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The state’s events calendar just got bigger thanks to the NSW Government investing $8 million into 21 major cultural festivals and events run by local councils across Sydney, the Hunter and Newcastle, and the Illawarra. 
 
Grant funding of up to $500,000 a year for two years has been awarded to 15 local councils across the state’s Six Cities regions to host major multicultural events and festivals in partnership with the NSW Government. 
 
Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said each partnership with the councils will help make their events bigger tourism attractions and local economy boosters.
 
“To have 21 different multicultural events hosted by 15 councils across the state’s Six Cities regions is a testament to NSW’s rich cultural and religious diversity,” Mr Coure said.
 
“This funding will help each of these councils take their events and festivals to the next level.”
 
 

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the partnerships will be a real win for the residents and visitors of local communities.
 
“Local Councils are the level of government closest to the community, so the NSW Government working directly with councils in our six cities will ensure these celebrations benefit their communities directly,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
 
“By partnering with councils, we are boosting local cultural celebrations led by local leaders, helping to cater for bigger crowds so tourists can experience everything their city has to offer.”
 
The Six Cities Regions comprise the Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle City, Central Coast City, Illawarra-Shoalhaven City, Western Parkland City, Central River City and Eastern Harbour City.
 
Successful councils can use the funding for festivals in 2023 and 2024. All successful councils will partner with the NSW Government and co-fund to host events. For more information, visit www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au  

The NSW Government today announced an independent, wide-ranging review of sentencing for firearms, knives and other weapons offences in NSW.
 
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the review will be undertaken by the NSW Sentencing Council, the state’s independent advisory body on sentencing matters and sentencing trends.
 
“The NSW Government is committed to keeping our community safe. That’s why I’ve asked the Council, through its Chairperson the Hon Peter McClelland AM KC, to review and advise on sentencing for firearms, knives and other weapons offences in NSW,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“This is the first time that such a comprehensive weapons review will have been undertaken in NSW by the Sentencing Council. A limited review of firearms offences was last undertaken by the Council in 2004, and some knife offences have never been reviewed.
 
“In requesting this review, I want to make sure that sentencing laws relating to possession and use of firearms, knives and other weapons remain in line with community expectations and that law enforcement agencies have access to the tools they need to keep our streets safe.
 
“The terms of reference will ensure a wide-ranging, extensive review of existing sentencing offences, including an in-depth analysis of sentencing convictions over the past five years.”
 
Terms of reference
 
Under the terms of reference, the Sentencing Council has been asked to conduct a review of sentencing for firearms, knives and other weapons offences, including but not limited to offences in the Crimes Act 1900 and Summary Offences Act 1988, and make any recommendations for reform that it considers appropriate.
 
In undertaking this review, the Sentencing Council should:
 

• provide sentencing statistics for convictions and penalty notices (where relevant) over a five-year period;
• provide information on the characteristics of offenders, sentence type and length;
• provide background information, including:
  • the key sentencing principles and reasoning employed by sentencing judges;
  • the mitigating subjective features of offenders; and
  • any other significant factors considered in sentencing decisions that explain how courts come to their final decision on sentence (which may be done using case-studies or collation of predominate themes across cases);
• consider whether the standard non parole periods where identified remain appropriate;
• consider whether offences for which penalty notices are available remain appropriate;
• consider whether the maximum penalties for the offences are appropriate with reference to other jurisdictions;
• consider whether any existing summary offences should be made indictable offences;
• consider any other matter the Council considers relevant.

The NSW Government has presented a final assistance package to NSW taxi licence holders, offering the most generous assistance payments in the country worth a total of $905 million.
 
The extra cash injection will see the passenger service levy (PSL) increase by 20 cents to $1.20 (ex GST) and be extended to 2030.
 
According to Transport for NSW data, the package is more than double the compensation offered by the Victorian Government and more than nine times the package offered by the Queensland Government.
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway made the announcement today and said the changes to the financial assistance package were as a result of continued discussions and feedback from representatives from the taxi industry.
 
This now takes the total assistance package, designed to help fully deregulate the industry, from $645 million to $905 million – more than is being offered by any other state in Australia.
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the final assistance package delivered fair and equitable financial assistance to all taxi licence holders across the state.
 
“I’ve always sought to ensure families who paid out their hard earned cash were not left with the burden of debt through no fault of their own and I sincerely hope this eases the financial burden on our cabbies as they manage the transition in point to point services,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“I urge the taxi industry to support this generous package so that taxi licence owners receive the money they deserve as soon as possible.”
 
The new package provides $150,000 for every Sydney metropolitan taxi licence holder with a cap of 6 plates. Each regional taxi plate will be paid between $40,000 and $195,000, with no cap on the number of plates.
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Faraway said the NSW Government had presented the most generous taxi assistance package in the country.
 
“On the back of natural disasters and a pandemic, the NSW Government has still been able to offer businesses like the taxi industry a fair deal,” Mr Farraway said.
 
“We have done this in the fairest way to customers with a modest 20 cent increase in the PSL which delivers an extra $260 million to the taxi industry bringing the total amount to $905 million.
 
“I have met with taxi operators around regional NSW, particularly those in Zone Four. This new package will see those Zone Four operators offered $40,000, an increase of 60 per cent on the previous proposal and on top of payments already made.
 
“This package is our final offer and should it be accepted by the NSW Taxi Council and its members then the funding will be in the bank accounts of taxi owners as soon as early next year.
 
“To date we have still not heard if Opposition Leader Chris Minns supports our package or if he has a package of his own.”
 
As part of this final assistance package, the passenger service levy will cease in 2030.
 
Should the final package not be accepted, legislation will not be introduced.
 
A Government appointed review will then be launched to assess a compensation package, based on the existing passenger service levy.

NSW Health Pathology is celebrating 10 years since it was formed, bringing together public pathology and forensic and analytical science services from around the state.
 
The statewide organisation now operates more than 60 laboratories and 150 collection centres across NSW, conducting over 100,000 clinical and scientific investigations every day.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the public pathology service proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the organisation provided vital public health testing.
 
“From growing the live virus and sequencing its genome, to creating an SMS service to notify patients of their PCR results, NSW Health Pathology proved essential to protecting the health and safety of the people of NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“I want to thank all of NSW Health Pathology’s staff for their incredible efforts over the past 10 years. The work they have done, and continue to do, to care for the people of NSW is remarkable.”
 
During the past decade NSW Health Pathology has made significant advances, including opening a $91.5 million state-of-the art Forensic Medicine and Coroners Court Complex at Lidcombe and rolling out an electronic tracking system for patient samples statewide.
 
Founding Chief Executive Tracey McCosker PSM, who remains at the helm of the organisation, said the service’s 5000-strong workforce is dedicated to finding the answers that help protect the health and safety of the people of NSW.
 
“The dedication our people have displayed is something I won’t forget. They have worked tirelessly and under enormous pressure to deliver services we’ve all relied on and can all be proud of,” Ms McCosker said.

Sydneysiders will soon be able to enjoy 10 hectares of sprawling gardens, wetlands and brand new sporting and recreational facilities with the final designs of the new Rozelle Parklands unveiled today. 
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the expansive parklands, which are being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s Rozelle Interchange Project, will be one of the largest open green spaces in inner Sydney. 
 
“As part of the Rozelle Interchange Project, we had the rare opportunity to deliver a new parkland space in the heart of our city, transforming disused former industrial land and returning it back to the local community,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“Rozelle residents will soon have new recreational and community facilities set amongst an expanse of open green space the size of 12 football fields right on their doorstep.”
 
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the parklands would provide a big new backyard for the entire community to enjoy.
 
“With more than 3,000 new trees, bush trails, wetlands, landscaped gardens, barbeques and playgrounds, this will be a spectacular green space spanning 10 hectares,” Mr Stokes said. 
 
“These parklands will heal a scar that has separated Sydney’s CBD from the inner west, and will complete a missing piece of our vision of the best harbour walk in the world linking all the way from Sydney to Parramatta.”
 
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the NSW Government worked hard to put the needs of the local community at the heart of this project.
 
“We have transformed this space from what used to be disused rail yards with overgrown grass, hazards and no access to the public, to what will now be a renewed, revived and refreshed area of beautiful green space,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“This space is designed to be used by children, pets and everyone from the local community, and is another example of the Perrottet government delivering transport and community benefits hand in hand.” 
 
The Rozelle Interchange is a new underground motorway interchange, being built as the final part of the WestConnex project. 
 
It will allow drivers to connect to the M4 and M8 extension tunnels, the City West Link, Western Distributor, the future Western Harbour Tunnel and provide a toll-free underground bypass of Victoria Road between the Iron Cove Bridge, Drummoyne, to the Anzac Bridge.
 
Major construction on the Parklands will start early next year, and the park will be open to the public when the motorway opens at the end of 2023.
 
For more information, visit: roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/rozelle-parklands/index.html

The NSW Women’s Strategy 2023-2026 launched today, providing a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach to improve the economic, social, physical and mental wellbeing of women and girls across NSW.
 
The Strategy focuses on three key pillars which will shape NSW Government policy and guide investment to ensure the best results for women in NSW. The pillars are:

• Economic opportunity and advancement
• Health and wellbeing
• Participation and empowerment

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Strategy has been developed through extensive consultation with more than 2,000 women and girls across metro and regional NSW, as well as those who work closely with women and girls through a range of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
 
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring NSW is the best place in the country for women to live, work and raise a family, and to achieve that, we have developed the most comprehensive package of initiatives to support women in the State’s history,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the Strategy builds on the progress achieved over the last four years through the NSW Women’s Strategy 2018-2022.
 
“The NSW Government is championing women and girls by making it easier for women to enter, stay and return to work through a $16.5 billion investment in the NSW Budget 2022-23,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“2022 is the Year of the Woman. Now is the time to build on this momentum and drive future opportunities for women and girls in NSW. Through this Strategy – I want to empower young girls to become astrophysicists, lead our tech companies, become sporting superstars and excel in whatever field they choose.”
 
To coincide with the launch of the Strategy, the $1 million Investing in Women Funding Program opened today.
 
Investing in Women helps NSW organisations to develop and implement projects that advance the role, status and contribution of women and girls in our communities guided by the three priority areas of the NSW Women’s Strategy.
 
Examples of successful projects from previous rounds include: targeted workplace employer programs to provide flexibility for women with endometriosis, online programs to boost confidence, upskill and connect women in rural or remote communities and mentorships for girls to encourage workforce participation in the trades sector.
 
More details can be found at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/investing-women-funding-program
 
To read the strategy, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/women-nsw/nsw-womens-strategy

This year’s Vivid Festival has injected $119 million into the NSW economy, with a record 2.58 million people attending the festival from NSW, interstate and around the world to view the largest lights festival in the Southern Hemisphere.
 
Vivid Sydney 2022 saw the largest opening weekend ever with 440,000 tourists coming to Sydney, while 2.1 million attendees had a sit-down or takeaway meal, providing a significant boost to local businesses.
 
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the record-breaking attendance for Vivid Sydney 2022 was extraordinary and showed that Sydney had roared back to life after the pandemic.
 
“We have seen unprecedented attendance for Vivid Sydney 2022, which is wonderful to see and a clear sign Sydney is back bigger and better than ever,” Mr Franklin said.
 
“The stats speak for themselves and reflect the significant contribution the festival makes to the city’s economy with local hotels, bars, restaurants, tourism operators and small businesses all reaping the benefits.
 
“Almost 30 per cent of attendees came from outside Sydney, with a significant portion of visitors then travelling into regional NSW, generating $12.2 million to regional economies.
 
“World-class events like Vivid Sydney are all about helping to boost the NSW economy, create jobs and showcase why Sydney is the best place to live.”
 
Vivid Sydney 2022 won 14 medals at the 2022 International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle Awards. The Pinnacle Awards recognise excellence in festival and event promotions and operations globally.
 
Vivid Sydney 2023 is set to offer even more for attendees with the addition of Vivid Food. Vivid Food will promote creativity, innovation and stimulate visitation to CBD restaurants and venues.
 

Thousands of teachers, nurses, police officers, single parents and older singles will have the opportunity to own their own home sooner after legislation for the NSW Government’s $780.4 million shared equity scheme passed Parliament today.
 
Under the scheme, due to begin early next year, the NSW Government will contribute an equity share up to 40 per cent for a new home or up to 30 per cent for an existing home purchased by eligible buyers.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said key workers, single parents and older singles struggling to enter the housing market will soon receive help to make their home ownership dreams a reality.
 
“They will benefit from the security of their own home sooner, with a lower deposit, smaller loan and less in repayments,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“The shared equity scheme will allow up to 6,000 eligible key workers and low-income households to own their own homes with a minimum 2 per cent deposit, but without the burden of lenders mortgage insurance and no interest on the Government’s equity share in a property.”
 
Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said participants in the scheme would remain eligible for first home owner grants and any stamp duty exemptions or concessions.
 
“Saving a deposit is a huge barrier to home ownership. Lower upfront costs will allow more lower-income households to buy their own homes,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“Buyers will be able to borrow less for their home and pay lower monthly mortgage repayments, reducing the level of risk they’re taking on, especially with the likelihood of future interest rate increases.”
 
Under the scheme:

• Up to 3,000 spots will be available each year in 2022-23 and 2023-24
• Key worker first home buyers who are nurses, teachers or police officers – as well as singles over 50 and single parents with a child or children up to 18 – can apply
• Participants must have a maximum gross income of $90,000 for singles and $120,000 for couples
• Participants must have a minimum deposit of 2 per cent of the purchase price
• The Government will make a maximum equity contribution of 40 per cent for a new home and 30 per cent for an established home
• The maximum value of the property that can be purchased under the scheme is $950,000 in Sydney and regional centres including the Central Coast, Illawarra, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and the North Coast of NSW, and $600,000 in other parts of NSW.

 
The shared equity scheme is part of the NSW Government’s $2.8 billion Housing Package. The package aligns with the Housing 2041 vision, which drives the supply of affordable, diverse, and resilient housing options for our communities.
 
For more information visit: https://nsw.gov.au/shared-equity-scheme

A range of projects aimed at reducing the risk posed by future disasters will share in almost $13 million from the Australian and New South Wales governments.
 
The joint funding is being provided to educational institutions, Government agencies and not-for-profit organisations through the State Risk Reduction stream of the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF) to deliver projects that better protect communities against future natural disasters, including research programs, useable tools like apps and awareness campaigns.
 
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the funding is being allocated to projects that have a State-wide impact.
 
“Investing in ways that reduce the severity and impact of natural disasters is a high priority. We stand ready to work with all levels of government, community members and organisations to achieve this,” Minister Watt said.
 
“Over the past three years New South Wales has copped disaster after disaster which have left communities reeling. Recovery is ongoing and we continue to support those efforts, but it is equally important to make sure we are investing in risk reduction projects for future disasters.”
 
New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the State Risk Reduction stream of the DRRF targets projects which will better protect communities.
 
“The $13 million will go towards helping communities be better prepared for when future disasters inevitably strike,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“The projects receiving funding cover a range of hazards including floods, fires, heatwaves and storms, with initiatives ranging from capability building and community engagement to new data systems and technology.”
 
The DRRF offers $52 million in total to build resilience and help reduce, mitigate and manage the risks of future disasters.
 
Some of the successful funding recipients include the Bushfire Building Council of Australia for the creation of a building assessor app and training program to improve the disaster resilience and energy efficiency of homes, and the Department of Planning and Environment to undertake flood hazard projects under plausible climate change scenarios.
 
For a list of recipients of the first round of funding, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/resilience-nsw/disaster-risk-reduction-fund.