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Patients suffering from hard-to-treat bacterial infections across NSW will soon have better access to limb and life-saving therapy known as phage therapy.

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Minister for Medical Research David Harris today announced the NSW Government will invest $3.5 million over the next 2 years to urgently address an ongoing global manufacturing bottleneck in delivering phage therapy.

Bacteriophages or ‘phages’ are viruses that selectively infect bacteria and can kill them. With increasing concern of antibiotic-resistant bacteria worldwide, phage therapy research is taking place as an alternative or addition to traditional antibiotics.

Mr Harris said the NSW Government investment will increase phage therapy access for patients with serious bacterial infections, such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), sepsis and prosthetic infections.

“NSW is a world leader in the development of phage therapy, however, we know there is a global manufacturing bottleneck due to the very few facilities worldwide that can manufacture high-quality phage products. This is severely limiting supply which impacts the delivery of this treatment.” Mr Harris said.

“This significant investment will allow NSW experts to increase manufacturing capabilities right here in NSW via the Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) and bypass the international issues that are slowing down access.

“This is a win for patients and a boost for our local clinical research bodies.”

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the investment will help drive innovation in the development of phage therapies.

“Phage therapies are an exciting field of medicine and could be the answer to the rapidly growing problem of antibiotic-resistant infectious diseases,” Mr Park said.

“We know that antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats facing global health systems and can lead to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and increased mortality.”

Director of the Centre for Infectious Disease and Microbiology at WIMR and founder of Phage Australia, Professor Jon Iredell, welcomed the announcement.

“Phage Australia opened a new clinical trial last year to treat patients around Australia and we are thrilled to have treated 30 patients so far. However, we have had to restrict the size of the trial due to limited access to high-quality phage preparations,” Prof. Iredell said.

“These funds will increase local manufacturing capability at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research, which until now has only been able to treat 1 patient per month.

“This means we can double current capacity and begin to address the growing demand from around Australia and from overseas, for NSW-manufactured phage therapies.”

Mr Harris announced the funding at a meeting with visiting international Professors interested in the research on phage therapy being undertaken by Phage Australia.

Hosted by senior executives within the NSW Health Division of Clinical Innovation and Research, the meeting showcased the work of Phage Australia and included discussions about how best to collaborate and innovate in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Phage Australia are world leaders in the development and manufacture of phage therapy. It is a national consortium and key NSW members include Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and the University of Sydney. So far, patients have been treated in NSW at hospitals including within Western Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network.

The work to implement stage 2 of the Minns Labor Government’s landmark rental reforms is underway, with consultations open across the state. 

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After 12 years without a voice, the Minns government is asking renters – along with owners and industry – for their views on critical changes to make renting fairer.

Through this process, people in NSW can comment on changes that will help transform the system and bring it into the 21st century, including;

• ending no grounds evictions by requiring a reason to end a lease
• making it easier for renters to have pets
• protecting renters’ personal information and privacy
• making it easier to transfer rental bonds from one property to another
• other ways to improve conditions for renters and take the pressure off.

The move paves the way for legislation to be introduced by the end of the year.

Aside from rental reforms, the Minns Government is taking steps to increase housing supply across the state with high-quality new homes to put downward pressure on rents.

That work includes an audit of surplus public land that could be rezoned for housing, speeding up project approvals and establishing the NSW Building Commission.

People in NSW can have their say on the rental reforms until August 11 2023.

Get more information and Have Your Say on the improving NSW rental lawslaunch

Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Renters are under extreme pressure in a tight market, but they’re also saddled with unfair and outdated rules that make life even harder.

“We’re getting on with our commitment to rebalance the equation, give renters more protections and let them get on with their lives.

“We want to hear from everyone because renters and owners need each other, and they both need a fair set of rules.

“This consultation will give people across the state a voice on what they think of changes to improve stability and fairness in the current rental environment and into the future.”

The Broken Hill community has been given a first look at designs for the new purpose-built Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit which will provide a modern and contemporary therapeutic space for people with mental health needs, their families, carers and staff.

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Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said the new co-designed facility will be built on the Broken Hill Base Hospital campus in Thomas Street, and will provide safe and reliable care for vulnerable people now and into the future.

“Having a space which complements recovery and is close to other related health services is essential. The design of this facility shows the future of mental health care in Broken Hill,” Ms Jackson said.

“We want to ensure communities in regional areas have access to comprehensive facilities and services to provide elevated support for those with mental health needs.”

The Mental Health Inpatient Unit will be built to the south-west of the current facility and adjacent to existing community mental health related services which received positive feedback during the master planning process.

The proposed location takes into account key considerations including options for future expansion, proximity to the Emergency Department which is also being expanded as part of the Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment Project, and impact to hospital operations.

The new designs showcase the exterior of the building, including key features such as the front entry and main courtyard.

“Safe and secure outside spaces are an important consideration in the design, with the availability of natural light and fresh air, as well as Indigenous influenced landscaping, contributing to a therapeutic and culturally safe environment for all people in our community,” Ms Jackson said.

“Internally, the unit will be used flexibly to care for a range of mental health consumers including the most vulnerable and those with very high needs.”

FWLHD Chief Executive Mr Brad Astill said extensive consultation with staff, carers and the community, including Aboriginal representatives, has enabled the project team to take on feedback on various aspects of the building design to ensure it best supports clinical and staffing needs.

“Co-design has been crucial in providing valuable input into the infrastructure so that it meets the needs of Broken Hill and surrounding communities.”

“I encourage everyone in the community to view the concept designs and speak directly with the project team at a series of information sessions in July,” Mr Astill said.

Pop-up sessions will be held as follows:

Monday 10 July 2023, 3.30pm to 5pm  
Outside Coles Supermarket, South St, Broken Hill  

Tuesday 11 July 2023, 9am to 10.30am
Westside Plaza, 5 Galena St, Broken Hill  

Tuesday 11 July 2023, 11am to 12.30pm 
Main Foyer, Broken Hill Health Service, Thomas St, Broken Hill  

The Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment also includes a $10 million upgrade to the hospital’s Emergency Department, which will be reconfigured to better meet the critical health needs of the region and includes tailored treatment spaces for children and those requiring mental health services.  

Construction is expected to start in early 2024.

As people across NSW celebrate NAIDOC Week 2023, Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper met with an Aboriginal business owner in Redfern today to discuss the opportunities and challenges for building a small business.

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Hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and small business owners across NSW have received free, culturally safe and inclusive business coaching and advice through the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative (ABAI).

Support is exclusively for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who own a business or are thinking about starting a business in NSW. The ABAI provides independent, tailored advice face-to-face or over the phone.

The free advisory services are delivered by independent Aboriginal advisors who bring their own lived experience, knowledge of small business operations and strong community connections to the coaching sessions.

The Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative can help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at every stage of their business journey by supporting businesses start-up, encouraging business expansion, providing access to training and building capacity through greater connectivity to NSW Government procurement.

Arts, recreation and construction are some of the top industries supported by the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative, with the majority of people seeking advice on business planning and start up.

The Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative is complemented by the Service NSW Business Connect program which has more than 100 independent business advisors, including multiple who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, who have experience running their own business and have qualifications in business-related disciplines such as business and commerce.

The program moved from Training Services NSW under the NSW Department of Education to Service NSW for Business on 1 October 2022.

Find more information on the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiativelaunch

Find out more information about Service NSW Business Connectlaunch or by phoning 13 77 88launch

NSW Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government is focused on removing barriers for small business owners at every stage of their business journey and is committed to seeing more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples build a small business.”

“The Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative provides free, culturally safe and inclusive business coaching and advice face-to-face or over the phone.”

“More than 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across NSW have received independent, tailored advice from the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative and we want to see this number continue to grow.”

NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said: 

“We know that economic advancement contributes to Closing the Gap outcomes, which is why NSW specifically developed a fifth Priority Reform to focus on Aboriginal employment, business growth and economic prosperity – the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative supports this vision.”

“The NSW Government supports a flourishing Aboriginal business sector under NSW Closing the Gap Priority Reform 5 – Aboriginal economic prosperity, jobs and businesses.”

“Investing in strong Aboriginal businesses not only benefits all communities in NSW but creates lasting impacts in Aboriginal communities through wealth creation and employment.

“The NSW Government is committed to investing the $10 million over 4 years associated with the NSW Roadmap for Aboriginal Business Growth into strong partnership and collaboration with Aboriginal businesses in this state.”

Following yesterday’s chaos on Sydney’s train network, the Opposition is calling on the Minns Government to implement a fare free day next Monday to apologise to impacted commuters.

In February 2022 then Opposition Leader Chris Minns supported providing a fare free Monday following a shutdown of the train network during a period of negotiations with trade unions. [1]

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said “the Premier and Transport Minister need to step up and be accountable for what occurred yesterday”.

In February 2022 responding to similar incident Transport Minister Jo Haylen commented:

“The lights are out across our train network, and they are also out in the Transport Minister’s office,”

“It’s clear there is no accountability. No one knows who’s in charge and passengers are yet again paying the price.”[2]

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward continued:

“In the past week we have seen the Premier and Transport Minister on leave with looming industrial action hanging over the State, the transport system grind to a halt and no one from the Government bothering to front up and provide answers on what they plan to do about it,” Ms Ward said.

“The Transport Minister launched a review promising to ‘fix’ Sydney trains, yet all we have seen is commuters inconvenienced and now the train system unable to function as a result of a single person phoning in sick.”

“The job of Government is to ensure the trains run on time, not issue press releases and reviews, The Government has a lot to answer for.”

Acting Leader of the Opposition Natalie Ward has called out the NSW Labor Government for spending more time in their first 100 days in office opening projects delivered by the former Liberal and Nationals Government than delivering their own election promises.

“The only list longer than Labor’s list of broken promises is their list of projects they’re taking credit for,” Ms Ward said.

“Labor Ministers need to spend less time swanning around cutting ribbons and taking credit for projects they often opposed, and more time getting their priorities right and delivering for the families and households of NSW.”

Projects the NSW Labor Government has taken credit for include:

1. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the redevelopment of Westmead Children’s Hospital
2. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in new Shellharbour Hospital
3. Announced beginning of testing under Sydney Harbour of new Metro line
4. Opened a new sporting facility at Newport
5. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the redevelopment of Shoalhaven Hospital
6. Expanded the Coalition Government’s inTouch urgent care service
7. Opened an upgraded road at Heddon Greta
8. Opened an upgraded railway station in Dubbo
9. Opened a new domestic violence refuge in Penrith
10. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the Sydney Gateway project
11. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s trial of the supply of the pill / UTI medication in pharmacies
12. Turned the first sod on construction of a primary school in Gregory Hills
13. Announced re-opening of Zig Zag railway
14. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in Australia’s first pride museum
15. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the redevelopment of Liverpool Hospital
16. Announced opening of new concourse at Central railway station
17. Opened a new sporting facility at Heffron Park
18. Opened the RPA HealthOne hub at Green Square
19. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in social housing at Greenacre
20. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the redevelopment of St George Hospital
21. Handed over 80 four-wheel-drive ambulances
22. Opened a renal dialysis service at Hornsby, part of the Coalition Government’s investment in the redevelopment of Hornsby Hospital
23. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in social housing at Parramatta
24. Re-announced the Coalition Government’s commitment to a new Urgent Care Clinic in Long Jetty
25. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in a new primary school at Liverpool
26. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in new facilities at Liverpool West Public School
27. Opened a new Acute Services Building at Prince of Wales Hospital
28. Opened a new STRONG Medicine centre in Concord
29. Expanded the Coalition Government’s Sustaining NSW Families program
30. Announced milestone on new Metro station at Barangaroo
31. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s transferral of Goat Island
32. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s investment in the new Westmead Health Precinct
33. Announced expansion of Coalition Government’s Single Employer Model approach to health care in regional NSW
34. Announced milestone on Coalition Government’s redevelopment of the Sydney Fish Markets
35. Lending of contracts for the Sydney Fish Markets
36. Returned platypus to Royal National Park

To find out more about Labor’s broken promises and wrong priorities, you can visit www.laborsbrokenpromises.com.au