Category: NSW News

Three Sydney men were arrested this morning as part of a NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) investigation targeting a group of people alleged to support the Islamic State terrorist organisation.
Police executed a total of six search warrants this morning in the western Sydney suburbs of Greenacre, Toongabbie, Chester Hill, Ingleburn, Green Valley and Canada Bay. Activity at a number of these locations may continue throughout today and into tomorrow.
The NSW JCTT comprises representatives from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), NSW Police Force, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and the NSW Crime Commission.
A 20-year-old man from Greenacre is expected to be charged with one count of acts in preparation for a terrorist act, contrary to section 101.6 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), and one count of engage in preparations for incursions into foreign countries for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities, contrary to section 119.4(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for these offences is life imprisonment.
It will be alleged in court that the man had made early-stage preparations and had expressed an intention to carry out a terrorist attack in Australia. The man allegedly indicated a range of targets, which included prominent Sydney landmarks and locations, but had not selected a specific target or time to do so.
NSW JCTT investigators and partner agencies worked diligently during this investigation to ensure the safety of the community, and did not identify any specific and impending threat. It will further be alleged that the Greenacre man had indicated a willingness to travel to Afghanistan to fight with Islamic State.
The Greenacre man and a 23-year-old from Toongabbie are expected to be charged with being a member of a terrorist organisation, namely Islamic State, contrary to section 102.3 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years imprisonment.
It will be alleged in court that both men identified as members of Islamic State to other like-minded people. It will also be alleged the Toongabbie man was prominent in the global online extremist community.
A 30-year-old Chester Hill man – an associate of the other two men – is expected to be charged obtaining a financial benefit by deception, namely fraudulently claiming Commonwealth unemployment benefits, contrary to section 134.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years imprisonment.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Ian McCartney, National Manager Counter Terrorism, said this investigation highlighted the effectiveness of law enforcement and intelligence agencies working together.
“The JCTT is committed to using the powers of all partner agencies to target people whose criminal activities pose a threat to the Australian community,” he said.
“The tireless efforts of the JCTT members over the past 12 months have allowed us to collect evidence of the activities of two men, who will now face serious terrorism charges, and ensure that any possible threat to the community was safely mitigated and disrupted.”
NSW Police Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing, said the primary threat of terrorism comes directly from individuals with extremist ideologies, but the secondary threat is their ability to influence others – particularly through the internet.
“The online environment provides fast and easy access to information and, unfortunately, those benefits are also being exploited by extremists, who use digital technologies to exist ‘virtually’ if their physical existence is under threat,” Assistant Commissioner Willing said.
“Much of the NSW JCTT’s work includes investigation into online activities, and while we have seen success – including today’s arrests – we continue to appeal to the community for assistance to ensure the safety of all Australians.”
All three men are expected to appear before Parramatta Local Court today or tomorrow once charging processes are completed. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

Three Sydney men were arrested this morning as part of a NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) investigation targeting a group of people alleged to support the Islamic State terrorist organisation.
Police executed a total of six search warrants this morning in Sydney’s western suburbs.
The men – aged 20, 23, and 30 – are expected to be charged with criminal offences later today.
 

NSW kids are keeping active while their parents are keeping the cash, with each school-enrolled child now able to access two $100 Active Kids vouchers from July 1.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the money helps parents pay registration costs for sport and recreation, so our kids can participate and stay active all year-round.
“Families across NSW keep telling me how much the Active Kids Vouchers help them manage the cost of living. Now with two per school enrolled child, parents keep even more money in their back pocket while their kids stay happy and healthy,” said Mr Perrottet.
Since the Active Kids program was launched in 2018, more than one million vouchers have been redeemed and more than $100 million saved by NSW families.
Minister for Sport John Sidoti said it is a big win for NSW when more kids can participate in sport because of the Government’s drive to take down the barriers to expensive registration costs.
“Whether it is soccer, scouts, AFL, rugby, netball, golf or volleyball, you’re sure to find an activity kids will love. Active Kids really is making a difference to children’s participation in sport and active recreation in NSW,” Mr Sidoti said.
From January – June there was an overall increase of 13 per cent in the number of Active Kids’ vouchers created, including a 17 per cent rise in vouchers created for girls following an influx of registrations for dance, gymnastics, tennis and swimming Active Kids providers.
“These are incredible results and demonstrate why the NSW Government is investing an additional $40 million this year to expand the Active Kids program.”
From today, parents of school-enrolled children can access a second $100 Active Kids voucher to use towards registration and membership fees for sport and active recreation each year. For further information visit sport.nsw.gov.au/activekids or call 13 13 02.

An average family can now save up to $2000 with three new cost of living measures being introduced on 1 July, including doubling of Active Kids vouchers, half-priced rego and the $200 Seniors Energy Rebate.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Treasurer Dominic Perrottet at the Transport Management Centre in Eveleigh today to launch the new initiatives.
Ms Berejiklian said that over the next year the NSW Government expects to deliver more than $1 billion in savings back to households across NSW through more than 70 measures in the Cost of Living program.
“Households will now be eligible for up to $2000 in savings. This is thanks to a number of measures including Toll Relief, the Family Energy Rebate, Active Kids, Creative Kids, CTP refunds and Energy Switch,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Putting downward pressure on cost of living pressures is a key priority for the NSW Government and from tomorrow, households will be able to save even more.
“Service NSW’s Cost of Living program has had 1.2 million transactions so far, helping thousands of people across the State.”
Mr Perrottet said the average saving from Service NSW’s cost of living appointment per customer is $550.
“Over the last year more than $800 million in savings has been delivered to people across NSW through the Cost of Living program. I encourage every person in NSW to go visit a Service NSW Centre or use the Savings Finder online to see what they are eligible for,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We have made it easier than ever before for people to save money on their bills.”
Across NSW, we estimate the three new initiatives will see each year:

• More than 123,000 drivers receive half price rego under the expanded Toll Relief program and save up to $357.50
• Thousands of households benefit from the doubling of Active Kids Vouchers, saving up to $200 per eligible child
• Around 130,000 seniors benefit from the $200 Seniors Energy Rebate.

The NSW Government has reduced the cost of living and cut taxes by hundreds of millions of dollars in the past year through popular programs such as Active and Creative Kids, CTP savings, energy rebates, the Baby Bundle, Stamp Duty concessions, Caravan Registration rebate, Payroll Tax cuts and the Opal Fare cap.
For more information on Cost of Living measures in NSW, check the Savings Finder: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/cost-living

The Premier has set new social Priorities that will tackle tough community challenges, lift the quality of life for all citizens and put people at the heart of everything the NSW Government does.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said her 14 new Premier’s Priorities will allow the Government to measure and deliver in areas where we need to do better.
“I’ve chosen to focus on some of the most challenging emerging social issues of our generation,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I look forward to working across all areas of Government to put in place the programs to achieve these ambitious targets.
“I am a firm believer that what gets measured, gets done and I will be watching closely how we track against these new Priorities.”
Lifting education standards

1. Bumping up education results for children

Increase the proportion of public school students in the top two NAPLAN bands (or equivalent) for literacy and numeracy by 15 per cent by 2023, including through a state-wide rollout of Bump it Up.

2. Increase the number of Aboriginal young people reaching their learning potential

Increase the proportion of Aboriginal students attaining Year 12 by 50 per cent by 2023, while maintaining their cultural identity.
Keeping children safe

3. Protecting our most vulnerable children

Decrease the proportion of children and young people re-reported at risk of significant harm by 20 per cent by 2023.

4. Increasing permanency for children in out-of-home care

Double the number of children in safe and permanent homes by 2023 for children in, or at risk of entering, out-of-home care.
Breaking the cycle

5. Reducing domestic violence reoffending

Reduce the number of domestic violence reoffenders by 25 per cent by 2023.

6. Reducing recidivism in the prison population

Reduce adult reoffending following release from prison by 5 per cent by 2023.

7. Reducing homelessness

Reduce street homelessness across NSW by 50 per cent by 2025.
Improving the health system

8. Improving service levels in hospitals

100 per cent of all triage category 1, 95 per cent of triage category 2 and 85 per cent of triage category 3 patients commencing treatment on time by 2023.

9. Improving outpatient and community care

Reduce preventable hospital visits by 5 per cent through to 2023 by caring for people in the community.

10. Towards zero suicides

Reduce the rate of suicide deaths in NSW by 20 per cent by 2023.
Better environment

11.  Greener public spaces

Increase the proportion of homes in urban areas within 10 minutes’ walk of quality green, open and public space by 10 per cent by 2023.

12. Greening our city

Increase the tree canopy and green cover across Greater Sydney by planting 1 million trees by 2022.
Better customer service

13. Government made easy

Increase the number of government services where the citizens of NSW only need to “Tell Us Once” by 2023.

14. World class public service

Implement best practice productivity and digital capability in the NSW public sector; and drive public sector diversity through:

• 50 per cent of senior leadership roles held by women;
• Increase the number of Aboriginal people in senior leadership roles; and
• 5.6 per cent of government sector roles held by people with a disability by 2025.

The first Premier’s Priority developed in partnership with the Aboriginal community has been announced – an ambitious target to significantly increase the proportion of Aboriginal students completing year 12, while maintaining their cultural identity.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Priority would work towards increasing the proportion of Aboriginal students attaining year 12 by 50 per cent by 2023. This would mean an additional 1200 additional Aboriginal students in NSW attaining year 12.
“Education is the great enabler and that’s why finishing school is so important. Recent studies show a clear link between completion of Year 12 and future outcomes, whether it be employment or further education,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Currently, around 70 per cent of Aboriginal young people do not finish year 12 in NSW. With the announcement of this ambitious new Priority, we are signalling our clear intent to do better.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said engaging with families and communities was critical to improving Aboriginal educational outcomes.
“Helping young Aboriginal people reach their full education potential means they will be better equipped to fully participate in the cultural, social and economic life of their community,” Mr Harwin said.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the new target would build on a number of existing programs that had delivered successful outcomes.
“It is crucial that as a Government, we continue to focus on ensuring Aboriginal students are supported in the education system. Giving Aboriginal students the confidence to aspire to be the best they can be is so important, and I look forward to watching more children thrive as part of this priority,” Ms Mitchell said.
Cindy Berwick, co-chair of the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations and President of the NSW Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group, welcomed the focus on Aboriginal education brought by the new Premier’s Priority.
“This is a significant occasion. It is the first time there has been such a strong partnership between the NSW Government and the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations,” Ms Berwick said.
The new target complements the NSW Government’s strong record of supporting indigenous communities, and initiatives include:

• Language – established Australia’s first Aboriginal Languages Trust, under the Aboriginal Languages Act 2017.
• Procurement – implemented an Aboriginal Procurement Policy, to award at least three per cent of domestic contracts for goods and services issued by NSW Government agencies to Aboriginal-owned businesses by 2021.
• OCHRE – the NSW plan for Aboriginal Affairs, which commits the NSW Government to working with Aboriginal communities by building strong working partnerships.
• Stolen Generations Reparations – reparations payments have been delivered to survivors in addition to Funeral Assistance Fund payments.
• Tertiary students – Invested $10 million in Australia’s first Indigenous residential college at UTS to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into tertiary education.

The new Premier’s Priorities comes after the release this week of new priorities targeting literacy and numeracy across State schools, open spaces, recidivism, suicide and homelessness. The full list of Premier’s Priorities will be released later this week.

More than 1.8 million journeys have been completed in the first month of operation on the new North West Metro, which has already helped to ease pressure on our roads and the existing rail network.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the North West Metro has been an incredible success and it is just a taste of what is to come with the turn-up-and-go services being extended under the harbour and through the CBD.
“Since opening one month ago there has been an average of 65,000 journeys on weekdays, taking people off motorways, buses and the existing rail network,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Over the past month 20,000 fewer cars used the M2 compared to the same time last year and up to a 20 per cent fall in usage at key stations on the T1 Western Line.
“This demonstrates the enormous community benefits of Metro and now delivery of the next stage is underway, with a Tunnel Boring Machine almost ready to start digging the second harbour rail crossing.”
Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Kathleen will be launched from Barangaroo next month to dig the historic rail crossing deep under Sydney Harbour.
Ms Berejiklian and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance joined workers 30 metres underground to complete the final inspection of TBM Kathleen.
“Not since Bradfield delivered the Sydney Harbour Bridge almost a century ago has there been a vision for public transport on the scale of Sydney Metro,” Mr Constance said.
“Now, TBM Kathleen is shaping Sydney’s future as she gets ready to build the first railway tunnels under Sydney Harbour.
“This is the next stage of Sydney Metro which will deliver a turn-up-and-go Metro service stretching 66 kilometres from Rouse Hill in the North West to Bankstown in the South West and the CBD in between.”
The 975 tonne tunnel boring machine was assembled deep under Barangaroo and will start digging the first of twin one-kilometre tunnels, 40 metres below the Harbour at its deepest.
This specialised TBM is named after Kathleen Butler, who played a vital role in the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the technical advisor to legendary engineer John JJC Bradfield.
TBM Kathleen will join the four borers currently digging from Marrickville and Chatswood towards the harbour’s edge.
Together, all five TBMs will deliver twin 15.5 kilometre rail tunnels for Australia’s biggest public transport project.
The first stage, North West Metro, opened one month ago with Opal data revealing:

• An average of 65,000 trips on weekdays;
• After the opening fare free day, Thursday 30 May was the busiest day on the Metro with 75,000 trips;
• Tuesday 18 June was the busiest morning peak with 23,000 trips;
• Tuesday 28 May was the busiest afternoon peak with 28,000 trips; and
• More than 7000 metro train services have run so far.

Creating more quality green spaces closer to homes and increasing the tree canopy by planting one million trees in Greater Sydney by 2022 are two new Premier’s Priorities announced today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the first of the priorities is to increase the proportion of homes in towns and cities across NSW within a reasonable walking distance of quality green, open and public space.
“Planting trees and creating new parks is just as important as building new roads, rail lines, schools and hospitals,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Green and public open spaces should be accessible to everyone across the State, no matter where they live.
“That is why, for the first time, I have made it a priority to make sure more people are within walking distance of quality public space.”
Ms Berejiklian joined Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes in Sydney’s South West to also announce planting one million trees across Greater Sydney by 2022 is another Premier’s Priority.
Mr Stokes said the program will contribute to the Government’s long-term target of planting five million trees by 2030.
“We’re backing councils like Campbelltown City Council to increase the tree canopy cover across Sydney through funding and support,” Mr Stokes said.
“More trees means more shade, cooler suburbs, more oxygen and a better urban environment for communities to enjoy.”
The plans announced today are on top of the NSW Government’s decision to appoint a dedicated Minister for Public Spaces and the $340 million Open Spaces and Greener Sydney package.
The two Premier’s Priorities have been unveiled after Monday’s announcement to increase the number of public school students in the top two NAPLAN, or equivalent, bands for literacy and numeracy by 15 per cent by 2023.
Ms Berejiklian will reveal her full Premier’s Priorities later this week.

The NSW Government has teamed with the CSIRO to launch a new $25 million program to attract, support and retain young people in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education and skilled careers.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said Generation STEM is a 10-year education program that will initially be rolled out in Western Sydney to create the next generation of STEM-skilled workers.
“The Generation STEM program will help create a steady pipeline of STEM skilled students,” Mr Lee said.
“This investment by the NSW Government in a smart workforce of the future will benefit industries that can support continued growth of quality jobs for our economy.”
Mr Lee said the first phase, the STEM Community Partnerships Program (STEM CPP), will see Year 9 and 10 students develop STEM projects focused on local industry challenges. The Western Sydney location was selected because it has major developments that will require large numbers of STEM-skilled staff, including the Western Sydney Airport, Aerotropolis and Sydney Science Park.
Upon completion, the projects will be showcased to industry, local councils and schools.
Students will also attend web-based masterclasses, and visit workplaces to meet STEM professionals to learn about STEM career opportunities.
Generation STEM takes an industry-led and community driven approach, ensuring tailored programs address local employer requirements and equip young people with the relevant skills to secure local jobs.
The investment will be held by the Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF), for which CSIRO’s Chief Executive, Dr Larry Marshall is the Trustee.
Dr Marshall said the CSIRO solves Australia’s greatest challenges through innovative science and technology.
“Through this endowment to SIEF, the Generation STEM partnership will inspire tomorrow’s STEM leaders and grow Australia’s future success and prosperity,” Dr Marshall said.
“Today’s students will use science to invent their own careers, creating a better future for all of us. Generation STEM will help to make this vision a reality”.
For more information visit https://www.csiro.au/en/Education/Programs/Generation-STE

The NSW Government will redouble its efforts to lift literacy and numeracy standards across NSW public schools to ensure students are given every opportunity to be their best.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian was at Panania Public School on Monday to unveil a new Premier’s Priority which aims to increase the number of public school students in the top two NAPLAN, or equivalent, bands for literacy and numeracy by 15 per cent by 2023.
Under the new Priority, an additional 18,700 students will improve their literacy skills and 13,500 students will boost their numeracy skills across NSW.
Ms Berejiklian said it was an ambitious target but one the NSW Government is confident will be achieved.
“We successfully achieved the 2015 Premier Priority of increasing the number of students in the top two NAPLAN bands by eight per cent by 2019 and now we have set the bar even higher,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are unashamedly for lifting standards in our schools and unlocking the massive potential of our young people.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell confirmed that the Government’s Bump It Up program, which identifies schools that have the greatest potential to lift their students’ performance in literacy and numeracy, will be extended to all schools across the State.
“Since introducing the 2015 Premier’s Priority, around 20,000 students achieved results in the top two NAPLAN bands for literacy and numeracy in the last year alone,” Ms Mitchell said.
“By 2023, we expect to see significant, tangible improvement in literacy and numeracy, right across the State.”
Panania Public School has participated in Bump It Up since 2016. The school now has 130 students sitting NAPLAN each year, with around 20 additional students in the top two bands of NAPLAN in 2018.
Ms Berejiklian will reveal her full Premier’s Priorities later this week.