, namely, Islamic State, knowing that the organisation was a terrorist organisation, contrary to section 102.3(1) of the Criminal Code was taken into account when passing sentence pursuant to section 16BA of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). [Sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment starting 23.3.16]

A man will appear in court next month after committing an offensive act at the Martin Place Cenotaph in Sydney early this morning.
About 3am (Sunday 25 November 2018), CCTV cameras captured a man entering the memorial site.
It’s alleged the man climbed on top of the memorial and was photographed with the statues.
Police from Sydney City Police Area Command attended and arrested a 20-year-old man.
He was taken to Day Street Police Station and issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for commit offensive act at war memorial.
The man, from Jarrahdale in Western Australia, is due to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 12 December 2018.

NSW Police have today (Thursday 22 November 2018) launched a new video campaign highlighting proactive strategies officers are using in the continued commitment to tackle domestic and family violence.
The “ADVO Compliance Checks” video campaign is an initiative that targets perpetrator accountability, victim support and changing community attitudes.
NSW Police Corporate Sponsor for Domestic and Family Violence, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones APM said we all have a role to play in preventing domestic and family violence.
“Domestic and family violence is a crime that is not subject to postcodes; it affects people from all walks of life and spans the entire geography of this state,” said Assistant Commissioner Jones.
“Every day across NSW, our officers work tirelessly to help victims of such crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.
“In the past 12 months NSW police have conducted over 22,000 checks on whether apprehended violence orders are being complied with and will continue to do so daily.
“This video campaign is yet another example of positive change led by our officers in addressing domestic violence and holding offenders accountable for their actions.
“The message is clear, those that choose to put others’ lives in danger, will face the full force of the law.
“We want perpetrators to know that accountability starts with them, but it may end with us,” said Assistant Commissioner Jones.
 

The NSW Government will deliver 1500 new police – the biggest single increase for the NSW Police Force in more than 30 years – as part of a record investment to keep our community safe.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the safety and security of NSW communities is the Government’s highest priority. This investment of more than $583 million over four years will bolster police numbers and increase the Force’s crime fighting capability.
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has already delivered more than 1000 new police since it was elected and the increase of a further 1500 announced today will put more police where they are most needed – out on the frontline, tackling crime across the state.
“NSW Commissioner of Police Mick Fuller has provided the Government with a resourcing blueprint for the NSW Police Force that focuses on proactive and high visibility policing,” said Ms Berejiklian.
“This increase in police numbers will ensure the NSW Police Force has the resources it needs to continue to drive down crime rates and protect the community.
“NSW has some of the lowest crime rates in 20 years and, with an extra 1500 police, our men and women in blue will be able to meet future crime challenges head on.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s careful economic management is enabling us to make record investments in our frontline services and this delivery of 1500 new police is another example of our hard work paying off for the community.”
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said this boost to police numbers will benefit regional NSW communities and reduce response times.
“This is the boost NSW Police need in our regions, and will mean safer roads, more officers on the beat and better capabilities for police districts to respond.”
Following extensive consultation with the Police Association of NSW and police commands across the state, child protection and elder abuse were identified as two of the key areas requiring greater policing resources.
Minister for Police Troy Grant said protecting some of the most vulnerable members of the community – our children and elderly – is undoubtedly one of the most important roles that NSW Police perform.
“To ensure police have greater capability to keep a watchful eye on known offenders against children, all 58 police commands across NSW will receive an additional officer to monitor offenders on the Child Protection Register,” said Mr Grant.
“The elderly are also at greater risk of abuse and unfortunately, like other forms of domestic violence, it is often perpetrated by a trusted family member, partner or carer.
“To combat this cowardly crime, each and every command will also receive a specialist Elder Abuse Prevention Officer.”
Specialist Elder Abuse Officers will be established as part of the Crime Management Units and specifically look to strategies of prevention and support.
NSW Commissioner of Police Mick Fuller said, “This commitment to the NSW Police Force is historic and I am very excited at the opportunities we’ll now have to enhance our capability.
“We have re-engineered the organisation to ensure our structure has us well placed to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime throughout the community.
“Now we can also grow the Force to boost our efforts even further. You have to go back to 1987 when I joined to see this number of police promised to the people of New South Wales.
“We will dramatically improve our capacity to deal with crimes such as elder and child abuse and the numbers of police on our streets will also vastly increase.”
President of the Police Association of NSW Tony King said this investment in police numbers will undoubtedly help ease the burden and strain on current officers.
“I am thrilled the Government has listened and worked with us to deliver the biggest increase in police numbers in more than three decades,” said Mr King.
“This boost to operational capacity will ensure police are well supported and can maintain the sort of protection our community expects and deserves.”

A first look at Australia’s first ever hospice for young adults, to be built on the Manly Hospital site, has been unveiled today by the NSW Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Manly James Griffin also launched a community fundraising program for the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice.
“This will be a purpose-built, first-of-its-kind facility, which will provide 24/7 support to young people and their families,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW Government will provide $2 million each year to contribute to the operating costs of this revolutionary facility to cater for older teens and young adults from across NSW who suffer a life-limiting illness.”
The hospice will be specifically designed for adolescents and young adults with life-limiting conditions requiring short-term respite care, symptom management or end-of-life care.
It will provide a welcoming environment with a flexible design to suit each individual, be light-filled with easy access to outdoor areas, and have the latest digital technology for connecting with friends and family.
Mr Hazzard said the facility will work closely with Bear Cottage, Manly’s renowned children’s hospice that is also unique to NSW, to assist families caring for young people as they become adults.
“This hospice will fill a much-needed gap for young people who outgrow Bear Cottage or are diagnosed with life-limiting conditions as a young adult,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW Government is committed to providing appropriate palliative care services right across the State and that includes for our young people transitioning from paediatric to adult care.”
Last year the NSW Government committed an additional $100 million over four years on top of the record $210 million a year for palliative and end-of-life care services.
Mr Griffin said the NSW Government is thrilled with the positive response received from the community and that several generous benefactors had already pledged significant funds towards the capital cost of building the facility, and he urged others to also give.
“This new hospice has tremendous community support and demonstrates our commitment to provide vital health services on this site into the future,” Mr Griffin said.
“The challenges these families face are enormous. More than a quarter of the admissions to Bear Cottage in the past year have been of young people aged over 16, and there’s no appropriate place for them to go when they reach 18.”
Northern Sydney Local Health District and Health Infrastructure have convened a panel of clinical experts to advise on what services are needed at the facility, and the best design. They will consult closely with patients and the community.
Construction of the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice is expected to start in 2020.

In a great day for the people of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the new state-of-the-art hospital at Frenchs Forest is officially open, as part of a $600 million health services redevelopment.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian was joined by Health Minister Brad Hazzard, doctors, nurses and local residents to cut the ribbon on the hospital today.
“This is a momentous occasion for the people of the Northern Beaches, who now have a world-class public hospital like no other right on their doorstep,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Delivering life-changing infrastructure like this is only possible due to the strong economic management of the Liberals & Nationals Government.”
The new 488-bed Northern Beaches Hospital sits at the heart of a revamped healthcare network for the Northern Beaches – including Mona Vale Hospital and three new community health centres at Brookvale, Seaforth and Mona Vale.
“Together, these facilities will ensure that our local communities here on the Northern Beaches have access to healthcare and specialised services, now and well into the future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Mr Hazzard said the hospital’s opening was a proud moment for him as the local member and Health Minister.
“Our community has been waiting for this for many years and I am delighted all the community’s hard work has finally paid off,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW Government is delivering on its promise to provide public health services for the Northern Beaches community for decades to come.”
The nine-storey Northern Beaches Hospital includes:

• 50-bed Emergency Department
• 14 theatres, two cardiac catheter labs and four procedural rooms
• birthing, intensive care, paediatric, renal, cancer care and mental health services
• outpatient services
• medical centre
• medical imaging, pharmacy and pathology facilities
• Education Centre for doctor and staff training
• 1400-space car park
• restaurants and patient amenities.

Since 2011, the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has completed 94 new and upgraded hospitals and health facilities, including more than 50 in regional NSW, with another 111 projects underway.

The NSW Police Force is acknowledging World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims today (Sunday 18 November 2018), as people across the world reflect on the number of lives lost on our roads.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Julie Middlemiss is marking the day by reminding all road users to take extra care.
“Today is a special advocacy day for road traffic prevention,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Middlemiss said.
“1193 lives have been lost on Australian roads in the last 12 months to the end of October, with 384 of those in New South Wales.
“When you consider those directly impacted as well as the emergency services personnel including police, paramedics, fire fighters, emergency volunteers and medical professionals, indirectly affected, these numbers are significant and we all need to do more to minimise the risks to others on our roads.
“I would encourage everyone to pause for a moment and reflect on the grief they have endured.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Middlemiss said whether you are driving, riding, cycling, or walking, you need to ensure the roads are shared safely and responsibly.
“We know speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seat belt or proper helmet, driving distracted, or fatigued, are all the key causes of fatal and serious injury crashes on our roads, and personal responsibility is the key in keeping yourself, your passengers, and other road users safe on local roads and highways,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Middlemiss said.
“I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the work done by the NSW Police Force, emergency and medical services, and road safety professionals in enforcement, treatment and advocacy, all focussed on driving down the road toll.”
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a United Nations initiative that started in 1993 as a global day observed on the third Sunday of November each year.
 

A police officer who dedicates her time to mentoring young Indigenous women has been awarded the 2018 Gold Commissioner’s Perpetual Award for the Advancement of Women in Policing.
Senior constable Shari Gibbs from the Central North Police District not only took out the top prize but was also the winner of the “Mentor Award”.
Senior constable Gibbs has dedicated her time to strengthening relationships within the local community and mentoring young Indigenous women in the Goodooga area. She actively encourages young girls to reach their full potential, sharing with them how she fulfilled her dream of becoming a police officer.
The Perpetual Awards were established in 2006 to acknowledge and showcase the efforts and achievements of women in policing.
Fifty-five nominations were received this year in six award categories according to their roles and expertise.
The awards were presented by Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys APM at the Curtis Cheng Centre in Parramatta today (Friday 16 November 2018).
Over 80 police officers, civilian employees, and their families attended the awards ceremony.
There were 13 award and highly commended certificate recipients, as well as the overall Silver and Gold Perpetual Award winners.
Deputy Commissioner Worboys also presented the Silver Award to Detective Sergeant Claudia Allcroft for her outstanding leadership and dedication to her work.
Detective Allcroft was also the winner of the “Role Model” category.
Deputy Commissioner Worboys praised all the nominees for their commitment to their community and ongoing dedication to their work.
“These awards are a testament to the outstanding contributions of many police officers and administrative employees, which often go above and beyond their core duties,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM said today’s awards acknowledge the hard work and dedication of female officers throughout the NSW Police Force.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to those whose efforts were recognised today – it’s your passion and hard work that make a huge difference to the community and within the NSW Police Force,” Commissioner Fuller said.
The winners of the six categories were:
Dynamic Leader Award – Alissa Roptell – Police Transport & Public Safety Command
Alissa is a true leader in every sense of the word and has been instrumental in building the new Police Transport & Public Safety Command. Alissa has provided career development opportunities for her team and has consistently supports career progression. Alissa has displayed dynamic and innovative leadership which has positively influenced the Command and is an asset to the wider NSW Police Force.
Philanthropy Award – Inspector Linda Bradbury – Central West Police District
Inspector Bradbury has demonstrated that she goes above and beyond in providing support to a range of women and men within her District. She has demonstrated selfless acts of compassion and thoughtfulness, in particular, providing colleagues with support, advice and development opportunities. Inspector Bradbury adopts a progressive, dynamic and tenacious approach to ensure all female officers on maternity leave are regularly contacted regarding information and decisions relating to the workplace, and she continues to offer ongoing training and support in preparation for their return to the workplace.
Local Hero Award – Senior Constable Ingrid Reilly – Inner West Police Area Command
Senior constable Reilly has superior knowledge, experience and commitment as a Domestic Violence Liaison Officer where she has identified trends and correlations between victims of domestic violence and family pets. Senior constable Reilly is the subject matter expert in relation to investigations and prosecution aspects of Protection of Cruelty to Animals Act and enforcement. Through her actions and efforts, she has built a reputation as a local hero to victims of domestic violence and their pets.
Champion of Change Award – Superintendent Allan Sicard – North Shore Police Area Command
Superintendent Sicard has continued to change the landscape for women in his command. He has endeavoured to create an inclusive work environment to ensure women have access to development opportunities to build their capabilities into leadership positions. He continues to sponsor women to attend events, development and leadership programs both at a corporate level and local level. Superintendent Sicard has demonstrated key attributes of a champion of change with his unwavering commitment to promote gender equality within the command. Many women have benefited from his sponsorship and support and his influence in the workplace is worthy of high recognition.
Role Model Award – Detective Sergeant Claudia Allcroft – Tweed/Byron Police District
Detective Sergeant Allcroft was the first female Team Leader for the Tweed/Byron Police District’s Proactive Unit. She leads by example, working night shifts and changing duties at short notice, all with a focus on crime prevention. She has performed duties as Crime Manager and Duty Officer and is described by her colleagues as the strongest woman they know, evident in her role as Detective Sergeant and loving mother. The resilience and determination consistently displayed by Detective Sergeant Allcroft places her not only as a role model for women in policing but for all police.
Mentor Award – Senior Constable Shari Gibbs – Central North Police District
Senior constable Gibbs has engrained herself within the local community and is a mentor to many Indigenous women and girls in the community. She participates in a broad range of community events such as career days, school graduations and working committees to effect positive change and build relationships. Senior constable Gibbs encourages and motivates young women, who may not have pursued a career through sharing her experience as a police officer.