$268 million for WestInvest projects in the Blue Mountains and Penrith

New state-of-the-art sporting facilities, walking and cycling tracks to connect communities and a range of arts and environmental projects will be funded through the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $5 billion WestInvest program.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Treasurer Matt Kean today announced more than $268.9 million for councils and community groups in the Blue Mountains and Penrith to deliver 30 transformational infrastructure projects.

The announcement takes the total projects funded through the $1.6 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round to 51 with further successful projects to be announced in the coming weeks.

The 30 projects announced in the Blue Mountains and Penrith today include:

· $106.7 million for the Penrith City Council to deliver a huge new indoor multi-sports arena in Claremont Meadows.

· $40 million for The Salvation Army (NSW) Property Trust to deliver the Greater West Sydney Oasis – a collaborative community arts and cultural hub in St Marys.

· $24.4 million for the Blue Mountains City Council for four active transport projects that provide missing links to encourage more people to walk and cycle around the beautiful world heritage-listed asset:

o    $14 million to deliver 24km of active transport links, improving connections between 27 towns and villages in the Blue Mountains.

o    $5.6 million to add 1.9km between Kiah and Echo Point to the Great Blue Mountains Trail providing the missing link from Leura Station to Scenic World and the Katoomba Golf Course Precinct.

o    $2.6 million for a new 3.8km off-road shared path link along Singles Ridge Road, Yellow Rock, between Vendetta Road and Yellow Rock Road in Winmalee.

o    $2.2 million to add 2km to the Great Blue Mountains Trail on Cliff Drive between Narrow Neck Road and Acacia Street in Katoomba.

· $9.1 million for We Help Ourselves (WHOS) to deliver the West Multi Function Alcohol and other Drug Centre in St Marys.

· $8.2 million for Penrith City Council to deliver the City Park Urban Retreat project for a new 7000sqm green heart in the city centre featuring gardens, water features, public art and natural shade for people to relax, play and be active. 

· $5 million for the Penrith City Council to upgrade the Penrith nursery to help green the city and protect threatened ecological communities including the Cumberland Plain Woodland.

· $815,827 for The Eleanor Dark Foundation to help deliver an architect-designed cultural hub for workshops, literary events and writing groups in the Blue Mountains.

· $427,500 for the Mulgoa Valley Landcare Group Inc to support the Mulgoa Creek Connecting Community with Healthy Habitats project to restore local biodiversity and habitat with a special focus on protecting the platypus.  

Mr Perrottet said the exciting new projects will secure a brighter future for local communities.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government created WestInvest to deliver local infrastructure that will improve livability in Western Sydney and that is exactly what we are doing,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We are making a huge array of projects in the Blue Mountains and Penrith a reality, helping to deliver the playgrounds, cultural centres, sporting fields and facilities the people of Western Sydney deserve.”

Mr Kean said many of the projects funded in the Blue Mountains focus on better connecting the much loved and world-renowned area.

“The Blue Mountains is one of our most treasured natural attractions and these projects will ensure more locals and visitors can explore and enjoy its beauty,” Mr Kean said. 

“The four active transport projects will connect towns and villages and encourage more people to walk and cycle around this spectacular area.” 

Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the projects announced today provide a huge boost to sporting organisations.

“The new state-of-the-art indoor sports arena in Claremont Meadows will deliver eight new multi-sports courts to accommodate just about every kind of indoor sport you can imagine,” Mr Ayres said.

“This project will provide a cool, all-weather facility to support netball, basketball, volleyball, futsal, squash, roller skating and so much more. This arena will encourage young people to take up and excel in new sports, supporting a healthy lifestyle.”

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the $427,500 for the Mulgoa Valley Landcare Group Inc will ensure they can continue to undertake critical work in restoring the riparian corridor of Mulgoa Creek, with a special focus on protecting the platypus.

“The Mulgoa Valley Landcare Group has been rehabilitating a 10km stretch of Mulgoa Creek for more than 27 years,” Mrs Davies said.

“This WestInvest funding will help them to continue their incredible work to restore biodiversity and habitat within the Mulgoa Valley by delivering interpretive signage to educate and engage community along the riparian corridor of Mulgoa.”

More than 680 applicants submitted a WestInvest application to the value of more than $7.9 billion. The successful projects were announced after a comprehensive assessment process outlined in the WestInvest Community Project Grant Guidelines. All unsuccessful applicants will be offered a 1:1 feedback session.

A full list of projects announced today can be found at www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest

Greater support for child sexual abuse victims

A nation-leading program that reduces the trauma of court processes for children who are victims of sexual abuse will be expanded across the state, providing greater support to more young people.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Attorney General Mark Speakman today announced the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $64.3 million over four years to expand the Child Sexual Offences Evidence Program (CSOEP) to every District Court and Police District in NSW.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this important program reduced the difficulties and stress endured by our most vulnerable victims as they navigate the justice system.

“Child sexual abuse is one of the most heinous crimes and those children who have already endured the unimaginable should not have to suffer further at the hands of a justice system designed for adults,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Under this program, young people are able to pre-record their evidence and are provided with intermediaries to assist them during police interviews and hearings, as well as supports to spare them the trauma of facing their alleged attacker in court.

“Our Government led the nation when we piloted this program and now we want to make sure that every child – no matter where they live in our state – can access this support.”

Attorney General Mark Speakman said the program will further strengthen the state’s criminal justice response to child sexual abuse.

“Re-traumatising a complainant does not advance justice,” Mr Speakman said.

“We need to do all we can to ensure that children and young people who have been sexually abused are supported through the court experience, so they can begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

“The NSW Government was nation-leading in piloting the CSOEP, nation-leading in making it a permanent program and is now nation-leading in extending it state-wide.”

The CSOEP commenced in 2016 as a pilot in two court locations – the Sydney (Downing Centre) District Court and Newcastle District Court – as well as in the corresponding South-West Metropolitan, Central Metropolitan, and parts of the Northern Police Districts.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government invested more than $28 million in 2018 to make the program permanent in these locations.

This followed an independent assessment by the University of NSW that found that the CSEOP received very strong support from participants, reduced stress for children and resulted in a better quality of evidence from child witnesses.

It also followed the release of the landmark final report by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in 2017, which made seven recommendations about the importance of pre-recording witness evidence and using intermediaries in child sexual offence prosecutions. The CSOEP is consistent with those recommendations.

The expanded program will be rolled out across NSW from 1 July 2023 to every District Court. A list of these locations is at: https://www.districtcourt.nsw.gov.au/district-court/court-lists-and-sitting-dates/district-court-sittings—criminal-jurisdiction.html

Final connection made between Sydney Metro lines

The final tracks have been laid connecting the new Sydney Metro City and Southwest line with the existing North West line at Chatswood, completing a major component of the project.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new City and Southwest metro line would revolutionise the city’s public transport network.

“This marks a major milestone in the delivery of Australia’s biggest public transport project with the final tracks now laid to connect these two metro lines,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Once complete, the new City and Southwest metro line will revolutionise how Sydneysiders travel by providing fast, reliable services at seven new stations under the Sydney CBD and in the city’s north.

“Our long term economic plan is delivering major rail projects for the future and will support communities as they grow.”

Transport Minister David Elliott said the Northern Connection now links the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line to the existing Metro North West line marking another significant construction breakthrough in this State.

“The NSW Government is delivering Australia’s biggest public transport project right before our eyes. This milestone is another promise delivered by the Liberal and Nationals,” Mr Elliott said.

“Across the Sydney Metro City and Southwest, more than 5,000 people are currently employed; and 50,000 people will have worked on the project by the time it is complete.”  

“From 2024, passengers can travel from Tallawong in Sydney’s north, into the city in under 50 minutes, Castle Hill to Barangaroo in 33 minutes and Chatswood to Martin Place in 11 minutes on a fast and reliable metro service.”

Member for Willoughby Tim James said the Northern Connection is a 200-metre section of rail corridor connecting the northern suburbs to the Southwest.

“This major connection was constructed over two years with workers installing tracks and operational services in the 15.5-kilometre twin tunnels between Chatswood and Sydenham,” Mr James said.

“Six teams and more than 200 workers worked around the clock over one weekend to make the final connection. It was a mammoth effort.”

A rigorous testing and commissioning program along the new alignment will commence later this year, ahead of passenger services starting through the Sydney CBD in 2024.

New stations at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Pitt Street and Waterloo, along with new underground platforms at Central Station will open next year. 

Red tape to be dramatically slashed in NSW

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will slash red tape across NSW, cutting the cost of doing business while committing to a target of 1 million small businesses by 2030.

A new red tape tsar will be appointed as the NSW Red Tape Commissioner, with the strict task of delivering $1 billion of reductions of red tape. 

For an initial two-year blitz across government, Ministers will be required to identify regulation to remove if they are proposing a new regulation.

All government departments, through their secretary bosses, would be required to present regulations for the chopping block, with the goal of making it easier to do business. 

The Liberal and Nationals will also boost business opportunities for small and medium sized businesses by increasing the procurement contracts by more than $2 billion by the end of the next term, to a total of $10 billion.  

And $1000 for micro and small businesses to engage an expert to provide professional advice to help grow and expand their business.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said NSW needed to take action now to protect jobs and businesses as the whole world faced difficult and strong economic headwinds.

“Our long-term economic plan will protect the NSW economy and recession proof millions of businesses and jobs across our State,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Australia faces strong economic headwinds ahead with the dual challenge of inflation and interest rates hitting families and small businesses and NSW needs a government with an economic plan”

“We can’t allow NSW to stall and unfortunately that’s what will happen under Labor who have no plan to support small business and the 1.8 million NSW people that work for them.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the Liberal and Nationals would establish a series of industry taskforces to cut red tape and speed up application and approval times, with the first one focused on small business and local government.

“We’ve always stood shoulder to shoulder with small business, boosting the skills and capability of almost 50,000 small businesses via the Business Connect program or providing vital financial assistance during the pandemic and natural disasters,” Mr Kean said.

“Whether you’re a café owner, a tradie or a retailer, we want to work with you to reach new heights and achieve your goals.”

Minister for Small Business Victor Dominello said the Liberal and Nationals were focused on making it easier to do businesses.  

“We want to eliminate the paperwork, speed up processes and unlock valuable time from mundane admin tasks by looking at over 200 reforms across 70 pieces of legislation allowing processes to be digitised and streamlined for individuals, businesses and community groups” Mr Dominello said.

“We have established Service NSW for Business as a one-stop shop for business advice, assistance and compliance, helping to reduce the amount of time businesses spend dealing with Government processes.”

“We have also implemented a nation leading $166.5 million digital licensing program which significantly reduces the compliance burden on businesses through a tell us once approach to regulation.” 

Summary of measures:

· Committing to a target of 1 million small businesses by 2030.

· Appointment of NSW Red Tape Commissioner, delivering $1 billion of reductions of red tape.

· An initial two-year blitz across government, Ministers will be required to identify regulation to remove if they are proposing a new regulation.

· Government departments required to present regulations for the chopping block, with the goal of making it easier to do business. 

· Increasing procurement contracts by more than $2 billion by the end of the next term, to a total of $10 billion

· $1000 for 10,000 micro and small businesses to engage an expert to provide professional advice to help grow and expand their business.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR MEDICARE URGENT CARE CLINICS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The Albanese Government is today announcing the start of an Expression of Interest (EOI) period to establish seven Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (Medicare UCCs) in the state.

The seven Medicare UCCs will ease pressure on West Australian hospitals and give WA families more options to see a healthcare professional when and where they need it. They will be bulk billed and open seven days a week.

Category 4 and 5 presentations to WA hospitals, non-life-threatening emergencies, represent 47 per cent of presentations to emergency departments. The Medicare UCCs will mean instead of taking up precious ED space, patients will be able to get care in their local community.

Medicare UCCs will be established in the following locations:

  • Perth City
  • Joondalup
  • Rockingham
  • Murdoch
  • Midland
  • Bunbury
  • Broome

Medicare UCCs in Western Australia will be established through a phased approach beginning with Perth City, Joondalup and Rockingham.

The EOI will be run by the WA Primary Health Alliance, opening on 10 February 2023, with the submission period set to end on 24 March 2023.

The EOI will be available to existing general practices, community health centres and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.

The Albanese Government will continue to work closely with the Western Australian Government to deliver the seven Medicare UCCs.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“Our Medicare Urgent Care Clinics mean more families in Western Australia will get top-quality care from a nurse or a doctor without having to wait in a hospital emergency department.

“The UCCs will take pressure off hospitals like the Fiona Stanley, Rockingham and Joondalup Health.

“These clinics are a key part of the Government’s plan to strengthen Medicare by making it easier to see a doctor.”

Minister Butler said:

“We know that doctors around the country, including in WA, are exciting to take up the opportunity of Urgent Care Clinics.

“This EOI means West Australian primary care providers, community health centres and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services will be able to put their interest forward

“The UCCs will be bulk billed and open seven days a week, meaning families don’t end up in the emergency department for non-life-threatening care.”

GOVERNMENT DELIVERS ON EXPANDING THE PACIFIC WORKFORCE – SIX MONTHLY EARLY

The Albanese Government has reached a major milestone – six months ahead of schedule – with more than 35,000 Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) workers now in Australia.

In the October 2022 Budget, the Government committed to reaching 35,000 workers by June 2023. Latest data shows the milestone was reached in December.

When the Government came to office the total number of PALM workers in Australia was just over 24,400, as at the end of May 2022. As a result of the Government’s work to expand and improve PALM, the total number of workers has risen to over 35,100, as of the end of December 2022. This is an increase of 44 per cent in just seven months.
 
Reaching this milestone early demonstrates the Government’s commitment to immediately addressing long-standing workforce issues across key sectors in the Australian economy.

PALM workers are earning incomes, developing skills and filling workforce shortages across 28 industries, including agriculture, food processing, accommodation and hospitality and aged care.

The scheme is vital for filling workplace shortages in regional Australia, ensuring businesses can continue supporting their communities when there are limited local workers available.

Workers are employed under the same industry awards and legislation as Australian workers. PALM Approved Employers must meet stringent criteria to participate, including compliance with workplace regulations and health and safety laws.
 
Workers from nine Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste are participating in the scheme, which is boosting economies and lifting families out of poverty. In a region where more than one third of people live on less than $1,000 per year, long term PALM workers send home an average of $15,000 each.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said

“My Government is delivering on its commitment to reform and expand PALM and is already six months ahead of schedule.

“I was pleased to meet with PALM workers when I visited Fiji in July of last year, seeing firsthand the people who will make significant contributions to Australia’s workforce.

“This scheme is a practical measure that shows our respect for the Pacific and will build a stronger Pacific family.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong said

“The PALM scheme is improving lives, mitigating critical skills shortages and contributing to the economic resilience of the region.

“We will continue to work with Pacific partners to achieve our shared aspirations.”

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Tony Burke said:

“The wellbeing and working conditions of Pacific and Timorese workers in the PALM scheme is of central importance to the Australian government.”

“Site visits, a 24-hour PALM support line, and regular employer reporting are features of the compliance framework, with additional compliance activities funded in the Fair Work Ombudsman.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt said:

“Reaching our commitment of 35,000 PALM scheme workers in Australia six months early demonstrates our commitment to immediately addressing the long-standing workforce issues in the agricultural industry.

These workers are now providing important skills and labour in our agricultural sector, helping Australian farmers and meat processors fill gaps in their workforce.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy said:

“With the money they’re earning in Australia these workers are building new homes, putting children through school and kick-starting businesses in their home countries. It’s been heartening to see the impact on the ground – from Solomon Islands to Vanuatu.”

“The Albanese Government is making a significant contribution to Pacific economies, over and above our development program – which is highly valued by the leaders I’ve met across the Pacific.”

Targeted sanctions in response to human rights violations in Myanmar and Iran

The Australian Government is imposing targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on individuals responsible for egregious human rights abuses in Myanmar, as well as sanctions on entities enabling the repression of its people.

The Government is also imposing additional sanctions on Iranian individuals and entities over abhorrent abuses of human rights.

Sanctioned individuals include 16 members of the Myanmar military regime’s governing State Administration Council (SAC), as key individuals directly responsible for the coup d’état two years ago today.

Two Myanmar military controlled entities, Myanmar Economic Public Holdings Ltd (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC), will also be subject to targeted financial sanctions.

Over the past two years Australia, ASEAN and international partners have repeatedly called on the Myanmar regime to engage in constructive dialogue and find a peaceful and durable resolution to the ongoing crisis.

Despite these calls, the regime has continued its anti-democratic actions against the people of Myanmar, including violence and recent steps targeting opposition voices.

The military regime has responded violently to any form of political expression, including peaceful protests. There is evidence thousands of civilians, including children, have been jailed, tortured, or killed.

Australia will continue to closely monitor the regime’s actions. We will be looking to see improvements for people on the ground and moves towards the restoration of democracy, including credible elections.

In this context, we will continue to keep our targeted sanctions toward Myanmar under review.

Australia strongly supports ASEAN’s leadership as a key element in responding to the Myanmar crisis. 

The Australian Government is also imposing Magnitsky-style sanctions on 16 Iranian individuals and one Iranian entity.

Among those subject to Magnitsky-style human rights sanctions are the Basij Cooperative Foundation, and senior law enforcement, political and military figures – including those within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – involved in the violent crackdown on protests following the death of Mahsa ‘Jina’ Amini and the continued oppression of the people of Iran.

Additionally, Australia is joining partners to impose additional targeted financial sanctions on four Iranian individuals and four entities involved in the production and supply of drones to Russia.

Iranian-made drones have been used by Russia to target Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Australia stands with the people of Myanmar, the people of Iran and with the people of Ukraine.

We employ every strategy at our disposal towards upholding human rights – ranging from dialogue and diplomacy to sanctions – consistent with our values and our interests.

For further information on Australia’s sanctions frameworks, please visit: Sanctions regimes | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (dfat.gov.au)

ONE MORE SLEEP TIL AEC’S #DONATIONDATADROP

Annual political donations data will be revealed tomorrow and is likely to confirm that our democracy is still for sale to the highest bidder. It’s long past time to reform political donations laws, and the Greens are committed to pushing Labor to get it done.

Late last year, Senator Larissa Waters re-introduced a bill to ban donations from coal and gas corporations and other sectors with a track record of buying influence, and cap all other political donations at $1,000 per year. Both the major parties accept huge sums of money from big industries, and their policies show it.

February 1st is the one time of the year we get to find out just how much these powerful industries are paying for their influence over the government.

Greens deputy leader and spokesperson on democracy Senator Larissa Waters said:

“On 1 February we will learn just how much big money is spending to buy influence with political parties and buy our democracy. With Greens in the balance of power, we have the opportunity to remove the influence of big money from politics once and for all.

“Even before this year’s release, we know that over $230M in corporate donations have been made to Labor and the Coalition parties since 2012 – it’s our democracy for sale!

“Like every year before, tomorrow’s data will confirm it is long past time to reform the system and end the legalised bribery that sees big polluters buying policy outcomes.

“Coal, gas and oil corporations don’t donate millions every year to the Liberals, Nationals and Labor because they’re huge fans of democracy – they do it because it gets results. Let’s call this what it is: legalised bribery.

“The influence of dirty donations on government decisions is why Australia has waited so long for stronger environmental protections and real action on climate change. It’s why reforms to hold the financial sector to account keep stalling. It’s why governments continue to spend millions on consultants at the expense of the public service.

“The Greens have legislation to cap political donations to $1,000 per year no matter who the donor, and to ban donations from dirty industries with a track record of seeking to buy policy outcomes, including the fossil fuel sector.

“It is also long past time we cracked the window open with real time disclosures, lower disclosure thresholds, broader definitions, and better data. We currently wait 18 months for an indecipherable data dump about less than half of all donations made to political parties.

“Voters should have information about who’s influencing their representatives when they are deciding who to vote for.

“We welcomed the recent commitment from NSW Labor to ban donations from the gambling sector. The Greens will continue to use our balance of power in the Senate to push Federal Labor to ban all political donations from influential industries, including the fossil fuel sector, gambling, banking, defence, and pharmaceuticals.

“The Greens have been campaigning for decades to clean up our democracy. It’s time for Labor to come to the table and work with us to ensure politicians work in the public interest, not the interest of their donor mates.”

BACKGROUND

The Greens are working for:

  • Real time disclosure of all donations of $1,000
  • A ban all political donations from the fossil fuel sector (and other dirty industries) and cap all other donations at $1,000 per year
  • Definitions of “donation” that include membership fees, loans, and tickets to fundraising and cash-for-access events
  • Preventing resource ministers and advisers from working for the fossil fuel industry within five years of leaving parliament
  • Publishing a register of meetings between ministers and lobbyists (including in-house lobbyists currently excluded from the Lobbying Code of Conduct)

The Greens plan to clean up democracy also includes:

  • Election spending caps
  • Strengthening the Register of Interests and FOI laws
  • Truth in advertising rules to prevent disinformation from undermining public debate
  • Increasing the diversity of political representation so that parliament better reflects our community

More info on The Greens policy plan here.

WITHDRAW GOVERNMENT FUNDING FROM OPUS DEI-LINKED SCHOOLS

The Greens have called on the Australian and NSW governments to withdraw funding from four elite Sydney schools linked with the extremist sect Opus Dei in the wake of Four Corners’ shocking report last night.

Combined, Redfield College, Tangara School for Girls, Wollemi College and Montgrove College, operated by the Parents for Education Foundation, received more than $20 million in state and government funding in 2021.

Australian Greens spokesperson on schools, Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“Elite and extremist private schools that indoctrinate their students into an antiquated and harmful ideology should not receive one cent of public funding.

“It’s bad enough that we know the richest schools in the country use our money for extravagences like plunge pools for headmasters and business class trips to sporting events. But to use public funds to promote bigotry and self-harm is beyond the pale.

“Instead of continuing to fund insular, out-of-touch institutions, the NSW and federal governments should show some backbone and strip these schools of funding.

“The new National School Reform Agreement (NSRA) was an opportunity for the Albanese Government to restore equity to the school system, but they’ve kicked the can down the road, consigning public school kids to another year of disadvantage. 

“The Greens will continue to fight alongside unions, parents and carers to ensure that all public schools receive at least 100% of their Schooling Resource Standard in the next NSRA.”

NSW Greens spokesperson on education, Tamara Smith MP said:

“Tangara School for Girls, which indoctrinates its students into a perverse ‘purity’ culture, received $5 million in public money in 2021. Meanwhile, just down the M7, students at Oran Park State School attend class in one of 27 demountable classrooms. About 12% of classrooms in NSW public schools are in demountables.

“Our public school system is in crisis. In NSW, public schools only receive 87% of their full Schooling Resource Standard allocation. In other words, they don’t even receive the bare minimum of funding needed to provide a decent education. Meanwhile, private schools receive 106% of their SRS.

“The NSW Greens’ education plan will increase teacher pay 15%, improve conditions for teachers and students, and ensure that NSW public schools reach 100% of their Schooling Resource Standard this year.”

Record number of teachers welcome students back to school

A record number of new graduates have received their approval to teach in NSW public schools this year, as the largest-ever teaching workforce welcomes students back into the classroom for Day 1, Term 1 2023.    

Premier Dominic Perrottet extended a warm welcome to the 4,500 new graduates who have received their approval to teach in NSW public schools – the highest number since 2011 – and to the 95,000 public school teachers, beginners and veterans, returning to schools across the State. 

“A great teacher can change the course of a child’s life. Every single doctor, nurse, police officer, lawyer, scientist, and even politician, is a product of our school system,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“Teaching is an incredibly rewarding career. Every teacher standing at the front of a classroom this year, whether it is their first year or their tenth, has chosen this career because they are passionate about ensuring the next generation receives the high-quality education they deserve.” 

In another major boost for the workforce, Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell confirmed more than 15,000 existing temporary teachers and other school-based staff will be offered permanent positions during 2023, providing more job certainty and ensuring teaching remains an attractive profession.  

“We want our staff to have the choice to access the employment certainty of a permanent role or the flexibility of a temporary one,” Ms Mitchell said.  

“We’ve been able to blow our initial expectations of 10,000 permanent offers out of the water and will offer 15,000 staff permanent roles in 2023.”  

 The high number of temporary teachers in the public system is a result of record investment by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government thanks to their long-term economic plan. This has seen teacher numbers outpace student growth and increase above the required number of permanent roles. 

 The first cohort of eligible temporary staff to receive an offer of permanent employment during Term 1 this year are those working in priority rural and remote schools, at Schools for Specific Purposes, and Connected Communities schools. In addition, all eligible Aboriginal Education Officers have been included in the first tranche of offers.   

 “As the record number of applicants shows, there has never been a better time to choose teaching in NSW. I encourage anyone looking for a career change in 2023 to visit our Teaching Opens Doors website and explore our many innovative pathways into teaching,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will maintain a relentless focus on attracting and retaining NSW public school teachers, removing unnecessary admin tasks from their workload, and introducing sweeping reforms to recognise and reward our best teachers with salaries of up to $147,000 a year.”   

Since 2011, the number of teachers across NSW has increased by almost 10,000 – almost twice as fast as student growth.