NSW Government announces independent panel to oversee gaming reform roadmap

The NSW Government is taking the next step in reducing gambling harm and tackling criminal activity through money laundering by establishing an independent panel into gaming reform.

The panel will oversee the cashless gaming trial and recommend an implementation roadmap for gaming reforms in NSW.

This delivers on the Minns Labor Government’s election commitment to establish an independent panel made up of representatives from law enforcement, gambling and health experts, academics and industry.

The panel will be chaired by former NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing Commissioner Michael Foggo.

The panel will consist of 16 members, with 3 independent Executive Committee members with extensive experience in government-led inquiries and committees – including Mr Foggo, former Labor Senator Ursula Stephens and former MLC and Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals, Niall Blair.

The panel will also include:

  • 4 industry representatives
  • 4 harm minimisation representatives
  • 2 academics with relevant expertise
  • 1 Cyber Security NSW representative
  • 1 NSW Police representative
  • 1 United Workers Union representative.

The panel will also have the power to seek input from a wide range of external experts in the field and government bodies such as the NSW Crime Commission, NSW Information and Privacy Commission and AUSTRAC.  

The NSW Government is focused on delivering reform which ensures the protection of participants’ privacy. Representatives from Cyber Security NSW and NSW Police will provide valuable insight into the panel’s consideration of robust privacy and data protection measures.

The panel will establish, implement, evaluate and review the trial of cashless gaming in electronic gaming machines across NSW.

This will include mandating certain requirements to participate in the trial. The NSW Government will make this the panel’s first priority.

At the conclusion of the trial, the independent panel will deliver its report, findings and recommendations to the NSW Government.

The panel will develop recommendations for government to consider in relation to the possible introduction of cashless gaming in hotels and clubs, taking into consideration infrastructure investments required, impact on employment and industry, options to further reduce gambling harm, and the impact on reducing the risk of money laundering.

Finally, the panel will provide additional advice to the government in the form of a gaming reform implementation roadmap by November 2024. This will include making recommendations to the government on:

  • use of the $100 million harm minimisation fund
  • expanding the self-exclusion register to the whole state and providing for third-party exclusions:
    • the use of facial recognition technology to support the enhanced exclusions schemes
    • milestones for the possible delivery of gaming reform in all NSW hotels and clubs
    • technical and system standards and privacy and data protections that should be adopted by government.

The NSW Government will also undertake a review of the ClubGRANTS Scheme to be conducted by Liquor & Gaming NSW in consultation with NSW Treasury and The Cabinet Office separately to, but concurrently with, the panel’s work.

The ClubGRANTS scheme has not been formally reviewed since 2013.

The announcement builds on a number of reforms the NSW Government has already introduced to curb gambling harm and tackle criminal activity in clubs and pubs including:

  • a ban on external signage for gaming rooms across NSW beginning 1 September
  • lowering the cap for poker machine entitlements by over $3000
  • reducing the cash input limit from $5000 to $500 on all new machines.

The Minns Government has already passed legislation to ban political donations from clubs with pokies in NSW.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said:

“We know the harmful effects of problem gaming on families, and I want to make sure we stamp out criminal activity in clubs.

“This panel is an important next step.

“The panel has a big job to do but we have the balance right to ensure we have an evidence-based roadmap for future gaming reforms.”

Minister for Gaming & Racing David Harris said:

“We have taken the time to get the right people around the table to ensure we get the best possible trial that will protect consumers and provide confidence in cashless gaming.

“Michael Foggo and the independent panel will advise on the technology, infrastructure, cost, impact on industry and employment, and options to reduce gambling harm, that is their primary purpose.

“I look forward to the panel’s expert contribution as we continue to deliver on our commitment to gambling reform.”

Chair of the Independent Panel Michael Foggo said:

“I am delighted to have been appointed Chair of the Independent Panel overseeing the expanded cashless gaming trial.

“Throughout my career I have taken a keen interest in the field of gaming reform and am pleased to once again be working alongside the NSW Government on this important initiative.

“Harmful gambling not only impacts individuals but also their loved ones and the broader community, which is why it is so important that we work together to reduce gambling harm.

“We must also ensure that there are appropriate mechanisms in place to stop the money laundering and criminal activity associated as outlined in the NSW Crime Commission report.

“We want to make sure we get the balance right and consider all relevant factors so that any future reforms implemented by the NSW Government, work.

“The Independent Panel will get straight to work and will meet in the coming weeks to confirm the framework of the cashless gaming trial and recommend an appropriate mix of venues for the trial to the NSW Government.”

Opal upgrade taps into smoother journeys for iPhone users

Tapping on and tapping off is now more seamless for public transport users in NSW as Express Mode for Apple Pay comes online.

The major upgrade to the Opal ticketing system allows users to tap on and off without needing to unlock their iPhone or Watch first.

Transport for NSW undertook a staggered roll out of Express Mode across the 25,000 card readers on the Opal network, starting with ferries and light rail, then train stations, and then the thousands of Opal readers on buses, which finished this week.

Express Mode for Apple pay is supported on iPhone and Apple Watch running iOS 16.4 or later. Users should add their card to Apple Pay, then set an Express Travel Pass card in settings.

For more information see Contactless paymentslaunch at transportnsw.info

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Commuters in the Hunter, Illawarra, Blue Mountains and everywhere in between will benefit from being the first public transport users in Australia to benefit from the mass roll out of this initiative.

“It will make life so much easier for the almost 2 million transport passengers who use contactless payments with a digital wallet in NSW.

“We’re embracing the future of travel, putting our state in line with global cities such as New York, London and Hong Kong. Think of your phone as your public transport passport.

“We know it can hold things up when you’re trying to quickly scan your face or finger to unlock your device at the reader. Now for Apple users it’s as simple as tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch without having to wake up or unlock your screen.”

Transport for NSW Chief Technology and Innovation Officer Kurt Brissett said:

“Everyone in greater Sydney and our major regional hubs will benefit from the new technology.

“Transport for NSW has now updated the software across the state’s 25,000 Opal readers across the metro, rail, bus, ferry and light rail networks to enable this innovative feature.

“Over 65% of contactless card taps we see on the Opal network are now made using a digital wallet, and Apple Pay represents the vast majority of these. This means the upgrade provides access to a seamless tap on and tap off experience for most of our passengers, joining Samsung users who have already been afforded with the capability.

“This really is amazing technology that will deliver a simple time saving solution with fewer hold ups and more peace of mind. Those with the latest Apple iPhone and software can even tap if their battery is flat.”

Jobs for the boys at transport for NSW

The Opposition has slammed the Labor Government’s appointment of Josh Murray to the position of Secretary of Transport for NSW as an extraordinary and unprecedented case ‘jobs for the boys’.

Mr Murray’s appointment to the reportedly over $500,000 a year role can’t be believed, with his only relevant qualification being his time as a Labor staffer including as Chief of Staff to former Labor Premier Morris Iemma.

At the time of Mr Murray’ position, the Iemma Labor Government was characterised as having an abysmal public transport record1 and providing diabolically inadequate transport services2.

According to publicly available information, Mr Murray has no experience in managing a public transport system, delivering infrastructure or managing a significant capital budget.

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward commented:

“Mr Murray’s only qualification for the role is that he is an ex-Labor staffer. Unfortunately it is just a culture of jobs for the boys.”

“I am not sure how an individual whose experience is in corporate affairs is qualified to run an organisation with 25,000 employees and manage a $76 billion infrastructure pipeline.”

“He would be the least qualified person to ever mange and run the State’s critical transport network. After promising everything to the people of NSW, the Premier and Transport Minister are only focused on hiring Labor mates to cushy Government roles.”

Labor must rule out infrastructure cuts in secret report

The Opposition is calling on the Minns Government to release the Strategic Infrastructure Review following its delivery to the Premier and Treasurer on 30 June 2023, and rule out cuts to critical NSW infrastructure.

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Natalie Ward said the Coalition Government left Labor a $116.6 billion infrastructure pipeline of roads, rail, metro, schools and hospitals that NSW needs.

Instead of safeguarding our state’s critical infrastructure Premier Minns has already told media “We’ve already identified a range of infrastructure projects that we don’t believe are a priority right now”.1

“Premier Minns has a secret infrastructure hit list and he needs to be honest with our community, about which critical infrastructure is he going to cut. Will the Premier guarantee the delivery of key transport infrastructure like Mulgoa Road, Henry Lawson Drive, Richmond Road, New Richmond Bridge or the Pitt-Town Bypass,” said Mrs Ward.

“This Labor Government has been unwilling to put the community first, instead cutting local community projects to pay for promises to union bosses.”

“We know the outcome of any Labor Review is a Labor Cut, but they won’t even tell us which communities are going to miss out under the Minns Government.”

Australia’s cost-of-living crisis is beginning to cost lives

This week’s report in the Courier-Mail about a man torching his home north of Brisbane – perhaps with himself inside it – because he could no longer afford his mortgage payments is a tragic story that should be a wake-up call for decision-makers with control of monetary policy in Australia.

Recently-announced changes to the operations of the Reserve Bank gloss over the immediate – and, in this case, devastating – impact its decisions have on the finances of every Australian home and business.

The RBA’s only direct mechanism for controlling inflation is interest rate rises. In this current crisis, it does not appear to be working because we are also experiencing a shortage of workers in the Australian economy: higher unemployment is also an effective break on inflation.

The most significant factor in Australia’s inflation is energy costs. The first electricity bills following a 25% increase in electricity costs across Queensland from 1 July are now going into people’s inboxes. These costs are rising because cheaper, reliable generation from coal and gas is being prematurely closed down, creating an energy shortage, and energy grids are being upgraded to accommodate the intermittent input of wind farms and household solar panels.

It’s no coincidence that the 300% rise in household energy bills over the past 20 years followed the large-scale penetration of renewables in the national grid over the same period. And what for? To save the world from carbon dioxide emissions? It hasn’t worked – global emissions are still going up. All of our energy and pain have been for nothing.

And now it’s costing lives. It’s not climate change that is the killer – it’s climate change ideology.

ETU, AMWU members hit UGL Newcastle operations in fair pay fight 

Escalating ETU and AMWU industrial action is having an impact at UGL’s Newcastle plants as workers prepare to walk off the job again on Friday to fight for fair pay.

More than 120 workers, including electrical and mechanical trades, will stop work for 24 hours on July 14 at the Broadmeadow site of train builder UGL Newcastle operations. It comes after another 60 workers stopped work early Thursday morning, following the start of the protected industrial action in early July.

“Union members are determined to continue with industrial action at the Broadmeadow and Hamilton North plants until they get a fair deal.” ETU NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Allen Hicks said.

Members are being paid $7 less an hour than their peers at competing companies, and are asking for an 18 per cent pay rise over three years.

Mr Hicks says the current EBA expired in April and members have been negotiating with the company for eight months.

“The ball is in UGL’s court to improve its inadequate offer that fails to keep pace with remuneration offered by its competitors,” Mr Hicks said.

“Our members just want to take home pay commensurate with their industry peers, and that lets them provide for their families and pay the bills as the cost of living bites.

“UGL has said it is struggling to attract and retain workers because of low pay. A no-brainer way to keep workers on is to pay them properly.

“We’ve come to the table and compromised; it’s time for UGL to do the same and scrap its wholly inadequate pay offer that shortchanges workers.”

City of Newcastle receives proposal for $10 million makeover of Lambton Pool

A $10 million indoor aquatic facility at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre is part of a tender the City of Newcastle has placed on public notice, for the operation of Newcastle’s five swimming pools.

Proposed upgrades by BlueFit Pty Ltd, who have been managing Lambton Swimming Centre since 2014, will also include a gym, new kiosk and new changerooms.

An artist's impression of the 25m indoor pool proposed by BlueFit.

BlueFit has also committed to building accessibility facilities at each of the city’s five pools at Lambton, Wallsend, Beresfield, Stockton and Mayfield.

Under the proposed lease of seven years with two possible seven-year extensions and currently on public notice, BlueFit would commit $5 million as part of their successful tender to operate the city’s pools.

A decision on whether to award BlueFit the contract to manage Newcastle’s local pools will not be made until August following a public notice process that invites comments on the proposed lease.

CN staff have also developed a business case for the internal operation of the pools, which will be considered alongside the external tenders, prior to a final decision by the CEO in August.

The proposed upgrades at Lambton Swimming Centre would see 10 new or improved facilities:

  1. A new 25m indoor warm water pool for improved programs and year-round operations
  2. A new indoor toddlers’ pool and changerooms for year-round operations
  3. Refurbishment of the amenities block and changerooms
  4. Accessible change facilities
  5. New health and fitness facilities
  6. New accessibility features for pool access
  7. Upgraded kiosk and cafe
  8. Upgraded Swimming Centre entrance
  9. Improved administration facilities
  10. New multi-purpose room
An artist's impression of the indoor toddlers' pool proposed by BlueFit.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said a year-round indoor facility at Lambton Swimming Centre was the key request from community consultation on its 20-year pools strategy, adopted in May.

“BlueFit has done preliminary work on an indoor aquatic facility as part of their tender proposal and we are sharing the images to help the community gain a sense of what these improvements at Lambton could look like,” he said.

“BlueFit’s proposal also includes freezing entry fees at all local pools this Summer season, ensuring that Newcastle pools remain the region’s most affordable. Beresfield Pool, which has long had the lowest entry fee of any local pool, will see its general admission fee further reduced to $2.90 when it reopens at the end of September.

“BlueFit has also confirmed that if they are awarded the contract to manage our local swimming pools, local private swimming school operator Joy Of Water will be able to continue to provide swimming lessons from Beresfield Pool as they have done for the past few years.”

Lambton, Mayfield, Wallsend and Stockton Swimming Centres have been operated by BlueFit since 2014. Beresfield has been managed under a hybrid arrangement with the pool managed in-house and BlueFit operating the turnstiles and kiosk since 2017.

Mr Bath said that the decision to place the proposed lease on public notice follows a detailed review by him of the proposal and financial modelling, as well as six weeks of further consultation with key stakeholders including councillors, unions, local MPs and staff.

“During the past six weeks I’ve reached out to multiple stakeholders, including councillors and unions. An invitation was extended to the State Member for Wallsend; however, I received no response,” Mr Bath said.

“My decision to place the lease on public notice was also influenced by the fact that the four local pools managed by BlueFit for the past nine years enjoy significantly lower entry fees than pools operated by other local councils.

“Part of my review during the past six weeks was to determine if ratepayers would be better off if City of Newcastle returned to managing its five local swimming centres, rather than BlueFit.

“This review found that if City of Newcastle were to once again manage its pools, the cost to ratepayers would be up to $39 million more than when compared to the cost of BlueFit managing them.

“This cost will send Council’s budget into deficit in at least two of the next five years. To avoid this impact, management would need to consider options such as increasing entry fees or re-prioritising other services or projects.

“The four swimming centres already managed locally by BlueFit enjoy a customer satisfaction rating of 85%, which is higher than the region’s many other public and private swimming centres.”

The decision to place the lease on public notice is detailed in a report on the City of Newcastle website. Key factors include:

  • BlueFit’s tender provides value for money to ratepayers.
  • Customer service outcomes will be enhanced via the construction of a year-round aquatic facility at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre including new indoor pools, a gym and new changerooms, as well as installation of accessible facilities at all five sites.
  • The contract does not involve the sale or disposal of the pools, noting Mayfield and Lambton are on Crown Land and cannot be sold.
  • BlueFit operated local swimming centres enjoy extremely high customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Pool users will financially benefit from BlueFit’s decision to freeze or reduce pool entry fees this season.
  • BlueFit’s $5 million capital investment favourably benchmarks with other outsourced pool contracts in NSW, the ACT and Queensland.
  • BlueFit’s tender is consistent with CN’s adopted Inland Pools Strategy 2043.
  • BlueFit is a responsible employer with a remuneration structure that exceeds the relevant award.
  • External management of our local pools by an industry-leading organisation reduces risk to ratepayers.
  • CN has undertaken a robust tender process, which has been overseen by an independent probity advisor.

Submissions in writing should be addressed to The City of Newcastle, Inland Pools Lease, PO Box 489, Newcastle, 2300 and be received by close of business Monday 31 July 2023.

Essential workers step closer to new, more consultative industrial system to end recruitment and retention crisis

The NSW Government has released the terms of reference for the Industrial Relations Taskforce.

The taskforce will be looking into a more consultative bargaining stream through reform to the Industrial Relations Act 1996. The review aims to identify opportunities for reform that will attract and retain public sector workers, delivering better outcomes in health, education and transport services.

For the past 12 years, the Industrial Relations system in NSW has been systematically eroded by the previous government, which has left workers and employers worse off.

The taskforce will also be reviewing the powers of the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) in NSW and making recommendations on the current ability of the IRC to resolve industrial disputes.

The taskforce will engage key stakeholders including employer bodies, unions, public sector agencies, local government and the legal profession, to create a new, cooperative interest-based approach overseen by the IRC.

Currently the IRC considers the state economy when awarding pay increases. The taskforce will examine how to consider the finances of the government while supporting efficient service delivery. 

The taskforce will be led by former Deputy President of the Fair Work Commission Anna Booth and former President of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission Roger Boland. It will report back to Cabinet with recommendations.

View the Industrial Relations Taskforce terms of referencelaunch.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“The terms of reference of the Industrial Relations Taskforce further emphasise our government’s commitment to implement a modern and cooperative industrial relations framework.

“This taskforce will help set the framework for a more inclusive, collaborative industrial relations system that this state so desperately needs.

“We said we’d fix the recruitment and retention crisis in essential services, and this is a step closer to achieving just that.

“We can’t fix 12 years of wage stagnation and pay caps in a single years pay increase. We were upfront about this before the election.”

Young people in Youth Justice ‘Try a Trade’ for a day

Young people are being given the opportunity to learn new skills to help them transition back into the community thanks to a partnership between Youth Justice NSW and Training Services NSW, which is rolling out the ‘Try a Trade’ program.

The first ‘Try a Trade’ day was held at Cobham Youth Justice Centre in late 2022 with 10 workshops held across a range of trades including carpentry, painting, mechanical, landscaping, bricklaying, welding, barbering, plumbing, warehousing, and barista.

Meanwhile a second session ran at the Riverina Youth Justice Centre on 29 June with 5 businesses, all in different trades, visiting the boys to teach them a range of skills including plumbing, carpentry, painting, traffic control and mechanics.

At the sessions, young people had the opportunity to try different trades and see what they enjoyed, as well as build real-life community connections and supportive links that will still be there once a young person leaves custody.

‘Try a Trade’ days will be run across all 6 Youth Justice Centres around the state throughout the remainder of 2023.

Youth Justice NSW runs a number of skills and trades programs in Youth Justice Centres with several young people continuing their education and training upon release.

Minister for Youth Justice, Jihad Dib said:

“Whether it is gaining carpentry or painting skills and one day owning a construction business, or becoming a barista and managing a café, we are giving young people a chance to reach their full potential through the ‘Try a Trade’ program.

“We don’t want to see anyone, no matter their age, spend time in a justice centre but where they do we want them to have the skills they need to start over upon their release.

“The program, while still early, is already yielding success with a young person who left Cobham Youth Justice Centre recently taking up a plumbing apprenticeship with a local plumbing company involved in the program.

“This is the type of inspiring story that shows the impact of ‘Try a Trade.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Tim Crakanthorp said:

“When someone leaves a justice centre we want to give them the best possible chance to seize opportunities and thrive.

“No matter their background, everyone deserves the chance to learn a skill and contribute to their community.”

NSW Government takes a new approach to temporary accommodation to support people in crisis 

Women and children escaping domestic and family violence, disaster victim-survivors, rough sleepers and couch surfers are just some of the vulnerable people across the state who will now be able to access temporary accommodation for a longer period with the NSW Government expanding support for those seeking assistance.

Temporary accommodation is emergency housing support that is provided to people experiencing homelessness.

The reforms mean that people in need can now access an initial period of 7 days temporary accommodation, instead of just 2 days under the previous government.

This change marks a significant shift in how we support people in vulnerable situations across NSW.

The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) have revised eligibility requirements for people requesting temporary accommodation raising the asset cap to $5000 instead of $1000 and removing this requirement altogether for those fleeing domestic or family violence.

Under the changes, people who contact Link2home can initially access 7 days of temporary accommodation.

Clients will continue to receive temporary accommodation while seeking longer-term accommodation options, providing they keep engaging with support and accommodation services and take up options for accommodation.

This announcement builds on the NSW Government’s commitment to addressing homelessness. We have committed to:

  • 30% social and affordable housing.
  • A 2-year extension of Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) contracts. The end date for these contracts has changed from 30 June 2024 to 30 June 2026. Providing stability and continuity for some of the state’s most vulnerable people.
  • People in temporary accommodation are no longer required to complete a Rental Diary to demonstrate they are actively looking for housing. Women and children escaping domestic violence and flood victims are just some of the people in temporary accommodation.
  • The 12-month freeze on the requirement to complete seeker diaries started on Saturday 1 July 2023 as we thoroughly review and assess this scheme.
  • Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Housing staff are available to assist people in temporary accommodation to access the Specialist Homelessness Services that can help them find stable housing.

Residents can visit their local housing office or call the Housing Contact Centre on 1800 422 322launch.

If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of homelessness, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling Link2home on 1800 152 152launch.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Everyone in NSW should have access to safe and secure housing.

“The NSW Government is committed to increasing housing supply and delivering solutions to help break cycles of homelessness.

“I don’t want to see a situation where a woman fleeing domestic and family violence has to pick up and leave every 2 days. This is an important change for people in some of the most vulnerable situations.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“This is about bringing humanity and dignity back to the housing system in NSW and sends a clear message that this government cares about our homeless community and people in crisis.

“Two days just isn’t enough time for someone experiencing housing insecurity to organise their next steps. We want to ease the burden on people trying to find stable accommodation, not add to it.

“Part of rebuilding our housing system includes giving people in temporary accommodation more time to find their feet, get connected with the services and access stable housing from the safety of a motel.

“Homelessness is not a personal failing. Many people are one bad job, one bad relationship, one climate disaster away from facing homelessness. We need to strengthen our safety net to ensure people don’t fall through the cracks and find themselves unable to access shelter.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“Access to temporary accommodation is crucial for women and children escaping domestic violence and sexual assault. Not knowing what will happen, especially where they are going to live, often becomes a barrier for women who leave a violent relationship.

“Access to an initial period of 7 days temporary accommodation instead of 2 provides women with peace of mind so they can access other support services they need to leave a violent partner.”

Manager of Policy and Research for Homelessness NSW Kate Davies said:

“These sensible changes are the right thing to do, prioritising people, not processes, and their pathway out of homelessness. Emergency accommodation is critical in a crisis, but we must see investment in frontline support services and social housing to give people a safe home and the support to keep it.

“These changes are another step in the right direction to helping people exit the cycle of homelessness for good.”