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Women in NSW who undergo fertility treatment with an accredited private provider will be eligible for a cash rebate of up to $2,000 from 1 October, thanks to the NSW Government.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the rebate is the first of its kind in Australia and builds on earlier NSW Government initiatives that make fertility treatments more affordable.
 
“Around 12,000 eligible women will benefit from the new fertility treatment rebate as part of the NSW Affordable IVF Initiative from this month onwards,” Mr Kean said.
 
“Families navigating their fertility journey don’t need to do it alone – we are backing them with an $80 million investment over four years to increase access to affordable fertility treatments.
 
“This funding will mean more women won’t have to choose between looking after their household budget and starting a family.”
 
To be eligible for the fertility treatment rebate, women must:

• Be a resident of NSW
• Have incurred an out-of-pocket cost from an accredited private provider from 1 October 2022.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said falling pregnant for many women is stressful enough without the added challenge of finding additional funds for fertility treatment.

“The NSW Government has led the nation in its efforts to lower these costs so that families can have access to our world-leading fertility specialists,” Mr Hazzard said.

“NSW is now one of the most affordable places in the world to have fertility treatment.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said one in every six couples experience fertility issues. 

“Fertility challenges can be absolutely heartbreaking and a huge financial burden. The NSW Government is lowering the cost of treatments, helping more women on their journey to start a family,” Mrs Taylor said.

“This new rebate builds on the NSW Government’s $42 million 2019 election commitment for affordable IVF, which is helping so many families.”

Professor Luk Rombauts, President of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), welcomed the continued investment and commitment from the NSW Government to support people on their fertility journey.

“This rebate is an opportunity to provide more equitable access to fertility treatments  and builds on the existing pre-IVF testing rebate that has already helped so many people across NSW,” Professor Rombauts said.

This rebate is separate to the existing one for pre-IVF fertility testing and is not available for out-of-pocket costs for lower cost treatments in publicly supported fertility clinics in NSW.

The $80 million expansion to the NSW Affordable IVF initiative also includes:

• Extending the rebate for pre-IVF fertility testing
• Expanding statewide access to lower cost IVF treatment through publicly supported clinics
• Boosting fertility preservation services for patients with a medical need
• Providing up to five days paid fertility treatment leave for teachers, nurses and other public servants across NSW.

The rebate eligibility criteria is listed here.

The new fertility treatment rebate of up to $2,000 will open for applicants to make a claim from 1 January 2023. Women who have undergone an eligible procedure from 1 October 2022 will be able to submit a claim when the rebate scheme opens.

More information on how the NSW Government is working to improve affordability and access to IVF services in NSW is available online here.

High-tech sensors which can predict and detect fires and clean energy solutions for bush fire-affected communities are among five innovative ideas being piloted under a landmark NSW Government research and development (R&D) program.
 
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the Bushfire Technology Pilots Program, a total of $6 million over four years, will support trials of field-ready bush fire technology developed by NSW businesses.
 
“NSW is a world leader in bush fire technology and this NSW Government investment is unlocking opportunities for homegrown innovators to test their potentially life saving research,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“We’re investing in these innovative technologies so that NSW can remain at the cutting edge of bush fire technology, and save lives by enhancing bush fire preparedness and response.”
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the grants on offer through the Bush Fire Technology Pilots Program cover multiple components of a bush fire response, including providing power to remote sites, real-time monitoring of fire conditions and data-sharing.
 
“The investment being announced today will put innovative technologies to the test so that one day they can be used by our emergency services in NSW, as well as organisations across Australia and the world, to save lives and improve the way we respond to disasters,” Ms Cooke said.
 
NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the wide range of work funded through the grants reflects NSW’s position as a global leader in bush fire technology.
 
“These projects will be collaborative, with grant recipients working closely with lead NSW fire response organisations, including the Rural Fire Service, Fire & Rescue, NSW Telco Authority, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Planning and Environment,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.
 
The program is the first initiative to be rolled out under the Bushfire Response R&D Mission, a recommendation of the NSW R&D Action Plan

More than 15,000 NSW high school students have had the opportunity to access personalised career guidance, coaching and support to help inspire and prepare them for life after school through the expansion of a NSW Government program.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet confirmed the successful Careers NSW program had been trialled in 32 high schools, enhancing existing school-based career services and opening doors for exciting opportunities for students.
 
“This program is about empowering students to take control of their future and learn more about the careers that are available when they leave school,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“By providing young people with additional professional careers guidance and connecting them to real industry experts, this program will unlock opportunities and inspire them to secure a brighter future.”
 
Careers NSW was a key recommendation of the review into the NSW vocational education and training sector led by David Gonski AC and Professor Peter Shergold AC.
 
The high school trial has helped students explore their interests, skills and possible career pathways, as well as helped to coordinate connections to industry experts and career opportunities.
 
Younger students participated in group careers exploration sessions, while parents and guardians have been given the opportunity to seek advice from professional careers practitioners about how they can better support their children.
 
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government will conduct another two trials next year to inform how Careers NSW can best support students and schools moving forward.
 
“Close to 100,000 people have already used the Careers NSW website since the adult pilot was established last year, and these trials in high schools allow young people to get their first taste of this whole-of-life careers guidance service,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“The Careers NSW trial in high schools complements existing careers advisers, enhancing their ability to deliver quality, professional advice and facilitate industry connections, to help students and parents understand how to aim high and secure a successful career.”
 
The pilot program follows the expansion of the Educational Pathways Program and the introduction of TAFE NSW Launchpad, as well as recent changes to the HSC and ATAR that will increase the take-up of vocational education and training in high schools.
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said embedding Careers NSW in schools is another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to create stronger pathways from high school to a career.
 
“Careers NSW will help students explore their future, offering advice and information on everything from traditional trades to new and emerging industries,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“This program will help young people think big and explore the education and employment pathways available to them when they leave the school gates.”
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said Careers NSW was the first service to utilise the Whole of Government online booking system as of February 2022, an initiative of the Government Made Easy program.
 
“The online booking system will provide students and parents with a one-stop shop and streamlined experience when booking appointments with careers practitioners through the program,” Mr Dominello said.
 
For more information on Careers NSW, please visit: https://careers.nsw.gov.au/.

NSW families saved more than $18 million on swimming lessons during the first year of the First Lap learn to swim voucher program, with the State Government reminding parents to take advantage of the second $100 voucher which became available on 1 July.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet joined families at Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre today and encouraged parents of children aged 3-6 years old to use the new voucher.
 
“NSW families were quick off the blocks, diving in to the First Lap Program and redeeming more than 180,000 vouchers for swimming lesson fees in the first year of the program, giving their children vital water safety and survival skills,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“As a father, I know how important swimming lessons are and how helpful the First Lap vouchers are for families.
 
“This program is one of more than 70 ways for households to save and boost their budgets. My message to families is simple – check to see if you’re eligible for this voucher and redeem it. You’ll save money and could save a life.”
 
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said with summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time for families of pre-schoolers to download their learn to swim voucher.
 
“Taking your child to swimming lessons is one of the most rewarding moments in a parent’s life and this voucher allows you to kickstart that journey,” Mr Henskens.
 
“This program is helping families across NSW access swimming lessons to ensure more children are safe in the water this summer.”
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said using the voucher is simple and can be done in a few clicks on your phone.
 
“Just like Active Kids, Creative Kids and the Dine and Discover NSW vouchers, families have embraced the First Lap program, with 94 per cent giving it the thumbs up,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Parents can redeem the voucher via the Service NSW app, by visiting the Service NSW website or calling 13 77 88.
 
“Swimming is part of our country’s DNA and this program makes this critical life skill even more accessible for parents.”
 
Royal Life Saving Society NSW CEO, Michael Illinsky said it was the right of every child to access a quality swimming and water safety education.
 
“Learning skills such as general swimming techniques and treading water, survival techniques and strategies, floating and rescue skills is vital for Australian children,” Mr Illinsky said.
 
“The First Lap vouchers help provide many children with their first swimming and water safety experience which in turn leads to a lifetime of fun and enjoyment in, on and around water.”
 
First Lap vouchers can be accessed from Service NSW and redeemed with registered First Lap providers. A list of First Lap providers is available on the Service NSW website. More information is available on the Service NSW website.