Month: March 2023

50,000 kids across the state will have access to free preschool sooner, with a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to accelerate the rollout of its $5.8 billion universal pre-Kindergarten program.

The commitment will bring forward $1 billion to commence construction on the first of the new preschools in the second half of this year, with the first 500 to be complete within four years.

By 2030, every single child in NSW will have access to a full year of free, play-based learning in the year before school.

A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will also legislate the right to universal pre-Kindergarten in the next term of government.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this would kick-start learning for tens of thousands of kids across the state, setting them up for future success.

“NSW is leading the nation with our universal pre-Kindergarten program, which will give every single child access to free, high-quality learning in the year before they start school,” Mr Perrottet said.

“More than a third of communities across the state are experiencing an undersupply of childcare centres, with families facing long waitlists or long commutes to the nearest centre.

“That is why we will accelerate the program and get shovels in the ground this year to deliver the first 500 new preschools within four years, cutting childcare waiting lists and getting our kids learning sooner.

“The benefits of this are huge. Not only are we giving our kids a head start in life by kick-starting their education earlier, we’re giving more time back to busy parents.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the accelerated delivery of universal pre-Kindergarten represented a huge investment in regional communities.

“The bush is leading the charge on this major education reform, with 34 of the universal pre-

Kindergarten pilot sites and more than half of the first 500 universal pre-Kindergarten schools being in regional communities – helping kids from Kempsey to Coonamble take the first steps to a brighter future,” Mr Toole said.

“Universal pre-Kindergarten is an investment in families now and in setting the next generation up for the long-term.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said universal pre-Kindergarten will help grow the economy by setting ours kids up for lifelong financial success.

“Because of our universal pre-kindergarten policy, thousands more children are expected to go to preschool, adding $123,000 on average to their lifetime earnings,” Mr Kean said.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said that she was pleased to be able to unveil the first 500 schools that will have purpose-built infrastructure for universal pre-Kindergarten.

“Universal pre-Kindergarten will require 100,000 places for our youngest learners, and we will deliver 50,000 in the next four years on school sites alone,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Our experience and capacity to deliver quality school infrastructure means we’ve been able to identify and assess initial sites faster than anticipated.

“Cementing universal pre-Kindergarten as a new part of the education journey for children in NSW will be the first thing on the legislative agenda for a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

“Under a Liberals and Nationals Government families have certainty. Labor’s commitment of 150 ‘new or upgraded’ preschools creates less than 6,000 places – a drop in the ocean compared to the 100,000 our universal pre-Kindergarten plans will deliver. Chris Minns will leave young families with less.”

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is investing more than $15.9 billion in early childhood to deliver a brighter future for every child in NSW.

This includes the introduction of universal pre-Kindergarten, the Brighter Beginnings initiatives, a workforce package for early childhood educators and the Affordable Preschool fee relief.

A significant upgrade at Clovelly Public School has been welcomed by Liberal candidate for Coogee, Dr Kylie von Muenster, to give school kids the best start in life and state-of-the-art infrastructure for teachers.

The multi-million dollar upgrade will be delivered by a re-elected Perrottet Liberal Government.

“This is terrific news for the students and teachers at Clovelly Public School,” Dr von Muenster said. “The school needs an upgrade and the new facilities will improve the learning environment for generations to come.

“Only a Liberal Government has the financial record to deliver a project like this for the community and only a Liberal Government can keep NSW moving forward with important investment in school upgrades like this.”

The NSW Liberal Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW.       

This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure.

Liberal candidate for Drummoyne, Stephanie Di Pasqua, welcomes the Perrottet Liberal Government’s announcement today that Concord’s Queen Elizabeth Park will receive a $500,000 upgrade under a re-elected NSW Liberal Government to improve facilities for local women and girls soccer.

“This investment by the Perrottet Liberal Government in our local community will not just deliver upgraded facilities but also empower the growth of local supporting clubs.” Ms Di Pasqua said.

“Concord’s Queen Elizabeth Park ground is home to Russell Lea Women’s Soccer Club, the only female sports club in the Canterbury District, and set to benefit from the cash injection.

“When women and girls feel comfortable they are more likely to stick with their chosen sport, and this upgrade will ensure the club has fit-for-purpose facilities so more women and girls in our community can join in.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said this investment will deliver improved lighting, new clubhouse facilities and female change rooms, to support growth in female participation.

“We’re seeing huge numbers of women and girls getting involved in sport across our state and these new female-friendly facilities will make sure local sport remains accessible to women and girls in the Inner West.” Mr Henskens said.

“Investments like this in local community sport infrastructure are only possible because of the Liberal Government’s long-term economic plan to keep NSW moving forward.”

Russell Lea Women’s Soccer Club President Mariam Fabia said these upgraded female-friendly facilities would increase girls’ participation in soccer.

“This investment by the NSW Government will help give our members fresh, fit-for-purpose facilities that will encourage women and girls to get involved and stay involved,” Ms Fabia said.

Since 2017, the NSW Liberal Government has invested more than $2 billion in grassroots community sport infrastructure and programs across the state, including over $600 million in female sporting facilities.

Liberal candidate for Drummoyne, Stephanie Di Pasqua, welcomed the Perrottet Liberal Government commitment to deliver a further $260 million investment for new and expanded critical care services at Concord Hospital.

Ms Di Pasqua said the continuing investment in health services for the Drummoyne community will help the hospital grow in line with the community’s needs.

“Continued support by the Perrottet Liberal Government will mean that our community has access to great health services right on our doorstop, and can only be delivered because of the strong economic management and long term plan that has kept this state and our community moving forward.”

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the funding commitment is on top of the $341 million the NSW Government already invested delivering stage one of the hospital redevelopment.

“Concord Hospital has a such a rich history and is not only much loved by those in the inner west but also by our Defence Force personnel and veterans,” Mr Perrottet said.

“In my first Budget as Treasurer, I had the pleasure of announcing the $341 million upgrade to Concord and now as Premier, I am happy to say we are offering more funds.”

“Where Labor failed the Concord community, we promised and delivered a magnificent world class facility, and stage two will further transform this iconic hospital campus.”

Under a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government Stage 2A will deliver:

• A new and expanded Emergency Department
• An additional 24 bed inpatient ward
• An expanded Intensive Care Unit
• Expanded Cardiology Investigation Unit
• Refurbishment of the existing ICU for the new operating theatres.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said a significant amount of clinical service planning has already been done by the Sydney Local Health District for the proposed expansion.

“Once planning has been finalised for the site, a new building will link to the clinical services building, which itself was only opened less than a year ago,” Mr Hazzard said.

“In addition to delivering an expanded new emergency department, inpatient and critical care services, the redevelopment will also deliver hundreds of building jobs.”

Once planning has been finalised for the site it is anticipated that early works will commence in early to mid-2024

Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 180 health capital works projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway.

Liberal candidate for Drummoyne, Stephanie Di Pasqua, welcomed the Perrottet Liberal Government commitment to deliver a further $260 million investment for new and expanded critical care services at Concord Hospital.

Ms Di Pasqua said the continuing investment in health services for the Drummoyne community will help the hospital grow in line with the community’s needs.

“Continued support by the Perrottet Liberal Government will mean that our community has access to great health services right on our doorstop, and can only be delivered because of the strong economic management and long term plan that has kept this state and our community moving forward.”

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the funding commitment is on top of the $341 million the NSW Government already invested delivering stage one of the hospital redevelopment.

“Concord Hospital has a such a rich history and is not only much loved by those in the inner west but also by our Defence Force personnel and veterans,” Mr Perrottet said.

“In my first Budget as Treasurer, I had the pleasure of announcing the $341 million upgrade to Concord and now as Premier, I am happy to say we are offering more funds.”

“Where Labor failed the Concord community, we promised and delivered a magnificent world class facility, and stage two will further transform this iconic hospital campus.”

Under a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government Stage 2A will deliver:

• A new and expanded Emergency Department
• An additional 24 bed inpatient ward
• An expanded Intensive Care Unit
• Expanded Cardiology Investigation Unit
• Refurbishment of the existing ICU for the new operating theatres.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said a significant amount of clinical service planning has already been done by the Sydney Local Health District for the proposed expansion.

“Once planning has been finalised for the site, a new building will link to the clinical services building, which itself was only opened less than a year ago,” Mr Hazzard said.

“In addition to delivering an expanded new emergency department, inpatient and critical care services, the redevelopment will also deliver hundreds of building jobs.”

Once planning has been finalised for the site it is anticipated that early works will commence in early to mid-2024

Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 180 health capital works projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway.

Liberal Candidate for Parramatta, Katie Mullens, welcomes the Perrottet Liberal Government’s announcement today that tens of thousands of kids across the state will have access to free preschool sooner, with a re-elected NSW Liberal Government to accelerate the rollout of its $5.8 billion one-year free pre-Kindergarten program.

The commitment will bring forward $1 billion to commence construction on the first of the new preschools in the second half of this year, with the first 500 on public school sites to be completed within four years.

This includes new preschools connected to Ermington West, Melrose, Oatlands and Rydalmere public schools in the Parramatta electorate.

By 2030, every single child in NSW will have access to a full year of free, play-based learning in the year before school.

A re-elected Perrottet Liberal Government will also legislate the right to one-year free pre-Kindergarten in the next term of government.

“Free pre-Kindergarten is a landmark reform that means certainty for families and a real commitment by the Perrottet Liberal Government to empowering local communities in Parramatta” Ms Mullens said.

“This is a significant change that will make all the difference for working parents and offer our kids a head start in their social and educational interactions”.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this would kick-start learning for tens of thousands of kids across the state, setting them up for future success.

“NSW is leading the nation with our pre-Kindergarten program, which will give every single child access to free, high-quality learning in the year before they start school,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We know there is significant demand for childcare and preschool services across NSW, with many families facing long waitlists or long commutes to the nearest facility.

“That is why we will accelerate the program and get shovels in the ground this year to deliver the first 500 new preschools within four years, making it easier for working parents and getting our kids learning sooner.

“The benefits of this are huge. Not only are we giving our kids a head start in life by kick-starting their early learning, we’re giving more time back to busy parents.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said universal pre-Kindergarten will help grow the economy by setting ours kids up for lifelong financial success. 

“Because of our universal pre-kindergarten policy, thousands more children are expected to go to preschool, adding $123,000 on average to their lifetime earnings,” Mr Kean said.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said that she was pleased to be able to unveil the first 500 schools that will have purpose-built infrastructure for universal pre-Kindergarten.

“Universal pre-Kindergarten will require 100,000 places for our youngest learners, and we will deliver 50,000 in the next four years on public school sites alone,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Our experience and capacity to deliver quality school infrastructure means we’ve been able to identify and assess initial sites faster than anticipated.

“Cementing universal pre-Kindergarten as a new part of the education journey for children in NSW will be the first thing on the legislative agenda for a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

“Under a Liberals and Nationals Government families have certainty. Labor’s commitment of 150 ‘new or upgraded’ preschools creates less than 6,000 places – a drop in the ocean compared to the 100,000 our universal pre-Kindergarten plans will deliver. Chris Minns will leave young families with less.”

The NSW Liberal Government is investing more than $15.9 billion in early childhood to deliver a brighter future for every child in NSW.    

This includes the introduction of universal pre-Kindergarten, the Brighter Beginnings initiatives, a workforce package for early childhood educators and the Affordable Preschool fee relief.    

Liberal Candidate for Holsworthy, Tina Ayyad, welcomes the Perrottet Liberal Government’s announcement today that tens of thousands of kids across the state will have access to free preschool sooner, with a re-elected NSW Liberal Government to accelerate the rollout of its $5.8 billion one-year free pre-Kindergarten program.

The commitment will bring forward $1 billion to commence construction on the first of the new preschools in the second half of this year, with the first 500 on public school sites to be completed within four years.

By 2030, every single child in NSW will have access to a full year of free, play-based learning in the year before school.

A re-elected Perrottet Liberal Government will also legislate the right to one-year free pre-Kindergarten in the next term of government.

“Free pre-Kindergarten is a landmark reform for families and education across Holsworthy.” Ms Ayyad said.

“This is a game changer for working parents and businesses, but most importantly for our kids getting a head start in their social and educational interactions.

“The commitment to our kids and families in Holsworhty with the construction of a new pre-school connected to Hammondville Public School, is a true reflection of the Perrottet Liberal Government’s focus on empowering local communities.”

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this would kick-start learning for tens of thousands of kids across the state, setting them up for future success.

“NSW is leading the nation with our pre-Kindergarten program, which will give every single child access to free, high-quality learning in the year before they start school,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We know there is significant demand for childcare and preschool services across NSW, with many families facing long waitlists or long commutes to the nearest facility.

“That is why we will accelerate the program and get shovels in the ground this year to deliver the first 500 new preschools within four years, making it easier for working parents and getting our kids learning sooner.

“The benefits of this are huge. Not only are we giving our kids a head start in life by kick-starting their early learning, we’re giving more time back to busy parents.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said universal pre-Kindergarten will help grow the economy by setting ours kids up for lifelong financial success. 

“Because of our universal pre-kindergarten policy, thousands more children are expected to go to preschool, adding $123,000 on average to their lifetime earnings,” Mr Kean said.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said that she was pleased to be able to unveil the first 500 schools that will have purpose-built infrastructure for universal pre-Kindergarten.

“Universal pre-Kindergarten will require 100,000 places for our youngest learners, and we will deliver 50,000 in the next four years on public school sites alone,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Our experience and capacity to deliver quality school infrastructure means we’ve been able to identify and assess initial sites faster than anticipated.

“Cementing universal pre-Kindergarten as a new part of the education journey for children in NSW will be the first thing on the legislative agenda for a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

“Under a Liberals and Nationals Government families have certainty. Labor’s commitment of 150 ‘new or upgraded’ preschools creates less than 6,000 places – a drop in the ocean compared to the 100,000 our universal pre-Kindergarten plans will deliver. Chris Minns will leave young families with less.”

The NSW Liberal Government is investing more than $15.9 billion in early childhood to deliver a brighter future for every child in NSW.  

This includes the introduction of universal pre-Kindergarten, the Brighter Beginnings initiatives, a workforce package for early childhood educators and the Affordable Preschool fee relief.    

A re-elected NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will shine a spotlight on deadly cancers affecting women by providing $7 million in research grants for ovarian and other gynaecological cancers.

This will include the provision of a $5 million Translational Research Grant and four $500,000 fellowships to support research and pave the way for future improvements to treatments.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this will help shine a spotlight on two of the most deadly cancers affecting women.

“We want to give women affected by these terrible diseases, which often have very poor prognoses, the best chance of survival,” Mr Perrottet said.

“These grants are important in enabling the very best researchers to continue their work to help improve survival rates for these awful cancers.

“The better we can understand these deadly diseases, the better we can tailor treatments for women and improve their chances of being able to overcome them.”

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said gynaecological cancers vary in prevalence and can have very poor prognoses.

“For ovarian cancer specifically, just over half (51 per cent) of women diagnosed will not survive five years. This is a tragic statistic we need to turn around and by investing in research we can try to achieve this,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Translational research helps us understand how innovations may work in the real world and on a large scale and aims to quickly bring these new ideas from benchtop to bedside and improve outcomes for patients.”

Minister for Women and Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the $7 million in additional funding will bring new hope for women suffering from cancers of the female reproductive system.

“Fellowships fund researchers to continue their important work at an early-middle stage of their career, ensuring we maintain a pipeline of world-class researchers right here in NSW,” Mrs Taylor said.

“By investing in early-mid career researchers with a focus on gynaecological cancers, we aim to accelerate the journey toward potential new treatments and interventions for these deadly women’s cancers.”

Gynaecological cancers include ovarian cancer, uterine or endometrial cancer, cancer of the fallopian tubes, primary peritoneal cancer, cervical cancer and vaginal cancer.