Month: August 2023

The NSW Government has given in-principle support to 7 key recommendations made by the Bus Industry Taskforce with its First Report into the industry released today.

The taskforce, chaired by John Lee, was established on 1 May 2023 to make recommendations to improve the quality and reliability of services, and to ensure that bus networks across NSW meet community expectations.

The first report reveals service quality in relation to on-time running and reliability has deteriorated, most notably in recently privatised regions where driver shortages and widespread cancellations are being acutely felt.

The first report notes driver shortages should have been predicted and better managed and that the lack of basic driver facilities at layover areas is unacceptable.

It also highlights a focus on other transport infrastructure and capital investment has come at the expense of basic bus service requirements, such as digital infrastructure including real-time bus tracking, leading to over 10% of buses not being visible to passengers – widely known as ‘ghost buses’.

The 76-page reports also notes a focus on savings during the latest re-tendering has led to a loss of operators with local knowledge.

The responsibility for bus-related issues was found to be scattered across Transport for NSW, with a lack of focus on working together with operators to deliver the transport needs of their communities.

Work is already well underway to address some of the issues identified, with the NSW Government taking immediate action in June to tackle the driver shortage. This included slashing red tape to make it cheaper and easier to get a driver authority; holding a bus industry summit with more than 100 industry leaders and working with bus companies to improve the reliability of timetables.

A comprehensive bus driver recruitment campaign is underway to help attract new drivers to the industry which is dealing with up to 370 vacant roles across Greater Sydney.

Following the Hunter Valley bus crash tragedy on June 11, the NSW Government urgently expanded the taskforce’s terms of reference with the scope of work to include safety management, seat belt use and regulatory arrangements for buses.

After considering the findings of the first report, the NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen has instructed Transport for NSW to begin developing a plan on how best to implement the remaining recommendations, which include:

• Transport for NSW working more collaboratively with industry to improve service delivery, including by consulting with bus operators, the workforce and unions.
• Establishing a long-term growth funding program to improve bus services to underserved communities around the state.
• Transport for NSW undertaking activities to improve rural and regional contracting, including engaging with industry to develop a modern, fit-for-purpose contract model.
• Transport for NSW undertaking organisational change to become more focused on delivering services by mode, including the agency creating a division headed by a coordinator-general accountable for bus, ferry, and light rail, reporting directly to the secretary.
•  Consideration of further measures to improve bus driver recruitment and retention, including that Transport for NSW prepare a proposal for consideration by the minister to provide a free Opal card to bus drivers and other operational staff.
• Transport for NSW investigating ways to better use technology and training so that staff in the Transport Management Centre, marshals and station staff can better coordinate public transport service disruptions.
• Transport for NSW reconsidering the way it manages replacement and emergency bussing and, within 6 months, establishing a team that has the accountability, authority, and capability to deliver contingent buses for major events, planned replacement services and unplanned incidents.

The taskforce will provide a second report on Tuesday 10 October 2023 with a final report and recommendations due by 1 May 2024.

View the Bus Industry Taskforce First Reportlaunch.

The taskforce is chaired by a former CEO of the State Transit Authority and multiple private bus companies, Mr John Lee. Its members are Matt Threlkeld, Executive Director, BusNSW; David Babineau, Rail Tram and Bus Union; Mick Pieri, Transport Workers Union; Joanna Quilty, CEO of NSW Council of Social Services; Darriea Turley, Local Government NSW; and Darren Lane, an independent safety expert.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“The taskforce report is clear that on-time running and reliability has deteriorated over recent years and passengers expect and demand a better service.

“We promised the people of NSW we would take decisive action to help deliver better bus services for our communities and this Bus Industry Taskforce First Report provides a clear roadmap on what we need to do.

“We want better contract and performance management, better service planning and a thriving industry that will attract new bus drivers – ultimately this will give the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on our buses the service they deserve.”

Bus Industry Taskforce Chair John Lee said:

“The taskforce clearly sets out where the problems are with the running of bus services, we have identified why this occurred and laid out our first set of recommendations to fix this mess.

“I was disappointed to learn that only 2% of the capital budget is allocated to buses when they move over 40% of public transport passengers.

“To take matter worse the former government failed to reinvest the millions of dollars made from privatising Sydney Buses back into vital services, especially in underserviced areas.

“There’s an opportunity to deliver some quick wins and turn things around. Basic facilities for drivers have been neglected and just some small improvements will make a big difference for this essential workforce and help attract new drivers into the system.

“People within Transport for NSW understand the challenge but struggle with an organisational structure that makes it hard to know who is accountable for improving services for passengers. They need a bus champion who can take responsibility for getting things back on track.”
 

New state-of-the-art technology will be unveiled today, helping first responders overcome dangerous communications black spots to keep them better connected during emergencies.

Mobile Wi-Fi equipment has now been installed in over 1300 Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW State Emergency Service (SES) vehicles, which will ensure 4G or satellite communication access during incident responses.

The cutting-edge, highly resilient communications technology will enable firefighters and NSW SES members to continue using radios, mobile phones and other handheld devices anywhere and at any time, through new equipment attached to their vehicles.

The ‘vehicle as a node’ systems will allow crews to connect to satellites when there is no land-based 4G or radio connectivity. This will mean that if the communications infrastructure is damaged in a disaster, they will still be able to stay in contact.

The technology will enhance connectivity and voice clarity, leading to greater interoperability with other emergency services and improved situational awareness during operations.

Now that the system has been installed, work will commence on enabling Fire and Rescue NSW vehicles to be used as ‘mobile Wi-Fi hubs’, allowing for mobile phone and live video streaming connectivity for first responders. Video streaming allows emergency services to share live footage from the incident, heightening situational awareness for ground crews.

The technology is now standardised for any new vehicle acquired by Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW SES across the state.

Premier Chris Minns said:
 
“I’ve visited many communities impacted by natural disasters and know we must be doing everything we can to improve our emergency response.

“Whether it’s telling people to evacuate, getting latest advice and emergency communications through to communities who may be cut off – this new equipment is crucial to that work.

“That is why we are providing our first responders with technology they can rely on to overcome connectivity challenges.

“These new systems are an important step forward in adapting our response to disasters and emergencies and supporting our combat agencies to provide help faster, where and when it’s needed.”

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said:

“Communications black spots have long been a challenge for first response agencies and can seriously hamper efforts to respond in emergencies and disasters.

“Since March, more than 400 SES vehicles have installed these new systems, and we have now completed the fit-out to more than 900 Fire and Rescue NSW vehicles.

“This state-of-the-art technology provides better support and protection for our frontline firefighters and SES crews as they carry out their mission to safeguard the community.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner – Strategic Capability Megan Stiffler said:

“The technology rollout across the organisation has taken about 12 months to complete. This is the first big step in bringing the hub’s various functions online.

“The hub basically turns each firetruck into a modern communications node and also introduces the latest AVL technology that allows Fire and Rescue NSW to deploy the closest firetruck to an emergency.”

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York APM said:

“The technology increases communication coverage across the state and will be a great boost in regional areas where coverage is limited.

“When the mobile broadband connection or public safety network has an outage, our vehicles can now switch to satellite connectivity with ease to keep members in the field in communication with each other and with the State Operations Centre.”

In a landmark step towards reshaping the future for Aboriginal children and young people in NSW, the Aboriginal Child Safety and Wellbeing Reform Forum is set to bring together key stakeholders, leaders and community representatives over 2 days in Sydney.

The collective determination to improve the lives of Aboriginal children and families has prompted the state’s peak Aboriginal child welfare organisation, AbSec and the Minns Labor government to collaborate on this pivotal forum.

The 2-day forum will develop a strong roadmap for reform to reduce the number of Aboriginal children in care, focus on the wellbeing of Aboriginal families and their children, and put Aboriginal families in control of their future.

The forum marks an essential juncture in the design and implementation of a child protection system that not only ensures the safety and wellbeing of every child but also respects and integrates the cultural heritage and lived experience of Aboriginal communities.

The need to address historical and systemic challenges cannot be understated. First Nations communities have long faced disparities in child protection outcomes due to complex and interconnected factors. This forum recognises the significance of these challenges and stands as a platform to confront them collaboratively.

The forum’s agenda is designed to foster dynamic and inclusive discussions, providing participants with the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking sessions led by respected experts in the field. The sessions will span a wide spectrum, from data-sharing between agencies to panel discussions on the barriers and opportunities for reform. 

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“We must reimagine the child protection system, so we can build a brighter future for Aboriginal children. The only way we can do that is through genuine co-design and partnership with Aboriginal people, families, and communities.

“I’m hopeful that our forum will be a significant step towards a more equitable future for Aboriginal children. We are dedicated to co-creating a legacy of progress and positive outcomes.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Harris said:

“We know that far too many Aboriginal children are in out-of-home care in NSW. This continues the intergenerational trauma associated with the disconnection from Country, culture and kin.

“I look forward to this forum highlighting improvements that can be made to the child protection system, placing Aboriginal families and culture at the heart of policies for the best outcomes for Aboriginal children.”

CEO of Absec John Leha said:

“AbSec commends the minister in taking the initial steps to reforming the NSW child protection system. Self-determination provides the foundation of a reimagined family and child wellbeing service system. A system that invests in families at its earliest point of contact. A system that is accountable to the communities that they serve.

“We understand the strength and resilience of Aboriginal communities. The lived experiences and insights of our people are the foundation of our reform efforts.”

The Opposition has condemned the Minns Labor Government for giving tax breaks to a Sydney casino while slashing cost of living measures and funding for infrastructure and projects.

Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said the Labor Government has ignored the pleas of families and businesses needing cost of living support, while arranging a sweetheart deal for the casino.

“The Minns Government has got its priorities completely wrong. It has simply chosen the gambling industry over families,” Mr Tudehope said.

“They’ve cut active kids, creative kids and first lap programs for families across the state, because of their fictional budget emergency – but can afford to give millions in tax breaks to a casino.”

The Shadow Treasurer said while the casino gets special treatment, NSW businesses were missing out.

“Treasurer Mookhey said that the casino will be allowed to pay “what they can afford”, but no other business in NSW gets the same offer of support.”

“Businesses and families are not the priority of this government and are being left behind by Labor.”

Mr Tudehope raised concerns that this is a pattern of behaviour within the Minns Labor Government of being in bed with the gambling lobby.

“This tax change is just another example of Minns Labor Government’s soft approach to the gaming industry.”

“While Minns has been on a go-slow with protecting NSW from money laundering, he’s been much faster with a tax reduction for the organisation fined hundreds of millions of dollars for this crime.”

“Finally, appointing United Workers Union to oversee agreement between the Government and the casino makes it clear that the Minns Labor Government only cares about looking after unions and gambling,” Mr Tudehope concluded.

Following the Matildas’ heart stopping win over France in the quarter-final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the NSW Government will open two Sydney stadiums as screening sites to ensure more football fans can cheer on the team in the semi-final.

The Matildas will face England in their knockout clash on Wednesday 16 August at Stadium Australia, kicking off at 8:00pm.

The match is already a sell out and to ensure tens of thousands more fans can watch the match in a community atmosphere, the NSW Government is applying for the rights and access to screen the match at Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta and Sydney Football Stadium in Moore Park.

Any member of the public can attend. Ticketing and other information will be confirmed tomorrow.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 has sold 1.75 million tickets across the tournament’s 64 games.

Wednesday’s match will also be screened at the FIFA Fan Festival at Tumbalong Park, in Darling Harbour, which has welcomed more than 202,000 attendees throughout the tournament. 

This Wednesday’s match will be the first time the Australian football team has progressed to the semi-final stage of a FIFA Women’s World Cup, with NSW proudly backing the Matildas as they continue on their record-breaking run.

The Sydney Opera House sails will be illuminated green and gold on Wednesday night from 5:50pm, along with other Sydney landmarks, and the NSW Government’s social channels will remain green and gold.

The FIFA Fan Festivallaunch continues to screen every game for free on large screens, along with live performances and street food and will be open from 5:00pm on Wednesday 16 August.

The live broadcast screens in Cathy Freeman Park, outside Stadium Australia, will once again be activated for the Matildas’ game, following the application process.

Public screening events will again be held across Sydney and NSW for this significant FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 game. For more information please visit NSW Office of Sportlaunch.

Fans are encouraged to use public transport to travel to the game, the FIFA Fan Festival and screening sites. Visit transportnsw.infolaunch to plan your trip.
 
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“The Matildas run at this FIFA World Cup has captured the nation; their quarter-final win was the highest rating TV event since Cathy Freeman’s 400m gold medal run at the Sydney Olympic Games.

“We’re opening up more big screens at Western Sydney Stadium and the Sydney Football Stadium – we want to give NSW every chance to break that viewing record.

“This is a once in a generation moment in Australian sport, and I want as many people as possible to be able to share in the excitement of the match in front of big screens with a community atmosphere.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: 

“We are thrilled to be hosting Matildas in their Semi Final match this week.”

“NSW is the epicentre of Matilda’s mania. Both locals and visitors have turned out in unprecedented numbers and the enthusiasm is growing by the minute.”

“This is a defining moment in sport.”

“NSW is so happy to be playing host to such a significant role in hosting this World Cup.”

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“We have seen an unprecedented amount of support for our Matildas – they have truly captured the hearts of the nation.

“Their heroic performances have seen stadiums and fan sites full, and television records broken.

“One stadium is simply not enough – that’s why we are opening up the Sydney Football Stadium and Western Sydney Stadium, so that NSW can cheer along the Matildas together.”
 
NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The Matildas have made history and we are all behind them this Wednesday for the Semi Final.”

“This team has not just broken records for women’s sport but have etched an indelible new milestone into the Australian history books.

Winners of the annual Rotary Clubs and Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (NSW RESCA) were honoured at a ceremony at the Bankstown Sports Club last night, where Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib greeted finalists in what was the ninth anniversary of the community awards.

Seven professional emergency service personnel and volunteers from Fire and Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service and VRA Rescue NSW were announced as winners on the night, from a pool of 28 finalists.

The Officer of the Year in a Volunteer Capacity was awarded to Morgan Clarke, Woonona Club Captain, Surf Lifesaving NSW – Wollongong and the Officer of the Year in a Paid Capacity was awarded to Erin Pogmore, Leading Firefighter, Fire & Rescue NSW – Liverpool. 

The two winners will represent NSW at the AUSRESCA (Australian RESCA) ceremony at Government House, Yarralumla, ACT on Friday 20 October 2023.

The winner of the Dorothy Hennessy Order of Australia Medal Emergency Services Youth Scholarship, for volunteers aged between 18 and 25, was also acknowledged on Saturday night, along with three other finalists. Cate Kyling, Junior Captain with Surf Lifesaving NSW based in Coogee, was awarded the $1000 scholarship for career development and further emergency services response training.

The community-nominated awards are an important way of recognising and celebrating the selfless contributions of the state’s emergency services personnel.

The agency and overall winners are:

Fire + Rescue NSW – Winner
Erin Pogmore – Leading Firefighter, Liverpool

Marine Rescue NSW – Winner
Phillip Causley – Coxswain, Ballina

Surf Life Saving NSW – Winner
Morgan Clarke – Woonona Club Captain, Wollongong

VRA Rescue NSW – Winner
Joseph Difalco – Ski Patroller, Thredbo

NSW Ambulance – Winner
Damian Hughes – Chief Superintendent, Associate Director, Goonellabah

NSW Rural Fire Service – Winner
Michaela Anderson – Captain, Shoalhaven communications Brigade, Greenwell Point

NSW State Emergency Service – Winner
Yasmin Jimmieson – Acting Deputy Unit Commander, Armidale 

Dorothy Hennessy OAM Emergency Services Youth Scholarship – Winner
Surf Lifesaving NSW
Cate Kyling – Junior Captain, Coogee SLSC

Overall Officer of the Year in a Volunteer Capacity
Surf Lifesaving NSW
Morgan Clarke – Woonona Club Captain, Wollongong 

Overall Officer of the Year in a Paid Capacity
Fire & Rescue NSW
Erin Pogmore – Leading Firefighter, Liverpool

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:

“It takes someone special to put themselves in the line of danger. Our emergency services volunteers and paid professionals don’t do it for the accolades, but these awards are an important recognition of their contribution and tireless dedication and sacrifice for communities.”

“Our emergency service heroes have been on the frontline during floods, accidents, rescues, and fires. Not only do they keep our communities safe, often in the face of great personal risk, but they contribute in so many other ways and show the very best of human nature.”

“It is a privilege to be the Minister for both our paid and volunteer officers in the Emergency Services portfolio.”

Minister for Health, Ryan Park said:

“All too often, our emergency services personnel attend to us in our most distressing, harrowing and traumatic moments.”

“They keep us calm, they give us first aid, they give us relief, reassurance and assistance.”

“These awards recognise their dedication, professionalism and service to our community.”

Helping people in NSW find a way to cut costs and access financial or other support is set to become easier with the newly created Cost of Living hub.

This NSW Government initiative provides resources and tools to help ease cost-of-living pressures via nsw.gov.au.

People will now be able to access information from more than 80 government and non-government websites in one central place, along with guides and advice on how to save money and where to find various rebates and vouchers.

The Cost of Living hub focuses on seven key areas covering everyday essentials including:

• Food and groceries – ways to save on your weekly food bill and reduce food wastage.
• Housing – NSW Government home-buyer incentives, managing rent increases and mortgage help.
• Energy and utilities – checking eligibility for Energy Bill Relief and gas rebates, reducing power usage to decrease your bills, requesting a payment plan and seeking emergency assistance.
• Managing money – accessing support and advice if you’re experiencing financial hardship, avoiding scams and using a tool to more effectively manage your budget.
• Health – reviewing your private health cover to find a policy that’s right for you and understanding safety nets to access cheaper medicine.
• Families and care – eligibility for the childcare subsidy, finding children’s education and care services to support working parents and affordable help around the home for seniors and older Australians.
• Transport, driving and fuel – tips for finding cheaper fuel, cost-saving driving techniques, transport alternatives and tips for choosing insurance.

The hub content is tailored to provide easy access for everyone so they can find the support that meets their individual circumstances.

View the Cost of Living hub.

Minister for Customer Service Jihad Dib said:

“We know people across NSW are really feeling the pinch when it comes to increasing costs and this is one way we can help. It is an easy-to-use website that connects the community with helpful information and trusted resources to manage everyday expenses.”

“The Cost of Living hub helps people connect to important services and support, giving them access to what they need when they need it the most. It is important the community knows what help is available to them.”

“This site looks at key areas where the community are feeling pressure and will provide cost-cutting advice on everything from fruit and vegetables to managing home related expenses and keeping energy costs down.”

“The hub brings together resources from more than 80 government and not-for-profit websites, making information easier to find and navigate.”

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said: 

“This one-stop-shop makes it easier for eligible households to find a rebate that will reduce their power bills, at a time when many are doing it tough.

“Not only does it link people to available rebates, but it also provides advice and tips to help them understand their bills and what they can do to reduce costs.”

“1.6 million eligible low-income households, pensioners, self-funded retirees, families, veterans, carers, and people who use life support equipment will receive $500 to help pay their electricity bills. The Cost of Living hub makes it easier to check you’re getting the support you’re entitled to.”

Vietnam veterans and nurses are sharing their experience in a new exhibition, the Stories of the Dat Do Dogs, 50 years on from the final withdrawal of troops from Vietnam.

Minister for Veterans David Harris was joined by Vietnam veterans, their families, and Australian Defence Force members at the opening of the exhibition at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.

“Fifty years ago, on 11 January 1973 Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War officially ended, with the last troops leaving in June 1973. Over 60,000 Australians served our country during the 13-year campaign.” Minister Harris said.

“Sadly, 523 lost their lives with almost 2,400 wounded with all involved carrying the scars and memories that only armed combat can bring.

“That is why this wonderful exhibition is so important. To remember and honour those who served and ensure that their stories and experiences are not forgotten.

“I thank and congratulate those who collaborated on this exhibition particularly Jack McLain, an American special forces veteran of the Afghanistan conflict and the fifty NSW veterans from across from the Army, the Air Force, the Navy and nursing, who so willingly shared their stories with us.” 

Jack McLain turned his passion to photography in 2010, with a keen focus on the medium of wet-plate tintype photographs rather than digital images. This tintype method is the same as that used in the 1860s by US Civil War photographer Mathew Brady, who was one of the first photographers to display the realities of war.

“It was a privilege to spend time with each of the veterans who have featured in this exhibition. Taking the time to meet them, spend time with them and to speak with them and learn of their journey, led to the success of each of the images featured in the exhibition.” Mr McLain said.

Minister Harris added that the memories shared by these veterans will enable their legacy to continue.

“The photographs and digital stories produced are essential to ensuring the sacrifices of these veterans are not forgotten, and their legacy is passed down to future generations,” Mr Harris said.

The exhibition will feature in the Auditorium at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park Sydney through to March 2024. For more information visit the Anzac Memorial event pagelaunch.