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The NSW Government is committing $6.8 million over 3 years to invest in a crackdown on the sale of illegal vapes and increase for support for young people who are addicted to vaping.

The investment will commit:

• $4.3 million over the next 3 years to bolster compliance and enforcement to ensure the state meets responsibilities for retail, wholesale, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical controls on vaping products.
• $2.5 million over the next 12 months to increase services to help young people quit vaping including a new digital platform, enhancements to the iCanQuit platform and an online learning module for youth services across the state.

Ongoing work by NSW Health highlighted just how important it is further action is taken on the sale of illegal vapes, and provisions are made to support young people who are addicted to vaping.

There is strong evidence that non-smokers who use e-cigarettes or vapes, are 3 times more likely to go on to smoke traditional tobacco cigarettes as people who have never vaped.

For young people, nicotine can cause changes to brain development, impaired learning and memory, and may worsen stress, depression and anxiety.

NSW Health continues to crack down on retailers who illegally sell nicotine vapes as it expands compliance and monitoring activities across the state.

In the week commencing 5 September 2023, NSW Health inspectors ran a targeted campaign to crack down on illicit vapes.

These raids seized 23,247 vaping devices with a street value of over $695,000.

NSW is currently on track to more than double the amount of illicit vapes seized in 2022. From 1 January to 30 June 2023, NSW Health seized a record-breaking 187,000 products, up from 61,000 at the same time last year.

Since 1 January 2022 to 30 June 2023, NSW Health has conducted over 5000 inspections and seized around 369,000 nicotine vapes and e-liquids, with an estimated street value of over $11.8 million.

Retailers who are prosecuted for selling vapes containing nicotine face serious sanctions, including imprisonment for up to 6 months.

The warning to retailers comes amid new research conducted by the University of Wollongong, funded and commissioned by NSW Health, to test vapes for nicotine and other toxic chemicals known to harm health.

The sample included 428 vapes seized from retailers and 322 vapes surrendered by children at Sydney schools.

High nicotine concentrations were detected in 737 of the 750 vaping devices analysed in the study. Most of which did not have nicotine listed as an active ingredient. 

Concerningly, 30 of the devices contained at least one substance known to harm health, including toxic chemicals banned from legal nicotine containing vapes by the Therapeutic Goods Administration like ethylene glycol, which is also found in antifreeze.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“We’re committed to taking the fight against illegal vapes, particularly to protect children and young people from the dangers of vaping.

“The evidence suggests that vaping is now becoming a gateway for an increase in smoking rates in young people.

“This is a significant public health challenge and taking action on the illegal imports of vapes is going to require cooperation with all levels of government.”

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to protecting children and young people from the dangers of vaping.

“We are putting resources behind our efforts to ramp up our vaping enforcement to meet the increasing pervasiveness of these products.

“Tough action is needed to stop the illegal sale of vapes containing nicotine, and to prevent vapes from finding their way into the hands of minors.

“As the evidence around just how damaging vaping is mounts and the number of young people who vape increases, we need to put everything into the fight against it.

“Vapes contain dangerous chemicals which can seriously impact a person’s health, with young people especially vulnerable.

“Many of the chemicals, including flavours, have not been tested for safety when inhaled into the lungs. I urge the community to support the efforts of NSW Health by reporting those retailers who are doing the wrong thing.”

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said:

“The University of Wollongong research shows there is no such thing as a safe vape as you just don’t know what is in them.

“This is especially true for children who are increasingly being exposed to high concentrations of nicotine and in some cases known toxic substances.

“As more vapes become available, we are seeing more people seeking help from health services for vaping-related health issues.

“The number of vaping-related calls to the NSW Poison Information Centre has tripled since 2020. What is most concerning is 71% of these calls were about nicotine poisonings in children under 4 years of age.”

Background

In 2021, NSW Health launched the Do You Know What You’re Vaping? awareness campaign, which provided a toolkitlaunch for anyone who interacts with young people, with information and guides to discuss the dangers of vaping. Parents and the community can provide information to inform the NSW Health enforcement action at Report a complaintlaunch.

If you need support to quit smoking or vaping, Quitline counsellors are available to answer questions about vaping on 13 7848 (13 QUIT). Quitline is a telephone-based service offering information and advice. Quitline counsellors can provide tips and strategies, and help people to plan their quit attempts based on their own needs and preferences.

They can also help parents and carers think of ways to approach a conversation about vaping with young people.

The Aboriginal Quitline is also available on 13 7848. Run by Aboriginal counsellors, the Aboriginal Quitline is a telephone-based confidential advice and support service.

If you require assistance in a language other than English, Quitline has counsellors who speak Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese. You can ask to speak to one of these counsellors. Quitline uses the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) for people who prefer to speak a different language.

The NSW Government, with an unprecedented 11 NSW government agencies, is supporting the 2023 NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Koori Knockout through a major sponsorship package.

This year’s event will be hosted by the Newcastle All Blacks (NAB) Aboriginal Rugby League team at Tuggerah on the Central Coast over the long weekend, from 29 September to 2 October, bringing together amateur players through to NRL stars across men’s, women’s and junior competitions. 

The government is proud to be a major sponsor of the NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Koori Knockout, which brings together NSW Aboriginal communities for a four-day rugby league competition and is one of the largest gatherings of First Nations people in the country. 

This sponsorship, which follows the gold sponsorship of the women’s competition last year, will boost the Knockout and provide opportunities for participating agencies to engage with Aboriginal communities on relevant programs and services. 

NSW Government Ministers, including David Harris and Kate Washington, will attend the event. 

The Koori Knockout dates back to 1971 when the first tournament was held at St Peters, bringing Aboriginal players together to highlight their abilities for potential talent scouts. 

Over the past 52 years the Knockout has grown into a highly professional event attracting amateur through to NRL players and drawing Aboriginal people from all over NSW in an annual celebration of football, family and community. 

This year, more than 30,000 people are expected to attend the carnival, supporting more than 130 teams and providing a major boost for Central Coast businesses. 

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: 

“The Koori Knockout is a major Australian sporting and cultural event combining the best of rugby league with a community celebration of Aboriginal kinship. 

“Government backing of the Knockout is part of the ongoing strategy to better serve NSW Aboriginal communities and advance their collective aspirations through meaningful and ongoing relationships.” 

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said: 

“I’m so proud that this year’s Knockout is being held on the beautiful Central Coast.” 

“The estimated 200,000 spectators will get to enjoy time with mob in our wonderful community while bringing a welcome boost to the local economy to the tune of $6 million.” 

“I’m looking forward to taking part in what is affectionately known as NSW’s modern-day corroboree. 

“We welcome all the visitors from across the State which will inject significant economic benefit to our community.”  

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said: 

“The Knockout is so much more than a rugby league competition – it’s a celebration of culture, connections and community.”  

“I can’t wait to see the children, young people and families at the Knockout, being inspired by the largest rugby league knockout carnival anywhere in the world.” 

NAB Chairman Edward Smith said: 

“The NSW Government’s backing of the Knockout will have significant flow on effects for local communities and participating league clubs. 

“We are proud to partner with the Government. The support will allow us to ensure we put on the best event possible for the teams, their supporters and all our spectators. 

“NAB has a long and proud history of supporting mob as a not-for-profit organisation, as well as assisting local Aboriginal people and communities to improve their general wellbeing, socio-economic standing, health, education, and encourage community building cultural and spiritual values. 

“We develop and maintain opportunities for local Aboriginal people to excel in their chosen fields and the Government’s investment will go a long way in supporting this important work.” 

The Broken Hill Trades Hall has been endorsed for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, following the backing of its preliminary nomination by both the New South Wales and Australian Governments. This action recognises the building’s rich historical, cultural, and architectural heritage values.

Along with the Victorian Trades Hall, Broken Hill Trades Hall will be Australia’s contribution to a transnational World Heritage List nomination of Workers’ Assembly Halls. The nomination, led the Danish Government, is made up of sites across Argentina, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

Built between 1898 and 1905, the Trades Hall is an excellent example of a Victorian-era building and stands as an enduring symbol of the labour movement. It is unique in that it stands in a remote and isolated setting.

It was the first building in Australia to be owned by unions and saw unionists battle to improve working conditions in the mines, including their first major success in 1920 when they won an Australian-first – a 35-hour week for underground workers.

More than a century on, the trades hall is largely unaltered and continues to serve its original purpose, with local union offices still headquartered there. It was listed on the State Heritage Register in 1999. It holds collections of the outback town’s history, including union banners and picket maps from the 1909 lockout.

The NSW Government looks forward to continuing to work with the Australian Government to progress the formal nomination. Both governments endorsed the building’s preliminary nomination, in recognition of its historic, aesthetic and social heritage past.

Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe said:

“The NSW Government is thrilled to support the World Heritage Tentative List nomination of Broken Hill Trades Hall.

“Securing a place on the World Heritage List would honour the rich history of labour activism in Australia and demonstrate our country’s commitment to preserving our cultural heritage for generations to come.”

Following the submission of a planning proposal by the Byron Shire Council to encourage homes to be returned to the long-term rental market, the NSW Government has endorsed a tightening of the cap on some non-hosted short-term rental accommodation (STRA).

In response to the Independent Planning Commission’s recommendation, the cap will be tightened on some STRA from 180 days to 60 days per 365-day period.

Some precincts in Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads with high tourism appeal, near beaches and services, were identified by council to operate without a cap – allowing for year-round use.

Hosted short term rentals (where the host resides on the premises during the stay) are unaffected by this decision and can be undertaken 365 days per year.

There will be a 12-month transition period for the community and industry to prepare before the new rules to take effect on 26 September, 2024, ahead of the 2024–2025 summer.

Byron Shire’s housing pressures are different to other NSW locations, with the percentage of short term rentals exceeding that of similar destinations.

The increase in short-term rentals in the region has coincided with population growth alongside limited new housing completions, resulting in very tight supply and high prices in the residential housing market.

This decision will support permanent housing in residential and rural areas, helping key workers and long-term residents who are being increasingly priced out of this market.

The return of non-hosted short-term rental properties to permanent residency is only one part of helping to address housing supply and affordability issues in the Byron Shire, as noted by the Independent Planning Commission (IPC).

Before endorsing the shire’s planning proposal, the NSW Government asked council to detail how it intended to improve housing supply, in addition to introducing the rental cap.

The Department of Planning and Environment will now work with council to monitor its commitment to increase housing supply, over the coming year to achieve its broader housing supply commitments to deliver over 4500 houses by 2041.

Adopting all recommendations from the IPC report at this time would have had broader implications for the whole short-term rental network across the state.

The department will instead take these recommendations into account as part of its broader STRA review later this year. 

As we confront the housing crisis facing Byron Bay, a DA pathway is not recommended for non-hosted STRA beyond the 60-day cap because more time and legal work is required to develop and implement such an approach.

Council also requires more time to establish resources and an assessment framework.

Separate to Byron Shire Council’s planning proposal, the department will begin a scheduled review of the short-term rental policy framework later this year, 2 years after it came into effect.

Non-hosted STRA is currently restricted to a maximum of 180 days any 365-day period in Greater Sydney and self-nominated local government areas (Ballina, Byron, parts of Clarence Valley, parts of Muswellbrook).

Outside of these nominated LGAs, non-hosted short-term rentals may take place 365 days a year.

Councils are responsible for monitoring compliance with the policy.

The history of the Byron Shire matter is as follows:

• Byron Shire Council proposed to reduce the cap on non-hosted short-term rentals in parts of its local government area from 180 to 90 days.
• In late December 2022, the former government asked the Independent Planning Commission to provide advice about housing supply issues in the Byron Shire as well as Council’s planning proposal.
• The commission held a public hearing and accepted community submissions.
• In late April 2023, the Commission finalised its review and provided its advice.
• The commission’s report suggested Council’s proposed 90-day cap would not sufficiently mitigate the impacts of non-hosted STRA while a 60-day cap would send a stronger market signal to encourage a shift from non-hosted STRA uses to long term rental.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“It’s well known there has been an undersupply of housing, particularly affordable and diverse housing across the Byron Shire for many years.  This shortage of housing largely affects key workers and permanent residents.

“These changes to short term rental accommodation only addresses part of Byron’s housing supply and affordability issues, and it was important for me to clearly understand council’s plans to deliver more housing through other mechanisms, before making a decision on the proposal.

“After reviewing council’s housing response, I am satisfied with the response and have decided to endorse the new cap across parts of the Byron Shire, as recommended by the IPC.

“I recognise short-term rental accommodation is a complex matter in the Byron Shire and the housing market and affordability pressures here are particularly acute.

“Given the region’s unique and exceptional circumstances as one of Australia’s most visited tourism destinations, it is crucial housing supply shortages are addressed and more homes are returned for permanent residency, particularly to have workers in the visitor economy.

“In the current housing crisis, it’s important every available means to boost housing stock for the community is utilised, including a shift from non-hosted STRA to long-term rentals.

“I thank council, the community, the IPC, industry, and stakeholders for such a collaborative effort to find the best outcome that strikes the right balance for locals and visitors.”

After months of restoration work, the Queenscliff is readying to return to Sydney Harbour as the Freshwater Class ferry undergoes its final touches at Garden Island.

Returning the Queenscliff to the F1 Manly to Circular Quay route in the lead up to Sydney’s busy summer months was a key part of the NSW Government’s commitment to return as many Freshwater Ferries to service as possible.

The work is being delivered as part of $114 million investment into Sydney’s ferry fleet in the NSW Budget.

$71.1 million will go towards extensive refurbishments of the Freshwater fleet. As the Queenscliff re-enters service, the next Freshwater to undertake drydocking will be the Narrabeen in mid-2024 subject to availability of the Navy’s Garden Island dry docking facility. That work will allow this vessel to operate in service until November 2027. Freshwater will follow in mid-2025, allowing it to operate until July 2030.

The upgrades will include improved passenger areas such as new seats, bathroom facilities and new accessibility infrastructure.

Local jobs remain a high priority for the NSW Government, with Australian expert naval engineers, electrical engineers, shipbuilders, painters and plumbers working on the refurbishments.

Collaroy will pause serving Sydney commuters at the end of September as its current license to operate comes to an end. While it’s the youngest in the Freshwater Fleet, Collaroy was designed with ocean-going specifications that mean its servicing and operational requirements are different from the other vessels. The Government will make a decision on its future following industry feedback as part of market sounding process to commence at the beginning of October for the potential electric powered replacement vessels, which will inform the longer-term strategy for the Manly route. 

There will be a 6-8 week period from October to November, between the Collaroy leaving the harbour and the Queenscliff returning to provide Freshwater services every hour from mid-December for the busy summer period. The Narrabeen’s return in the middle of next year will see three Freshwaters available for service on the Harbour.

The funding will also go towards future-proofing the Sydney Ferries fleet with a Zero Emission Ferry Transition Strategy. Market sounding is expected to commence later this year to test the waters and expedite the transition to low or zero technology across the Sydney Ferries fleet and infrastructure.

Parramatta Class Ferry builds progress

The NSW Government has also allocated $43 million in the Budget for seven new Australian-made ferries for Parramatta River, with the construction of two vessels now underway and expected to enter trials in early 2024.

The first two Parramatta Class vessels, which were designed in the Northern Beaches, have had their hulls constructed with decking, and the wheelhouses are now being built at their Hobart shipyard. Their designs are futureproofed to allow for future electrification as battery, charging and engine technologies improve.

Transport for NSW has worked closely with the naval architects, operator Transdev and union representatives, enhancing the design to ensure the defects that plagued the RiverCat vessels are not repeated with the Parramatta-class vessels.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“This November will see a hero’s welcome for the Queenscliff, currently getting its final touches in time for a return to the Harbour for the busier summer months, alongside the Freshwater.”

“I am thrilled construction work is well underway on the first two of the new Parramatta Class ferries. These Australian-made ferries will be a vast improvement on the overseas-made River Class vessels that entered service under the previous Liberal Government.”

“While it’s sad to see the Collaroy leave our waters, we’re excited to look to the future of our ferries – moving forward on plans for a zero-emission fleet.”

Multicultural Lakemba has become the first area outside the Sydney CBD and Parramatta to join world cities in being recognised as a Purple Flag-accredited safe nightlife zone due to its welcoming, bustling offering.

From the spices and delicacies of India to the exciting desserts and popular classics of Middle Eastern cuisine, there’s something for everyone in a night out in Lakemba.

This Sydney suburb is joining London, Dublin, Stockholm and 90 other international locations in being recognised for its safe and enjoyable nightlife.

Lakemba has more than 160 businesses and is home to the popular Ramadan Night Markets which attracts more than a million visitors to the suburb each year.

Lakemba is also home to a feast of culinary delights. You can grab a traditional Lebanese dessert or some sweet Italian gelato at King of Sweets, soak up Malay Island culture at Island Dreams Cafe and enjoy a boutique Lebanese dining experience, featuring kebab, falafel, hoummos and more at El-Manara Lebanese Restaurant.

Lakemba’s Purple Flag precinct features dining options for families and groups and options for when you want to treat a loved one to a special night out.

Visitors can choose from a range of exciting cuisines including Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian through to a classic pub meal.

The Purple Flag program assesses destinations against a set of criteria, including transport access, security, adequate street lighting and diversity of offerings, before achieving purple flag status.

Lakemba is the third precinct in NSW, and Australia, to gain accreditation under the program joining the YCK Laneways in Sydney’s CBD and Parramatta CBD.

Accredited Purple Flag areas allow members of the public to quickly identify them as districts that offer a safe, vibrant and well-managed night scene with a diversity of offerings across retail and dining for a great night out.

The pilot phase of Purple Flag, being run by the NSW Government, continues later this year in Marrickville.

More information on Purple Flag

Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said:

“Lakemba’s Purple Flag recognition is another win for western Sydney just months after Parramatta was recognised for its nightlife. This program recognises precincts with a high standard of vibrancy, diversity, and safety, to ensure people across our city can enjoy a great night out.”

“To achieve a Purple Flag, areas must meet a high standard of excellence in managing their night-time offering. We’re looking forward to the expansion of the Purple Flag program across Greater Sydney.”

Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis said:

“Lakemba’s Ramadan Night Markets are renowned across Sydney, but this recognition will help to bring more people out to experience everything Lakemba has to offer year-round.”

Member for Bankstown, Jihad Dib said:

“There’s something special and unique about Lakemba, it’s a place where people from all over the world have come together to create one of the most vibrant places in Sydney.”

“The Purple Flag recognises Lakemba as the welcoming, hospitable place locals and visitors have always known it to be.”

NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, Michael Rodrigues said:

“A 24-hour experience that represents Sydney’s diverse identities can only enhance its global reputation.

“We are always looking at ways to make Sydney’s 24-hour economy attractive to visitors, workers and residents, while also creating new opportunities to boost local business.”

Canterbury-Bankstown Deputy Mayor, Rachelle Harika said:

“The accreditation is a vote of confidence in our City.

“Haldon Street is a unique place to visit where people come from all over to experience multiculturalism at its very best. Tantalising tastes and people from around the globe bringing culture and excitement to our streets, smack bang in the heart of Sydney.

“The recognition would lift the City’s profile and draw people to the area.

“This is going to be a massive boost for businesses, and equally an important step towards creating a safe and friendly place for families to visit. It’s about promoting a precinct that is safe, accessible by all means of transport and has great food.”

Owner of local business King of Sweets, Rasha Almaanawe said:

“Lakemba is one of those areas where you can actually experience different cultures in the one spot. For example, you could have Indian food for dinner and then walk down the road and have Moroccan tea and walk further down the road and have Lebanese sweets for dessert or even Italian gelato.

“I love seeing people from different parts of Sydney come to visit Lakemba and discover the area and what it has to offer.”