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Families welcoming new arrivals and long-time fans can celebrate their birthday milestone alongside Australia’s favourite koala, Blinky Bill, who turns 90 this year.

The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages has released a new commemorative birth certificate featuring the iconic character, created by Dorothy Wall in 1933.

Whether you’re in your 90s and applying for a copy of your birth certificate or welcoming a newborn, people across NSW can now order the new certificate design featuring the original Aussie larrikin. 
 
The cheeky koala continues to delight generations in books and on the screen with his love for adventure and curiosity.
 
The commemorative birth certificate features the lovable koala dressed in red overalls, next to his best friend and adopted sister Nutsy, while their mum Mrs Koala takes centre stage as she tries to keep them out of trouble.
 
The Registry’s first commemorative certificate capturing Blinky Bill was released in 2016 and has been ordered by more than 7000 people, proving Wall’s stories continue to live on in the hearts of Australians.
 
In a celebration of Australia’s storytelling history, 3 new commemorative birth certificates featuring the artwork of Australian author and illustrator May Gibbs are also available, showing Boronia Baby, Gumnut Baby, and Flora and Fauna.
 
Commemorative birth certificates can be purchased at any time.
 
Commemorative birth certificates do not hold legal status and sit alongside official birth certificates.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:
 
“When we welcome a new family member into our lives, the very first piece of identification they get is their birth certificate. These certificates are both important and sentimental, so it is essential they are kept safe and secure.
 
“When it comes to a commemorative birth certificate, families can pick their favourite design to celebrate their newest bundle of joy or to celebrate a milestone birthday.
 
“In response to customer demand we have more than 20 different designs which means there is something for everyone from Blinky Bill through to your favourite NRL team – and we have even more certificate designs in the pipeline.”
 
NSW Registrar Theresa Fairman said:
 
“This is an exciting chance to celebrate 90 years of one of our nation’s most iconic characters and these new certificates are un-bear-ably cute.
 
“From new mums and fans of the original Aussie larrikin to those celebrating a milestone birthday, the Blinky Bill commemorative birth certificate celebrates a generation of love.
 
“I also expect the new May Gibbs’ Boronia Baby, Gumnut Babies and Flora and Fauna designs to be in hot demand, with our range of designs providing something for everyone.”

The NSW Government today committed to reduce the financial burden of increased building standards for nine months for those who have already signed contracts.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said new homes already under contract before Sunday 1 October 2023 would be exempt from new sustainable building (BASIX) standards until 30 June 2024.

“We’re in a housing crisis, but the construction and development industry are doing it tough with ongoing weather delays, rising materials costs and skill shortages,” Mr Scully said.

“The government has responded by making new homes where a contract has been signed before 1 October 2023 exempt from increased BASIX standards until 30 June 2024.

“While we remain committed to the introduction of BASIX from 1 October 2023, the transitional arrangements will reduce the financial impact of increased standards on home buyers who have already signed building contracts under the current BASIX requirements, which includes some 6000 contracts in Western Sydney alone,” he said.

Mr Scully said that homeowners in this group may still adopt the new BASIX standards should they choose, to help manage future energy bills.

BASIX standards were introduced in 2004, and increased in 2017, to improve the energy and thermal performance of homes, providing better comfort, and energy and water efficiencies.

The new standard cuts thermal energy use by at least 20% and will save homeowners on power bills. The changes can save considerable amounts of energy helping to make new homes more comfortable, particularly in the hotter areas of the state during summer.

Minister Scully said the temporary exemption would bring NSW in line with other states including Victoria.

“BASIX standards are critical. They mean housing stock in NSW is built with improved energy efficiency – making housing cooler in summer and warmer in winter with better windows and insulation.

“We also need to keep housing supply moving and these transitional arrangements will take some of the pressure off builders and buyers who want the certainty.

“Commencing in October, a BASIX certificate lasts for 3 months. So, the exemption effectively extends the transition period to 12 months for those with contracts signed by 1 October 2023,” Mr Scully said.

Industry has had more than 12 months to prepare for the introduction of changes to BASIX. The transition period provides additional time to adjust.

For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portal.launch

Today marks the 78th anniversary of the end of the Second World War – Victory in the Pacific (VP) – with commemorative services being held across NSW and around the world.

Australia had been at war for 5 years, 11 months and 11 days when on 15 August 1945, Japan accepted the Allied nations’ terms of surrender and Australia’s Prime Minister, Ben Chifley, confirmed that the war was over.

Minister for Veterans David Harris who attended the commemorative service at the Cenotaph today, alongside RSL NSW President Ray James and members of the veteran community paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of all Second World War veterans.

“Today on VP Day we come together to remember all those men and women who served – in the ranks of our Navy, Army, Air Force, the Merchant Navy and nursing – and thank them for their sacrifices, in conflict and in captivity.

“It’s a date, we will never forget,” Mr Harris said.

“We honour those who served, and the 39,000 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of peace and freedom.”

Australian forces were engaged in campaigns across the Pacific – in New Guinea, Bougainville, New Britain, Borneo, and in the Philippines – and Australian prisoners of the Japanese were spread throughout Asia.

RSL NSW President Ray James OAM, said commemorating significant moments in our military history is vital to Australia, as people, a community and a nation.

“People should never forget how close we as a nation came to invasion and occupation during the Second World War,” Mr James said.

“But for the service and sacrifice of the men and women who served in our armed forces, and those of the Allied forces, the Australian people would not have been protected from the battles of the war reaching our shores.”

Second World War veteran Don Kennedy, who had his first taste in the Merchant Navy in February 1944 at the age of 16, cruising out through the Heads on the Seirstad destined for the Atlantic also attended the commemoration.

Even though Don Kennedy wasn’t trained to fight in the war or even acknowledged as a member of the services at the time, the commitment he and others made in the Merchant Navy was no less significant.

“I tell people I was 17 months in the war. There was only half an inch of metal between you and the sea if a torpedo struck the ship,” Don Kennedy said.

Don Kennedy was one of many veterans who shared their story in 2020 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Read the veterans’ stories at the NSW War Memorials Registerlaunch website.

The NSW Government has welcomed the first meeting of the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform. The Independent Panel has considered elements of the upcoming cashless gaming trial, as well as matters which will inform its recommendations to the NSW Government on a gaming reform implementation roadmap.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris addressed the Independent Panel at their first meeting in Sydney on Monday 14 August 2023.

Mr Harris said he was pleased the Independent Panel was considering the design and framework for the upcoming cashless gaming trial carefully and as a matter of priority, including the minimum requirements for venues and technology providers to take part.

“The Panel’s first priority is to confirm the design and regulatory settings for the expanded cashless gaming trial, to ensure it can start as soon as possible,” Mr Harris said.

“This includes deciding which venues will take part, ensuring there is an appropriate mix of hotels and clubs across metropolitan and regional areas.

“By imposing certain mandatory requirements, the Panel can ensure that the trial will have strong data security and privacy protections in place.”

The Independent Panel will also provide advice to the NSW Government on a gaming reform implementation roadmap by November 2024.

This will include making recommendations to the NSW Government on the use of the $100 million harm minimisation fund, expanding the self-exclusion register and providing for third-party exclusions, and the use of facial recognition technology to support the enhanced exclusions schemes.

The panel will also be consulted on a review of the ClubGRANTS Scheme, which is being undertaken by Liquor & Gaming NSW in consultation with The Cabinet Office and NSW Treasury. This review will be undertaken separately, but concurrent with the Panel’s work on gaming reforms.

The inaugural meeting was chaired by former NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing Commissioner Michael Foggo with Dr Ursula Stephens (former Senator for NSW, Australian Labor Party) and The Honourable Niall Blair (former Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals) comprising the Executive Committee.

Chair Michael Foggo said the NSW Government had carefully considered the composition of the Independent Panel to ensure it is well placed to provide balanced and expert advice about gaming reform.

Mr Foggo said it was clear from the outset that all panel members are passionate about gaming reform and committed to making a difference in NSW.

“The panel is set up so that a range key stakeholders and experts are represented including industry, gambling harm minimisation experts, academic experts, law enforcement and cyber security,” Mr Foggo said.

“It also has the ability to seek input from other external experts in the field and government bodies such as the NSW Crime Commission, the NSW Information and Privacy Commission and AUSTRAC.”

The progress of the Independent Panel builds on a number of reforms the NSW Government has already introduced to curb gambling harm and tackle criminal activity in clubs and pubs relating to gaming machines including:

• a ban on external signage for gaming rooms across NSW beginning 1 September 2023
• lowering the cap for poker machine entitlements by over $3000 from 1 July 2023
• reducing the cash input limit from $5000 to $500 on all new machines from 1 July 2023
• new legislation to ban political donations from clubs with pokies across the state from 1 July 2023
• The Independent Panel will meet monthly with additional meetings as required.

Panel members include:

• Chair Mr Michael Foggo
• Executive member Dr Ursula Stephens – former Senator for NSW, Australian Labor Party
• Executive member The Hon Niall Blair – former Minister and Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals
• Mr David Hudson – Deputy Commissioner, NSW Police
• Mr Tony Chapman – NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer, Cyber Security NSW
• Ms Rebecca Riant – Chief Executive Officer, ClubsNSW
• Mr John Whelan – Chief Executive Officer, Australian Hotels Association NSW (AHA NSW)
• Mr Jinesh Patel – Chief Executive Officer, Gaming Technologies Association
• Mr Don Hammond – Chief Executive Officer, Leagues Clubs Australia
• Professor Joel Negin – Trustee, Responsible Gambling Fund Trust
• Ms Joanna Quilty – Chief Executive Officer, NSW Council of Social Services
• Rev Stu Cameron – Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent Wesley Mission
• Professor Melanie Randle – Dean of Research, Development and Integrity, University of Wollongong
• Professor Sally Gainsbury – Director, Gambling Treatment & Research Centre, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney
• Ms Imogen Beynon – Deputy Director, Casinos, Clubs & Gaming, United Workers Union
• Mr Nick McGhie, lived experience Panel member.

Get more information on Liquor and Gaming.launch

Patients across NSW are highly rating their experiences with virtual care, which is delivering innovative and more convenient healthcare to people across all parts of the state.

The Bureau of Health Information’s Patient Experiences of Virtual Care in 2022 survey found 92% of patients rated their virtual care with NSW hospital outpatient clinics in the past 12 months as either ‘very good’ or ‘good’.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said the results show virtual care is delivering high-quality, specialist medical care to people right across NSW, regardless of where they live.

“These latest findings show virtual care is convenient, more accessible, and in some cases helps patients feel more at ease,” Mr Park said.

“Virtual care appointments allow patients to access high quality care from the comfort of home, which means people living in rural and regional areas can access world-class healthcare without having to travel long distances.

“By giving medical staff the tools to deliver more virtual services, we can treat more patients, deliver more staff and offer more hours, meaning patients across the whole state will reap the benefits.”

The survey analysed the experiences of 2301 patients who had at least 1 virtual care appointment with a public hospital outpatient clinic in 2022.

Almost 9 in 10 patients (88%) said their health professional always explained things in an understandable way, and around 8 in 10 patients (83%) said they felt involved in decisions about their medical care and treatment at their most recent virtual care appointment.

Virtual care allows patients to speak to health professionals over the phone or by video rather than in person and is more convenient as patients can do it in an environment they can be comfortable in such as their own home.

The report found that nearly 1 in 3 people thought their outpatient virtual care appointment was more convenient (74%) and over half said it saved them time (57%) with ratings consistent across all aged groups and locations across the state.

The results will help inform the monitoring and evaluation of the NSW Virtual Care Strategy 2021-2026.

The NSW Government is backing regional local councils to plan for more and better housing for thousands of temporary and seasonal workers needed to support major infrastructure projects and farms.

A new set of simpler, clearer planning guidelines will go on exhibition this week, with the ultimate goal to give councils more certainty and clarity around how to plan and deliver worker accommodation.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said temporary and seasonal workers play a vital role in regional economies.

“Workers on regional construction projects have unique housing needs, and their employment circumstances can make it difficult for them to find affordable and suitable housing. 

“The last thing we need is complex and inefficient planning rules getting in the way of delivering the accommodation these workers need, so these new guidelines aim to give councils more clarity.

“We’re in the midst of a housing crisis in the state and these resources will help councils better plan suitable and safe accommodation for workers driving economic growth in regional NSW.”  

Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said feedback will also be sought on policy changes to permit temporary worker accommodation in rural zones for workers delivering critical infrastructure in Renewable Energy Zones (REZs).

“With so many construction projects in Regional Economic Zones (REZ) already underway, securing this accommodation for workers is vital to avoid any delays in the delivery of vital infrastructure.

“While guidelines on exhibition focus on housing for temporary workers, proponents could also lodge a separate development application (DA) for more permanent housing solutions,” she said.

The proposed Exhibition of Intended Effect and Draft Guideline will be publicly exhibited for 6 weeks, and feedback received during exhibition will help to further refine the planning changes.

Read the plans and make a submission on Planning NSWlaunch.

The NSW Government has provided a final extension to the reporting date for the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes to 15 December 2023. This will ensure that victims and families receive closure.

On the recommendation of the Premier, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, has today amended the Letters Patent establishing the independent inquiry to allow the extension.

The Government has granted the request from the Commissioner, the Honourable Justice John Sackar, to ensure the delivery of a comprehensive final report.

The need for the extension has been driven by the volume and timing of documentary and other evidence provided to the Inquiry that requires thorough examination and consideration, and promising developments arising from forensic testing undertaken at the direction of the Inquiry.

The Inquirylaunch has received more than 130,000 documents, held public and private hearings, issued more than 400 summonses, undertaken further investigations, and responded to more than 100 responses to public appeals for information.

Inquiry staff have been working diligently to meet the Terms of Reference and complete their work.

Established by Letters Patent signed on 13 April 2022 and led by Commissioner Justice Sackar, the Inquiry has been tasked with inquiring into the manner and cause of death in all cases that remain unsolved from the 88 deaths or suspected deaths of men potentially motivated by gay hate bias that were considered by Strike Force Parrabell.

The Inquiry is also examining the manner and cause of death in all unsolved suspected hate crime deaths in New South Wales that occurred between 1970 and 2010 where the victim was a member of the LGBTIQ community and the death was the subject of a previous investigation by the NSW Police Force. The Inquiry has reviewed approximately 700 unsolved homicides and 500 missing persons cases.

Find out more about the work of the independent Inquirylaunch

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Today we’ve extended the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes so it can continue to shine a light on past injustices.

“We’ve granted this extension to ensure that the Inquiry produces a final report which honours victims, and provides closure for families and the broader community.”

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“For far too long, the families and friends of victims have suffered the unimaginable anguish of not knowing what happened to their loved one.”

“They deserve answers, so it’s important that we give Inquiry staff, who are working tirelessly to review and consider a huge volume of documents and other evidence, the time they need to complete their work.”

The NSW Government is taking a deep dive into our incredible aquatic life across the state – everything from turtles and dragonflies to frogs, plants and endangered fish – to improve the way we manage our waterways for the next generations.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said the latest research coincides with National Science Week (12 to 20 August).

“The Department of Planning and Environment’s Water Science Team have been busy uncovering the secret lives of the creatures who live in our rivers, creeks, streams, lakes, floodplains, wetlands, estuaries, tidal pools and reservoirs to give the NSW Government the tools it needs to make robust water management decisions that will improve environmental outcomes,” Ms Jackson said.

“This work includes a partnership with the University of New England which has tagged and tracked a selection of Murray River and Broad-Shelled turtles through the Barwon-Darling and Gwydir Rivers to examine how they’re impacted by different flows.

“We are also doing a separate study using high-tech baited remote underwater video (BRUV) cameras, an Australian first, to get a clearer headcount of endangered species such as the Manning River and Bell’s turtles.”

This information helps to shed light on river health and assists with forming detailed information for water management decisions including water sharing plans.

Chief Knowledge Officer from the Department of Planning and Environment’s Water Group, Mitchell Isaacs said environmental DNA (eDNA) is a key pillar of the research because even a small sample of water can reveal a surprising amount of information, including what creatures are living in and around the catchments or drinking from those sources at different stages of life.

“Next month we’ll head out and do some more fieldwork on the endangered giant dragonfly, helping us to understand this fascinating insect’s water needs in critical upland swamp areas such as in the Blue Mountains where they make burrows,” Mr Isaacs said.

“Giant dragonflies are usually only visible from November to January but we’re developing a never-before-used method through eDNA to monitor this rare species all year round and boost our understanding of their presence.

“We’re also now examining the final dataset from our FrogID partnership with the Australian Museum which uses an intuitive smartphone app allowing anyone to record frog sounds to identify their location, type, habitat and other details.

“Of the 32,000 croaks and ribbits recorded on the app from 111 species across the country in the past 12 months, we’ll be focusing on the nearly 13,000 that relate to 16 varieties of stream frogs that are important for water management decisions in NSW because they rely on streamflow to breed.”

To learn more about the NSW Government’s work in this space, please visit Surface water sciencelaunch on the NSW Water website.

Biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of fire ants into NSW are being ramped up as increased seasonal demand for livestock feed and landscaping supplies increase the risk of the invasive pest being inadvertently carried across the border.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty today visited the Tweed Heads region to discuss a cross-border task force with biosecurity compliance experts from NSW Department of Primary Industries, Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QLD DAF), the National Fire Ant Eradication Program and NSW Police.

“We have had restrictions in place for many months now to ensure that high-risk materials including soil, hay, fodder, mulch, manure, quarry products, turf and potted plants are not unlawfully moved into NSW,” Ms Moriarty said.

“We expect that more people will be transporting fodder across the border as seasonal conditions deteriorate in some areas of NSW and that we’ll see increased demand for landscaping and building supplies as the weather warms up.

“The best defence we have is individual responsibility and to have everyone observing the rules around the safe movement of these materials, so it’s important that everyone is aware of how they can help prevent the spread of these invasive pests.

“Where appropriate, we will work with agencies such as NSW Police on enforcement activities, with the penalties for breaches of the Control Order ranging from up to $1.1 million for an individual and up to $2.2 million for a corporation.”

Ms Moriarty said the enhanced task force would ensure a coordinated approach between both jurisdictions.

“NSW has already committed $95 million over the next four years to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, and we are throwing everything at our efforts to stop fire ants in their tracks because we know the potential impact they could have on our health, our lifestyle and our economy if they crossed the border into NSW.

“To further boost our compliance activities, we are conducting site inspections on both sides of the border and harnessing the capabilities of existing fixed camera systems at key road crossings between NSW and Queensland.

“This camera technology is normally used to conduct livestock movement surveillance but will be critical in helping us spot high-risk materials being moved illegally across the border.

“Border crossing signage, liaison with local councils, social media awareness campaigns and letter box drops of useful information in key local government areas will also continue to be used to boost community awareness of fire ant risks and responsibilities.”

Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner MP welcomed the cross-border initiative.

“We know that if it wasn’t for the world’s most successful fire ant eradication program we would have fire ants spread as far as Bowen in the north, Longreach in the west and Canberra in the south,” Mr Furner said.

“New South Wales, all other states and the Commonwealth recently supported a new response plan to contain and eradicate fire ants.

“Working together is key to stamping out fire ants once and for all,” he said.

“The new taskforce will complement the work of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program as well as the Queensland Government’s Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce.

“NSW understands how important this work is for the entire nation. If we give up the fight against fire ants, Australia faces economic costs of up to $2 billion every year, forever.”

Program Executive for the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, Ashley Bacon said the joint biosecurity efforts would be targeted for maximum impact.

“The most recent review of our program showed eradication of fire ants is still possible because of the work we have done,” Mr Bacon said.

“Our new response plan incorporates key learnings, considers science and innovation technologies and addresses recommendations made in previous reviews.

“Eradicating fire ants requires a whole-of-community approach.

“Community, business, industry and all levels of government all have a legal responsibility to look for, report and stop the spread of fire ants, including by treating and mitigating the risk of moving the pest.

“By working together, we can protect the Australian way of life we know and love from fire ants.”

For more information on fire ants, visit the Department of Primary Industries websitelaunch  or call the NSW Biosecurity Hotline on 1800 680 244launch.