Category: NSW News

The HSBC Sydney 7s is headed west with the new state-of-the-art Bankwest Stadium set to host the 2020 tournament from 1-2 February.
Following three successful years at Allianz Stadium and a fourth at Spotless Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park, players and fans from right across the globe will descend on the heart of Western Sydney at Parramatta to celebrate the tournament next year.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Bankwest Stadium will be the perfect fit for the HSBC Sydney 7s tournament.
“The Sydney 7s is an exciting event in our State’s calendar – it’s as much about the enthusiastic fans in the stands as it is about the players on the field,” Mr Ayres said.
“About half of Sydney’s population lives in Western Sydney and it’s among the fastest growing regions in NSW, so it makes perfect sense to hold this fantastic multicultural sporting event at the new state-of-the-art Bankwest Stadium, where there isn’t a bad seat in the house!
“Not only will it help grow the game of rugby union, but it will also encourage more people to spend a weekend in Western Sydney and make the most of what this beautiful region has to offer.”
Supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, the HSBC Sydney 7s combines world-class rugby with a festival atmosphere, featuring live bands, rides and interactive entertainment.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said: “We are looking forward to taking the HSBC Sydney 7s to Bankwest Stadium, continuing our drive to showcase the event in Sydney’s west.
“The fan experience at Bankwest Stadium is nothing short of world class and it will lift the event to another level in 2020.
“It is a massive year for Rugby Sevens next year with the Tokyo Olympic Games and those who come along to Bankwest Stadium in February will find out just why it is one of the fastest growing sports on the planet.”
Fans are encouraged to register at sydney7s.com.au to take advantage of early-bird prices.

More than 1.3 million households across the State can now save potentially hundreds of dollars a year on gas bills thanks to an expansion of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s popular Energy Switch service.
In Lane Cove today, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean launched the expansion of Energy Switch to include gas.
“Winter is here, so now is the time to compare gas and electricity plans. It takes only minutes but could save hundreds of dollars a year. Energy Switch helps ease the cost of living for families by helping them find the best deal,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Energy Switch is one of more than 40 NSW Government rebates and incentives easing the cost of living. Others include cheaper Green Slips and refunds, $100 Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers and free registration for regular toll users.
Around 7,000 households have already switched electricity providers, bringing close to $3 million in annual savings since the free service launched last year. The average saving per household is more than $400 a year.
Mr Kean said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government was determined to make energy more affordable for NSW families.
“Energy Switch works by using a customer’s latest energy e-bill and comparing it with every retailer in NSW before presenting the top three plans available. If a switch is requested, Service NSW will make all the arrangements,” Mr Kean said.
“Last year, we saved 900,000 NSW households about $300 million through our NSW Government energy rebates. We’re absolutely committed to reducing living costs, and delivering lower energy prices for NSW families.”
It’s available at any Service NSW Centre or https://energyswitch.service.nsw.gov.au/
The top 10 areas with the highest number of electricity switches so far are:

Area	Average Saving
Mulgoa	$612
The Entrance	$583
Dubbo	$536
Kellyville	$507
Liverpool	$490
Gosford	$473
Lismore	$456
Wagga Wagga	$447
Westmead	$446
Bathurst	$431

More than 1.4 million train trips taken in Sydney every day will be safer and more reliable, including faster recovery from unplanned disruptions, with the opening of Australia’s first purpose-built rail operation centre in Alexandria today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Transport Andrew Constance to officially open the $296 million Sydney Trains Rail Operations Centre.
“The Rail Operations Centre begins a new era of rail in Sydney and will set new standards across the country,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Sydney has one of the most complex rail networks in the world, and the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has delivered a new Rail Operations Centre to ensure the best possible service for commuters.”
Mr Constance said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government continues to invest in infrastructure crucial for keeping people moving.
“Its massive display board is 33 metres long, bigger than that used by NASA’s Mission Control Centre and can track where every train is running at any given time across the Sydney Trains network,” Mr Constance said.
“At similar facilities in Hong Kong and Tokyo, all critical operation teams are positioned in one location, which means better` co-ordination and response to critical incidents on the network.”
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Howard Collins said more than 660 employees will be based at ROC and will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the final employees moving in over the next few months.
“We have dedicated teams of engineers, train controllers, rail technicians, communication teams and security personnel all working together to keep our customers moving,” Mr Collins said.

The NSW Government today officially opened the North West Metro – the first stage of Sydney Metro, Australia’s biggest public transport project.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Transport Minister Andrew Constance joined the community and construction workers to open the rail line and deliver a turn-up-and-go train service from Rouse Hill to Chatswood.
“This is truly an historic day for NSW with services starting on one of the world’s great metros,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I am so excited that our hard work and discipline has paid off with this rail line opening on time and more than $1 billion under budget.
“More than 22,000 people have worked on this important project since 2011 and I want to thank each of them for helping to connect Sydney’s North West like never before.”
Mr Constance said the project will leave a lasting legacy which will be felt for generations to come.
“Sydney Metro will forever change how we get around Sydney,” Mr Constance said.
“It is a transformational public transport investment on par with the Sydney Harbour Bridge a century ago.”
The North West Metro is a fully accessible railway and, in an Australian first, each of the 13 stations has platform screen doors to keep people and objects like prams away from tracks.
At full operation, trains will run every four minutes in each direction at peak times, with the ability to run up to every two minutes in the future.
The Metro line is currently being extended from Chatswood to Bankstown and by 2024 Sydney will have 31 metro stations and a 66 kilometre standalone metro railway.

Strike Force Raptor have charged a man with 169 animal abuse and trafficking offences after dozens of reptiles were seized from a home in Sydney’s west yesterday.
In March 2019, the Criminal Groups Squad’s Strike Force Raptor and the Department of the Environment and Energy’s Office of Compliance commenced an investigation, following reports of the illegal exportation of protected Australian animals for money.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators, with assistance of officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad and the NSW Office of the Environment and Heritage, executed a search warrant at Marquesa Crescent, Lethbridge Park, yesterday (Thursday 23 May 2019).
Officers located 12 Shingleback lizards, one Stimson’s python, three young Monitors, a South American Mata Mata turtle, and two deceased crocodiles. The reptiles were seized by authorised wildlife handlers.
Investigators also located and seized mobile phones and other electronic devices to undergo forensic examination.
A 25-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Riverstone Police Station, where he was charged with 165 counts of deal in or attempt to deal in protected animal, two counts of attempted export regulated native specimen without permit or exemption, possess non-native/regulated specimen, and commit act of cruelty upon an animal.
Police will allege in court that the man, who did not hold a reptile keeper’s licence or exhibitors permit, captured native Australian animals before they were sent overseas for at least $38,000.
It will also be alleged that a further 147 reptiles – including a Death Adder, 58 Gecko lizards, blue-tongue lizards and 21 bearded dragon lizards – were seized by the NSW Office of the Environment and Heritage under a Commonwealth warrant carried out by the Department of Environment and Energy in 2017.
The man was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Mt Druitt Local Court on Wednesday 5 June 2019.
Investigations are continuing.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 and conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.

Students and staff at Penrith Public School now have access to a new state-of-the-art building, thanks to a $10 million investment from the NSW Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell today officially unveiled the new two storey building, as the NSW Government continues its record $6.5 billion rollout of 190 new and upgraded schools.
“The upgrade at Penrith Public School has delivered 12 cutting-edge classrooms, to give students the best possible learning environment to thrive in,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This is yet another example of what our record investment in new and upgraded schools is delivering for students and teachers right across the State.”
Ms Mitchell said Penrith Public School is one of 22 new and upgraded public schools that have opened in 2019.
“Seventeen new and upgraded schools opened their doors to students in time for Term 1 and we have delivered another five in time for Term 2,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The NSW Government will continue to get on with the job of delivering for schools across the State, so every child has access to world-class facilities.”
Minister for Western Sydney and Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres has welcomed the significant upgrade at Penrith Public School.
“Penrith Public School is now the perfect example of Penrith heritage and new Penrith coming together,” Mr Ayres said.
The NSW Government’s record investment in new and upgraded schools is on top of the $1.3 billion to wipe the school maintenance to zero and the $500 million Cool Classrooms Fund to provide new air conditioning units.

Australia’s biggest public transport project, the North West Metro, will open to customers on Sunday 26 May, delivering a turn up and go rail service from Rouse Hill to Chatswood.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance today confirmed the opening date of the new Metro line, which is now undergoing final commissioning.
“This is an exciting time for the future of public transport. Thousands of commuters will have access to world class metro rail,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We have delivered the North West Metro on time and more than $1 billion under budget.
“This project is the result of hard work, discipline and focus. I want to thank all those involved in delivering this important project.”
Mr Constance said the Metro North West Line includes 13 stations between Tallawong and Chatswood and 4000 commuter car parking spaces.
“The new generation of driverless trains have now completed more than 180,000 kilometres of testing and final commissioning is underway,” Mr Constance said.
“Sydney Metro is Australia’s first fully accessible railway which will deliver fast, safe and reliable travel.
“The Metro line is currently being extended from Chatswood to Bankstown and by 2024 Sydney will have 31 metro stations and a 66 kilometre standalone metro railway.”
At full operation, trains will run every four minutes in each direction at peak times on the Metro North West Line, with the ability to run up to every two minutes in the future.

Before and after school care for all children at public primary schools is on track for 2021, with consultation to begin with principals and school communities next month.
Parents will also be able to register their interest in a before or after school care service where they might not have one or theirs is full via Service NSW from July 1.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said implementing the key election commitment was a major focus for the NSW Government.
“We are getting on with the job of delivering this important initiative to ensure working families have greater access to more affordable, convenient and flexible child care services,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“No matter where you live or what your circumstances are, parents should have access to quality and affordable out of school hours care for their children”.
Ms Mitchell said consultation on the $120 million investment would begin in Term 2.
“We will work closely with our schools, P&Cs, principals and parents – as well as the before and after school care sector – to develop flexible and creative solutions that offer parents support and choice, as well as ensuring schools have the equipment and resourcing they need to deliver these wonderful services,” Ms Mitchell said.
Schools in metropolitan and major regional centres will be required to open their playgrounds, halls or classrooms for before and after school care and school holiday care from 7am to 6pm.
At smaller or remote schools where an on-site service is not feasible, transport will be offered to get students to and from offsite providers or other schools.
“We need to use our wonderful school resources better. It is not acceptable that there are waiting lists for before and after school care, while our school grounds are under-utilised,” Ms Mitchell said.
A new specialist team in the Department of Education is being created to coordinate services and manage leases to relieve this burden from principals.
The NSW Government will also reduce the cost of before and after school care by up to $225 per child per year, through a capped rental subsidy of up to $15,000 for providers who run services on NSW Government school grounds.
The $120 million strategy, over four years, includes $50 million to help schools buy new equipment and expand their facilities; $40 million to provide rental subsidies to service providers at public primary schools if they can demonstrate savings have been passed on to families; and $20 million to help schools where a standalone service may not be viable, including smaller schools and rural and remote communities.
There is also funding for a team of specialists to help coordinate services and resources to make it easier to setup and maintain a service and to take the hassle out of managing contracts with providers for principals; as well as funding to help parents and carers search for and access places online via Service NSW.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Deputy Premier John Barilaro have outlined the newly elected Government’s priorities ahead of the first Cabinet meeting today.
“I’m looking forward to delivering great opportunities and quality of life for all citizens across NSW no matter where they live or what their circumstances are,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“A strong economy is fundamental. We need to ensure that NSW continues to be an attractive location to invest, which will in turn enhance capacity to develop new industries and drive jobs growth.
“Jobs are fundamental. We will prioritise higher education and skills to ensure we have a workforce that is able to adapt to the needs of Australia and the world.
“We will also focus on tackling social issues to reduce disadvantage.”
Mr Barilaro said improving the quality of life for people across NSW, particularly in the regions, will be a major focus for the Government.
“We know many of our regional and rural communities are doing it tough. Providing water security and better connecting our communities will be key priorities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We have an opportunity to unlock enormous economic potential with better connections between the regions and Sydney and, crucially, from region to region.”
The key policy priorities of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government are:

• A strong economy, quality jobs and job security for workers of today and tomorrow;
• Highest quality education no matter where you live or what your circumstances may be;
• Well-connected communities with quality local environments;
• Making Government work better for you by putting the customer at the centre of everything we do; and,
• Breaking the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage by fixing problems that have been in the too-hard basket for too long.

A strong economy, quality jobs and job security for workers of today and tomorrow: We will build the strongest economy in the region, providing the jobs and investment opportunities that will take NSW to the next level.
By diversifying our economy, we can deliver greater economic growth, and more and better jobs. Continued jobs growth and business investment is the key to the wages growth required to help individuals and families to get ahead. We have the capacity to be a global leader in areas such as fin-tech, med-tech, research and development, robotics and information technology. And we will continue to reduce taxes so businesses can grow and prosper.
Highest quality education no matter where you live or what your circumstances may be: We will prepare the most dynamic, qualified and skilled workforce in the world.
Higher education and skills standards will ensure a flexible workforce, able to adapt to the ever-changing external environment and access lifelong learning opportunities.  This will help take NSW to the next level and ensure capacity to develop new industries.  We will focus on the quality of life-long learning, whether it’s pre-school, school, vocational education or mature-aged re-training. And we will focus on areas where educational outcomes need improvement.
Well-connected communities with quality local environments: We will deliver the infrastructure that connects communities and improves opportunity and quality of life.
Our ambitious infrastructure pipeline must make all our cities and towns more liveable, whether country or city. Not just transport infrastructure, but social infrastructure like schools, hospitals, sporting and cultural institutions, parks and public space. We will deliver cleaner, greener urban environments and more secure water supplies for the bush. These infrastructure investments will be integrated completely with our regional growth strategy and will connect communities like never before.
Making Government work better for you by putting the customer at the centre of everything we do: We will provide world-class services for every citizen, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be.
The newly established Customer Service Cluster will use technology and data to better integrate government services and massively improve the quality and level of services available.  In the same way we have revolutionised customer service through Service NSW – where citizens can now conduct more than 850 transactions in one place – we will now focus on how people interact with our schools, hospitals and social services so that each of these services are re-designed to work better for each citizen, and improve their lives at an individual level. And we will continue to reduce red tape, simplify processes and deliver measures to help people manage their cost of living.
Break the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage by fixing problems that have been in the too-hard basket for too long: We will focus on social reform in areas that have been longstanding challenges.
With strong fundamentals now in place, we can focus on the most difficult problems that our community faces, including those which have driven intergenerational disadvantage. Already, we have begun work to reduce the rate of suicide, provide permanency for all children in out of home care, ensure social housing tenants have a pathway to independence, tackle indigenous disadvantage, and reduce rates of recidivism and the prison population. We are not here to avoid the toughest problems or simply to mark time – we are here to make a real and lasting difference.

A woman has been charged after allegedly striking the Prime Minister with an egg at an event in Albury earlier today.
The Prime Minister was attending an event at Albury Entertainment Centre, when a woman approached him from behind and allegedly struck him with an egg to the back of his head about 11am (Tuesday 7 May 2019).
The Prime Minister’s security team quickly detained the woman, and in the act of restraining her, a 70-year-old woman was knocked to the ground. No injuries were reported.
The 24-year-old woman was arrested and taken to the Albury Police Station.
During a search of the woman, police located cannabis.
The Victorian woman was charged with common assault and possess prohibited drug.
She was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Albury Local Court on 27 May 2019.