Month: August 2023

NSW emergency services are getting ready for a potentially dangerous bushfire season with a multi-agency training exercise at the State Emergency Operations Centre at Rural Fire Service (RFS) headquarters at Homebush in western Sydney.

The 2-day exercise is designed to help keep communities safe and is part of a range of initiatives underway to ensure emergency services are prepared and working together to ensure all available resources are ready to respond during bushfires.

Exercise Alinta involves more than 120 participants responding to simulated fire activity across NSW, applying procedures and operational systems responsible for deploying firefighters and aircraft, fire warnings and information sharing to help protect communities.

It is part of a broader program the Minns Government is implementing to ready NSW emergency services for the bushfire season, including a $10 million boost for mobile hazard reduction crews and deployment of a new Chinook water-bombing helicopter to assist in aerial firefighting efforts.

Specialist staff from the RFS, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry, Education and Transport for NSW will participate in the collaborative exercise at Sydney Olympic Park.

Exercise Alinta takes place ahead of an expected return to fire conditions this summer, and a week after the start of the Bush Fire Danger Period in 6 Local Government Areas in the state’s north.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Our emergency services are planning ahead so they will be ready to respond in what could be a challenging bushfire season, coming hot on the heels of 3 years of high rainfall and vegetation growth.

“Days like today are an important opportunity to fine tune the skills and processes necessary to protect the people of NSW, from public warnings and resource deployment to aircraft coordination and logistics.

“The community should be reassured that our frontline services are preparing to swing into action should it be needed, coordinating a major response effort from our world-class State Emergency Operations Centre.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Exercise Alinta is based on real-time weather experienced during the 2019–2020 bushfire season, putting staff to the test against some of the most difficult conditions ever seen in NSW.

“Our rural fire and emergency services are among the world’s best at tackling bushfires. Simulations like this help us prepare so that when bushfires occur our crews including volunteers are well supported to protect communities across the state.

“It’s imperative we prepare ourselves for any emergency as best we can. A re-creation of events and simulated exercise now, will help at the time when the bushfires are here for real.”

Commissioner of the RFS Rob Rogers said:

“This exercise will demonstrate the diverse nature of our work and the many skills required to coordinate major incidents.

“It’s been 3 years since the devastating fires which saw many NSW communities impacted by fire, and with a return to hot and dry conditions this summer, we’re getting ready for the increased risk – and it’s important that the community gets ready too.”

Find out more about the Bush Fire Danger Periodlaunch.

Young people in regional NSW will enjoy free cultural, creative and performing arts workshops during the upcoming Spring and Summer holidays, through the NSW Government’s Holiday Break Program. 

Thirty-one workshop providers will share in $680,000 to deliver inspiring programs from Bega to Byron Bay and Broken Hill, providing young people (aged 12-24yrs) with opportunities to learn new skills, express themselves through performing and creative arts, and connect with culture.  

A wide range of workshops – including dance and physical theatre, drama, storytelling, music, and Aboriginal arts and cultural programs – will take place in 25 towns across regional NSW during the upcoming 2023 NSW Spring holiday (25 September – 6 October 2023) and Summer holiday (20 December 2023 – 29 January 2024) breaks. 

Now in its second year, the Create NSW Holiday Break Program, delivered in partnership with the Office of Regional Youth, is designed to increase regional participation in arts and culture and promote equity for all young people in NSW. Since it began the program has engaged hundreds of young people to spark their imagination and express their creativity. 

The 2023/24 program includes $200,000 funding targeted to four Aboriginal creative and cultural programs, to strengthen deep cultural connections between Aboriginal young people and their Elders and cultural knowledge holders and to keep culture strong in communities. 

Minister for the Arts John Graham said: 

“It is important the arts are available to everyone, regardless of postcode. The Holiday Break Program is about equity in access to the arts no matter where you live in NSW. These workshops can build confidence and instil a lifelong love of the creative and performing arts. 

“Creative expression and connection with culture has a powerful and positive impact on young people. This program has been life changing for young people, giving them access to high-quality creative programs led by professionals, while removing the barriers of access in terms of distance and cost. 

Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said: 

“The Create NSW program is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Holiday Break Program, providing young people across regional NSW with opportunities to connect, learn new skills and have fun during the school holidays.

“We know how expensive it can be for parents and carers to find things to do during school breaks so it’s important that the events and activities on offer are free to help ease some of that financial pressure for regional families.”

“The activities are designed to cover a broad range of interests. Every young person in regional NSW should be able to access fun and engaging activities regardless of where they live. We want to help remove barriers for young people in regional locations who want to try new things.”

Holiday Break Program First Nations Projects recipient – Lorrayne Fishenden, Managing Director, 2 Rivers (Project Title: Embracing the Dreamtime) said:

“The funding that has been granted to our team is an incredible opportunity. The programs we will deliver have been designed to help young people explore what it means to be their best selves, with guidance from some of the most inspiring cultural leaders around. 

“With figures like Mark Atkins, Buddy Knox, Nardi Simpson, and Nate Weatherall on board, we are confident that the youth who participate in our programs will come away with a newfound appreciation for the arts and a deeper understanding of their own cultural identity.

“Our hope is that this program will be a catalyst for change, inspiring young people to pursue their passions and explore the many different pathways that are available to them. From taster sessions that allow them to dip their toes in the water, to more in-depth workshops and mentoring opportunities, we want to provide a range of options that will help them to grow and develop as artists and individuals. With this funding, we are excited to see what the future holds for our team and the community.”

Holiday Break Program recipient – Jonathan Christley, General Manager, Circus Monoxide (Project Title: Newly Arrived Circus) said:

“Newly arrived migrants and refugees who are learning English often have multiple barriers to participation in the arts. Circus has been used in refugee camps overseas to help young people deal with trauma, frustration, and isolation. Our program aims to provide a positive social experience where they can express themselves through their bodies. 

“The Holiday Break Program allows us a fully supported opportunity to engage with newly arrived teenagers and offers them a way to express themselves and develop their skills. We’re delighted to be able to deliver this training through the Holiday Break Program.”

For more information about art and cultural funding opportunities available through Create NSW visit create.nsw.gov.au.

The 2023/24 Create NSW Holiday Break Program recipients are:

Barwon/Broken Hill/Far West

Spring Holidays

•Broken Hill: Drama Workshops: The House That Dan Built Incorporated – Write It, Sing It, Animate It ($20,000)

Summer Holidays

•Dareton: First Nations Workshops: Barkindji Maraura Elders Environment Team Ltd – BMEET Cultural Arts Youth Program ($50,000)

Central Coast

Summer Holidays

•Gosford – Music Workshops: Central Coast Conservatorium of Music Inc – Music 4 Life Summer Camp ($20,000)

• Wyong – Drama Workshops: Central Coast Arts Limited – Play at The Art House – Holiday Program ($20,000)

Central West

Spring Holidays

•Lithgow – Storytelling Workshops: Blue Mountains Artists Company – Greater Blue Mountains Creative Arts Network Podcasting Workshop ($10,000)

• Mudgee – Storytelling Workshops: Cr Sam Paine – Zine Machine ($10,000)

Hunter

Spring Holidays

•Lake Macquarie – Drama Workshops: Tantrum Youth Arts Co-op Ltd – Tantrum Youth Arts presents ‘Making Theatre!’ ($20,000)

Summer Holidays

•Lake Macquarie: Dance/Physical Theatre Workshops: Flipside Dance Inc – Next Gen! Youth Program ($20,000)

New England

Summer Holidays

• Tamworth – First Nations Workshops: 2 Rivers Pty Ltd – Embracing the Dreamtime ($50,000)

Northern Rivers/North Coast

Spring Holidays

•Ballina: Storytelling Workshops: Queer Family Inc – Rainbow Creatives Junior ($10,000)

•Byron: Dance/Physical Theatre Workshops: – Spaghetti Circus – Youth Circus Holiday Camp ($20,000)

•Murwillumbah – Music Workshops: Tweed Shire Council – Supertonic Songwriters – growing young contemporary musicians in the Tweed ($20,000)

Summer Holidays

•Murwillumbah: Storytelling workshop – Poets Out Loud SLAM CAMP ($10,000)

• Yamba: Dance workshop – Angourie Dance Youth Project – Angourie Dance Youth Project will present Summer Holiday Program 2024 ($20,000)

Orana

Spring Holidays

•Dubbo – Dance Workshops: Dubbo Ballet Studio Spring Workshop ($20,000)

Summer Holidays

•Warrumbungle – Drama Workshops: Orana Arts Inc – Outreach Theatre Camp with ATYP ($20,000)

•Wellington – Music Workshops: Wellington Information and Neighbourhood Services Inc – WINS Youth Songwriting and Recording Project, ($20,000)

Riverina

Spring Holidays

•Griffith – First Nations Workshops: Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation – Ngumbaaydyil Spring Holiday Youth Cultural Camp ($50,000)

•Wagga Wagga – Drama Workshops (18-24yrs): Voices of Women – Young Women’s Wollundry Riverina Drama Camp ($20,000)

Summer Holidays

• Wagga Wagga – Dance and Physical Theatre Workshops: Wagga Wagga City Council – Summer Circus Camp ($20,000)

•Albury – First Nations Arts and Cultural workshop – Giilanyaldhaanygalang Pty Ltd – Albury Wodonga First Nations Youth Ngumbaaydyil ($50,000)

Southern Tablelands

Spring Holidays

•Queanbeyan: Dance and Physical Theatre Workshops: High Kix Pty Ltd – Spring in your Step II ($20,000)

Summer Holidays

•Goulburn – Drama Workshops: Goulburn Mulwaree Council – Voices of the Big Empty – Regional Youth Drama Camp ($20,000)

•Yass: Music Workshops:  Hume Conservatorium of Music Ltd – Regional Youth Music Workshop & Camp ($20,000)

Southern Highlands/Illawarra

Spring Holidays

•Bowral- Music Workshops: Vocal Muster Academy Ltd – 100% Home Grown Youth – Vocal Muster and Highland FM ($20,000)

•Shellharbour – Dance/Physical Theatre Workshops: Precarious Inc Circus Monoxide – Newly Arrived Circus ($20,000)

Summer Holidays

•Bombaderry – Drama Workshops – Nic Nac Theatre Company (JE Gallenca & AM McDonald) – Acting for Screen ($20,000)

•Bowral: Music Workshops: Music River Road Interactive Learning Pty Ltd – Tune into the Music ($20,000)

South Coast

Spring Holidays

•Bega – Storytelling Workshops: Bega Valley Shire Council – Funhouse Zine Holiday workshops ($10,000)

Summer Holidays

•Bega – Storytelling Workshops: FBi Radio – All The Best Audio Storytelling Workshops ($10,000)

•Bega – Dance/Physical Theatre Workshops: FLING Physical Theatre Inc – FLING Regional Youth Arts Explosion 2024 ($20,000)

More than 130 affordable homes could be on the way for North Ryde, following the NSW Government’s approved changes to Landcom’s development plans at Lachlan’s Line.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the modified plans would double the floor area of the project on the basis it would be used for 100% affordable housing.

“The Minns Government is delivering on its commitment to tackle the housing crisis by streamlining planning, unlocking infrastructure, boosting housing supply and supporting the delivery of more affordable housing across NSW,” Mr Scully said.

“This Landcom project will deliver more affordable homes that more people can afford close to key amenities as well as 2 train stations at North Ryde and Macquarie Park.

“The updated concept proposal brings the total gross floor area from 5413sqm to 10,263sqm once the buildings on the site are used entirely for affordable housing.”

Mr Scully said the project will provide additional affordable housing for low to moderate income households giving more people the chance to live and work within Ryde.

“Landcom is partnering with Link Wentworth Housing to deliver these homes for up to 270 new residents including health-workers, child-care workers and teachers.

“Ryde has a growing number of key workers, so providing high-quality, accessible and affordable housing is crucial.”

Landcom CEO Alex Wendler said the ambitious project demonstrates Landcom’s commitment to tackling the housing affordability crisis as part of a whole of government effort.

“Housing supply and affordability are our highest priorities. We are increasing housing stock across the board with a range of innovative partnerships to deliver increased affordability,” Mr Wendler said.

Link Wentworth CEO Andrew McAnulty said we are delighted to be working with Landcom on this critical affordable housing project and the confirmation of the new streamlined planning pathways could not be better timed.

“This project is a great example of how NSW can get projects ‘shovel ready’. It will work with the proposed Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) or other revenues such as the Housing Accelerator to ensure 100% of these homes become permanent affordable housing for generations to come,” Mr McAnulty said.

Lachlan’s Line forms the northern end of the North Ryde Station Precinct which was rezoned for high-density residential development, mixed-use development and public open space in 2013.

The former industrial area will supply approximately 2700 homes near 2 metro stations, a bus interchange and the M2 Motorway.

Landcom selected Link Wentworth Housing to partner with and provide the affordable dwellings.

Find out more about Lachlan’s Linelaunch.

More than 5100 patients have received free dental care at the Campbelltown Hospital’s Dental Centre since it launched 15 months ago.

The new dental centre means more eligible people in Campbelltown, Camden, Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Wingecarribee and Wollondilly can access public emergency, general and specialist oral health services closer to home.

Over the past year, the 20-chair clinic has provided 276 patients with specialist treatment and a further 5103 patients with emergency and general treatment.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park joined Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant for a tour of the flagship oral health facility to mark Dental Health Week.

“This is an invaluable service which delivers state-of-the-art dental care closer to home for those who need it most,” Mr Park said.

“We know that poor oral health is linked to a multitude of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, which is why a world-class dental clinic like this one is so important to the community of south-west Sydney.”

Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said the dental clinic was a huge boost to healthcare services in the south-west Sydney region.

“Prior to these specialist dental services being available at Campbelltown Hospital, patients were referred and required to travel to tertiary centres outside South Western Sydney,” Mr Warren said.

Dr Chant said NSW Health is committed to reducing dental disease and supporting equitable access to oral health care for all people across NSW.

“I’m pleased to be here to tour this new facility, which is also a major teaching centre, providing clinical training for the next generation of oral health clinicians,” Dr Chant said.

South Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Amanda Larkin said the new centre is already improving patient experiences and reducing wait times.

“We are incredibly proud to receive such fantastic wait time results for dental services,” Ms Larkin said.

“The hospital and all of South Western Sydney Local Health District is committed to providing timely and high-quality dental services to those eligible for public health dental services in south western Sydney.”

All patients accessing the dental service in the South Western Sydney Local Health District waited less than the maximum recommended waiting time for their treatment.

The centre’s scope of services includes treatment for patients with special needs, paediatric dentistry and oral surgery.

This year’s Dental Health Weeklaunch (7–13 August) focusses on the link between oral health and chronic disease such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, lung conditions and inflammatory bowel disease.

Record-breaking attendance and global viewership of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023^TM have seen leading figures in Australian sport and business come together today to establish a ‘Winning Playbook’ – the roadmap to guide the continued growth and development of women’s sport.

Hosted by the NSW Government and Football Australia, The Winning Playbook looked at key trends driving innovation in women’s sport, set against the backdrop of the remarkably successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

Speakers included FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, a trailblazer for women’s football who has overseen unprecedented growth in the sport, Jill Ellis, President, San Diego Wave and two-time World Cup champion coach, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and James Johnson, Football Australia CEO who masterminded Australia’s successful bid for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

The event was an initiative of the NSW Football Legacy Program which is overseeing the investment of $10 million by the NSW Government in football as a legacy of NSW hosting matches at the tournament.

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has not only showcased the beautiful game, it has turbo-charged women’s sport.

“There is so much to learn from this pivotal moment to allow us to unlock the potential for women’s and girl’s sport.

“The NSW Government recognises the importance of World Cups on home soil to increasing the visibility, engagement and support for women’s sport.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has delivered on this promise, and today is about coming up with a game plan to keep future generations of girls loving and playing sport.”

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The rise of women’s football has been remarkable, with exponential growth in participation, record breaking attendances and increased investment.

“With more than 1.7 million tickets sold, Australian football fans are revelling in the highs, lows and excitement of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

“While the tournament has established a new benchmark for FIFA Women’s World Cups, the NSW Government is also committed to ensuring it leaves a positive legacy for women and girls through sport and that’s what The Winning Playbook is aiming to achieve today.”

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said:

“Accelerating the growth and development of women’s football on and off the pitch is a top priority for FIFA. Since 2018, FIFA has invested significant time and resources into reforming competitions, enhancing the game’s commercial value, modernising women’s development programmes, and enhancing the professionalisation of the sport.

“Through this record-breaking FIFA Women’s World Cup, it has been thrilling to witness our strategies and investments, as well as those of our co- host countries and participating member associations, take women’s football to a whole new level. The new standards and benchmarks we have set at this truly special tournament will be felt for generations to come.”

President, San Diego Wave and two-time World Cup champion coach, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Jill Ellis said:

“Success in sport, as in any field, requires passion, dedication, and a shared vision. This World Cup has demonstrated that women’s football has the power to unite, inspire, and pave the way for a brighter future for the sport. We must keep this momentum going, make sure our efforts do not end with the final whistle. This is just the beginning.”

Football Australian CEO James Johnson said:

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 has been a turning point for women’s football in Australia. The energy and engagement we’ve seen around this event has been truly transformative. However, our journey does not end here. Through collaborative efforts with stakeholders at all levels of the game, we are committed to harnessing this energy to provide sustainable growth, inclusivity, and opportunity for women’s sport in Australia. The Winning Playbook will ensure we stay focused and united in achieving these goals.”

Applications are now open for fishing fun and activities as part of the annual Gone Fishing Day, Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said today.

“Mark 8 October 2023 in your calendar as NSW Gone Fishing Day is on again! It doesn’t matter if you haven’t fished before or if you’re the keenest of anglers, Gone Fishing Day is for everyone!” Minister Moriarty said.

“Clubs and organisations are encouraged to host their own event and can apply for a Gone Fishing Day package which includes rod and reel sets to assist with your event, some giveaways/prizes and advisory information. 

“Grant funding of up to $2,000 is also available for clubs to help run their events. 

“Recreational fishing clubs and organisations are encouraged to apply for a package or grant to host fishing activities such as casting and fishing workshops and information sessions on Gone Fishing Day.

“The grants can be used to purchase fishing gear, bait, food and soft drinks and equipment hire etc.

“Activities to restore fish habitat, through replanting and/or weeding creek banks, on Gone Fishing Day are also eligible to apply.

“Free community fishing events will also be hosted by DPI across NSW to celebrate our love of fishing and encourage everyone to get out on the water.”

Minister Moriarty said Gone Fishing Daylaunch is a great way for the state’s one million fishers to connect and introduce their friends and family to their valued pastime.

“It doesn’t matter if you haven’t fished before or if you’re the keenest of anglers, Gone Fishing Day is for everyone. I’ll see you there!” Minister Moriarty said.

DPI event locations will be announced over the coming months. 

Find out more about application forms and grant funding guidelineslaunch. Grant applications close 8 September 2023. 

Gone Fishing Day is run in collaboration with the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation. 

Activities in NSW are supported from the Recreational Fishing Trusts and NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSWDPI).

The Minister for Natural Resources, Courtney Houssos, the Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe, and the Mayor of Cessnock, Jay Suvaal, on Tuesday hosted a Roundtable as the NSW Government begins establishing Future Jobs & Investment Authorities in coal-producing regions.

New authorities will be established in the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West and North West to create jobs, where necessary re-skill workers and advance economic diversification. This is a key priority for the Minns Labor Government.

The authorities will work with the Commonwealth Government’s Net Zero Authority to support workers, industries and communities to seize transformational opportunities. The NSW Government is also considering how they will work with existing Royalties for Rejuvenation Regional Expert Panels.

More than 60 stakeholders from mining companies, unions, energy producers, industry groups and universities joined Tuesday’s meeting in Cessnock to provide their insights, share their perspectives on how the authorities should operate, and discuss the region’s core priorities.

The Roundtable is an important first step to creating the authorities and will be followed up with further discussions in the Hunter, as well as stakeholder roundtables across the state.

During the meeting, participants spoke of a commitment to work together to create opportunities to secure a strong future for the Hunter Region.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“It is vital we consult with workers and industry to better understand what support they will need. We want to ensure no-one gets left behind and that they are well prepared for the opportunities in the future.

“We only have one chance to put in place the right structures, policies and supports for communities to flourish in the post-coal era. The Minns Labor Government is committed to getting it right.

“We know our future productivity will rely on the economic diversification and workforce planning that we do now. That’s why we are working with local stakeholders to identify ways we can help workers and their families in mining regions prepare for a strong future.

“We recognise there is strong interest to explore how new industries can develop on mined land following mine closures.There is a great deal of energy and good will to make this happen and it was great to hear such a wide range of views as to how we can support these new economic opportunities.”

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“The coal sector in NSW is changing. It is vital we work with coal communities to take action now to ensure NSW’s economy and these communities continue to grow and prosper.”

“We are committed to collaborating with local communities, industry and workers to develop bespoke plans which prioritise future industry and workforce needs.

“We know there is already substantial work underway and clever ideas being generated from the Hunter, and so it’s timely that the NSW Government listens and learns from our important Hunter stakeholders to bring together and build on what has already been done.”

Mayor of Cessnock Jay Suvaal said:

“The government’s work to promote economic diversification requires a sustained and authentic local engagement, and hosting the first Roundtable in Cessnock shows how serious the NSW Government is about getting this right.

“This is about supporting our communities, and supporting our workers and their families, while ensuring they have every opportunity as the area moves towards new and emerging industries.”

BHP NSW Energy Coal Vice President Adam Lancey said:

“We welcome the opportunity to consult on the creation of the authorities and look forward to future engagement around how we can work together towards a brighter future.

“We are currently exploring what might be possible when mining ends at Mt Arthur Coal so we can leave a positive legacy in the Hunter Valley.”

MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams said:

“The mining and energy industries in the Hunter have made the region an economic powerhouse for NSW, but our economy is changing which has real implications for regional jobs in the years and decades ahead.

“I commend the NSW Government for bringing stakeholders together for a practical discussion about the investment we will need to ensure Hunter residents can continue to access quality, skilled jobs and the region has a bright future.”

Shadow Minister for Health Matt Kean has declared the Government’s latest union pay ‘deal’ nothing more than a band-aid solution that will lead to more budget blowouts and industrial action, calling on Chris Minns to come clean on the true cost of their public sector pay rises. 

“Labor are running around patting themselves on the back while nurses and midwives warn that this is merely a ‘ceasefire’ in their fight for a pay rise that exceeds the rate of inflation,” Mr Kean said.

“Nurses and midwives have every right to feel dudded by Chris Minns, who before the election promised huge pay increases, and now has walked away from keeping this promise. The fact that only 58% of members voted for this ‘deal’ shows there are still major problems before the Minns Labor Government.”

It was reported today that NSW Nurses and Midwives Association is set to continue campaigning for a pay rise that is “at least more than inflation”.

“The chickens are coming home to roost for Chris Minns, who’s quickly realising that he has to keep his word and come true on his election commitments. We don’t know how much a pay rise in excess of inflation would cost, and Chris Minns is refusing to be upfront and honest about the impact on the Budget, or how he’ll pay for these pay rises,” Mr Kean said. 

“Before the election Chris Minns said any pay increases would be paid for by productivity gains, now we know that this was a lie and that the cost to the Budget is in excess of $3 billion and rising.”

“That’s why Chris Minns and his ministers are looking to cut essential cost of living support, limit energy relief and delay or cancel vital infrastructure projects across NSW.”

Health Services Union paramedics have also walked away from negotiations over Government’s pay offer, last week announcing that members would refuse to be on standby at some major sporting events.

“This is a health crisis of Chris Minns’ own making, he should spend less time trying to spin his way out of this mess on social media, sit down with paramedics, nurses and midwives and be true to his word,” Mr Kean concluded.