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Hundreds of new firefighters have joined the ranks of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) with a graduation ceremony held today at the Emergency Services Academy in Western Sydney.
 
Of the new recruits, 60 have qualified to become permanent firefighters, with an additional 167 becoming on-call firefighters.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the 161 men and 66 women will be deployed all over NSW as they begin their new careers.
 
“Each firefighter has spent up to 14 weeks learning their trade, studying various techniques to deal with different emergencies, how to apply first aid, search and rescue skills, heavy vehicle driving and HAZMAT response know-how,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“It’s heartening that the overwhelming motive of people joining Fire and Rescue NSW is to make a positive difference to their community and protect the irreplaceable: our loved ones, pets and homes.
 
“The 227 graduating firefighters come from all walks of life and I congratulate them on the decision to join one of the most professional emergency service organisations in the world.”
 
Among the graduates is a leading Sydney Swans AFLW player, Rebecca Privitelli, and a former Winter Olympics Skeleton racer, Emma Lincoln-Smith.
 
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said today’s graduation ceremony represents the beginning of a challenging and rewarding career for NSW’s newest firefighters.
 
“A career at Fire and Rescue NSW involves more than fire. Our firefighters are ready to support our community at their time of greatest need in all sorts of ways,” Commissioner Baxter said.
 
“They will conduct important prevention and education activities, as well as respond to a wide range of incidents across all our capabilities including technical rescue and road crashes, fire and hazardous material incidents, natural disasters like floods and bush fire and so much more.
 
“The firefighters graduating today have shown great determination, from the competitive application process to the demanding physical training, and they will go out into our communities armed with specialist skills to be prepared for anything.”
 
Some of the graduates have already started at their new fire stations, while others will join their new platoons from Monday.

Women living with severe symptoms of menopause will be able to access specialised care at four Australian-first health hubs, with another 12 services to open across the state, thanks to the NSW Government’s $40 million 2022-23 Budget commitment over four years.

The four menopause hubs include two enhanced services now open at The Royal Hospital for Women and Royal North Shore Hospital, a new hub established at Campbelltown and a rural network hub led by Hunter New England in 2023.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the services had been designed by clinical experts and women who had experienced severe symptoms of menopause, as part of a statewide taskforce.

“These networked hubs and services will be staffed by doctors, allied health professionals and nurses who will support women across NSW by providing the most up-to-date, specialised care,” Mr Kean said.

“For women who are experiencing severe symptoms or are going through menopause early, such as after cancer treatment, these services will provide much-needed support, advice and care during a very challenging time.”

Minister for Women and Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said about 50 per cent of women experience significant menopause symptoms, including hot flushes, headaches, brain fog, loss of word memory, body aches and pains and insomnia, while around one in five women suffer extreme symptoms.

“Many women suffer these symptoms in silence and do not seek the support and treatment they need. We want to break down the social stigma around talking about menopause and encourage women to share their experiences,” Mrs Taylor said.

“To start the conversation we have launched an awareness campaign and a Menopause Toolkit, which provide clear information about perimenopause and menopause, as well as information about accessing services in NSW.”

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the network of menopause services across the state will also help women manage the longer term health risks associated with menopause, such as osteoporosis, heart disease and high blood pressure.

“This network of 16 menopause health services will support about 5,500 women each year as they face the daily challenges of living and working while enduring menopausal symptoms and associated health risks,” Mr Hazzard said.

“These services offer both in-person and virtual care to give women choice about how they receive care and manage their symptoms.”

Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton said the menopause hubs would provide much-needed support to women in NSW communities at a time of change in their lives.

“The NSW Government is providing substantial investment to support women going through severe menopause and it’s fantastic to see this hub open at the Royal Hospital for Women to support women in our local community,” Mrs Upton said. 

Associate Professor John Eden, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Director Sydney Menopause Clinic, Royal Hospital for Women said most women experiencing severe menopausal symptoms are not receiving any treatment however these unpleasant symptoms can be safely and effectively managed.

All 16 networked menopause services are expected to be operational by late 2023.
Women can access the specialised menopause services through their general practitioner.

A Minns NSW Labor Government will draft new rules and streamline planning processes to stop new developments on dangerous floodplains.

New South Wales is continuing to experience an escalating number of major flood events in recent years.

It is increasingly clear that we cannot continue to develop and build in flood prone areas, and risk putting more people in harm’s way.

There are too many government entities responsible for planning, flood recovery and reconstruction, and while all intentions are good, there is often too much buck-passing and lack of accountability.

Other than the Minister for Local Government, there are five separate ministers in the current government with various planning powers.

NSW Labor will adopt a proactive approach to planning and mitigating against the impact of floods – and charge one Minister with the responsibility of stopping further development on dangerous flood prone areas.

We will achieve this by charging the Greater Cities Commission and the Department of Planning with the task of coordinating with local councils, and streamline planning processes under the Minister for Planning, cutting through unecessary bureaucratic red-tape.

Labor’s commitment builds on the recommendations of the O’Kane and Fuller flood report, which called for simplifying the planning system, coordinating with councils and planning authorities, and ensuring flood planning is factored into future planning decisions.

Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader, said:

With more frequent and increasingly severe flood events, it simply makes no sense to continue to repeat the same mistake of developing in flood-prone areas.

“Labor will adopt a proactive approach to planning and mitigating against the impact of floods, by drafting new rules and streamlining planning processes.”

Paul Scully, NSW Shadow Minister for Planning & Public Spaces, said:

“With separate ministers in the current government responsible for exercising various planning powers, it is clear the planning system is broken.

“Streamlining and simplifying planning processes was a key recommendation of the O’Kane and Fuller report.”

Jihad Dib, NSW Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, said:

“One of the criticisms of the Government’s flood response has been there are too many entities with variable responsibilities. This has caused many people and communities to fall between the cracks.”

Greg Warren, NSW Shadow Minister for Local Government, said:

“We must bring together all levels of government, as well as communities, industry and other stakeholders to get this right.”

Specialist flood rescue operators from Singapore will touch down in Sydney this morning to assist with the ongoing flood emergency across NSW.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the Singapore Civil Defence Force has dispatched a team of 18 flood rescue specialists.
 
“The flooding we are currently seeing, on top of disastrous flooding already this year, is stretching our emergency services to the very limit,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“This unprecedented flooding requires an unprecedented response and thankfully our emergency services friends from overseas are answering the call for help.
 
“This support will greatly help our local crews led by the SES who have not stopped responding to flooding for a single day this year. It will give all our wonderful volunteers and staff much needed relief as they gear up to respond to flooding well into next year.”
 
NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Commissioner Carlene York said the assistance would complement the 24 incident management personnel from New Zealand.
 
“Our volunteers have worked tirelessly, sacrificing many hours away from their loved ones and putting their own safety on the line to support communities through this devastating flooding,” Commissioner York said.
“The support from our overseas counterparts is greatly appreciated and will help our crews get through this difficult time.”
The flood rescue operators will undertake a practical induction before being deployed to Parkes and Wagga Wagga.
The international support has been requested by the SES and coordinated by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) in accordance with the provisions under the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group.
 
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the generous assistance will give all flood rescue crews a chance to recover from their around-the-clock operations.
 
“Flood rescue operators across the board have had to be rotated in-and-out of the field since the flood emergencies began,” Commissioner Baxter said.
 
“As you can imagine, we have to manage their fatigue during this ongoing crisis and this assistance will allow flood rescue operators to have a well-earned break.”

One of the world’s leading visual effects (VFX) companies will set up shop in Sydney’s Tech Central, thanks to the latest round of the NSW Government’s $250 million Jobs Plus Program.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said DNEG, which has worked on the likes of Hollywood blockbusters Dune, Tenet, BladeRunner 2049, Interstellar, Inception, and the James Bond, Harry Potter and Fast and Furious franchises, will create more than 470 highly skilled jobs and 550 indirect jobs by adding Sydney as its first Australian base.
 
“From Hollywood visual effects to Medtech and food processing, this round of the Jobs Plus Program will support a diverse mix of companies, from world-leaders to expanding players, across a range of industries,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“DNEG has built an incredible reputation and I’m delighted to welcome the company to Sydney, as we support new job opportunities and, in this case, continue our strong support for NSW’s thriving creative industries.”
 
As part of the move to Sydney, DNEG will next lead the visual effects work for George Miller’s highly anticipated Mad Max prequel Furiosa, which is being produced in Australia by Miller and Oscar^®-nominated producer Doug Mitchell and stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke. The film is a Warner Bros. Pictures production in association with Village Roadshow Pictures (US) and is expected to premiere in 2024.
 
The company will set up within Sydney’s Tech Central district and establish a fully functioning content services studio focusing on visual effects, animation, virtual production and gaming.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said the latest Jobs Plus round will create more than 2,500 jobs across a range of industries, including manufacturing, food and beverage, digital technology and MedTech.
 
“The support via infrastructure rebates and payroll tax relief will help DNEG to develop, foster and grow our pipeline of skilled workers in the digital effects industry by creating new opportunities and training pathways,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Tech Central is Australia’s innovation engine and it’s great to see another world-leading company join the growing list of companies who already call the district home.”
 
DNEG CEO and Chairman Namit Malhotra said the company was excited to set up in NSW.
 
“Since our first interaction with the NSW Government, the support that has been offered through the Jobs Plus Program, and the warm welcome that has been extended, has made it an easy decision to choose Sydney as home to DNEG’s first VFX and animation studio in Australia,” Mr Malhotra said.
 
“We are excited to bring our filmmaker-focused approach to a fourth continent and to build a substantial and sustainable presence in Sydney, allowing us to work more closely with Australia’s wide pool of talented and experienced creative professionals.”
 
Jobs Plus support is provided through a range of initiatives including payroll tax relief, support for infrastructure and subsidised training programs, along with the provision of free or subsidised government spaces and accommodation.

The State’s night-time economy is thriving, with close to 200 live performance venues able to play later and for longer since the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy reforms commenced two years ago.
 
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said while it has been a challenging two years for artists and venues, it’s great they are now taking advantage of these initiatives and contributing to the growing night-time economy.
 
“Some of the changes include fast-tracking approvals by removing red tape, trialling the State’s first special entertainment precinct and extending initiatives like alfresco dining – these reforms have marked a significant turning point to our late night offerings.”
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said the 24-hour economy is an integral part of the commercial, cultural and social fabric of NSW.
 
“The reforms have reignited social connection and economic activity across the State, and supported the jobs of thousands of people who work in industries including hospitality, sport, arts and culture, and tourism,” Mr Henskens said.
 
24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said the reforms have changed the game, helping night-time industries build a vibrant, safe and sustainable offering.
 
“It is fantastic to see so many festivals, venues and artists taking advantage of the reforms which are supporting a resurgence of live performances across our State,” Mr Rodrigues said.
 
Key reform achievements include:

• Close to 200 live performance venues in 50 LGAs across NSW being offered a 60-minute trading extension to keep their lights on for longer.
• Reducing annual fees by 80 per cent until 31 December 2024 for venues which  offer live performances. This initiative has so far saved the industry over $500,000.
• The State’s first Special Entertainment Precinct on Enmore Road Enmore, which is supporting venues offering live entertainment to stay open later, support live music and cultural performances. 
• A one-stop-shop Hospitality Concierge service dedicated to help businesses navigate planning approvals and liquor licensing applications.
• Lifting the maximum patron capacity for small bars from 100 to 120 and enabling small bars to provide more diverse and family-oriented services.
• Making it easier for eligible small bars to start trading as soon as they lodge their liquor licence application online.

 
Case studies:
 
Emily Collins, Managing Director of Music NSW said:
 
“Over the past year we have seen a raft of new live performance venues spring up across NSW, in part thanks to the reforms set out in the 24-Hour Economy Act. The removal of red tape and incentives to put on live music have given a boost to the sector as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic”.
 
Mick Gibb, CEO, Night-Time Industries Association said:
 
“After years of hard work by dedicated advocates, including the Night-Time Industries Association, the passage of the 24-Hour Economy Act with bi-partisan support marked a leap forward for operators in night-time industries. With the groundwork laid, industry and government must continue working together to build upon this foundation to make NSW a thriving hub of night-time activity.”
 
Mark Gerber, Owner of the Oxford Arts Factory and curator at The Lansdowne said:
 
“Live music is back better than ever! It’s great to see bands touring, crowds back and venues full again. As we head into our busiest summer in years, the outlook for Sydney’s music scene is bright.”
 
Nathan Stratton, Owner-Manager of La La La’s in Wollongong said:
 
“The Government’s assistance through the last two years has been pivotal for the popular bar’s success.
 
“On the back of the drastic social and economic changes, many things, like outdoor dining, went from a ‘nice to have’ to a ‘necessary to grow’. Making these things accessible meant we could keep our doors open and become an active part in revitalising Wollongong.
 
“When we talk about our success, it would be that with the support of many government initiatives, we are still here, going strong to serve our community.”
 
Jimmy Cox, Co-owner of the Tinshed Brewery in Dungog said:
 
“The changes in the reforms have been beneficial to the business over the past few years.
 
“The changes made it much easier for live entertainment being accessible in our small country town. Our licensed floor space increased, allowing us to employ more local artist to play at our brewery.
 
“We are thankful that the NSW Government has been proactive to make a difference in helping businesses thrive.” 

Today the Companion Animals Amendment (Puppy Farms) Bill 2021 passed the Upper House supported by NSW Labor. 

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the bill is a serious concern, not only to the entire pet shop industry but to any NSW household who wishes to buy a new dog or cat.  

The NSW Government voted against the bill. 

“The Leader of the Opposition Chris Minns has instructed his colleagues in the Upper House to support a bill that would take man’s best friend out of the family home,” Mr Saunders said.  

“This bill restricts the sale of new puppies and kittens from pet shops, which could spell the end of a thriving small business sector.” 

Under this legislation pet shops would only be allowed to sell animals from a rehoming organisation or an approved breeder, making it harder for families to find their next furry friend. 

The legislation will also increase the price families pay for a new pet at a time where they are already facing extreme cost of living pressures. 

“Under this bill, Labor has made the joy and privilege of owning a new pet unaffordable. This will inevitably push more pet sales underground and encourage unscrupulous black market behaviour.” 

The bill also allows officers and animal inspectors to indiscriminately drop into family homes without warning to check on pets. This would give them greater entry powers than the NSW Police Force who must have an objectively reasonable belief before entering a home.  

“This legislation is working against the very outcomes it is seeking to achieve and will result in unintended negative animal welfare consequences.” 

NSW already has some of the most severe penalties for animal cruelty offences in the country. 

A new urban renewal project within walking distance of Redfern station will include up to 600 build-to-rent and affordable homes, a new public parkland and the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Clothing Store building.

Expressions of interest are open for industry partners to jointly develop and operate the site within the Clothing Store sub-precinct of Redfern-North Eveleigh.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said 90 per cent of the homes would be build-to-rent or affordable housing, located within metres of the burgeoning Tech Central precinct.

“The people that make our city function shouldn’t have to commute for hours to get to work, which is why we’re building more key worker housing in the inner city,” Mr Stokes said.

“This Government has committed to set aside 30 per cent of all residential stock on our urban renewal precincts for affordable and diverse housing and on this project we’ll deliver triple that target.

“This will provide much-needed secure housing for renters, with 75 per cent of the homes earmarked for build-to-rent housing and 15 per cent as affordable housing for key workers.

“This is another city-shaping precinct that will create 3,000 square metres of new, green public parkland, reimagine the heritage-listed clothing store into a space for the community, and play a critical role in bolstering Sydney’s status as a 24-hour global city.”

Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) CEO Benedicte Colin said the precinct was being delivered in partnership with Transport for NSW and had been subject to community consultation.

“We’ve worked with the community on the vision for this precinct and will continue to do so over the coming months,” Ms Colin said.

“This proposal highlights TAHE’s ability to deliver innovative housing models, ideally located next to public transport, while maintaining long-term ownership for the people of NSW.”

The selected proponent will manage the site on a 99-year ground lease. Eligible organisations can express interest until 4pm, Monday 19 December, 2022 via this link. .  

The NSW unemployment rate has reached a record low, falling to 3.2 per cent (3.0 per cent seasonally adjusted) in October, the lowest across the nation this month and the lowest since monthly records began in 1978.
 
According to the latest ABS data released today, the NSW jobless rate was down 0.3 percentage points from September, driven by a rise in full-time employment of 42,200 people.
 
Overall, NSW created 34,600 jobs in October, helping keep the nation in positive territory with 32,200 jobs created across Australia.
 
The State’s participation rate increased strongly by 0.3 percentage points to a record high 66.3 per cent. Women’s participation is also at a record high of 62.1 per cent.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the NSW Government’s strong economic management put the State in a position to continue to create full-time jobs despite the current economic headwinds. 
 
“The pace of employment growth has increased month on month with October the strongest rate of growth since May 2022,” Mr Kean said.
 
“Our robust NSW economy means our record low unemployment rate continues to sit below the national unemployment rate of 3.4 per cent.
 
“The record high women’s participation rate comes on the back of the 2022-23 Budget measurs to increase women’s economic opportunities.
 
“NSW is maintaining the lowest levels of unemployment on record, despite the challenges of rising interest rates and inflation.” 

The NSW Government’s Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Amendment Bill 2022 has passed Parliament, guaranteeing taxi licence holders an additional $760 million in financial assistance from early next year, taking the combined package value to $905 million.
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the Government can now complete the deregulation of the NSW Point to Point industry and deliver taxi licence holders a record package of financial assistance.
 
“The financial assistance comes after significant consultation with the taxi industry, including the NSW Taxi Council and A2B Services, and I’m pleased both industry bodies have backed in the package unconditionally,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“The Opposition has no position on the Government’s policy. They did not put forward a single financial assistance package. Yet they lined up to take the credit when the Government passed the Bill to provide taxi licence holders with a record amount of funding.”
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said payments from the $905 million taxi financial assistance package will be in the bank accounts of taxi licence holders as early as February 2023.
 
“The NSW Government has offered the most generous assistance package in the country, if not the world,” Mr Farraway said.
 
“I am glad the NSW Taxi Council accepted our final offer and it was good to see roughly 90 per cent of members of Parliament vote in favour of this Bill giving certainty to taxi licence holders and their families.”
 
Transport for NSW will continue to work with the NSW Taxi Council concerning an ATO ruling on the Capital Gains Tax treatment arising from this package.
 
Under the Bill:

• Taxi licences will be available on application for an administrative fee and be able to operate anywhere across the State
• There will be a seamless transition process for existing taxi licence holders to the new licensing system
• Financial assistance will be offered to the owners of ordinary perpetual taxi licences, which will have zero value as a result of these reforms, and will be cancelled.

 
The new package provides $150,000 for every Sydney metropolitan taxi licence holder with a cap of six plates. Each regional taxi plate will be paid between $40,000 and $195,000, with no cap on the number of plates.
 
The industry financial assistance package is funded by the ongoing operation of the Passenger Service Levy for every point to point transport journey.