Category: Uncategorised

A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will take a tougher stance on domestic violence by reviewing all sentences for domestic violence related offences and by making sweeping changes to the handling of cases within the judicial system.
 
Under this proposal, the Government will commission a full-scale review of all domestic violence related sentences. It will also undertake a feasibility study to establish a dedicated Domestic and Family Violence Court, fund a specialist Domestic and Family Violence List across three local courts and fund a surge of an additional five magistrates to ensure cases are heard earlier. 
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government was taking a zero-tolerance stance to domestic violence by holding perpetrators to the highest account.
 
“We are cracking down on this abhorrent behaviour and sending a clear message to perpetrators that domestic violence will not be tolerated in our state,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This is about putting the safety of our people first, ensuring victim-survivors can get justice and that perpetrators are held to the highest account.
 
“As well as reviewing sentences, we are also taking the first steps towards establishing a standalone court for domestic violence cases and will be fast tracking domestic violence cases to ensure no one falls through the cracks of our legal system.”
 
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the NSW Government would fund a temporary surge of five additional Local Court magistrates to help clear the case backlog.
 
“This funding will temporarily raise the Local Court bench to a record 154 magistrates to address the backlog of defended matters left following major interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“With around 37 per cent of pending Local Court criminal hearings domestic violence related, this will significantly improve time to justice for some of the State’s most vulnerable people.”
 
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said these reforms complement existing measures, including new and upgraded safe rooms and remote witness rooms in metropolitan and regional courts delivered by the NSW Government.
 
“Victim-survivors of domestic violence should not fall away from the journey of seeking justice because the process is too hard, drawn-out and complex,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“We know COVID-19 created a significant backlog in domestic violence cases being heard by the Local Court, with some victims waiting nine months or longer to have their case heard.
 
“This is why we will put additional resources into fast tracking domestic violence cases so victim-survivors are not lost in the legal system.
 
“The NSW Liberal and National Government will also explore the establishment of a specialist domestic violence court to simplify the judicial process and ensure that we do everything possible to limit the heavy emotional toll these cases can take on victims.”
 
This builds on the NSW Liberal and National Government’s investment of more than $2 billion in 2022-23 to increase access to justice and further strengthen courts and frontline services.
 
This review will commence as soon as possible if the NSW Liberal and Nationals are re-elected, with the Sentencing Council to be instructed to conduct the review.

Western Sydney is set for a major boost with the NSW Liberal National Government announcing a $1 billion investment from the WestInvest fund to upgrade critical roads across the region.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government was backing the people of Western Sydney with this major investment in the road network to keep people moving, reduce congestion and boost flood resilience.

“Western Sydney is booming and we are making sure that families who live across this fast growing region have the very best roads and infrastructure to keep them moving,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This $1 billion investment in critical upgrades to major roads across the region is a game changer and will make sure that Western Sydney continues to grow and thrive.

“We are backing Western Sydney communities by making their roads safer, making sure they spend less time and getting tradies and other business to where they need to go quicker.

“This is all part of our long-term economic plan for Western Sydney, which includes targeted cost of living measures including toll relief, $16 billion for critical transport infrastructure, more than $480 million on local hospitals and health services, and the construction of new schools.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the $1 billion investment was made possible because of the NSW Government’s strong economic management.

“This investment will not only ensure people get to spend more time with family and friends instead of in traffic, but it will significantly improve the safety profile of these critical corridors,” Mr Kean said.

“The increased productivity which results from these road improvements will inject millions of dollars into the state’s economy which benefits every single person across NSW.”

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the improvements are also targeted to improve flood evacuation routes for families in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley and around Pitt Town.

“We are working towards widening Garfield Road East to a four-lane divided road, providing a flood evacuation route with increased capacity as well as a better connection to the communities of Marsden Park, Box Hill, Richmond, Schofields and Rouse Hill,” Mrs Ward said.

“The Pitt Town Bypass is also a project the community has been calling for so I’m incredibly pleased we can deliver it, significantly increasing the community’s resilience to flooding events.”

The funding will support a range of significant road projects across 15 Local Government Areas, including:

· $200 million for safety improvements on Elizabeth Dr at critical sections between Devonshire Rd and Western Road, Kemps Creek;

· $100 million to construct the Pitt Town bypass which has been identified as a crucial project following recent flooding events in the Hawkesbury-Nepean valley;

· $100 million to enable the upgrade of a 3.4 kilometre section of Garfield Road East between Piccadilly Street, Riverstone and Windsor Road, Box Hill;

· $600 million for roads infrastructure upgrades to be delivered within the 15 eligible WestInvest Local Government Areas, to be determined.

Eligible first home buyers will be able to ditch upfront stamp duty from today in favour of a smaller annual fee on properties purchased up to $1.5 million, while those who’ve bought in the last two months can now apply for a refund.

First Home Buyer Choice begins today and eligible first home buyers who bought after November 11, 2022 when the initiative became law, can opt in to the annual fee and will receive a stamp duty refund within 10 business days.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said First Home Buyer Choice will help thousands of NSW families achieve the benefits of home ownership sooner.

“The new year brings a new choice for first home buyers. Our plan means first home buyers will shave years off the time needed to save for a property and will help them achieve their home ownership dreams,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This will be a game-changer for first home buyers. The Liberal and Nationals are backing first home buyers to get the keys to their first home sooner.

“This national first will significantly reduce upfront costs, reduce the time needed to save for a deposit and will see most first home buyers pay less tax overall.

“The wide scope of First Home Buyer Choice means it is now assisting first home buyers to get the keys to their first home, whether it is an apartment in Holsworthy, a townhouse in Kellyville or a large freestanding home in Orange.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said interest in First Home Buyer Choice was strong with more than 56,000 calculations made online comparing the smaller annual fee to upfront stamp duty.

“Eligible first home buyers can now opt out of stamp duty in favour of a smaller annual fee while those who have bought since November 11, 2022 can get a refund of stamp duty within 10 business days and pay the annual fee instead,” MrKean said. 

“This new choice is empowering first home buyers to get a foot on the property ladder.

“This important reform means 97 per cent of first home buyers will get a leg up under the Liberal National Government’s policies, allowing them to buy the type of home they want, where they want to live.”

The property sector has been engaged and briefed on the program and is ready to help potential buyers choose what will work best in their circumstances.

First home buyers can get more information and calculate their options here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/first-home-buyer-choice

First home buyers who have bought since 11 November 2022 can apply to opt into annual property tax and have their stamp duty payment refunded within 10 business days. They can apply at: : https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/grants-schemes/first-home-buyer/first-home-buyer-choice#apply

First Home Buyer Choice is part of the NSW Government’s $2.8 billion Housing Package announced in the 2022-23 Budget, which aligns with the Housing 2041 vision.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl missing from the Hunter Region.

Patrice O’Keefe, aged 13, was last seen Karuah about 10am on Tuesday (27 December 2022).

When she could not be contacted by family and friends, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified yesterday (Thursday 29 December 2022) and immediately commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her young age.

Patrice is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of medium build with long brown hair.

She was last seen wearing a black singlet top and blue/orange pants.

Inquiries have established that she may have been in the Newcastle area about 11pm last night (Thursday 29 December 2022).

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to call Raymond Terrace Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a boy missing from the state’s Hunter region.

Robert ‘Alex’ Campbell, aged 15, was last seen on Alexandra Avenue, Rutherford, about 10.30am on Sunday (25 December 2022).

When he did not return home and could not be contacted, officers from Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified late yesterday (Thursday 29 December 2022) and commenced inquiries to locate him.

Family and police hold concerns for his welfare due to his age.

Robert is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, between 165-175cm tall, of thin build, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. 

He is known to frequent the Rutherford, Tenambit, Muswellbrook, Singleton, and Campbelltown areas.

Anyone with information about Robert’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Our foreign service is the driver of Australia’s engagement with the world.

Today we announce new appointments that strengthen Australia’s diplomatic capability and its prosecution of our national interests around the globe.

In keeping with past practice of appointing experienced former ministers to significant diplomatic posts, the Government intends to appoint the Hon Dr Kevin Rudd AC as Australia’s next Ambassador to the United States.

Dr Rudd brings unmatched experience to the role. He has served as Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, held prominent academic roles and worked extensively in the United States. It is intended that he will commence his posting in early 2023.

Joining Dr Rudd in the United States is Ms Heather Ridout AO as Australia’s Consul-General in New York, she is the first woman to be appointed to the role. A former Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group, Ms Ridout brings four decades of experience to the role. She is currently Director of Sims Ltd and Director of Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Limited.

We are also pleased to announce Ms Bronte Moules as Australia’s inaugural Ambassador for Human Rights. As Ambassador for Human Rights, Ms Moules will lead Australia’s work to protect and promote human rights globally and be a key advocate on issues of importance to our region.

Ms Stephanie Copus-Campbell has been appointed Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality. Ms Copus-Campbell will deepen Australia’s international engagement on gender equality with her expertise in community development, gender equality and health.

We also announce the appointment of career diplomats to lead Australian posts:

1. Ms Sophie Davies as Australia’s Ambassador to Brazil
2. Dr Ralph King as Australia’s Ambassador to Israel
3. Ms Sonya Koppe as Australia’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago
4. Ms Minoli Perera as Australia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe
5. Mr Richard Rodgers as Australia’s Ambassador to Croatia
6. Ms Phoebe Smith as Australia’s High Commissioner to the Cook Islands

We thank outgoing ambassadors, high commissioners and consul-general for their contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in these countries during their respective tenures.

The first-ever review into the NSW early childhood education and care sector will kick off in 2023 as the NSW Government delivers the first phase of its $15.9 billion Early Years Commitment, for the benefit of all families.  
 
The NSW Government has commissioned the Independent Pricing and Review Tribunal (IPART) to review the early learning sector in NSW to provide a better understanding of affordability, accessibility and consumer choice across the state.  
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the historic investment by the Liberals and Nationals will deliver significant growth in NSW children’s development.  
 
“We know that this investment will change the lives of children across the state but moving forward we need better data to ensure our funding allocation will have the biggest impact for families,” Ms Mitchell said. 
 
“IPART will collect the essential information we need to help drive down the cost of early childhood education and care, while ensuring high quality and delivering more services for NSW families right across the state,” 
 
“Alongside mapping out costs and barriers to access, the Review will make recommendations on ways to improve affordability, accessibility and consumer choice. 
 
“Together with the ACCC national review, the IPART Review will enable us to be fully informed as we roll out our landmark Early Years Commitment.”  
 
IPART will look at how supply and demand affect affordability, accessibility and consumer choice across the whole ECEC sector in NSW, while the ACCC inquiry will review the drivers of childcare cost and prices in Commonwealth Child Care Subsidised services across Australia.  
 
The Review will start in early 2023, with an interim report expected in August 2023, and a final report by December 2023.   
 
Families, the broader community and the ECEC sector will have an opportunity to share feedback on the draft terms of reference on the IPART website until 10 January 2023. IPART will consult families and the sector during the review in 2023. 
 
To contribute to the terms of reference, visit www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/node/1764.

Today in Vanuatu, Australia and Vanuatu signed a Bilateral Security Agreement.

Australia and Vanuatu’s security is intertwined and we are committed to enhancing the peace, prosperity, resilience and safety of our region for future generations.

The Agreement recognises that our security cooperation must continue to adapt, including to better address the implications of climate change, to help manage the human security effects of COVID-19, and to meet shared challenges across the full scope of the 2018 Boe Declaration on Regional Security.

The Agreement cements our ability to work together across a broad range of security cooperation areas including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; policing, law enforcement and justice; defence; border security, human security; environment and resource security; biosecurity; cyber security; maritime safety and security; and aviation safety and security. It also enables strengthened information and assessment exchange.

A new joint security dialogue will help guide implementation.

As nations committed to democracy, accountability and transparency, the Agreement will be publicly available.

Australia also handed over the newly redeveloped Mala Base Wharf and gifted police boat RVS Mataweli to Vanuatu as part of our long-standing maritime security cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP said:

“The Australia-Vanuatu Bilateral Security Agreement is a practical expression of the family first approach to peace and security in our region. It reflects Australia and Vanuatu’s ongoing commitment to working together as members of the Pacific family to address shared security challenges.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“Australia and Vanuatu enjoy a deep security partnership developed through decades of practical cooperation. This Bilateral Security Agreement will formalise our partnership across the full suite of our shared security interests and make a valuable contribution to the security of the Pacific family.”

Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP said:

“Australia and Vanuatu over many years have worked together as members of the Pacific law enforcement community to combat security challenges to keep the Blue Pacific safe. The bilateral security agreement will take these relationships across the law and justice sector to a new level.”

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

“This Agreement builds on our strong and enduring security partnership based on respect, shared values, and decades of cooperation. It will underpin our ability to contribute to our region’s security, giving effect to the 2018 Boe Declaration on Regional Security and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.”

A man reported missing from the Maitland area has been found safe and well.

The 55-year-old was last seen in Coonamble about 6.20pm on Monday (5 December 2022).

When he could not be contacted by friends and family, officers attached to the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and immediately commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Following inquiries, the man was found safe and well in Thornton about 1am this morning (Thursday 8 December 2022).

Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance

The first designs have been unveiled for the more than $700 million new Shellharbour Hospital, which will transform healthcare services for the Illawarra’s growing population.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the community can now view the plans in person and offer feedback to further inform the design of the new facility.
 
“Hospitals are very much the heart of the community because they are responsible for both the health of their patients and the communities in which they operate,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“When hospitals engage communities in decision-making, they tend to meet or exceed community expectations, and we have seen this with the many hospitals the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government has built.
 
“The new Shellharbour Hospital will be bigger and better with expanded services in beautiful surrounds and, importantly, the facility will be future proofed for the community.”
 
The Hospital will be located on a new site at Dunmore, next to the Princes Highway and close to Shellharbour Junction train station.
 
It will feature state-of-the-art facilities with expanded emergency and surgical departments, critical care, mental health, medical imaging, rehabilitation, ambulatory care and much more.
 
Parliamentary Secretary for Wollongong and the Illawarra, Peter Poulos, said the new development will also provide a huge jobs boost for the region, both directly and indirectly.
 
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government has built more than 180 hospitals and health facilities since 2011 and each one of those has delivered jobs for local communities,” Mr Poulos said.
 
“The new Shellharbour Hospital will do the same, offering jobs during construction, new traineeships, and it will attract the best and brightest to work in the hospital once complete.
 
“I urge people to come along to the first series of pop-up sessions and view the plans, meet the project team, and be a part of this amazing infrastructure opportunity for our region.”
 
Community consultation is underway, with the remaining information sessions to be held on:

• Thursday 1 December from 6pm – 7pm (online session) – please RSVP to receive a link to session
• Saturday 3 December from 9am – 12pm at Bunnings Albion Park
• Wednesday 7 December from 10am – 12pm at Stockland Shellharbour.

More than $700 million has been committed to the new Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project, which includes $570 from the NSW Government for the new hospital, a further $23.3 million committed for a new carpark, and an Australian Government contribution of $128 million.

The new Shellharbour Hospital will include:

• An expanded emergency department
• Increased surgical capacity
• Rehabilitation and aged care services
• Acute medical services
• Expanded mental health services
• New drug and alcohol unit
• Renal dialysis
• Outpatients’ care services
• Car parking and improved public transport links.

The project also includes the purchase and enhancement of an additional health facility in Bulli to accommodate further sub-acute services in the Northern Illawarra, refurbishments at the Wollongong Hospital to accommodate Inpatient Units for specialised rehabilitation and palliative care services, and a brand new community health facility to be built in the Warrawong area.
 
The new Shellharbour Hospital is part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure to 2025-26, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities.
 
A link to new artist impressions is available here
 
For more information about the redevelopment visit www.shellharbourdevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au