Category: NSW News

The NSW Government will deliver 1500 new police – the biggest single increase for the NSW Police Force in more than 30 years – as part of a record investment to keep our community safe.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the safety and security of NSW communities is the Government’s highest priority. This investment of more than $583 million over four years will bolster police numbers and increase the Force’s crime fighting capability.
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has already delivered more than 1000 new police since it was elected and the increase of a further 1500 announced today will put more police where they are most needed – out on the frontline, tackling crime across the state.
“NSW Commissioner of Police Mick Fuller has provided the Government with a resourcing blueprint for the NSW Police Force that focuses on proactive and high visibility policing,” said Ms Berejiklian.
“This increase in police numbers will ensure the NSW Police Force has the resources it needs to continue to drive down crime rates and protect the community.
“NSW has some of the lowest crime rates in 20 years and, with an extra 1500 police, our men and women in blue will be able to meet future crime challenges head on.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s careful economic management is enabling us to make record investments in our frontline services and this delivery of 1500 new police is another example of our hard work paying off for the community.”
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said this boost to police numbers will benefit regional NSW communities and reduce response times.
“This is the boost NSW Police need in our regions, and will mean safer roads, more officers on the beat and better capabilities for police districts to respond.”
Following extensive consultation with the Police Association of NSW and police commands across the state, child protection and elder abuse were identified as two of the key areas requiring greater policing resources.
Minister for Police Troy Grant said protecting some of the most vulnerable members of the community – our children and elderly – is undoubtedly one of the most important roles that NSW Police perform.
“To ensure police have greater capability to keep a watchful eye on known offenders against children, all 58 police commands across NSW will receive an additional officer to monitor offenders on the Child Protection Register,” said Mr Grant.
“The elderly are also at greater risk of abuse and unfortunately, like other forms of domestic violence, it is often perpetrated by a trusted family member, partner or carer.
“To combat this cowardly crime, each and every command will also receive a specialist Elder Abuse Prevention Officer.”
Specialist Elder Abuse Officers will be established as part of the Crime Management Units and specifically look to strategies of prevention and support.
NSW Commissioner of Police Mick Fuller said, “This commitment to the NSW Police Force is historic and I am very excited at the opportunities we’ll now have to enhance our capability.
“We have re-engineered the organisation to ensure our structure has us well placed to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime throughout the community.
“Now we can also grow the Force to boost our efforts even further. You have to go back to 1987 when I joined to see this number of police promised to the people of New South Wales.
“We will dramatically improve our capacity to deal with crimes such as elder and child abuse and the numbers of police on our streets will also vastly increase.”
President of the Police Association of NSW Tony King said this investment in police numbers will undoubtedly help ease the burden and strain on current officers.
“I am thrilled the Government has listened and worked with us to deliver the biggest increase in police numbers in more than three decades,” said Mr King.
“This boost to operational capacity will ensure police are well supported and can maintain the sort of protection our community expects and deserves.”

A first look at Australia’s first ever hospice for young adults, to be built on the Manly Hospital site, has been unveiled today by the NSW Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Manly James Griffin also launched a community fundraising program for the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice.
“This will be a purpose-built, first-of-its-kind facility, which will provide 24/7 support to young people and their families,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW Government will provide $2 million each year to contribute to the operating costs of this revolutionary facility to cater for older teens and young adults from across NSW who suffer a life-limiting illness.”
The hospice will be specifically designed for adolescents and young adults with life-limiting conditions requiring short-term respite care, symptom management or end-of-life care.
It will provide a welcoming environment with a flexible design to suit each individual, be light-filled with easy access to outdoor areas, and have the latest digital technology for connecting with friends and family.
Mr Hazzard said the facility will work closely with Bear Cottage, Manly’s renowned children’s hospice that is also unique to NSW, to assist families caring for young people as they become adults.
“This hospice will fill a much-needed gap for young people who outgrow Bear Cottage or are diagnosed with life-limiting conditions as a young adult,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW Government is committed to providing appropriate palliative care services right across the State and that includes for our young people transitioning from paediatric to adult care.”
Last year the NSW Government committed an additional $100 million over four years on top of the record $210 million a year for palliative and end-of-life care services.
Mr Griffin said the NSW Government is thrilled with the positive response received from the community and that several generous benefactors had already pledged significant funds towards the capital cost of building the facility, and he urged others to also give.
“This new hospice has tremendous community support and demonstrates our commitment to provide vital health services on this site into the future,” Mr Griffin said.
“The challenges these families face are enormous. More than a quarter of the admissions to Bear Cottage in the past year have been of young people aged over 16, and there’s no appropriate place for them to go when they reach 18.”
Northern Sydney Local Health District and Health Infrastructure have convened a panel of clinical experts to advise on what services are needed at the facility, and the best design. They will consult closely with patients and the community.
Construction of the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice is expected to start in 2020.

In a great day for the people of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the new state-of-the-art hospital at Frenchs Forest is officially open, as part of a $600 million health services redevelopment.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian was joined by Health Minister Brad Hazzard, doctors, nurses and local residents to cut the ribbon on the hospital today.
“This is a momentous occasion for the people of the Northern Beaches, who now have a world-class public hospital like no other right on their doorstep,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Delivering life-changing infrastructure like this is only possible due to the strong economic management of the Liberals & Nationals Government.”
The new 488-bed Northern Beaches Hospital sits at the heart of a revamped healthcare network for the Northern Beaches – including Mona Vale Hospital and three new community health centres at Brookvale, Seaforth and Mona Vale.
“Together, these facilities will ensure that our local communities here on the Northern Beaches have access to healthcare and specialised services, now and well into the future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Mr Hazzard said the hospital’s opening was a proud moment for him as the local member and Health Minister.
“Our community has been waiting for this for many years and I am delighted all the community’s hard work has finally paid off,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW Government is delivering on its promise to provide public health services for the Northern Beaches community for decades to come.”
The nine-storey Northern Beaches Hospital includes:

• 50-bed Emergency Department
• 14 theatres, two cardiac catheter labs and four procedural rooms
• birthing, intensive care, paediatric, renal, cancer care and mental health services
• outpatient services
• medical centre
• medical imaging, pharmacy and pathology facilities
• Education Centre for doctor and staff training
• 1400-space car park
• restaurants and patient amenities.

Since 2011, the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has completed 94 new and upgraded hospitals and health facilities, including more than 50 in regional NSW, with another 111 projects underway.

The NSW Police Force is acknowledging World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims today (Sunday 18 November 2018), as people across the world reflect on the number of lives lost on our roads.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Julie Middlemiss is marking the day by reminding all road users to take extra care.
“Today is a special advocacy day for road traffic prevention,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Middlemiss said.
“1193 lives have been lost on Australian roads in the last 12 months to the end of October, with 384 of those in New South Wales.
“When you consider those directly impacted as well as the emergency services personnel including police, paramedics, fire fighters, emergency volunteers and medical professionals, indirectly affected, these numbers are significant and we all need to do more to minimise the risks to others on our roads.
“I would encourage everyone to pause for a moment and reflect on the grief they have endured.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Middlemiss said whether you are driving, riding, cycling, or walking, you need to ensure the roads are shared safely and responsibly.
“We know speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seat belt or proper helmet, driving distracted, or fatigued, are all the key causes of fatal and serious injury crashes on our roads, and personal responsibility is the key in keeping yourself, your passengers, and other road users safe on local roads and highways,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Middlemiss said.
“I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the work done by the NSW Police Force, emergency and medical services, and road safety professionals in enforcement, treatment and advocacy, all focussed on driving down the road toll.”
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a United Nations initiative that started in 1993 as a global day observed on the third Sunday of November each year.
 

A police officer who dedicates her time to mentoring young Indigenous women has been awarded the 2018 Gold Commissioner’s Perpetual Award for the Advancement of Women in Policing.
Senior constable Shari Gibbs from the Central North Police District not only took out the top prize but was also the winner of the “Mentor Award”.
Senior constable Gibbs has dedicated her time to strengthening relationships within the local community and mentoring young Indigenous women in the Goodooga area. She actively encourages young girls to reach their full potential, sharing with them how she fulfilled her dream of becoming a police officer.
The Perpetual Awards were established in 2006 to acknowledge and showcase the efforts and achievements of women in policing.
Fifty-five nominations were received this year in six award categories according to their roles and expertise.
The awards were presented by Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys APM at the Curtis Cheng Centre in Parramatta today (Friday 16 November 2018).
Over 80 police officers, civilian employees, and their families attended the awards ceremony.
There were 13 award and highly commended certificate recipients, as well as the overall Silver and Gold Perpetual Award winners.
Deputy Commissioner Worboys also presented the Silver Award to Detective Sergeant Claudia Allcroft for her outstanding leadership and dedication to her work.
Detective Allcroft was also the winner of the “Role Model” category.
Deputy Commissioner Worboys praised all the nominees for their commitment to their community and ongoing dedication to their work.
“These awards are a testament to the outstanding contributions of many police officers and administrative employees, which often go above and beyond their core duties,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM said today’s awards acknowledge the hard work and dedication of female officers throughout the NSW Police Force.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to those whose efforts were recognised today – it’s your passion and hard work that make a huge difference to the community and within the NSW Police Force,” Commissioner Fuller said.
The winners of the six categories were:
Dynamic Leader Award – Alissa Roptell – Police Transport & Public Safety Command
Alissa is a true leader in every sense of the word and has been instrumental in building the new Police Transport & Public Safety Command. Alissa has provided career development opportunities for her team and has consistently supports career progression. Alissa has displayed dynamic and innovative leadership which has positively influenced the Command and is an asset to the wider NSW Police Force.
Philanthropy Award – Inspector Linda Bradbury – Central West Police District
Inspector Bradbury has demonstrated that she goes above and beyond in providing support to a range of women and men within her District. She has demonstrated selfless acts of compassion and thoughtfulness, in particular, providing colleagues with support, advice and development opportunities. Inspector Bradbury adopts a progressive, dynamic and tenacious approach to ensure all female officers on maternity leave are regularly contacted regarding information and decisions relating to the workplace, and she continues to offer ongoing training and support in preparation for their return to the workplace.
Local Hero Award – Senior Constable Ingrid Reilly – Inner West Police Area Command
Senior constable Reilly has superior knowledge, experience and commitment as a Domestic Violence Liaison Officer where she has identified trends and correlations between victims of domestic violence and family pets. Senior constable Reilly is the subject matter expert in relation to investigations and prosecution aspects of Protection of Cruelty to Animals Act and enforcement. Through her actions and efforts, she has built a reputation as a local hero to victims of domestic violence and their pets.
Champion of Change Award – Superintendent Allan Sicard – North Shore Police Area Command
Superintendent Sicard has continued to change the landscape for women in his command. He has endeavoured to create an inclusive work environment to ensure women have access to development opportunities to build their capabilities into leadership positions. He continues to sponsor women to attend events, development and leadership programs both at a corporate level and local level. Superintendent Sicard has demonstrated key attributes of a champion of change with his unwavering commitment to promote gender equality within the command. Many women have benefited from his sponsorship and support and his influence in the workplace is worthy of high recognition.
Role Model Award – Detective Sergeant Claudia Allcroft – Tweed/Byron Police District
Detective Sergeant Allcroft was the first female Team Leader for the Tweed/Byron Police District’s Proactive Unit. She leads by example, working night shifts and changing duties at short notice, all with a focus on crime prevention. She has performed duties as Crime Manager and Duty Officer and is described by her colleagues as the strongest woman they know, evident in her role as Detective Sergeant and loving mother. The resilience and determination consistently displayed by Detective Sergeant Allcroft places her not only as a role model for women in policing but for all police.
Mentor Award – Senior Constable Shari Gibbs – Central North Police District
Senior constable Gibbs has engrained herself within the local community and is a mentor to many Indigenous women and girls in the community. She participates in a broad range of community events such as career days, school graduations and working committees to effect positive change and build relationships. Senior constable Gibbs encourages and motivates young women, who may not have pursued a career through sharing her experience as a police officer.

Senior police are reminding school leavers to party safely and know their limits ahead of the 2018 schoolies celebrations.
NSW Schoolies runs from today (Friday 16 November 2018) until Monday 3 December 2018, with many school leavers heading towards the northern parts of NSW, including Byron Bay; and southern parts of Queensland, including the Gold Coast.
Tweed/Byron Police District Duty Officer, Detective Inspector Matt Kehoe said police will be out in force targeting drug and alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.
“Police aren’t here to ruin your fun, but rather make it a safe environment for your celebrations,” Det Insp Kehoe said.
“Drugs and alcohol impairs your judgement and may lead to a conviction or choice that affects the rest of your life.
“Know your limits and look out for your mates so you can ensure this is a memorable event for the right reasons.
“Officers will be around and are there for your safety; approach police or authorities if you are in danger or a victim of any type of crime.
“Large crowds are expected, and people are urged to plan ahead; those not joining in the celebrations are asked to watch out for increased pedestrian activity.”
For event information visit the official schoolies website: https://www.schoolies.com/party/byron-bay

The NSW Government today announced its school budget allocations for 2019, with a record $1.18 billion being distributed to more than 2,200 public schools across NSW.
Speaking at Kingswood High School, Education Minister Rob Stokes and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said NSW schools would collectively receive more than $100 million on top of last year’s record amount.
The additional funding will be provided through an increase to every school’s perstudent allocation, increased funding to students from low socio-economic backgrounds, and additional support for small schools with teaching principals.
Mr Stokes said the funding, known as Resource Allocation Model (RAM) funding, gives school principals freedom to spend their allocated funds to deliver the best outcomes for their students.
“I am incredibly proud of the outstanding educational leaders in our public schools and their ability to engage students. RAM funding provides greater resources to enable them to direct funding to cater to the needs of their particular student body,” he said.
“Schools can use the money to hire more teachers or administrative staff, for example, or to buy new iPads, instruments or sports equipment – whatever the school community decides will best meet their unique learning and teaching needs.”
The RAM payments were introduced in 2014 as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to needs-based funding and ensures that every school receives a fair and transparent allocation of the State’s public education budget.
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said that almost $429 million of this year’s $1.18 billion RAM funding would flow into Western Sydney schools.
“Where Labor closed schools, we provide record funding. Today’s announcement demonstrates again that only the NSW Liberals & Nationals can deliver real results for the people of Western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.
High schools with highest 2019 RAM funding allocation

1. Bonnyrigg High School $2.8 million
2. Miller High School $2.6 million
3. St Johns Park High School $2.5 million
4. Holroyd High School $2.4 million
5. Prairiewood High School $2.2 million

Public schools with highest 2019 RAM funding allocation

1. Liverpool West Public School $2.4 million
2. Berala Public School $1.8 million
3. Merrylands Public School $1.6 million
4. Oran Park Public School $1.1 million
5. Hornsby North Public School $800,000

Kingswood High School 2019 RAM funding Allocation – $1,538,020

• With their 2018 RAM funding, Kingswood High School was able to:
• Create a senior student study centre, staffed by a full time study coordinator tasked with mentoring HSC students.
• Hire four full time specialists tasked with Year 7-9 literacy and numeracy
• Employ a Deputy Principal tasked with Student Engagement, who has introduced coding to Year 7 students
• Allowed the school to maintain and run an operational commercial kitchen and café for skills based study.

“Without the recurrent RAM funding we would not be able to offer our students the best possible learning environment to support their academic, social and emotional needs. Equity is a core value in public education and at Kingswood High School we pride ourselves on creating opportunities for all students to succeed,”
– Adam Forbes – Principal, Kingswood High School

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Health Brad Hazzard announced today that the NSW Government would establish a Special Commission of Inquiry into ice (crystal methamphetamine).
They were joined at the announcement by NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM.
The Special Commission of Inquiry will inquire into, and report on:

• the nature, prevalence and impact of ice in NSW;
• the adequacy of existing measures to tackle ice in NSW; and
• options to strengthen NSW’s response to ice, including law enforcement, education and treatment/rehabilitation responses.

“Ice is a destructive drug that is ruining too many lives across NSW, especially in our regional centres,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are establishing a powerful Special Commission of Inquiry because we want every option on the table to bolster our existing efforts to combat the evolving threat of this dangerous, illegal drug – and to get help for those who need it.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said, “Core business for NSW Police is the prevention, disruption and response to crime.
“Specifically, the more we can do to prevent and disrupt the manufacture, importation and dealing of crystal methamphetamine, the less crime we’ll have to respond to right across the board.
“This drug is destroying families and killing people across NSW and my officers are on the front line every day dealing with the damage and violence it causes.”
Subject to the Governor’s approval, Professor Daniel Howard SC will be commissioned to lead the Special Commission of Inquiry.
Professor Howard is a former President of the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal and was a NSW Crown Prosecutor for 15 years. He is currently a Conjoint Associate Professor in the UNSW School of Psychiatry, and a Visiting Professorial Fellow at the University of Wollongong School of Law.
“The NSW Government is determined to lead Australia by getting the best health and justice minds to come together, draw on information available, decide on what other information may be needed, and then map out a forward strategy to attack this scourge on our communities,” said Minister for Health Brad Hazzard.
“Because the use of ice, and ice combined with other drugs, is impacting our cities and regional communities, the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has already allocated $225.3 million this year towards drug and alcohol services.
“This is NSW’s biggest ever annual investment to address these deadly addictions.”
Professor Howard will consult communities and other stakeholders in developing terms of reference for the Special Commission of Inquiry for the Government’s consideration. The Special Commission of Inquiry is expected to draw upon expert advice from drug policy, law enforcement, education and health experts.
The Special Commission of Inquiry into ice is expected to report in 2019.
The establishment of a Special Commission of Inquiry comes on top of the extensive measures implemented by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government to tackle ice, including:

• improving the ability of Police to confiscate the assets of serious criminals, including drug dealers and traffickers;
• tightening controls on pseudoephedrine – one of the main precursors used to make ice; and
• cracking down on drug driving by more than tripling the number of roadside drug tests in 2016-17, increasing to 200,000 roadside drug tests per year by 2020.

The NSW Government will further strengthen counter-terrorism laws to better protect the community from terrorists and other dangerous offenders.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Attorney General Mark Speakman and Minister for Counter Terrorism David Elliott announced that new laws would be introduced into the NSW Parliament today to bolster the state’s comprehensive counter-terror framework.
“NSW already has the toughest counter-terror laws in the nation and we will continue to work hard to strengthen our defences against the evolving threat of terrorism,” Ms Berejiklian said.
The new laws being introduced into the NSW Parliament today will:

• Enable law enforcement officials to use surveillance devices in inmates’ cells to gather evidence to keep offenders behind bars or under heavy supervision if they pose an unacceptable risk of committing a terrorist offence at the end of their sentence;
• Empower the State to apply to the Supreme Court to protect intelligence provided by intelligence agencies by limiting the access of offenders who may pose a terrorist risk, and their legal representatives, to that intelligence. This will be in accordance with strict security and confidentiality requirements; and
• Streamline the interaction between terrorism, parole and high-risk sex and violent offender laws to better protect the community.

“We are stepping up our surveillance of inmates in our prisons to ensure that we have the best chance to keep potential terrorists behind bars or under heavy supervision,” Mr Elliott said.
“These important reforms introduce extraordinary powers which can be exercised by the Supreme Court – with appropriate safeguards – to help keep the community safe,” Mr Speakman said.
“These reforms also ensure that our laws retain the flexibility required to protect the community against the state’s most dangerous offenders, including terrorists, high risk sex offenders and high risk violence offenders.”
The new laws strengthen the extensive counter-terror framework already implemented by the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government, including a presumption against bail and parole for anyone with links to terror, and the provision of certainty for Police who are required to use lethal force against terrorists.
The National Terrorism Threat Level remains at probable.
Community members should exercise caution and report any suspicious incidents to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400. Report life-threatening situations to Police on Triple Zero.