4,572 new patients have taken advantage of the increased financial assistance available to people in regional communities who need to travel long distances to receive specialist care.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said more than 1,000 additional patients per month have lodged claims under the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) since August 1, when the NSW Government’s $149.5 million funding boost came into effect.
“We know there were people in our regional and rural communities who were not seeking the care they needed because of the high cost of travel and accommodation,” Mrs Taylor said.
“With the increased subsidies now available, many of these people are now receiving life-changing treatment.
“This crucial program is helping to ensure that no matter where you live in NSW, you can access the healthcare you need.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the subsidy for people requiring accommodation has almost doubled, while the NSW Government has also almost doubled the private vehicle subsidy rate from 22 cents to 40 cents per kilometre for patients who have to travel more than 100 kilometres for care.
“As well as receiving more money back, additional patients are now eligible to apply,” Mr Kean said.
“It’s great to see so many more people receiving help to ease the financial burden of travel and accommodation, and we want even more patients to come forward and use IPTAAS.”
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said patients attending non-commercial clinical trials, high-risk foot clinics, highly specialised publicly funded dental health clinics and ocularists can now access funding thanks to the expansion.
“It is fantastic that as a Government we are able to help reduce the financial burden of regional NSW patients and their families when travelling for treatment,” Mr Singh said.
“If you are paying travel and accommodation and you haven’t heard about this program I encourage you to check your eligibility as it could save you thousands of dollars.”
Armidale couple Pat and Robert Hanson thought they’d have to budget for large travel and accommodation costs when Robert learned he needed cancer treatment in Coffs Harbour.
“When Robert was diagnosed with cancer, it was a very stressful and overwhelming time as Robert’s treatment was going to be in Coffs Harbour, 180km away, and he needed six weeks of radiation treatment,” Mrs Hanson said.
“IPTAAS allowed us to travel and stay in Coffs Harbour for that time without needing Robert to drive back and forth, which was a huge relief. It covered our petrol and our accommodation at the hospital, saving us around $3,000.”
Community-based charity Can Assist provides financial support to cancer patients living in rural and regional areas to help access treatment and care.
“I can’t put into words the weight I see lifted when patients and our volunteers realise what the increase in IPTAAS rebates means for them,” Can Assist Executive Director Emma Phillips said.
The NSW Government is launching a comprehensive awareness campaign to promote the benefits of the expanded scheme, which will include flyers, fact sheets, an updated website and social media posts targeting existing, new and potential patients and their families and carers.
In addition, NSW Health is continuing to review and streamline the IPTAAS application processes to make it easier for patients to lodge claims.
Month: November 2022
New initiatives to increase female participation in NSW cyber security
The NSW Government has today announced two new initiatives to increase the number of women working in leading roles as the State continues to increase its uplift in Cyber Security.
Speaking at the 2022 NSW Government Cyber Security Showcase, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello announced 11 new $15,000 sponsorships for women across the NSW Government to increase their cyber security skills and that Cyber Security NSW would sponsor the Australian Women in Security Network, a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting and growing the number of women in the security community.
“These initiatives are designed to boost the number of women in cyber security and to help expand the recipients’ skills, whether in the technical, policy, governance or intelligence areas of the industry,” Mr Dominello said.
“With this investment we can upskill our workforce and offer new and exciting opportunities our candidates might have not considered in the past.
“While Cyber Security NSW is one of the leading agencies at the forefront of female participation in the industry, just like cyber security itself, this work is not set and forget.”
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Government is shifting the dial and increasing the participation of women in traditionally male dominated industries.
“The NSW Government is committed to understanding the challenges women face when looking to succeed in emerging high-value industries like Cyber-Security,” Mrs Taylor said.
“We know that when women and girls feel comfortable and welcome in an industry, they stick with it, so initiatives that support and encourage women to pursue their dreams are so important.
“My message to all women considering a future in cyber security is that we need you, we value you and your contribution to this space is crucial.”
NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer Tony Chapman said the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) is ideal the organisation for Cyber Security NSW sponsorship.
“The AWSN aims to increase the number of women entering, working in, and leading Australia’s security industry, in turn inspiring women to pursue a career in security and helping build the Australian pipeline of talented security professionals,” Mr Chapman said.
“The NSW Cyber Security Strategy has forecast that almost 17,000 new cyber security jobs will be needed by 2026.”
For more information about Cyber Security NSW visit: https://www.digital.nsw.gov.au/policy/cyber-security
Next step towards expansion of urgent care services
Further efforts to relieve demand on emergency departments with expanded urgent care services are a step closer today, with expressions of interest now open.
The urgent care services, a joint commitment of the NSW and Victorian governments, can help ease pressure on emergency departments by giving people faster care for urgent but non-critical conditions and free up critical resources for patients with more serious needs.
As a result of the expression of interest process, it is expected that urgent care services will be enhanced in Western Sydney. Existing urgent care services are located in Wentworthville, Rouse Hill, Marsden Park and Castle Hill.
A total of 25 urgent care services will operate across New South Wales, with the expression of interest process to fill the remaining sites.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government was stepping up to provide a service which supports the primary care sector and reduces pressure on emergency departments.
“We know the Federal Government is looking at providing more support for GPs and primary care but we need to act now to continue to make the NSW health system the best in Australia,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Demand on emergency departments nationwide is at unprecedented levels, with many thousands of people presenting for treatment as they haven’t been able to see a GP, and often they don’t require emergency care.
“This initiative will help give people with non-critical conditions convenient and streamlined care.”
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said by expanding our urgent care services, the NSW Government is bridging the gap between GP Practices and hospitals.
“More people than ever are presenting to our hospitals, and with COVID still in our community, our health services are understandably under pressure,” Mrs Taylor said.
“We need to be bold and try different things to improve health outcomes in our communities and that is exactly what this initiative will achieve.
“By expanding the footprint of urgent care services across NSW, we will ensure that people can get the high quality care they need for less serious conditions and also free up space in our emergency departments.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the latest quarterly BHI figures reveal almost 375,000 people attending our EDs – almost half of all those coming in for treatment – were for non-critical conditions.
“Our health staff will always triage the most urgent and life-threatening cases first, which means less urgent cases who could get their treatment at a GP, end up waiting,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The expanded urgent care services, which include partnerships with General Practitioners, aim to free up those critical resources in our emergency departments for patients with more serious needs.”
Under the joint commitment with Victoria, 25 urgent care services will operate in each state for extended hours to offer more care outside the hospital system.
These services will be well equipped to handle conditions such as sprains, broken bones, wounds, insect bites and minor ear and eye problems. Patients will not be charged, and patients without a Medicare card will also have access free of charge.
Urgent care services can be delivered through a variety of models. Expressions of interest are being sought from local health districts, specialty health networks, and from general practices through primary health networks.
Further information on NSW Urgent Care Services is available at www.health.nsw.gov.au/urgentcare
Man charged after shooting – Greta
A man will face court today over the shooting of another man in the state’s Hunter region earlier this week.
About 8pm on Tuesday (1 November 2022), police were called to a home on High Street, Greta, following reports of a shooting.
Police have been told a man, aged 38, was shot in the foot during a dispute at the home and was taken to Maitland Hospital by an associate.
The injury is not considered life-threatening.
A crime scene was established and forensically examined by specialist officers.
Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into the matter.
About 11am yesterday (Wednesday 2 November 2022), a 58-year-old man was arrested at a home on Anvil Street, Greta, and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
A search warrant was also executed at the premises. It will be alleged that police located a number of firearms, a silencer and a small amount of cannabis.
The man was charged with discharge firearm etc intend cause grievous bodily harm, fire firearm at dwelling-house with disregard for safety, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, holder of category A or B licence not have approved storage and possess prohibited drug.
He has been refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today (Thursday 3 November 2022).
Inquiries are continuing.
BHP coal industrial action underway
Protected Industrial Action is underway at four Central Queensland BHP coal mines (Blackwater, Saraji, Peak Downs and Goonyella Riverside), with bans on overtime and step-up duties in place until further notice.
In addition, Mining and Energy Union members at Peak Downs and Goonyella Riverside will take five-hour stoppages on Friday 4 November from 3-8pm. The stoppages are timed to facilitate attendance at the Moranbah Miners Memorial event.
MEU Queensland District President Stephen Smyth said protected action would be strategic, measured and responsive to BHP’s willingness to address members’ job security concerns.
“With coal prices so high there is constant pressure to maintain and increase production, so we are confident our bans and stoppages will be felt.
“We are continuing our dialogue with BHP to work through members’ concerns about protecting current and future permanent jobs. We will have no hesitation in ramping up our industrial campaign if members feel that progress is not being made.”
Newcastle on track to capture more of lucrative business tourism market
Large-scale business events have returned to Newcastle following a COVID-enforced industry hiatus, with more than 360 delegates currently in the city attending the 2022 RSL NSW Annual State Congress.
The two-day conference which wraps up today at the Newcastle Convention and Exhibition Centre follows on from the International Conference on Emerging Advanced Nanomaterials earlier this month, which featured leading scientific figures including three Nobel Laureates and attracted more than 500 delegates over five days, representing approximately $1 million in economic value.
Both conferences were supported by City of Newcastle’s event sponsorship program as part of a strategic push to capture more of the lucrative business events market, which contributed over $10.4 billion annually to the NSW economy, prior to the pandemic.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said with COVID-19 restrictions now behind us, we are starting to see a growing number of face-to-face business events returning to the city.
“In March 2020, the business events industry ground to a halt in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving in-person events impacted by the necessary ongoing public health orders and restrictions,” Cr Nelmes said.
“However, there is now renewed optimism amongst the industry and demand to return to gathering face-to-face.
“This is welcome news for our city with business events a significant contributor to Newcastle’s visitor economy through the tourism, hospitality and events sectors, with the RSL NSW Annual State Congress alone expected to generate approximately 750 room nights for local hotels and deliver more than $300,000 in economic benefit.”
Newcastle has already secured multiple business events for 2023 that will cater for between 200 and 400 delegates each, including conferences for the Australian Museums and Galleries Association, Australian College of Emergency Medicine, Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia and, Australian Christian Churches as well as the joint NSW Coastal Conference and National Coast to Coast Conference. A number of other significant business events are also in the pipeline.
Cr Nelmes said Newcastle was perfectly placed to accommodate large-scale business events, with first-class conferencing and meeting facilities at privately owned and Council-run venues, while the opening of two five-star hotels added a new level of luxury to the city’s accommodation choices.
RSL NSW President Ray James said the quality of amenities on offer and the city’s rich military history made Newcastle the obvious choice for the RSL NSW Annual State Congress.
“In consultation with its sub-Branches, RSL NSW selected Newcastle to host one of the ex-service organisation’s largest events due to the city’s first-class conference venues, accommodation options, recreational facilities, and transport options available to members from across the state,” Mr James said.
“The visiting delegates will take the opportunity to visit the city’s various war memorials and museums to commemorate and pay their respects to the fallen.”
Cr Nelmes said City of Newcastle is strategically focussed on increasing business tourism through the Newcastle Destination Management Plan.
“Of the 5.1 million visitors welcomed to Newcastle in 2019, business travellers represented 22 per cent of both domestic and international overnight stays, with hotel occupancy levels consistently averaging 80 per cent mid-week,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Tourism Australia research indicates that business travellers spend 74 per cent more per night on average compared to leisure visitors.”
City of Newcastle is a long-standing member of the Australian Association of Convention Bureaux and works with local and state partners including the University of Newcastle and Destination NSW to identify, bid for, and secure business events.
When it comes to the future of business events, Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said the region’s potential to host large-scale international events is gearing up.
“Newcastle Airport is growing, and from 2024 our expanded terminal will have the ability to welcome hundreds of thousands of international passengers annually as a result of airfield upgrades that will cater to larger aircraft including Boeing 787s and Airbus A330s,” Dr Cock said.
“This will enable direct flights between Newcastle and destinations in Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
“Newcastle’s future as an international tourism and major events destination is bright, and the Federal Government’s $55 million funding towards the expansion of Newcastle Airport’s terminal and $66 million towards the airfield upgrade will be instrumental in transitioning Newcastle from a thriving regional centre to an emerging global city.
“Combined with the arrival of two new luxury hotels including The Kingsley and QT Newcastle, Newcastle’s appeal as a host destination for large-scale international business events is becoming even more attractive.”
Nominate a local hero for the Newcastle Citizen of the Year Awards
Applications for nominations for City of Newcastle’s 2023 Citizen of the Year Awards are now being accepted.
Categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, and Community Group of the Year, within the Newcastle Local Government Area.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the annual award program was a great opportunity to reflect on the achievements of Novocastrians over the past year.
“It’s been another challenging year as we emerge from a global pandemic that has left an indelible mark on our community,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Consider who among you has made a difference – it could be a friend, neighbour, colleague or local community group – and nominate them for City of Newcastle’s 2023 Citizen of the Year Awards.
“This is your chance to tell us whose efforts deserve formal recognition. It’s quick and easy and nominations can be submitted online.”
The 2023 award recipients, who will be selected by a panel and announced at an award ceremony in January, will join an esteemed list of past recipients, including Citizens of the Year Paralympians Lauren Parker and Kurt Fearnley OAM, and Australia’s first recognised Indigenous surgeon Professor Kelvin Kong, who is a finalist in the 2023 NSW Australian of the Year Awards.
Representing Newcastle and Australia in the green and gold at the Paralympics, Commonwealth Games and world championships, para-triathlete Lauren Parker said the 2022 Citizen of the Year title was an honour to carry.
“I was proud to be crowned Citizen of the Year and to represent Newcastle on the world stage,” Miss Parker said.
“I love competing and to do so with the full support and recognition of my hometown means so much to me, especially when facing obstacles and challenges along the way.
“I’m so happy that I can show to the people of Newcastle that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. I hope that my sporting success has brought hope to many people of the community.”
Nominations are now open online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/citizenoftheyear until 5pm Friday 25 November 2022.
Nominees will be judged by the City of Newcastle Award Panel consisting of the Lord Mayor, CEO, Councillors, The Grainery Church Pastor Sue Irwin, and the current Citizen of the Year Award holders.
More forever families for children in need
A safe and permanent home for our most vulnerable children is critical to ensure our state’s young people are supported for the best start in life.
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said that the NSW Government is working closely with the out-of-home care sector to improve and increase understanding of the guardianship and open adoption experience.
“A stable and loving home can have life-changing benefits for children and is the foundation for a happy and healthy life,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“Every child in NSW deserves to grow up in a nurturing, supportive home. This National Adoption and Permanency Awareness Month we are asking for those who can to open their homes and make open adoption a reality for a child in need.”
Open adoption and guardianship are just two permanency options for a loving home for children and young people.
The My Forever Family NSW program, delivered by Adopt Change, provides support for prospective adoptive parents, guardians, foster and kinship carers.
Renée Carter, Adopt Change CEO said becoming a carer means opening your homes and lives to provide the everyday experiences of childhood in a safe and stable environment.
“Every child needs a home where they are safe and supported. There are more homes needed across Australia and indeed here in NSW. This month while we recognise permanent families through adoption and other care options, we will also be seeking out more families to open their homes for children in need,” Ms Carter said.
“Adopt Change are heartened by the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting safe, nurturing and permanent family homes for children, and the provision of supports for children to thrive and heal from trauma through the My Forever Family NSW program.”
For more information about open adoption visit, facs.nsw.gov.au/families/adoption. To start your carer journey today, enquire online dcjnsw.info/becomingacarer.
Sydney Metro celebrates new driverless trains and 50 million commuters trips
The NSW Government is celebrating major milestones with Sydney Metro – 50 million commuter trips since opening three years ago and the start of passenger services on the first of 23 new trains for the next stage of Australia’s biggest public transport project.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said 50 million passenger journeys made it very clear that commuters across Sydney’s north-west had embraced travelling on the Metro.
“Last night we hit another major milestone as new driverless trains for the Sydney Metro City and Southwest project join the existing North West Metro Line trains, following a rigorous testing regime,” Mr Elliott said.
“Most of the new trains for the Sydney Metro City and Southwest project have been delivered and undergone rigorous operational testing with four, which have completed all testing and commissioning, joining the North West Metro fleet this week.
“Once the testing program is completed, all 23 new trains are expected to be in service on the North West Metro Line in the first half of next year, doubling the number of trains on the network and providing customers with additional flexibility.
“Sydney Metro is a city-shaping project that will transform how this city moves, with metro trains able to take more people across the Harbour in the busiest hour of the peak than the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel combined. This new fleet will ensure commuters have access to metro services every four minutes from Rouse Hill to the heart of Sydney.”
The testing and commissioning confirms each train meets stringent design and operational requirements and adheres to Sydney Metro’s strict safety standards, including completing a minimum of 500 kilometres of travel prior to integration into passenger services.
Once the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line is connected with the operational line at Chatswood, trains will begin testing in the 15.5km twin tunnels under Sydney Harbour and through the seven new city stations.
More road benefits for electric vehicles
NSW continues to build its reputation as the top place in Australia to own and drive an electric vehicle (EV) with transit lane concessions to continue for another 12 months.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said EVs will be permitted to drive in transit lanes until 31 October 2023.
“Allowing EVs to drive in transit lanes builds on other initiatives from the Perrottet Government to incentivise uptake including rebates, phasing out stamp duty and building a world-class charging network to support these vehicles,” Mr Kean said.
“Through these initiatives, we have seen an 84 per cent increase in EVs in NSW since last year, the fastest growth in Australia, and we are confident this trend will continue.
“This is part of the NSW Government’s EV Strategy which is backed by a $633 million investment to accelerate the uptake of EVs and de-carbonise the state-owned vehicle fleet.”
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said allowing EVs to drive in transit lanes, regardless of the number of occupants, was yet another incentive for drivers to opt for vehicles of the future.
“Drivers of EVs are able to use the transit lanes to cut travel times which is another great reason to take up these vehicles in addition to the more than half a billion dollars in tax cuts and incentives being invested by the NSW Government over the next four years,” Mrs Ward said.
“EVs are an investment in our future, not only in the massive reduction in emissions, but also in savings on fuel and ongoing costs for drivers.”
For more information about the strategy and the NSW Government EV strategy, visit www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/nsw-governments-electric-vehicle-strategy